The Taynors

The Taynors

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Busy Busy

I have been totally slacking on my blog posts.  We have tons going on, and tons that I want to blog about but I feel like I can't get caught up on my "to-do" list and my blogging keeps getting pushed down the list.  Here are a few little things that are keeping the Taynor's so busy.

- I spent January planning my mom's surprise 60th birthday party.  Between planning, invites, food, errands, decorations, etc  I felt like all I could think about was the party.

-Ryan's first birthday is next Saturday (Oh My God!!) so the month of February has been spent planning his party.  It is going to be construction truck themed and I have a bunch of cute decorations to go along with it.  I'll post more details about the party when its over and I have pictures to share.  But same as the 60th... party planning takes a ton of time so that is currently my priority.

-Mike is working a ton.  He finished his real estate class and passes his test.  Next step is to start looking for an agency to work part time.  His full time job is super busy too.  He normally leaves by 8-8:30 am and doesn't get home until 6pm.  Most days we are two ships passing in the night... I wish we had a little more "family" time.

-Work for me has been very busy.  This week I worked 25 hours in the office, 10 hours at home, and did hair for 11 people.  I am really loving what I am doing...but I'm exhausted.  I have had to push aside all the things I want to be doing to fit in all the things I have to do (no fun).  But I can't complain because the money is good and we really need that right now!

-I got a new jogging stroller for Valentines day... now I just need to get outside and use it.  Today is going to be beautiful, so hopefully I can find a half hour to get outside for a run after Ryan's pm nap and before my evening hair clients come.  I love the stroller and can't wait to start running much more often!

-Ryan LOVES swimming.  He splashes from the second we get in the pool until I drag him out.  I think we are going to have a lot of fun in our pool this summer.  I can't wait for some sunshine!

-We are in total budget mode.  We have been making good money, but spending a lot of it too.  We are really trying to cut back and save more.  We have so many goals for the future but we have a lot of debts (car payments, student loans, personal home loans, etc) that need to be payed off before we can do anything.  It is a daunting task and I think that is why Mike and I are working so much right now.  Hopefully our hard work will pay off and we will be able to achieve these goals.

Hmmmm I think that is about it.  Off to the dermatologist to get Ryan's poor cheeks checked out.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

11 months

Yep, I'm a week late with this update!  That is how you know life has been super busy.  I can't believe Ryan's first birthday is in 4 weeks.  I don't feel like I have a one year old!

The month of January was great.  We started a mommy and me swim class, we visited Amanda and Bennett, we watched the Giants win every Sunday and eventually win the Superbowl (what a great first Superbowl for Ryan haha), and we celebrated Gigi's 60th birthday.  As I have already mentioned, Mason was born on January 22. I have been working a lot, so Ryan gets to spend lots of time with Gigi, Pops, Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Linda, Emma, Jameson and anyone else who has volunteered to babysit. 

 Here are some highlights from 10-11 months.

-Ryan has his top 2 teeth
-We are in total cranky man, teething hell...
-I am making another appointment for the Dermatologist because his Eczema is very bad again.  Spots and rashes all over his cheeks, back, arms, ankles and knees.  I feel so bad for my little man.
-He is very good at pushing buttons and turning nobs.  He loves turned our fan on and off, turning the volume on the speakers up and down, playing with the buttons on our phone, etc.  Not only is he using his fingers to do these things, he is doing it on purpose and is very aware of what will happen when he pushes the button. 
-He also loves opening and closing things... doors, hamper lid, toilet seat, toy box
-He loves finger foods and is good at feeding himself.  So far he loves puffs, steamed carrots, ground beef, little bits of cheese, cooked apples, pieces of meatballs, sweet potatoes, and bananas
-He is babbling much more, still no official words but we here mama, dada, yea, hi in his babbling
-He is starting to actually use his shape sorter toys... I caught him putting the circle in the circle spot a few times.
-He is much better at self play.  He can entertain himself for longer periods of time. 
-His level of comprehension has changed drastically this month.  He knows why he is waving goodbye, and know how to chase a ball, can go get his favorite book when I ask, and he is well aware of when he is doing something he should not be doing.  Its amazing to watch him figure things out and make decisions.
-He LOVES his bath time.  I waited a long time for this, but he is at the point where bath time is play time... not torture.
-In addition to bath time, he LOVES swimming in the pool at the YMCA.  Of all the babies, he is by far the most excited to be splashing in the pool.  Its pretty funny to watch.
- And last but not least, he has taken his first steps... lots of them!  I can't say he is walking just yet.  But he is frequently walking from one toy to the next or taking a few steps to get to what he wants.  I think he will be officially walking at any time.

I will continue to describe Ryan as a VERY active boy with a HUGE personality.  He is always on the move and always getting into something.  The more I spend time with other babies, I realize how active he really is.  Most other babies seem so quiet and relaxed in comparison.  He can also through a major temper tantrum, screaming, crying, throwing his body on the floor for what appears to be no reason at all.  Meltdowns happen a few times a day.  Night time is cranky time again... the hour of 5:30-6:30 is pretty rough.  But mornings and mid day are great... lots of smiles and laughs and cuddle bug moments.  We have lots of fun every day, this stage is the best because you can actually play with them!

That's about it for this month.  I need to go and start planning this 1st birthday party!

11 Month Photo Shoot






Mommy and Me photo shoot with Noah and Kelli