These shoes are made for walking.....

Holland is growing so fast. I went to pick her up on Tuesday and when I opened the door she was walking to me. She has been cruising since July. She progressed to taking about 5 very cautious steps in August before sitting down. Now she is up to walking across the room and has great balance. Knowing she is growing up so fast just breaks my heart but I would not go back for the world. It just keeps getting better. She says Mama and DaDa, baba and a whole bunch of jibberish. She sings all the way to the babysitter's in the morning. We have started brushing the eight teeth she has now. Mostly fighting over who gets the toothbrush. She is such an amazing little girl - cutting six teeth at the same time with minimal fussiness. The kid must have an incredible tolerance for pain. She is getting Tubes in her ears next Thursday- maybe that will end the endless cycle of antibiotics we have been on since spring.
She is getting some of the Taylor curls. She grows cuter by the day but I might be a wee bit prejudiced. I can truthfully say I have some of the most beautiful nieces and nephews imaginable.
She is starting to have so much fun playing with and chasing the other kids at daycare and at MiMi's. I think the reason she walked this week is trying to keep up with her 2 year old cousin Cade last Sunday. Her babysitter says she spends her days playing at a miniature kitchen. At least that comes from her Mama. The blond hair is mine too. Oh and about the shoes - the child will not keep them on her feet.
We miss everyone - Hope to see you soon.

Sunday's at MiMi and PaPa's

Cowgirl in training - A necessity to endure PaPa's fondness of the Western Channel

Tatum actually thinks Holland is her living doll. And Holland goes along with it. They both have become very attached.

Ella, Cade and Holland - Holland kept stealing Ella's toys, I was quite embarrassed.

California Dreamin'

July 13th - To anyone else it is just another day. To me - it was pure torture. Not only was it the day I entered this world but it also marked a milestone in our new family. My birthday started at 4AM as I left for the airport headed to Palm Springs, CA for a company meeting. This was my first time being separated from Holland and Greg's first time being left alone with her for more that a couple of hours. Five LONG days. Thank goodness she is the best baby you can imagine. Thank you even more for having grandmothers in close proximity. It took about 5 hours for my mother to rescue Greg. You think Palm Springs - resort town of the rich and famous. Trust me they do not travel there in July when the temperature is 111 degrees and 97 after the sun goes down. I am still trying to decide if the company was punishing us for having a slow year. Prior to my departure, Holland was working on her crawling position and had even progressed to getting up on all fours and rocking back and forth. When I arrived at the hotel and called in to check on the situation, the first thing my mom said was Have you seen Holland crawl? There is that Karma thing again. The only positive about the trip was seeing beautiful sunrises between 4 and 5 AM coming over the desert mountains. My body stayed on East Coast time in rebellion...........When I got home, Holland did not say Mama again for about 3 weeks. It still breaks my heart.

Mexico Beach

Cade suited up and ready to go. My sister will kill me if she ever sees this.

These two are so funny to me. Somehow I always catch them doing the same thing.
Devon stating his authority early on. He is all rough and tumble boy.

This seemed to be a recurring theme for Mallory and Holland

Eva was such a trouper in her mermaid gown.

Sorry Sierra - I never got a picture of the baby of the family. Not much action at 1 month old.

4th of July

We spent the week of the 4th in Mexico Beach.
The first part of the week was spent with MiMi, Aunt Brandee, Tatum, Braeden and Cade.
The end of the week was spent with the Taylor clan. The only ones missing were Zach, Jen, Garrett and Nathan. A house full. Lots of babies. Holland learned to sit up by herself and was so thrilled with herself she would look at you, smile with a big grin and clap her hands. She also had her first taste of big people food. A vlasic pickle. Was this a mistake? She loved it. Then she kept spitting up for the rest of the trip. The worst thing was, it was always on me. Was this karma?

Doesn't this make you all warm and fuzzy.

Baby boot camp is going well. I can sit up for hours when placed in that position. My stomach is so tight due to all the crunches I do trying to sit up, to no avail. I can pull up to a standing position on the changing table and on my mama. I just cannot figure out the crawling thing. Up on my knees, belly off the floor, but somehow I always manage to scoot backwards. So frustrating.