a day in the life

And just like that, he was one.

Doesn't it seem like just yesterday when Bean looked like this?
It certainly does to me. Or perhaps you remember him like this.
However you look at it, he has grown up and changed a lot this year.
He still has his gorgeous blue eyes that crinkle when he smiles and his Daddy's long forever long lashes.

And a super sweet smile.

And personality?


Yes. He has a lot of personality.

No seriously, a LOT of personality.

He loves pretty much any food I put in front of him sans avocado (which I haven't tried again because wow they have been expensive) and twice now has been very tentative about cake (video soon.) Still goes to bed at 7:00pm and still nursing although I can see that he will be done with that soon. I will be very sad when that is over as I have nursed him longer than the other two and that is just my favorite time to play with him. He is super ticklious under his arm pit, and I love hearing him giggle. He is nearly impossible to change thus we give him non-baby, and well, let's face it, semi dangerous objects to keep him occupied during diaper changes. I am talking thermometers, big kid toys, and Vick's containers. He now can say Mama, Daddy, ball, and yesterday said Yakson in a whisper. He loves to wrestle with Charlie, loves to pull Lillian's hair, and LOVES to be chased. He can totally get past our toy barricade and although still has the oddest crawl I have ever seen, still is not trying to climb steps or walk. We enjoyed his first Christmas a pull here or there on the tree, but he is a very good listener when we say "No touch."
I can't believe it was a year ago that I came home from the hospital with him. Still sore from the SPD and the worst decision I have EVER made in my entire life, getting a stinking tetnus shot. I forgot how much those hurt.
I still kick myself for not getting a single photo of Jess
who answered my call at 2:30AM!! and drove all the way from DE to help me through the delivery, or DADDY who of course is his DADDY until much later.
But don't worry Bean, Daddy held you all the time. So there you have it. Bean, Jack, Jackson is one. ONE. Or, as we said at his party, Uno.
Love you so much Bean

love, Mama

Friday Five

Did I say I was back to blogging? Well. I will get there, but still unpacking, editing, cleaning, POTTY TRAINING, hanging, and running around. But here are a few things I must share.

1. For my birthday this year, I made these
Petite Lasagna. OH MY they were so so good. Made with Won Ton noodles. You can find the recipe here. They are even great leftovers. Thanks Erin for the heads up :)
2. Charlie got another cold last week, thus, we ALL got colds. I cannot seem to keep this kid's fingers out of his mouth. Suggestions? I also have never been able to get him to blow his nose. It is a horrible, fighting, crying mess. And that is just me. So I came up with an idea. I now have him STOMP. As hard as he can. It is AMAZING. What a skill to have, but that kid can blow his nose like no one's business. Now if I could only figure out the trick for potty training. (Although MUCH progress has been made.)
3. Jack is crawing everywhere-still Army style, but he is starting to rock back and forth on his hands and knees a bit too. He is sitting up for longer periods of time, and stood next to the activity table yesterday. Oh and he is TERRIFIED of any toy that moves quickly on his own. Like tailspin of fear and screaming. I will have to get video of it because although a little sad, it is also veeeeeery funny.
4. Lily is definitely ready for school to start. I can't believe how grown up she is. I mean, she has gotten hurt a few times in the past few days and just said OUCH. I believe Adela and Jess know EXACTLY what I am talking about. She is also going to be six in just a few short weeks. Oh my-present ideas anyone??
5. I blogged over at Write. Click. Scrapbook! Everyone should check it out (except my Mama :)

Ten on Tuesday

1. I believe this could actually be named Ten Thousand on Tuesday as I have not blogged in so very long. The only reason I am blogging today is because I have a horrible cold and feel awful so I am sitting. I don't sit much these days.
2. The moving plans are coming right along. We found a house, had a good inspection, and now are waiting for the appraisal. Our money guy is working quickly to get us closed on June 23. Not bad since we put in the offer on May 30. Until everything is really set and papers signed, I will hold my breath. But I will tell you everyone will have their own bedroom (well I guess Bj and I have to share ;) I have a wonderfully well lit studio, and there is a sun porch on the back where I will enjoy many hours watching the kids play in the fenced in backyard. I can't wait.
3. Lily has (after today) three more days of school. Then she will be a 1st grader. School has been a bit of a massive stress lately as I have major concerns about the choices and judgement of the teachers and staff. I turned into a full fledged Mama Bear, writing lots of emails, making lots of calls, and meeting with the Assistant Superintendent. Lily may be gone in three days, but I could not let the kids we are leaving behind ever go through this again. I know I am being vague, but honestly this is the kind of stuff that you would see on the Today Show or Anderson Cooper. And if they don't take steps to make this right, it may be still...
4. I miss taking pictures. Oh don't worry, still doing my 365 despite the fact that I haven't posted a photo in FOREVER. I just miss taking client photos. But soon I will have my brand spanking new and gorgeous site up and I will be shooting everywhere.
5. Speaking of taking pictures, OH MY I want one of these.

Not saying that I will actually get it, but I want it.
6. I got that photo from Pinterest. Have you heard of it? It may be the coolest thing that has happened since, oh I don't know, the internet. Follow me if you haven't (Marie Willis Taylor) and see just want inspiration may end up in the new house. OH cannot wait to paint/decorate/play in my new house. I am giddy. And buyer beware, it is time sucking there is so much goodness.
7. Did you hear that Write. Click. Scrapbook. is TWO years old? While I am sad I have been so busy lately that I barely have time to scrap, when I do, this is where I go. There is so much inspiration there. And such wonderful, smart, funny, and dedicated ladies there. I am super lucky to be part of it. Elizabeth, I am proud of you for making the tough to decision to take a break, but come back soon cause it just isn't the same without you.
8. As I prepare to move I am SO excited to make plans with all of my Ohio friends. To sit on my back porch and chat. To scrap. To meet at Hibachi in 20 minutes. To go to my parent's house or Bj's mom's house with just a diaper bag and not a car load of stuff. That being said, I have made so many friends here. Really, really good friends. Friends who were there for me when Jack was born. Friends who came over to chat. To scrap. To eat at Aki. Who love my children. What Marnie said about me over at WCS "Marie - is smart, steady, and loyal. Her photos draw you into her pages but it is her scrapbooking of fierce friendships that makes me wish I were one of her besties." Well, I can't tell you what that means to me. If you remember me for anything, remember that I love my friends. I know they are so very important-especially if family is far away. So do what you have to to find them and keep them-even if it has to start with an interview at a coffee shop over queso. ;)
9. Jack turned five months old! The pictures are still on my camera, but I will tell you I will have another doozy for my 12 attempts album. He is now rolling and turning all over the place, looks a bit like a wild animal when he wants to put a toy in his mouth, has the BEST smile and giggle for his brother and sister, still is a pretty wretched sleeper, has FAT legs, ate Rice cereal for the first time on Sunday, still spits up but not nearly as much as the others, is happy 95% of the time but then WATCH OUT when he gets mad, and loves his Mama.
We all adore Baby Bean :) OOOOOO Do you see that up there on my photo? Why, it's my brand new logo designed by Patrick Jebber of Monsters Unlimited. I LOVE it :) Website coming SOON.
10. Charlie is also super sick. And super stubborn. Won't blow his nose. Potty training is non existent. Ever so slightly makes me want to lose my mind. And yet he is the sweetest, most loving little boy who gives me the best hugs and tells me I look like a princess everytime I dress up.

11. Ok you get a bonus. On Friday I taught a photography class to my MOMS Club. The goal is to help the average user understand their camera a little better so they can capture those every day moments of their kids a little better. Ohio readers I will be teaching it soon in your area too! Anyway, while preparing for the class I found this...
which reminded me of this...
My goodness does time fly.

Month three

For Jack's first year I am taking photos of him every month, AND of the three of them. As I have laughed out loud at some of these photos, I decided to do an album of the BAD photos instead of the "perfect" ones. This month at Write. Click. Scrapbook. we were supposed to scrap our "bad" photos. Ooo do I have a lot of "bad." Ha.
Month one...
Month 2...
and the picture for month 3...
I generally just pick the photo that makes me cackle. And this one definitely did. Aaahhhhhhhh three children are fun :)

Check out the rest of the WCS gallery here!

Jack Henry

His very first real page. Only three months and I already feel behind. Ha. 
paper: emily powers, frames: paislee press, tape: pugley pixel
(Told you I loved that picture ;)

Ten on Tuesday

1. Well, we do still exist around here, but somehow haven't figured out to fit everything in. Namely, me time. I am behind on emails, blogs, favorite shows, and writing down anything. But my hampers are almost free of laundry and my laundry baskets are completely empty, we had a real dinner tonight, the kitchen is clean, and I mopped the kitchen floor this morning. And I am attempting to blog at 10:47, approximately 47 minutes after I turned into a pumpkin.
2. Jackson is two months today! He is a chubby boy at 11 pounds 2 ounces, 21 3/4 inches tall, bigger than Charlie, but smaller than Lily at that age. He smiles all. the. time. And makes the cutest noises. He made the most heart-wrenching horrible screams today at the doctor during and for about ten minutes after his shots. That, was very, very, rough. No semblance of a schedule yet, but mostly eating every three hours, sometimes longer. And we won't talk about his sleeping. I am not going to fall for THAT again. He is totally out of newborn, wearing mostly 0-3, but is starting to get into some 3-6  hand me downs from his brother. Lily is my calming influence during dinner making time as when she sings to him he immediately calms down. It is great. Oh and he spits up. A LOT. Here he is looking at his brother. Watching, and waiting.
Note: This photo is named Jackson5. Ha.
3. Lily just told me today that a while ago a boy kissed her. SERIOUSLY???
4. Charlie has the ability lately to go from super cuddly happy boy to full on almost three year old who MUST get his own way. Guess what version I enjoy more?
5. I am really ready for Spring.
6. The new gallery at Write. Click. Scrapbook. is up. You should definitely check it out. After all you can read more about this
and see all of the other projects that have been sitting around waiting to be finished. It only took me 16 years to do this one.
7. Does anyone know anything about working simultaneously in Photoshop AND Aperture? I need some help. My brain cannot seem to fix the problems I am having.
8. I am really hoping that our snow is done-at least our snow days. We have already lost our March break and one of our three days of Spring Break. Our Superintendent doesn't believe in snow days. REally? After Snowverkill 2010?
9. Lily is equally into princesses and superheros. Last week a princess book came home from the library, this week a 5000 pound encyclopedia of superheros. 5000 POUNDS.
10. I will get caught up on 365 soon and share the next monthly attempt at a good Taylor children photo. It was an adventure again this month. Until then, Jack Popeye.

Ten on Tuesday

1. Jack is one month old today. I can hardly believe it. I happened to look at the clock when it said 11:11, on 2.1.11-the coolness of his birthday will never get old.
2. We made it out to the doctor despite the fact that Lily had yet another snow day. I am so glad I didn't cancel as the roads were totally fine. He is a peanut despite the fact that he has gained a full two pounds since his two week check. He is now 8lbs, 14oz (23%) 21 inches (28%) long. Peanut. Yet, he looks like a chubba chubba peanut.
3. He is mostly a good napper but we are still working on sleeping at night. Four hours is the record, but normally he is up, eats for almost an hour, then takes a 1/2 hour to go back to sleep, then wakes up 45 minutes later. Why yes, I am tired.
4. He is a spitter. Boo. Although again, gaining weight and I have yet to hear the "splat" sound on the floor so we are ok with it. Poor Grandpa, his biggest rule was "don't spit on the floor" and none of my children ever followed it. Hee hee.
5. Despite the fact that Lily and Charlie did not have a binky or a bottle until they were six weeks old, Jack has been a binky kid from the beginning (I don't know WHAT we would have done without it) and had his very first bottle tonight. And did great. Yea Mama may be able to see a movie in 2011.
6. Jack's nicknames are Bean and Baby Jack Jack. I also call him Jackson quite a bit, and bud.
7. Charlie quite frequently imitates Jack's cry-it sounds a bit like a duck. He also has a sad little lamb cry when he is really losing it. None of my children have ever had a "cute" infant cry. They are all LOUD. Jack more than the others. He can go from sleeping to screaming in .1 second. It scares the living daylights out of Bj.
8. On the 24 Jack turned over about ten times during tummy time. Oooooo boy me thinks I am in trouble.
9. Today the gallery at Write.Click.Scrapbook. is up. This month (as you saw in a preview of 365) I made a "guestbook" of all of the emails, texts, and Facebook posts after Jack was born. You can check it out here. Be sure to stick around and look at all of the other wonderful mini albums too!
10. This afternoon I did a little photo shoot with ALL THREE. How is it I can get lots of photos of other children, but THIS is what I get when I try.
Well I will now be starting an album of Hall of Fame outtakes. I did get one slightly passable, but nothing canvas ready, which is what I was going for. So I sent the big kids out of the room, and aaaaaahhhhhh-peace, quiet, and one much more obedient model.
What a difference a month makes. And no, I literally can't stop looking at his cuteness :)

Friday Five, errr, Six

1. Charlie made me laugh and roll my eyes today. First, the laugh. We walked into the doctor (more on that later) and said "Mama? Do you want to see my dance moves?" The reason being, I have carried on the very odd but long standing tradition of dancing in elevators. Only when no one else is riding. And when the elevator slows or beeps, we stop and pretend nothing ever happened. He knows the deal. Second, he said to me this morning, "Mama! I see poop!" Oh. No. But then he said, "Mama it is Whinnie the Poop!" No Charlie it is Whinnie the Pooh. P-o-o-h. "Yes Mama, P-o-o-h, POOP!" Fabulous. Really, fabulous.

2. So the doctor. I am officially 2cm dilated and having more labor like contractions. My doctor said she doesn't see me going much farther than 37 weeks. I am 37 weeks on Christmas Eve. I think it is time for me to start getting ok with possibly missing Christmas this year...and coming up with creative ways for Bean to still have his own special day on his birthday. And weather? Please cooperate.

3. We finally have our own Elf on the Shelf. He decided to come to us on Monday (don't know why he didn't start on December 1 as he was in the house...) and is a BIG hit with Lillian. The first thing she says to me each morning is "Can I find George?" Her first three wishes are as follows. 1. I wish I wish with all my heart that I could see Maya. 2. I wish I wish with all my heart that I could see Ella and Abby. 3. I wish I wish with all my heart that I could go to Nonnie and Bapa's house. And yes, she says it exactly that way. It melts my heart. Oh and for the record, George's full name is George Elfie Thomas Peepers. Who do you think picked each name?

4. So Write. Click. Scrapbook. is having a pretty amazing month of fabulous holiday ideas and giveaways. I definitely think you should check it out.

5. I am once again going to be delving into the world of 365 (which may start early if Bean arrives before the New Year.) I really hope you join me. It doesn't matter what kind of camera you have. It doesn't matter what kind of photographer you are. You will be happy with all of those recorded priceless memories. I promise. 

6. I have also picked my word for 2011. Thankful. I think it is a good time to be thankful for what we have, the big things and the little things. I am going to try very hard to focus on this word while photographing the things that are important to us-whether it be a favorite toy or the birth of Bean. I want this to be an extra meaningful album that I will end up with where in addition to stretching my photography, I just want to remind myself to be thankful. So what is your word?

Ten on Tuesday

1. I voted today.
2. I had completely forgotten about my November Thankful project until a friend reminded me on Facebook. Join in and share what you are thankful for.
3. November 1: I am thankful that Lily was awarded student of the month!
November 2: I am thankful for my husband who loves his children, plays with his children, and tells them that he loves him every single day.
4. My thankfulness today comes from a tragic story from my town. I am waiting to hear my town on the national news. Let me just say please hug your children.
5. I am so glad all of the nasty horrible ads are over. I am so tired of the fighting. I am believing more and more that most elected officials are not doing what is best, but following what will get the best headlines. I understand people have different views-that's what makes America, but since when does respect not matter? Ok soapbox over.
6. I have been thinking about Meemaw all day-I loved having politics conversations with her.
7. This pregnancy is kicking my behind. Counting the weeks.
8. I have lots and lots of ideas for Christmas presents, but I have yet to buy one. Must get on that. Soon.
9. I have been an editing maniac recently. Getting near the end of my 2010 photography season.
10. Have you checked out the Write. Click. Scrapbook. gallery? It is up today and it is very, very fun. See that picture in the top left? There is another very interesting picture on this particular layout ;)

Ten on Tuesday

1. The other day Lily said to us "I'm an artist of MATH!" I love that she loves math. I really hope that continues.
2. Bean has been dancing in my belly lately and all times of the day. Goodness gracious I have a feeling I may have a very active non sleeper on my hands. Mmmmmhhhh.
3. I just started reading Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone to Lily. Although we read every night anyway, I find it very interesting that she now has 20 minutes required reading for the "Book-it" program. The very same program I participated in when I was in elementary school. I probably even still have my pin somewhere :)
4. I am very excited about a crop benefiting Juvenile Diabetes I have coming up soon. It will be my third time attending-yup even went the first October we got here when I knew no one.
5. I have really enjoyed my days with Charlie-just me and the boy. That kid makes me laugh every single day.
6. If only that kid would look at me when I tried to take his picture. Seriously. I will be resulting to bribery tomorrow.
7. I am very sorry everyone, I LOVE THE WEATHER lately. It feels divine. :)
8. Sciatic nerves have still been giving me lots of problems, but dare I say slightly better now that I am taking frequent heating pad breaks. Fingers crossed.
9. I have a new favorite show. Sarah's house. Just love her gorgeous country but not overly country style.
10. And that's all...folks.