TAYLOR IS 2 MONTHS!!!

Well, I am a bit disappointed in myself. I went over a month without adding a post. I know you guys are dying for an update. So...Taylor is 2 months old and here's what I got...

We went for 2 month shots this past Friday. As my sister put it, she's growing like a weed! Taylor is now weighing in at 12 lbs, 12 oz and is 23.2" long. She now has fantastic control of her neck and her overall strength is amazing us! Poor girl is convinced that she is older than 2 months! When we burp her, she tries to stand up! We do tummy time for a few minutes everyday. During this time, she has begun rolling from her tummy onto her belly. And we love to watch as she fights and struggles to roll from her back to her tummy. Its probably only a matter of time before she rolls by accident and then it becomes a regular trick. We are thrilled that Taylor is now sleeping through the night, on average about 7 1/2 hours! But we are most excited to share that when she is awake, Taylor is all smiles and giggles. She is truly a happy baby.

Taylor's first Thanksgiving was spent in Houston with Gramma and Big Daddy. She went shopping, watched some football, and got to meet her Great Aunt Pat and Great Uncle Joe! After Thanksgiving, Ray had to spend a week in Alexandria on rotation. So, Taylor and I spent a week in Shreveport with Gammi and PopPop. What fun!!

Here are a few pictures from the past month. I promise to keep up on the posts from now on!

Sleeping like an angel...

Taylor's first manicure...

In her super cool jeans...

Taylor's Turkey Day outfit...

Taylor spent time with her great-grandparents and her cousin, Braylin...

Taylor loves looking at lights...

Taylor's first snowy day...I promise there really is snow!!!

ANOTHER COUSIN FOR TAYLOR...

Taylor has another cousin on the way!!! Jeff and Emily are expecting their second child and yesterday they found out the sex...RAY AND I ARE GOING TO HAVE ANOTHER NEPHEW!! That's right, its a boy!!! Congratulations to Jeff, Emily and Jack...your beautiful family is growing!


I know, I know, you guys are DYING for updates! I have tons of pictures...smiling shots, tailgate pictures, Gammi visits, great-grandparents. Over the Thanksgiving break I will try to organize and post a few for your viewing pleasure.

Gobble, Gobble!

PICTURE UPDATE...

Taylor is starting to enjoy bath time...

She's holding her head up more and more...

Taylor is beginning to smile and giggle and coo...

And she is just getting cuter and cuter, if that's possible...

TAYLOR'S FIRST HALLOWEEN...

So, being the spoiled little lady that she is, Taylor had several options for Halloween-wear...

We began simple, with a pumpkin bib. As you may notice from the picture, Taylor managed to make a minor mess on this one in the first 45 seconds...

Next, we tried a trick-or-treat onesie, with matching orange paci...At one point, we even attempted a pumpkin hat. Taylor makes it pretty obvious that this was the least of her favorites...
So, finally, we found the PERFECT choice...Taylor's first Halloween costume! Presenting, for your viewing pleasure, our little KayDee legacy all dressed up as Dorothy, ruby slippers and all!!Please note...my child does not have gi-normous feet...her shoes were a tad big :)

SPIT UP QUEEN...

I failed to mention in the previous post that our little bundle of joy could make spitting up an Olympic sport. No kidding, this little lady can go through some bibs and burp cloths. Previously, I elected not to post this picture. I mean, the blog should be used only to share my daughter's beauty, right? I swore I would never post a picture that could, one day, embarrass Taylor. But everytime I look at this picture, I can't stop laughing hysterically. So, against my picture posting policy, I've decided to share this with you guys. And, although totally disgusting and anything but lady-like, I still think she is absolutely adorable.Please note, that all this spitting up is not affecting Taylor's growth in the least. We went to the Pediatrician on Tuesday. At 3 weeks and 2 days of age, Taylor now weighs 10 pounds. She also grew 1 1/2"!!!

TAYLOR'S FIRST STROLL...

This past Saturday, we took Taylor for her first stroll around Audubon Park. It was slightly uneventful...she cried a little, slept alot, needed one diaper change, and one feeding. As for a day of firsts, Ray gave Taylor her first bottle!

We had so much fun! We looked like a picture perfect family...pushing the stroller with our precious newborn cargo and toting the dog along for some park fun. We picked a nice grassy spot and enjoyed a picnic.

And check out the red fuzz....

WEEK 2 & 3...

WEEK 1...

Its hard to believe that Taylor is over a week old!! At y'alls request, I've uploaded some pictures from our first week! I'll try to get more on the ball with updated...being a mother of a newborn takes up alot of time! Stay tuned for pictures from week 2!!

TAYLOR LEE JARVIS

Well, as of Saturday night, Ray and I were still planning on our Baby Taylor to join the family on Monday morning at 8 am, via cesarean. Taylor, apparently, had plans of her own!! I woke up around 4am on Sunday to find that my water had broken! So, Ray and I gathered our bags (thnak goodness we had pre-paked for Monday's appointment!) and headed on up to the Labor & Delivery Unit at Touro in New Orleans. When we arrived, the nurses confirmed that my membrane had ruptured, started filling me with fluids, and monitoring Baby. I was shocked to learn that I was having contractions only a few minutes apart, I could not feel them at all! Around 7:40, they rolled me on back to the OR. Surgery began at 7:49 and Taylor Lee Jarvis was born at 8:03.

Official Stats: Taylor Lee Jarvis, October 4th, 8lbs 5oz, 21"long, dark auburn fuzz

In short...she is perfect!!! Perfectly beautiful!!!

Taylor and I were not discharged until late Wednesday afternoon. Now that we are home, I am busy figuring out how to live with a newborn and perfect my breastfeeding. So, please be patient as I get back into the swing of posting on the blog. But I promise to upload some pictures, as well as provide updates on Taylor's first few days home, her first doctors appointments, and how Ray and I are handling the changes that come with a tiny bundle of joy.

TAYLOR'S NURSERY...

And now, posted by popular demand, pics of Taylor's nursery...complete with glider, crib bedding, stuffed animals, musical mobiles, and even a little pillow for Buster...
Now all we need is Baby Taylor, and maybe some pictures for the frames!

(I apologize for the quality...I'm still trying to figure out our camera)

READY FOR BABY....

So...what do you think? Time for baby? My body is starting to show signs that it is most definitely time for baby to join the world. I am still working at LSUHSC. I plan to continue waddling in to work until next Friday, at which time I will go on leave. So, my evenings currently consist of an immediate change into pj's and then parking my big belly on the sofa with my feet propped up.

And it looks like we won't have to wait all the way until October 11. That's right, folks, Taylor and I are currently scheduled for a cesarean section on Monday, October 5th! Of course, that's assuming Taylor is still breech come October 5! And, also assuming that she doesn't decide to join the outside world a little early! So mark your calendars...Taylor's tentative birthday is October 5, 2009!!

#1 DADDY...

So, I know that everyone likes to think that their significant other makes the greatest dad in the world, but I think my hubby takes the cake. He is already doing his part to make sure everything is in order and ready for baby Taylor...cleaning house, hanging frames in the nursery, and folding onesies. And then, yesterday, I walked in to find Ray ironing a few of Taylor's little dresses. I thought it was adorable!
On another note, I have had several people ask if my belly button has popped. Well, Ray and I have decided that I could set a record on the world's deepest belly button. That's right folks, at 36 weeks, my belly button still has not popped!! Crazy!?!?

HUMPTY DUMPTY SAT ON A WALL...

We all had one…a little something that offered so much security and comfort when we were young. It may have been a blankie, that had been washed and rewashed to the point were the corners were fraying and the yarns running thin. Or maybe it was a stuffed animal, missing an eye and patches of fur. In a prior post, I mentioned how excited Ray and I were to find his teddy, Chris. We washed Chris, added a little pink bow around his neck, and stuck it on a shelf for Taylor to one day find and fall in love with.

Ever since we found this treasure from Ray’s childhood, I’ve been thinking about my Humpty Dumpty. That’s right, my tiny heart always found a bit more comfort when I had my Humpty Dumpty. Dumpty went EVERYWHERE with me, playgrounds, air shows, bedtime…thank goodness for washing machines! And most often, if I was dragging Humpty Dumpty around by one leg, you could bet I was also sucking on my paci. And so the two become my personal security blanket…Dumpty Paci. I believe, and my mom can confirm this, that I actually went through more than one Humpty Dumpty throughout my toddler years. Poor little guy, the legs would fall off, the tuft of yellow hair on his crown pulled out…and you know what they say, all the kings horses and all the kings men, couldn’t put Humpty together again. So, to even consider that Taylor could inherit my Dumpty was out of the question. I will always remember his blue and white stripe ‘pants’ and his silly egg shaped eyes. Somewhere, I’m sure, my mom has saved the carcass of good ole Humpty Dumpty.

Whenever we go to children’s shops, I find myself looking at all of the stuffed animals. Today, most of the stuffed animals are more commercialized…Dora, Diego, Nemo, Lightening McQueen, etc. Once I was old enough to really reminisce on those things that were so special to me as a child, I began to notice that I never saw Humpty Dumpty propped up on shelves in the store. I began to think the classic nursery rhymes had been squeezed out by animated videos and more enticing plots.

BUT, it appears as though the nursery rhymes that so many of us loved as children, just might be making a comeback. Why do I think so? My mom walked into Lewis Gifts and sitting on the shelf…HUMPTY DUMPTY!! She couldn’t resist, and I can’t blame her. Taylor has her very own, fresh, clean Dumpty with all four appendages and an adorable tuft of yellow hair on his crown. So, although Taylor will not be inheriting my Dumpty, she is receiving her very own, representing something that meant so much to me, so many years ago.

SHOWERED WITH LOVE...

A few weekends ago, we had a baby shower in Shreveport. It was a blast! Ray and I were amazed at people’s generosity! We never dreamed we (Taylor) would receive so much. We got it all…the needs, the wants, and the oh-so-adorables. As by a miracle, we were able to fit EVERYTHING in Ray’s Jetta. Unloading it all into our humble, little abode was a bit overwhelming. It took over a week, but Ray and I are FINALLY getting our house back in order and the nursery is beginning to look like a nursery again, rather than a storage room. Now we are working on the finishing touches, and then, I promise, pictures!!!

Thank you to the Hostesses (Pam, Susan, Debbie and Janet). The shower was spectacular! And, thank you to all of those who have shared in the excitement of the expectant arrival of our Baby Taylor. Goodness, only 6 more weeks to go!!!

DEEP THOUGHTS FROM THE 3RD TRIMESTER...

31 Weeks!! Only 9 to go!!! This week, Ray and I started our Childbirth Education Series. I was shocked that there were so many couples in our class!! So many babies are due around the same time as Taylor!! The class was very educational, a little thrilling and, to be honest, a bit terrifying. What are the stages of labor, how will I know if I’m in labor, when do I go to the hospital? So much to think about and remember!

At the end of the class, we went around the room and expressed what this pregnancy means to us. The class was a strong mixture of ages, social classes, and races. So, I was anxious to hear everyone’s thoughts. For the most part, all of us had similar responses…Its our first child…We are starting our family…Its our little miracle baby…The positives went on and on. The very last couple to speak was a bit older than most of us in the class. And for this pair, the husband did the speaking,

“Its our first baby. And, I’m not gonna lie, we are SCARED!”

The entire class roared with laughter, not because his comment was funny. Simply because it was real, it was the most honest answer in the class. Because, lets admit it, as happy as we are about bringing a beautiful baby girl into the world, Ray and I are a bit scared. Sleepless nights, screaming baby, and diaper changes are nothing compared to the big picture. From the moment that Taylor takes her first breath outside of the womb, we are responsible for something so much greater than ourselves. Another life. Raising Taylor will be a roller coaster of emotions, filled with tears of joys, sighs of frustration, and many, many prayers. God has provided us with an amazing gift, and we are so grateful. And although we may not know everything about babies, toddlers, and teenagers, and we are a little nervous, we know our faith, friends, and families will help guide us in the path to being phenomenal parents.

30 WEEKS!!!!

Well, we are down to our final 10 weeks! I am now going to the doctor every 2 weeks for check ups. At my last appointment, I drank the super-sweet tang drink and the doc tested my glucose levels. I passed with flying colors! Today, we listened to Taylor's heartbeat and talked about all of the random, piddly discomforts that come in the third trimester. So far, I'm not too uncomfortable. Finally, we talked briefly about Taylor's current position...BREECH! That's right, folks, at 30 weeks, Taylor is still sitting head up in my belly. Of course, there is still time for her to turn, but if Taylor waits too much longer, poor thing is going to get herself stuck in that position. For the past 2 weeks, I have been feeling her attempt to spin around. She makes it halfway, gets stuck, and then wiggles herself back to the same position. She sure is determined, but so far, not successful. For now, we are just saying our prayers that Taylor will figure that spin out. If Baby Taylor is still breech at 34 weeks, the doctor will begin discussing alternate means of delivery with Ray and me...cesarean. But until then, we just have to keep our faith in the idea that God knows what is best for both me and Taylor. We shall see!

Thought I would share a little teaser pic of what Taylor is going to look like...

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!

Can you believe it? Today is our 3rd anniversary! Time flies when you having fun! It seems like just yesterday Ray and I were saying our vows, sipping champagne, and riding off for a wonderful honeymoon and a very exciting future! Three years and a baby on the way!

VACATIONS AND BABYMOONS...

Ray and I have really been enjoying ourselves in these last few months before Taylor is born. We have become quite the little travelers, with a new destination every weekend! As I mentioned in my previous post, we spent a long weekend in Houston with the Jarvis family. It was tons of fun, including some Wii time and fireworks.

Several weekends before Houston, we spent 3 days in Destin with the Crawford/Langham crew. What more could an expectant mother want, relaxing in a lounger, sand between my toes, and a good book. We soaked up some sun, worked a few puzzles, and enjoyed watching Baby Braylin sass it up (a beach babe in training!). Father's Day was very special...we celebrated my Dad, a New Dad (Jay), and Taylor's Dad-To-Be! have received quite a few emails regarding our new blog title picture. Sarah took some pictures to help us document my growing belly. Didn't she do great?

And the traveling isn't over. This weekend will be our last vacation pre-baby...a babymoon! Ray and I leave tomorrow evening for Ponte Vedra, Florida. We are going to Laura & BJ's wedding and staying a few extra days, for a little 'us' time...golf, spa, and laying by the pool (if the weather holds out!).

KEEPSAKES...

Ray and I (and Taylor, of course) had a wonderful Fourth of July weekend in Houston with the Jarvis Family! We lounged around the pool and ate plenty of yummy food. We didn't come home empty handed. Ray and I did squeeze in some shopping for our little lady and we brought home a few very special keepsakes. First, we found Ray's teddy bear from his childhood. As soon as we saw it perched up on a shelf, Ray said he wanted Taylor to have it. The adorable teddy has found a new home in Taylor's nursery.Years ago, way before ultrasounds were able to tell us whether we were having a boy or girl, Mary was preparing for her first child. In the weeks before the birth of her first child, she made a blue gingham outfit for a little boy and a blue gingham dress and bonnet for a little girl. Well, as most of you know, Mary and Lamar had a boy...Jeff. She put the dress away and saved it for the next child. Sure enough, God blessed them with another son...Ray. Once again, Mary packed the dress away. And now, with the first girl being born in our Jarvis family, the dress will finally be worn! I'm sure so many of you (KayDees especially) will LOVE it!! The lace trim and pearl buttons... it is adorable! And I just might have to find a tiny pair of red booties to create Taylor's first Halloween costume, Dorothy.