The journey of a first time mom and dad and how they are handling the joys of parenthood
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Coming soon...
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
8 months of love
Madalyn turned 8 months on the 4th and I can hardly believe it! She is growing up so fast! But she is such a wonderful baby and I'm so blessed to have such a sweet, loving, happy girl. Here are some of the highlights of the past month:
First pink eye
Topical yeast infection
Flu shot
Weighs 21 pounds
Wearing 9 month clothes
Can pull herself up all by herself
Got her first tooth (bottom right front)
First hair cut (trim really)
Started finger foods and loves to feed herself
Loves veggies
Likes to try and walk when we hold her hands
Loves being outside
Swung in a swing at the park for the first time
Started crawling one day before she turned 8 months old
Loves to talk and squeal
She is now sleeping exclusively in her crib
Loves her pink blanket more than any other one
She is such a happy, smiley, loving, energetic, independent little girl.
There is nothing, not one hair on your sweet little head that I would change. You are everything to your daddy and I. We are always taken back by how much you change and grow everyday. Your smile makes us forget everything else in the world and there is such joy your beautiful blue eyes. I'm so proud to be your mommy, Bug. You are perfect. Never forget that! I love you to the moon and back.
Monday, February 4, 2013
7 months... on the down hill slide to one
Today marks Madalyn being 7 months old and I have to say I'm a little heartbroken. My little girl is growing up way too fast. While I enjoy watching her become her own person, I really wish she would just stay little for a little while longer.
Madalyn is quite independent. She likes to do things on her own time. This includes everything from eating to pooping to sleeping. She is very spoiled and we are ok with that... we waited a long time for her and she is a very happy baby!
This month Mady had her 6 month check up. She had a rough week after her shots, but she is absolutely perfect!
Here are a few of the highlights from this month:
She can say "mama" and "baba" (although she doesn't know what they mean, but I like to think she does)
She loves loves loves avocado.
She still doesn't like rice or cereal.
She can stand by herself if she has something to lean on.
She is trying so hard to crawl.
When she gets on her back she reminds us of a turtle who is on its shell.
She can hold her own bottle.
She loves to scream!
She still loves Elmo.
She knows Titan and likes to pet him when he lets her.
She recognizes her name.
She is a very ticklish on her tummy and feet!
Overall, Mady is one of the happiest babies I know. Tom and I are so very blessed to have such a beautiful, smart and healthy little girl. I just can't believe that she is already 7 months old. *sigh*
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
6 months new
Madalyn has been six months new for a couple weeks now and time has eluded me. I have started up school again and while trying to balance our new schedule, Bug has decided to change her schedule once again.
She is growing up way too fast. At her 6 month check up, she weighed 19 pounds 1 ounce (90th percentile) and was 26.5 inches tall (80th percentile). She still fits into some of her 6 month clothes, but we have dug out her 9 month clothes and they fit just right!
She has also begun eating solid foods. She currently LOVES avocado and sweet potatoes. She is not too fond of the rice/cereal (I think it is a textured thing). She drinks a 7 ounce bottle every 3-4 hours and eats her food 3 times a day.
Mads can sit on her own. She is still working on getting in to the sitting position all by herself but when she gets there she loves it! She can also stand on her own for several seconds when holding on to the table or chair or someone. Her hand/eye coordination is incredible. She is extremely ticklish and loves to laugh. For Christmas (her very first one), she got a bouner/saucer from her papa and nama. She absolutely loves to bounce in it! She also received new clothes, books and some money to go towards her education.
She has found a love for anything Elmo, especially when he is singing. Tom and I constantly have Elmo's song stuck in our head.
Mady is the light of my life. She is everything to me. I am so proud of who she is and who she is becoming. She is the best thing I have ever done and I pray I will make her proud.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Dreams do come true
I've been thinking today (and every day) how Bug is my dream come true.
I've reread some of blogs as we dealt with infertility and loss. Where I wrote about our dreams to have a family, to have a baby.
When Tom and I got married we knew we wanted a family right away. We started to try right away. When weeks and months passed and then we had our first miscarriage, I questioned everything good. I questioned God and my marriage, I questioned myself and my past. I went to a very dark place.
After 4 years of trying, 4 years of taking tempatures and charting cycles, 4 years of yearning, heartache, guilt, pain and sadness, I turned my life and this issue (along with a few others) over to God. It was soon after we decided to stop trying, I received conformation from Heavenly Father that I would be a mother. I went with my mother and father in law to hear Elder Russell M. Nelson speak to our stake. It was here where I knew without a doubt I would one day be a mother.
That was in March. At the end of September, I thought I was pregnant. I took a test and I saw what I thought was a faint line. I emailed my doctor and she said to come in and get a blood test. Out of fear, I didn't go in. I thought that getting my hopes only to be let down again would be foolish. On October 24, I went in to get my blood tested. I hadn't had a period in 2 months. I was so nervous...
Tom and I had just finished at his parents' house and were going to Target. As we were pulling in, I received an email stating my results were ready. I told Tom. He gave me a look... the look that said, "Don't get your hopes up..."
As my hands shook, I logged in to Kaiser. I clicked on my test... and in disbelief I saw that I was pregnant!! I called my bestie as we walked through Target. I was ecstatic! Never before had we had a positive blood test... only a positive stick! I knew without a doubt we were having a baby. Tom was a bit more sceptical.
The next day, I scheduled a doctor's appointment. Because of our past, we got in right away. We found out that I was about 4 weeks along and got our first picture of my baby!
Today, I've taken hundreds if not thousands of pictures of our miracle. She is the best thing that has ever happened to me! God knew what He was doing. I may not understand everything, but Mady completes our family. She is exactly what we needed. She is perfect for us.
I wouldn't change all of the waiting we did. I wouldn't give back all the pain, heartache and longing that came with me waiting for my baby. It was worth it all! As I spoke with my mother in law today, I told her I didn't mind being up late, the lack of sleep or rocking her to sleep every night because I waited a long time to do all of those things.
Tonight, I'm reminded that dreams do come true. That God has a plan
and we needed to trust in Him. It'll happen in his time. And His time is perfect. This girl of mine is perfect.Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Growing too fast!!
Mady is officially 5 months old!
She is growing up way too fast!!
Here is what Madalyn has been up to this month:
She can sit up on her own for a minute or so.
Her hand eye coordination is amazing!!!
She puts anything and everything into her mouth.
She takes 3 naps a day. 1 three hour nap and 2 one hour naps.
Her favorite toy is Elly the elephant.
She has to be cuddled with a soft blanket to go to sleep.
She rubs her eyes when she is tired.
She says " na na" when she is hungry.
She knows her bottle and can hold it if she wants to.
She loves to talk and move.
She is the happiest baby 95% of the time- but when she isn't you will definitely know.
Celebrated her first thanksgiving at grandma and grandpa Taylor's and tried a small taste of cranberries (she wasn't too sure about them)
&
Bug,
You are so smart and so beautiful. I love watching you grow but it has gone by so quickly! I love being able to stay at home with you. You make every day so great and fun! Momy and daddy couldn't be more proud of you!!! We love you!
Mommy
Friday, November 16, 2012
4 months of joy
Madalyn is such an incredible joy to be around! From the moment we wake up, she is all smiles. I often find myself being awoken from her talking and when I glance over at her in her bassinet, her big beautiful eyes meet mine and she smiles the biggest smile! It sure makes getting out of bed a lot easier! She has the best temperament and truly is such a wonderful baby.
She is currently enjoying standing up and looking around at everything! She loves to talk and is checking out her vocal cords now by screeching! She is learning to roll over, and while she has done it a few times, her arm gets in the way a lot and she gets very frustrated. And she will let everyone know she is!! She already sleeps through the night, which is such a blessing in itself! She is happy, loving and bright!! I am so blessed!
Current nicknames:
Doodlebug
Munch
Doodle
Bug
Lovebug
Pumpkin
Mady
Mads
Ginger
Shea
Ginger Baby
Firsts:
First Halloween (she was Tigger)
First trip to the ER (for a cough)
First time rolling over from front to back
First move
First time having water
First professional photo shoot (she is such a good model)
Madalyn,
You are perfect! There is not a thing about you I would change! I love every moment of being your mommy, even the trying ones. You have truly completed our family. You bring your daddy and I so much joy that it is often indescribable. I am so proud of you and all that you are doing! Keep going, bug!! I love you so very much!!
Love you forever,
Mommy
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
3 months of bliss
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Reasons I am the best mom in the world...
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
How M came to be
Sunday, April 22, 2012
30 weeks and counting :)
Monday, March 12, 2012
Thru the deep waters
I am taking the time to write today, because I felt prompted by the Spirit to. I have a great friend, Nicole, who I have known for many years who recently posted on her Facebook about a run/walk being held for her cousin in St. George, Utah. Check it out here.
Ben was diagnosed with ALS just over a year ago. Upon wandering to the site, I found his wife's blog. Her faith in this trail that God has granted her has given me such a deep appreciation for life. For every day trails. I stayed up way past my bed time reading her blog and reading her story of faith, courage and hope. I read and wept over her words and her struggles, fears and anger. But it all kept coming back to the Lord. It all kept returning to Him, His will and His timing. She has absolute faith in Him, in His promises and that made me want to do more. I am not the perfect follower of Christ. My faith lacks... a lot. I don't study the Scriptures like I should, I don't pray as often as I should and I certainly don't always act with love, faith and hope. But I find myself renewed through someone else's struggle. I find myself wanting to make sure that I prepare myself to be steadfast and honorable. I find myself wanting to make sure that I am doing all that I can to get back to Heavenly Father, to be the best mother, wife, sister, daughter, granddaughter, aunt....etc, that I can be.
I often think that I have it rough. I have my fair share of problems, some that have left some pretty deep wounds, and my trails are mine, they are what God has given me, but in relation to Ben and his family, my trails seem so small. I am so thankful for what I have, for the family I have supporting me and for the friends I have that are there at moment's notice. I have a perfect baby girl growing inside me, a husband who would do anything for me and worries constantly about Mady and I and a life that I can hardly complain about. I am blessed. And I need to recognize that a little more often. I need to thank Heavenly Father for all that He has provided Tom and I with. We could not do this alone and we know that. :)
As for other news: I am 24 weeks along now and I fall more in love with Madalyn every day. I can't wait to meet her and have her in my arms. 3 months to go!!! She is a mover and has quite the kick. I woke up this morning and decided to listen to her heartbeat- it is my favorite sound in the world- and while listening to her, I could also hear her move. I could lay there and listen to her all day. <3
The next few months will be busy as Tom and I are moving in with family to save some money and to look for a home to purchase. We are excited for this oppurtunity, but we also know it will be a bit stressful. I head home to Denver at the end of the month for my first baby shower that my aunt is throwing for me. I am excited to go home and spend some time with family, as I know after sweet Mady comes, it will be more difficult to get away. A week after getting back from Denver, Tom's parents and I will head to Las Vegas, and then I will drive to St. George, Utah, followed by a trip to SLC to spend time with my bestie, my grandparents and some friends I haven't seen in ages. It will be a wonderful trip, with hopefully a trip to the Temple with my grandparents and some much needed time with my best friend. I am grateful that Tom has worked so hard to allow me to travel as much as I will during the next month. I am really grateful that he is giving me this chance to see my family and friends before miss Mady comes.
Friday, February 3, 2012
18 weeks!
Baby is slathered in a greasy, waxy, cheese-like substance known as vernix caseosa to keep it from bruising, abrasions, and chapping caused by amniotic fluid exposure.
Baby is on the move quite often and it makes mommy very happy :)
Baby can now hear mommy and daddy talking.
Baby also responds to music.
Mommy:
Mommy is feeling better than ever.
Mommy is loving feeling the baby move.
Mommy's ligaments are growing every day and hurt a lot (but it is worth it).
Mommy has her 20 week (19 really) next week. We are making sure baby has all 10 fingers and all 10 toes, and see its little nose. Mommy can't wait!!!
Dearest Baby,
Everyday I feel you more and more. You are one active baby, moving around constantly, dancing and rolling around. I fall more and more in love with you each time I feel you. I can't wait to meet you. I have been waiting for this for so long and am determined to enjoy every moment I have with you, even if you are still just growing inside my belly. I get to see you in just a few days, make sure you have all your fingers and all your toes. I will get to see and hear your heartbeat (it is the sweetest sound to my ears and to my heart). You are already so loved. I can't imagine how things will be when you are here, but I know no matter what you are going to be loved beyond words. I just wanted you to know how much I love you. I can't wait for you to be here. To see those eyes, and have your fingers wrap around mine, to hear you cry (I promise to remember that when you are crying ALL the time), to have you cuddle with me. Keep dancing baby T! I love you.
Mommy
Friday, January 20, 2012
16 weeks!!!!!
Baby is moving at night... feels like little butterflies moving on the right side of the tummy just below the belly button.
Baby's eyes are close to their final position and its possible that baby can hear mommy and daddy when they talk.
Baby's heart is now pumping 25 quarts of blood each day and it will only pump more as time goes on.
Mommy is doing wonderful.
She has quite a cold this past week but seems to finally be getting over it.
She is still craving bacon and potatoes.
She is getting so excited for see the baby on February 8th.
Mommy's belly is growing everyday and can feel her ligaments stretching.
Mommy also has more energy and doesn't always require a nap everyday.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
14 WEEKS!!!!
Our little bean is the size of a....
Our bean is growing big and strong everyday.
Baby is busy with thumb sucking, toe wiggling, and (not so cute but equally amazing) making urine and breathing amniotic fluid as the liver kidneys and spleen continue to develop.
Lanugo is growing all over the body for warmth.
Baby at 13 weeks
You can see the bean putting its hand on its head. Our little bean has attitude already :)
Mommy:
Finally feels like she has "popped"
Feels like she can feel the baby moving around, soft little flutters.
Has kidney stones, but is finally starting to feel better.
Is thankful for daddy's back and neck rubs and bubble baths.
Is craving bacon, anything potatoes and sandwiches with lettuce, mayo, pickles and dijon mustard.
Is loving being pregnant and can't wait for the next 26 weeks.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
12 WEEKS!
SIZE OF A LIME
BABY AT 11W4D
Baby now has reflexes.
Baby's fingers will open and close.
Baby's toes will curl.
Baby's cute mouth will begin to make sucking movements.
Baby squirms when I (or anyone else) touches my belly (I can't feel it yet)
MOMMY:
I am rarely feeling sick now.
I still have headaches.
I still need a nap at least once a day.
I have started to take up prenatal yoga and LOVE it.
We are getting more and more excited for baby to become part of our family.
And last but not least... a video of baby waving!!! We were so excited to see this! It is still hard to believe that is 28 weeks or so, I will be a mommy!!!!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
WEEK 9
PRUNE
BABY:
Bones and cartilage are forming.
Arms can already flex.
Teeth are forming underneath the gums.
If baby is a boy, he is producing testosterone.
MOMMY:
Still getting horrible migraines.
Has only thrown up 3 times this week *whooo hoooo!*
Must take a nap once a day.
Is feeling extremely blessed to have this little prune growing inside me.
Tummy is getting harder and rounder by the day :)
In other news: I am flying into Denver today to FINALLY meet my cousin Fiona. I am so excited to spend 6 glorious days with my family!!! And there is supposed to be SNOW!
Saturday, November 26, 2011
8 weeks and counting!
We are having a baby!!!!!
WEEK 8
Baby:
He/She is the size of an olive.
He/She is an inch long.
Starting to look more and more like a baby.
Mommy:
Sick all the time, but rarely throws up anymore.
Killer migraines.
Starting to get a bump already :)
Wants to eat all the time, but can't find out what to eat/
Here is the little olive at 7 weeks when it was just a little raspberry.
We are due July 3rd and have been told the doctor won't let us go more than a week before the induce, so we are looking at July 3rd to July 10th and T is hoping for a fourth of July baby. We aren't going to find out the sex. We both figure it is a gift from God and we shouldn't peek, so gender neutral until the little munchkin is born :)
After trying for as long as we did, we want to say thank you to everyone who gave us support in our journey. It was a very long and difficult one for us and we couldn't have done it without you. We can't wait to share the rest of this baby's life with you.
All our love.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
New Blog
http://www.growingbbtaylor.wordpress.com
It will update the pregnancy and our lives of being pregnant- feel free to take a look.
Love to all.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Where does the time go????
I feel like I have had little to no time to myself.
I am working, going to school, being a mom and being a wife. Not to mention, trying to keep the house clean, workout and continue to do the things God has asked of me. I have never been more busy, stressed out and happy.
H is doing well in school. It seems she has a ton of homework every day, but she likes school and is making friends. It has been such an experience to watch her grow in the 2 months she has been with us. She is incredibly bright. She helps out at home and is growing in the Gospel. She is going to seminary in the morning. She is making friends. She even went to the game on Friday night.
I know this is preparing me for motherhood. I know that the busy schedule and the time and and energy I put into my life and into Heather's is only giving me a slight idea of what it will be like to have a baby of my own. I only hope I can do it with diligence and with love. A lot of love.
I started a new job on Tuesday. I am working as a dispatcher for an alarm company. On the 21st, I start my graveyard shift. I will be working from 630pm to 500am Wednesday through Saturday. I am nervous, but I know that is was something God has a say in. Someone will always be home for H. Tom and I can share the car without having to worry about the other. I will be able to attend Church. And it won't affect my school too much. I know that God has provided me with this awesome opportunity. A chance to start anew.
Exciting news!!!! We have been approved to buy a house!!! I am so excited to finally own something of our own. We are actively looking and I hope we are able to get into something that we like and can stay in for a while. :)
Tom and I celebrated our 3rd anniversary on Tuesday. I cannot believe we have been married for 3 years!!! It has gone by so fast. Despite all of our obstacles and all of our difficult times, I am madly in love with this man. The last 3 years have been the best of my life. He has helped me become the person I have longed to be. I am so thankful for him, for the Priesthood he holds, and for all he does for me. I am honestly looking forward to the next 50 years.
We went camping for our anniversary. We went to Patrick's Point which is 5 hours north on the coast. It was incredibly beautiful, cold and worth all the work that was put into it. We got to see the Redwood's, which I had never seen before. We got to drive through a tree. We got to drive down the Avenue of the Giants and hike. I will definitely be going back there.
Well, other than that, life is good. Busy. But good. I am now below 200 pounds and loving getting back into shape. I feel better than I have in a long time and can't wait to see what the next 40 does for me. :)
















