5 Months

Taylor has reached the five month mark, and I must say that Jody and I both are amazed daily on how fast she is growing. She now only takes a pacifier on rare occasions, which would be a blessing if only its replacement weren't her thumb. I have a feeling that we will have a difficult time with that down the road, because at least with a pacifier all you have to do is take it away. I'm pretty sure cutting Taylor's thumbs off would be frowned upon by most, so taking them away is not exactly an option. But for now, at least there's no panic when we go out trying to remember whether or not I packed a binky. She has also started to roll over onto one side; some days she acts like she wants to go all the way onto her belly, but once she starts getting turned that way she freaks out and comes back onto her back. Another tidbit from the develpoment front - little Munkie has finally graced us with her giggles. She still doesn't laugh out loud just a whole lot, but now and then (especially when Jody tickles her) she'll really let loose. So far, we're still toothless, but I have a feeling that could change at any time. The drool continues to keep on coming, and she is still chewing happily on EVERYTHING she can get her mouth around.

Zonked out on her side, with the devil thumb.

Oh well, at least I don't have to worry about sterilizing it!

Thanksgiving 2009!!!!

First, let me preface this VERY LONG post with a notation that it is indeed very long! Be sure and scroll all the way through to the end! Also, my camera was either locked in the car or lost for the majority of this trip, so thank you to everyone who allowed me to share your pictures (some of you did this via Facebook without even knowing, lol!).

Whole lotta driving, that's all I have to say! We started out our voyage on Wednesday, and headed to Dallas to spend time with my mom and the DeWitt clan (really, there are enough of us that we could start a small colony!).

Taylor chills with her uncle Thom.

Look! It's those people that are always hanging around that baby! What are their names again?

Karen and Taylor - these two are going to be thick!

After our big turkey lunch on Thursday, we headed north to Gruver to hang with the Robinsons. Taylor was finally able to meet some of her cousins and her aunts Tracy and Christy.

What are you lookin' at?

Taylor steals a cuddle from Great-Grandma Mary Jo.

Then, on Saturday it was off to Amarillo where we met Granny Flo and Papa Joe, as well as Taylor's predetermined best friend, Braily (Her mom is one of my best friends, and we were prego together - Emily I still think Taylor is a result of you jinxing us!). It was so fun watching the girls interact. Well, ok - Taylor acted like a crazy woman and Braily just kinda watched her as if to say, "what's your deal???"

Granny is SO funny!

Taylor is telling Braily ALL about her road trip.

Braily and Em

Then on Sunday morning we got to hang out with the Stones/Chamberlins and eat tamales and have an early Christmas. Taylor seemed very intrigued by her Big Girl cousin Kadey and watched her every move! Kadey even helped Taylor to unwrap her Christmas toys - such a sweet cousin!

I think these two will get in a lot of hi-jinx together!

I leave her alone with Jered for two seconds........

Papa Val and his girls

Then it was off to the Danners' for a photo shoot. As always, Layci saves my non-crafty ass and makes Taylor look SO cute! Be on the lookout soon for pics from the shoot - here are a few candid ones we took before the real fun got started.

Is it just me or does Taylor look GIANT in this picture? For those of you who don't know the lovely Ms. Alyx, she is nearly five years old!

Then we were back on the road Monday morning, pointed toward home. Whew! All in all, Taylor did really well with the driving (although she does protest if she's in her carseat for much more than a trip to the daycare now!). Thanks to all of our family and friends for making Taylor's first Thanksgiving so much fun - and we hope to see you all again soon!

Rub a Dub Dub

Since boycotting the shower and outgrowing the sink, we have graduated to the big tub.

This has definitely been a fun transition!

Taylor has been practicing making raspberries (a.k.a. - mouth farts)

More Excitement

As of late, our once happy little child has decided to become a very grumpy little bear. The last few days she has decided that napping is no fun, and as a result is tired and crabby most of the day. The irony is that even though she is tired and rubbing her eyes all day as soon as I lay her down she cries to the point of turning purple. Anyway, we took her to the doctor yesterday just to be sure I'm not missing something that might be causing this, and he assured me that she's completely healthy. Hopefully this is just a phase and it will pass quickly! In other news, we will be making the Great Thanksgiving Tour 2009 beginning on Wednesday. We are so excited to see our friends and family, and to introduce everyone to Taylor. See you soon!

All smiles before I put on the matching coat.

This was not a welcome addition to the outfit. Fortunately she stopped crying long enough for me to take a picture.

Playing with Daddy before he goes to work.

Mmmmm, Cereal!!!!

Taylor has been having a little cereal with her breakfast for a couple of weeks now. As you can see, she took to it very easily and really seems to enjoy having a little variety in her diet.

First Illness :(

Well, I'm sad to report that Taylor has finally acquired her first sickness other than a cold. I took her to the doctor last Monday because she was super fussy and really got mad when laid on her back. Doc blamed it all on a cold, because even though she was snot-tastic her ears were clear. Well, Thursday night I came in from work and noticed that Munkie was hot as a Christmas ham. That night she ran a fever of 100.3, and by morning it was only down to 99.7. In the interest of staving off her first trip to the ER a little longer, I went ahead and made an appointment with her doc again. Mind you, even though my kid was uber roasty, she was in the best of moods. Smiling at everyone who walked by her and kicking her legs all around. Lo and behold, this time her poor little ears were so gunked up with SMELLY wax they couldn't even see the eardrum without having to do a cleanout. That went over like a lead balloon. After 15 minutes of digging (Doc) and screaming (Taylor), the pediatrician was finally able to diagnose Taylor with her very first ear infection. She is now taking amoxicillin, and still seems to feel relatively fine. Apparently the amoxicillin tastes like bubblegum which makes it especially tasty to little munkies!

Reigning Pope of the Catholic ducks.

TV Junkie

Yes, I know it's a bad habit to start, but unfortunately Taylor has discovered the tv. We've noticed that it doesn't matter what's on, or if it's even the tv at all (a computer screen is equally fascinating). Something about the bright light I guess.

Saturday morning cartoons

Reading the paper online with aunt Stacy

Taylor was absolutely fascinated.