The Taylor Three

Fun in the SUN

2010-07-22T00:46:00.001-07:00

We have been hitting the beach a lot lately. Bells loves to swim, well kick and dunk herself under the water. She even started to surf! She has a body board and the other day she stood up on it all by herself in the water and the walked across it and jumped off to me. It was the cutest thing ever, good thing our friend on shore had her video camera. We were messing around with the under water camera and even Bells went under but we missed the shot and didn't want to try again. Earlier in the week a group of us went hiking and ran into 5 Hawaiian Monk Seals and actually was chased out of our swim hole at the end of the hike from one of the fighting seals. Yep, he actually hopped, slip and swam about 200 yards across coral, rocks and water....just to make sure we got out of "his" swimming hole. It sure was crazy!

Oh Beautiful Hawaii

2010-07-22T00:41:00.000-07:00

Hawaii is simply amazing and so beautiful!

We are truly so lucky to be living here.

I love going to sleep and waking up to the sound of waves crashing.

The birds chirping and of course the sun shining.

Here are just a few flowers that were picked on a walk.

Happy Happy Birthday Miah!

2010-07-22T00:34:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to the Man in our Lives!!

That is you Jeremiah!!

We had a surprise party for Jeremiah, when he arrived home everybody was hiding in our apartment and we had his gift wrapped in a big red bow in the living room...

SURPRISE!!

We went straight into a BBQ, he used his new grill we got him, he was so surprised and had such a good time. Of course I made him the best cake ever....hold on all you REESE Lovers

chocolate cake with peanut butter filling topped with chocolate peanut butter ganache!

The best thing he has ever had!

Then late at night him and the guys went night diving and speared some fish. The good times they always have with Joe night diving. What a great day!

July 4th Like No Other

2010-07-21T17:24:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun on the 4th of July! There was a huge show and gathering at Turtle Bay with loads of fun activities. Everybody gathered and when I say everybody, I mean half the Island. You bring blankets, food, sparklers and lots of friends. All of our neighbors went together and each brought a dessert, so yummy! We had so much fun. Ellah loved the firework show, they were right above us and she held on tight to Mommy and Daddy. Good thing we had carved a watermelon and filled it with fruit because it took about an hour to get out of the parking lot and Kaiya and Bells were hungry so Grandma Terri fed them and boy did they eat. We love the holidays here, our neighbors are the best buds we could ask for!

Priceless

2010-06-02T14:03:00.000-07:00

I couldn't ask for more!

Priceless

The other night I was sitting in a large old wicker chair in Bells' room with her in my arms. As I looked down at her innocent sweet little face, I couldn't help but smile and any ounce of stress drained from my body. The sun had just set and there was little light left in the room. All I could hear was her tiny breaths and the crash of the waves against the shore line. As I looked down at my beautiful daughter I was so happy. I couldn't ask for a better family. We are complete, it will always just be the three of us and I couldn't ask for more. I am proud to be called Mommy and a Wife.

While Daddy Was Sleeping!

2010-06-02T12:23:00.000-07:00

What happens when daddy is sleeping is between Bells and I. It was about a week ago when we needed to make out monthly town run. We would be leaving right after Miah's 10 o'clock class. He was exhausted from studying but Bells woke him up and he came out to play with us. He lounged across the couch and within minutes fell asleep again. How do men fall asleep so fast? I am jealous of this, it always takes me forever to fall asleep. We needed to fix up our piggies and so as I was painting our nails, a very sea, bright green color. Bells, I swear it was her, got a really good idea...

PaInT DaDdY's PiGgIeS tOo

I agreed and said to be very quite. She knew we were up to no good. As his foot was placed perfectly to be painted, I ever so carefully leaned over his sleeping body and painted one foot, all 5 piggies!! Bells just kept looking up at me smiling and laughing, the cutest thing ever. I was hoping that he wouldn't notice until town or even class because I knew he would be wearing slippers and everyone would notice. Well gosh darn it, I heard him yell my name when he was in the shower and by this time I had forgotten all about it. I was startled and ran to see what he wanted. As I entered the bathroom one very sea, bright green foot was sticking out of the shower. Let's just say, I am glad Bells got my feet and not his, can you say Hobbit?

Until next time Daddy, shhhhh and go to sleep!!

My Little Monster

2010-06-02T10:29:00.000-07:00

I wouldn't call myself a seamstress but I can get it done. I love to create and have fun. A good friend of mine made one of these cute sweatshirts for her son and I loved it. I decided I wanted to make one for Bells, to fit her personality...A MoNsTeR!! I loved the way it turned out and even better, she loves it too!! Too bad we live in Hawaii or else she could wear it more. I even made some more my nephews, who are even bigger monsters, I didn't think it was possible!!

Our Socks We Miss Thee

2010-06-02T09:38:00.000-07:00

Before we left for our move to Hawaii we went to visit my sister and her family...we had such an awesome time. Just to visit some of those memories, 104 degrees and no A/C, 9 people running around the house, spraying Nathan naked in the back yard, Poop Sandwhich, Miah and Ellah's first professional baseball game, Big Foot Java and spending 2 incredible weeks. It might be a good thing we live far away because Cory and Miah are quite the team. They gang up and rally everyone, including Ave and I.

As we were leaving I realized I had forgot socks and so I grabbed a pair of Cory's, not realizing they were one of his favorite pairs. He did notice as we were on the way to the airport, but I needed some. I told him I would mail them back as soon as we got settled. I had very much planned to do so too. But then I just kept wearing them, hiking and hiking (the only time one wears socks in Hawaii). But the more I wore them the more I did not want to mail them back. I loved those socks, not so much for the comfort or brand, they weren't Nike! But because every time I put those socks on, I thought of all those memories and of Cory...I loved it! They are now stained with many more memories and I made the call and told him they will not be returned. When I explained why, there was a lot of laughter but deep down I know they love it. So much cooler than a lucky pair of underwear!!

Happy Birthday Natalie!!

2010-05-06T19:26:00.000-07:00

To our Sweet Little Natalie....Happy 2nd Birthday! Last week we had a Minnie Mouse Birthday party to attend. What can we say about Natalie...either you can hear her downstairs calling for Ellah or me or else Ellah is upstairs calling for Natalie. We had the honor of making the birthday cake for the party and it was so much fun. The only difficult thing was finding black fondant. We usually make out own fondant for the cakes but if you have ever dipped your hand in cake decorating, coloring something truly black is a hard thing to do, even Ace of Cakes and Buddy The Boss buys his black and red fondant. So that morning we decided to make Minnie Mouse out of Chocolate Ganache, a hard thing to do in Hawaii. We just basically kept it all in the freezer until right before the party and then cut the cake right away. We love you to pieces Natalie!!

Elvie

2010-04-30T01:59:00.001-07:00

Elvie is just a name Miah and Axel made up because apparently they grew tired of saying both girls names, Ellah and Evie. Because we are always around the Diaz Family, the girls love playing with each other. We just say, where is Elvie? Someone get Elvie or grab Elvie. It just makes things so much easier. Elvie was given a push-pop on a hot day last week, they loved them. They were hosed down afterwards though and clothing was completely....

Optional! Way to go Evie!!

Lions and Tigers and Uncle Miah!!

2010-04-30T00:39:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago after a wonderful garage sale extravaganza in Kailua, we went to the Zoo!! It was a perfect Zoo day, not too hot and not too cold. Now, we ain't no Brian Fellows but we tried to learn as much as we can about all those crazy animals.

These are the Mexican Diazitas....okay so they weren't an exhibit but could very well be one, hahaha. Oh how we love Jenny, Axel, Lil' Axel and Evie!

It said to not feed the animals but Bells just wouldn't listen.

Yep, we are those parents. Hahaha, really they are called Walking Wings. They help her walk without holding our hand. As you can see, Miah has lots of slack, this leaves her walking all by herself. But she thinks we are holding her. What a lovely invention, sure saves our backs.

The porcupine we won't mention, he was far too inappropriate.

Which one of these next three animals was not an exhibit at the zoo?

Can you guess?

Maybe this one?

Poor Bells!!

We even saw a bird, not sure if he was a liar but he looked suspicious, what do you think?

I think the best part about the zoo was when we were all walking out of the petting zoo, Lil' Axel was telling his mom what he all saw, it went something like this....

I saw birds, fish, turtles, Uncle Miah, zebras, monkeys and a giraffe. I love how he made Miah out to be just another animal at the zoo, sometimes I think the same thing!!

Piggies!!

2010-04-30T00:27:00.000-07:00

We love to paint out piggies, especially when they match. I mean it too when I say "we", she loves to paint her piggies. This is one of my favorite things about having a girl. We have tried to get Daddy into painting his piggies too, ya know saying things like "the whole family is doing it" or "do it for Bells" but he still hasn't given in just yet. But I tell ya what...I give it till she turns 3 and he will have worn so many different shades that Revlon and Wet N Wild will be signing him as the spokesman. I can't wait till we can do more girl things, like hair, well not that I do much with hair but until then, we will be working on Daddy!!

Oh The Love

2010-04-20T22:22:00.000-07:00

I was cleaning the kitchen singing and dancing once again with Bells and hold the laughter...we were jammin' out to Miley Cyrus, Jonas Brothers, etc! I have no fear to admit that, I am actually proud!! Even Miah enjoys it. One of Miley's song, One in a Million came on and I was really listening to the lyrics. They are perfect for how I feel for my beloved husband. Oh, I remember now, I helped her write the song myself, hahaha. Not really but it sure feels that way.

How did i get here
I turned around and there you where
Didn´t think twice or rationalize
Cause somehow i knew
That there was more that just chemistry
I mean i knew you were kind of into me
But i figured it´s too good to be true

I said pinch me, where´s the catch this time
Can´t find a single cloud in the sky
Help me before i get use to this guy

They say that good things take time
But really great things happen in a blink
Of an eye
Thought the chances to meet somebody
Like you were a million to one
Can´t believe it
You´re one in a million

Millions of words come to my mind when I try to explain the love I have for the two most amazing people in my life, Jeremiah and Ellah. We fit together so well, a perfect triangle. It will always be just the three of us and we couldn't ask for anything else. I love the both of you so much. I hope that they feel the same way about me...hopefully they don't see me coming and think of a bellowing broccoli bully or a slave-driving, trash-mashing ogre, marathon runner, always-on-the-go, or a thundering humorless tyrant....hopefully!! I guess I could see the Ogre one...hmmm maybe Fiona, red hair and the height issue. Anyway...I just love my family more than anything. They are one in a million...thanks MILEY!!

Stages

2010-04-17T00:25:00.000-07:00

I love the different stages we are going through. This girl is the sunshine of our life. I could not imagine loving anything more, well I do love Miah oh so much but its a different kind of love. Anyway, she is trying to be like mommy and daddy ALL the time and I love it. She is learning too. She started blowing on her food, just like I was and it made me smile. She saw me wearing a sweatshirt and she wanted one too, she put mine on, hahaha. The best is watching her try to whistle after us. I was whistling on my first birthday and this girl isn't far behind. I just love this girl to pieces!!

Ode To Grandma

2010-04-17T00:17:00.000-07:00

We were going through some clothes and seeing if Bells fits them and we came across her robe. I love this robe, pink Nike, what more could you ask for? Miah tried it on her and we broke out laughing for what seems like hours. She looked just like Grandma. My mom had a robe that she loved and wore all the time, well around the house and yes sometimes in the yard and it wasn't much of anything, kinda like a thong, doesn't cover or do much but it looks cute. Finally we made her get a new robe, well she made herself a new robe, as you know my mom can sew like no other. But this picture if for you Mom.....

TVA Bake Sale

2010-04-17T00:07:00.000-07:00

We have had 2 Bake Sales and today was a good one! It is a way to make some extra money and share your talents, the yummy goodies. There is no businesses allowed in TVA so they came up with this. It is a busy day as I am trying to balance baking, rising and frosting everything. But it pays off and well I love baking. We made our to die for cinnamon rolls, our P.B. fudge to you can gain 10lbs from, a new recipe I tried- Snickerdoodle Cupcakes and nice and plump chocolate chip cookies. Bells even helped out with Daddy as they were the taste testers, I love to bake but hate to eat, which I guess is a good thing.

Strap Down Time!!

2010-04-16T23:56:00.001-07:00

I was doing something in the kitchen and I had put Bells in her highchair and gave her some cereal to keep her busy and well eating. I always chat, sing and play with her while in the kitchen. She loves singing and dancing with pots and pans, which is one of my favorites also!! I heard her giggle and I turned around and this is what I saw....The giggle, the reaction to me telling her no and then the what are you going to do about it pose....I believe it is time to strap this girl in, ya think?

Cake, Cake and More Cake

2010-04-16T23:29:00.000-07:00

We have been busy busy this past weekend with cakes. But we love it!! First we had a birthday party for Evie....Happy 1st Birthday Evie! Her parents Axel and Jenny are very good friends of ours, along with Lil' Axel the old brother. Her party was princess - frog themed and so we made a princess / castle / frog and everything else to go along with it cake. We had so much fun, everything was edible and oh so yummy! Then we had Lil' Gwen, she turned 2!! Her mom is oh so crafty and everything was sooo darling at the party. It was a bird themed party. So we made a bird cake sitting on a nest with some eggs, once again so much fun!! The last was a little gathering we had for Jennilee. She graduated her and her family were packing up and moving back to California. We decided to send her off with a cake. A chocolate cake with cherries mixed in, the shape of a graduation cap. It was surely a busy couple days but as I always say...we love decorating cakes!!

Summer is Here!!

2010-04-16T23:18:00.000-07:00

Everyone is probably saying you are crazy, it is always Summer in Hawaii. Well, not when you live here. I freeze pretty much every night, even during the days at times. Well last week it was the first hint of summer, meaning, the humidity started to kick in. I actually love it....that means, total beach days, shelling, long hot runs, and living the good life!! After a bike ride to the grocery store the other day Bells and I were walking to our place and she stopped at the bike....she was loving the weather and cruising the sidewalks. She is exactly like me...hates being inside! She knows when we start heading toward inside and that is when the attitude starts...that is what I get, right? Well here is to an awesome summer!!

Our Little Girl!!

2010-04-07T14:02:00.000-07:00

Bells is growing so fast, it just amazes me. I love every minute of being a mommy and spending all my time with the special spirit. She still scoots and it drives me nuts, either her clothes get ruined or else her diaper gets all messed up but this past week she had decided that crawling is okay but walking is so much better. She has been walking since December but is a chicken, must get it from her Daddy, hahaha. When she does walk, she runs, she must get that from her Mommy!! I have taught her where different body parts are and when I ask her where her nose is, she points to it and then sticks her finger right up her nostril and then laughs!! We showed Daddy when he came home and he couldn't stop laughing. I even got it on video tape, she won't be too happy with me when she gets older but what are parents for? She has a friend who lives in the mirror, she always goes straight for the mirror and sings, plays, paints and whatever else with her friend. She has grasped the concept yet that it is her reflection. We got her a couple new pairs of shoes because I don't want her to be like Daddy and squish bugs with her bare feet, gross!! Miah is doing great, finals are this week and he has straight A's, as always and is busy coaching a baseball team as well, being the only haole- white person. He has next week off and so it is beach, friend, family and zoo time!! I am doing good, I have had a rough week with my kidneys and other things. My Grandma was hit by a car and the (insert not nice word here) drive away and she is actually recovering, thank goodness. My sister is having a biopsy done on her breasts, the doctors believe they are cancerous. My best friend's brother passed away unexpectedly. Then a dear friend's daughter is in the hospital in a coma with Meningitis at only 11 years old. I have been praying more than anybody on this planet this past week and been holding my family closer than usual. I ask for prayers from everyone for my friends and family. We have Faith that everything will turn out okay. Please keep all of them in your prayers!!

We Will Miss You Cache!!

2010-04-07T13:56:00.000-07:00

It is indeed a sad time. I have been babysitting Cache three days a week for a couple months now and well Jennilee (mommy) is graduating and so they will be moving back to California next week. Cache and Ellah love each other so much, people even think they are twins!! This family is extra special because Logan (daddy) was one of the missionaries who taught me, how crazy that we both ended up here!! We will miss you guys so much!! Just look how sad Cache is....

2010-04-07T13:36:00.001-07:00

We were so busy this Easter, what is new? But yes we had a blast. It started off Friday morning with a huge group of us dying some Easter eggs. This we put on by Chandra and I, keeping on the traditions of our past lives on the Mainland. We had to do this and it was so much fun. We had a few first timers, Sandra- you crazy girl and of course the Veterans and the Hulk even showed up to help. Then Saturday we had a TVA Easter egg hunt, which was short lived but fun. Then of course Easter morning with just the three of us, as always the highlight of my life. I just love spending time with my wonderful husband and beautiful daughter Bells. Then I put on an Easter egg hunt Sunday afternoon, the children had been inside all weekend due to conference so we wanted them to get out and as always they were anxious to play together. While I gave a spiritual thought on Easter in my apartment with all the kiddos, the husbands were off hiding the eggs and making baby powder bunny tracks on the sidewalk. At the end, I heard a loud noise, looked outside and shouted "EASTER BUNNY". All the kids ran outside and instantly saw the footprints and had never been more amazed. After finding the eggs the kids took turns looking at the tracks and trying to find out where they led to. Bells was pretty funny trying to find the eggs, she was more interested with the plastic than the candy, GOOD GIRL!! Who likes chocolate anyway? I love it here, it is like one big family. I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter and hope the Easter Bunny came your way too!!

The Way of Life

2010-03-28T22:40:00.000-07:00

I love Hawaii but more so I love the way of live in Hawaii. You are no longer just Shelle or Miah but Auntie Shelle and Uncle Miah to everyone, even complete strangers. People are so generous here. There is no rush or stress or even deadline. Time is a complete standstill. Shoes are rarely worn, shirts- what are those? Miah goes everywhere barefoot and nobody looks in disgust. He even killed a cockroach by stepping on it barefooted, if that is not local, I am not sure what is. While on vacation to the Big Island we came across this town and this is what the stop signs look like...it makes me love it even more and explains how we live here on the Islands.

Partaay!!

2010-03-28T22:36:00.001-07:00

Just a few more pictures from Ellah's party!!

A Little Late....

2010-03-28T22:24:00.001-07:00

Sorry about the crazy posts or lack of really. Well here are a few pictures from Ellah's 1st Birthday. She loved opening up her presents, eating her cake and blowing our the candles with Daddy. Miah and I made the cake. We were thinking about starting our own cake business but TVA shut that down fast, in fact all business potentials. Oh well I guess. Enjoy!!

2010-03-12T23:12:00.000-08:00

This crazy baby is almost walking. She's just started to scoot her little booty across the floor, but is doesn't seem to be to her liking because she things it's not fast enough.

Ellah loves her bath time, she spends most of it splashing around and trying to drink her bath water either by plunging her face straight down into the water, or flushing her face by trying to drink from her overflowing cup. Both of which are really funny to see.

Just in case everyone was wondering, we made it through the tsunami, it was amazing. Nothing happened. We actually started up a grill just before it was supposed to hit our island. We had it going upstairs so it would have been fine at any rate.

As you well know, it's been quite some time since we've updated this here blog, our excuse, well, we live in Hawaii. We just don't spend as much time on the computer anymore.

Jeremiah's classes have been going good and his schedule is great with Tuesdays and every other Thursday off we've had some time to do some upgrades and decorations to the apartment (pictures coming soon).

Mommy Talk

2010-01-22T15:08:00.000-08:00

So when I was without kiddos, I laughed because Moms always talked your ear off. I thought man those certain woman really just like to talk. I had no problem with it but just noticed it. I love to talk too, just not on the phone. I get it from my mom, talking is normal, it means you are social and have a personality! Well now that I have a child of my own, I now know what is is like to get a visitor. I love it when I see someone who doesn't speak gibberish. I take advantage of it, especially since I am usually cleaning or something while they stop by. I love how you see different stages of life and how each change your position on things. I will thank my mom for that talking thing, because of it, I have lots of great people in my life and there is always something to talk about!!

Max and Mum Mums

2010-01-22T15:02:00.000-08:00

We have some good friends here, The Hannamenn Family and they have CUTE kids. Well the middle little guy is Max. He reminds me so much of our niece Reece, tons of energy and the cutest things alive. I stopped by their house for a visit the other day and Max had me look at some family pictures, pointing out everyone, it was cute. He missed his cousins back in Arizona and I am sure they miss him, who wouldn't? We were done and then he said we have a picture of Ellah, Jenni (his mom) said only on the computer and he insisted they had a picture. So we asked to see it and he pulled out of the cupboard the Mum - Mum Wafer Box and said, "See it is Ellah." We laughed because little ones are so smart because I was wondering how on earth they got a picture of my darling little girl...this baby looks so much like Ellah and Max had made that observation. We love you Max!!!

Maunawili Hike

2010-01-22T14:35:00.000-08:00

Over the long weekend a huge group of us decided to take a hike. Everybody tagged along and had a blast. It was a perfect hike, not just the boring trail hike, we had to cross a few streams, crawl over the logs, jump over the tree roots and then climb stairs (which the kiddos were pretending they were train tracks)....shoot three pregnant woman did it!! Power to the women for sure!! At the end was a waterfall which led into a small waterhole where people would dive into, SCARY!! There was a small hole just deep enough from the high spot. We had so much fun, each one of us took care of all the kids, as long as somebody had a little hand, it was okay. We did get pretty muddy, which made for more fun. Here are a few pictures of the crew....The group at the beginning of the hike, Moore Family, Crosby Crew, team work while crossing the steam, Mexican family trying to cross the border, The Taylor Three, cute little Braden and Kolea, Bells hanging out on Daddy's back, Hundley Family, and finally the end, which looks like everyone else on the Island had the same idea of a hike that day. But we had a blast and afterwards, we went to the beach and relaxed with lots of food. Great day, great hike and great Friends, life couldn't get any better than this!!!

GERMS GO AWAY!!!

2010-01-22T12:33:00.000-08:00

With moving to TVA along comes germs. All the little ones caught the same virus. Poor Bells had been running a fever of 101 since Saturday, she wouldn't eat anything, diarrhea and sleeping. Along with this, she is cutting her K9 ( C, H) for you who know the dental lingo. The hardest teeth of all, so far. With 8 teeth, I am glad I am weaning her, hahaha. The only sad thing is, we went back on weaning because she wouldn't eat anything, her throat was swollen and so she would nurse a little bit, just for comfort. Yesterday she was given a good shot of antibiotics, this morning she woke up a completely different little girl! I love modern day medicine! Our baby is back!!! Here is back to weaning!!

Ka'ena Hike

2010-01-22T12:25:00.000-08:00

We went for a hike with the Hitz family a few weeks ago to Ka'ena Point. It is such a great hike, easy and beautiful. A beach half way to relax for a minute and then a light house at the end and beach with a little pool to swim in. We were lucky on the hike because we saw whales, albatross nesting and once again seals coming right up to us and barking. I love this place! We don't even have to worry about running into bears!!

Old Place to New Place

2010-01-22T12:06:00.000-08:00

We moved apartments in the beginning of January. We are happy and sad at the same time. We lived in the nicest apartment within 3 towns and loved it. We had our privacy, our own secluded beach, awesome neighbors who always gave us fish, going running and then jumping in the ocean afterwards, it was just a beautiful apartment, it helped that the owner was fabulous! We moved to campus marriage housing, it was great for the bank account!! We have had some troubles when we moved in, they didn't have time finish the "to do list" and they just moved us in. I scrubbed and bleached EVERYTHING!! I guess that is what happens when you work in any medical field, you are insane when it comes to germs! We had trouble with maintenance getting in here to fix things but we are glad they are almost done. The other night, the wind blew the mirror in the bathroom off the wall that we had told them to fix, glass everywhere and a HUGE hole in the wall. CRAZY! As much as we miss being able to walk around naked and our own beach....we love our new home! We have wonderful friends everywhere. It is good for Michelle and Bells because they are close to the other mom and kids. We are very happy here and still visit our old apartment often to see Perry, Teora and Ka'ena! Here are a few pictures of our old apartment, Ka'ena one night on the bluff, "our" beach (bathtub beach) and then the three of us on a kayak!

Advice for Bells

2010-01-22T11:32:00.000-08:00

Through many situations and observing....one lesson we have decided to teach Bells is to be yourself. Many people need to read and understand this one. We love it....

Why waste all your time and energy trying to fit it,

When you were born to stand out!!

Holiday Cakes

2010-01-22T11:25:00.000-08:00

We are really getting into the cake business, well fun of it anyway. We made some over the Christmas break. One was for a friends family reunion and the other was for the homeless shelter on Christmas Eve. Everything is edible. We made our own modeling chocolate and made the snowmen and penguins. We are so excited for Ellah's birthday cake....a 3D gumball machine, pictures will be posted, hopefully it turns out as expected.

The Twins

2010-01-22T11:19:00.000-08:00

I babysit a little guy named Cache. His father is actually the missionary who taught me in North Dakota (saying with the accent). It is really cool that we both ended up here and our children just a few months apart. People often mistake them for each other because they are both usually naked, always tan and just CUTE!! They even act like siblings, fight over toys and then share!!

The Weiner in Weaning

2010-01-22T11:11:00.000-08:00

The grass is always greener on the other side, right? Well my Nephrologist told me to have her weaned by December due to my kidneys but I really wanted to hold on to that and he knew it. So when we went in and I didn't have it done, he gave me the look and said by February! Well I am in the process of getting it done and well I thought it would be harder on Bells but nope, ughhhh. It is hard on me, so emotional. Then the stress of asking yourself, is she getting enough? She is. We made the decision to not use formula since she was a preemie and NO BOTTLES!! She is doing great so far, it is just me. I am not sure if the other mothers have this problem and it could just be that I won't get to breast feed again and she is growing up so fast! My baby is almost a year old! Funny because you want to be done with it and then when it comes that time, you want to hold on to it and well really it is so much easier at times. But both of us are doing great with it and soon enough, she will be a solid girl!!

Fat Girl on a Diet?

2010-01-22T11:03:00.000-08:00

Ellah is a very voluptuous baby girl! She is tipping the scales at 26.4 lbs and to tell you the truth I am scared because she has grown out of size 5 diapers and the next step is 6 (toddler size) with less diapers for more money. I am ready to potty train this girl! Some people give me looks of shame because I have a very "healthy" baby and others love to just squeeze her chubs. Either way I am proud to have pure cream for milk! She is now eating EVERYTHING she can get her hands on and I love it! Here are some lovely chubby moment pictures and maybe if I didn't let her get into the fridge when she wanted, we might not have this problem, hahaha!!

Lucky I'm in Love With My Best Friend

2010-01-22T10:44:00.000-08:00

Last December we celebrated our 2 year. Even though some days get hectic and I don't see him much due to school and running around with a little monster...I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful husband, one who I share so much interests with, what can I say, he is my best friend! Here is a poem he wrote to me and gave me.

The day we wed

Will always be

The one I love

my fondest memory

My favorite gift

I've had since then

Are all the days

With me you've been

The greatest thing

That I could see

Is you with me

On our Anniversary

Destined to play sports

2010-01-16T15:13:00.000-08:00

Some might say how wrong it is to say SHE WILL play sports but really, with parents as active as us, she is destined to play sports. A good thing about Ellah going to be our only child is we can take her everywhere and do a lot of things. She has already spent a good amount of time on the basketball court, softball field, hiking, swimming, running and even at the bowling alley. Especially with a daddy like Jeremiah, he is always trying to get her to play with the basketball. She is not going to be a dainty princess that is for sure. We've seen proof of this. Some of daddy's favorite times with Bells!

Cruel and Mean Parents

2010-01-16T15:07:00.001-08:00

I am laughing right now because the entertainment parents get from the cruel things they do to their children. But really, it is soooo funny. Just last night we all got together and played games, one of the little guys, Mason, was the only baby awake and he is just 6 months and his dad put a pillow under him and would scoot his little legs back and watch him fall face first into the pillow, sounds mean but hilarious. No children were harmed during this time! Mason was actually enjoying it. This was a toy that Jeremiah (Santa) put in my stalking. Of course after sizing it up, we realized it would fit Ellah's head and here is the evidence!!

Dreamin' About the Future

2010-01-16T15:02:00.000-08:00

This picture is one of our favorites and who could argue? One afternoon in our backyard or is it a backbeach? Anyway....she is thinking about something hopefully her future or probably whats for lunch!!

Water Baby!!

2010-01-16T14:55:00.001-08:00

That was one of the reasons we wanted to move from Alaska, there is just more possibilities when raising a child and we are glad because Ellah enjoys the water so much. Living in Hawaii is perfect for this reason. No matter what, we can just go jump in the ocean and we never leave home without swimsuits and towels. She is learning how to swim, seriously, we tell her to kick and she goes at it and well it helps out that she has her own natural floating device! She loves putting her face in the water too, way more than Mommy does!

Her Daddy Side

2010-01-16T14:46:00.000-08:00

I have finally caught a few pictures of her daddy side and this is exactly how daddy looks when sitting on the couch relaxing. She for some reason found her arm rests in her car seat and LOVES them. She is so excited to use them when we put her in and then when we take her out....she gets ery grumpy, kinda like daddy!!

Are there such things as baby bras?

2010-01-15T12:41:00.001-08:00

Please anyone let me know if you have heard or seen of a baby bra! We are in desperate need of one for Ellah. If not then we are going into business and making some money....

Exactly like her Mother

2010-01-15T12:19:00.000-08:00

I love looking at my daughter and seeing myself and at the same time seeing my husband. There is just something so amazing about that. We get a little of both, some people say she looks so much like her daddy and then some people say she looks so much like her mommy. Her sleeping ways are just like mommy and how she can't sit still for more than a minute, she has her mommy's personality SO much.... My mom says that is what I get, I was a little devil of a child, not a bad one just always busy. These remind me so much of some of my very own baby pictures! Nothing like a mommy and daughter!!

Stages

2010-01-15T12:00:00.000-08:00

I love the stages and milestones they go through but gee they go so fast! Ellah loved the jogger and well she still does but now she loves to get out and help push, which goodness takes quite a bit longer. Even the grocery store visit takes a very long time but I love it. She already wants to drive a car too!!

Sadly Thankful...

2009-12-24T22:48:00.001-08:00

Kinda sounds funny I know but as I am sitting at home sadly missing my husband I haven't really seen the last few days, I can't help but to be so thankful. I have so many things....It is Christmas Eve and Jeremiah has been working at the Aloha Stadium the last few days, all day in Honolulu. The semester is finally done and gosh darn, he is working. But how thankful I am for such a hard working, goal oriented and motivated husband. This makes me REALLY thankful for the profession he is going into, Dentistry...all this time away will pay off! I am so happy for the opportunity to live in Paradise, nothing like the feel of sand between your toes and you can run every day year round! I have a beautiful and healthy little girl, I couldn't imagine life without her! My family who called many times today to make sure I was staying busy, love you guys! My wonderful neighbors, who brought goodies and invited us to the beach to enjoy the many rays of sunshine. To families like the Hannemann Family...the world needs more people like you guys, feeding the homeless, you guys make for such a great example to my family. I am so thankful for the friendship I have gained here, it is all around. The Hitz Clan...always having people over to share food, your beach and the laughs. It was nice to see those smiley faces tonight, you guys are wonderful! I am grateful tonight more than anything for my Heavenly Father and all he has done for me. One could not explain how happy and thankful I am for EVERYTHING in my life....wishing all my loved ones a very merry Christmas!!

Mommy and Kiddos

2009-12-17T12:42:00.000-08:00

Ilove Mommy and kiddos beach day! While we are soakin' up the sun, we don't forget about our amazing husbands who are working hard at school. A few weeks ago a few friends and I went to Turtle Bay and had a sun filled day, lots of fun. Iuliana and her daughter Mikayla, Katie and her son Pattrick and then Ellah and I. Pattrick was our lifeguard making sure we stayed safe! Sadly these two wonderful families are leaving for the mainland and we wish them good luck and love them lots!!

SANTA....she now knows him!!

2009-12-17T12:21:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday we had our Ward Christmas Party and Santa came for a visit too!! Since Ellah has been a very good girl this year, Santa was very nice and gave her a candy cane. She also sat on his lap with Maili, which is her best bud! You should see these two together, they can spot each other from across the room and they both get so excited. I love it!!

2009-12-12T23:56:00.000-08:00

She is the both of us...

Life couldn't get any better...

Stef did some a fantastic job, we are so thankful for all that she did!

Just the 3 of Us

2009-12-12T23:52:00.001-08:00

As I promised a few other pictures from our family photo shoot....

Where is a babysitter when we need one?

2009-12-11T20:05:00.000-08:00

We had a photo shoot last week and we loved this shot!! I will post a few more later on but this one just says it all!!

Almost....

2009-12-09T15:51:00.000-08:00

All Mommy and Daddy wants for Christmas is Ellah to walk. She is extremely close and we spend almost all day walking around but at 6'1" and 5'10" Mommy and Daddy are getting a little sore in the lower back area. Most people say, when they start walking, you will want them to go back...We are so ready! Michelle spends most of the day outside, running, walking, beach bummin' and riding bikes with Ellah. As you all know her, she doesn't really sit still much, bring it on Ellah!

Chubby The Long Lost Reindeer

2009-12-09T15:30:00.000-08:00

Many of you know that Santa had 9 Reindeer but to a HUGE surprise, believe it or not, there are actually 10 reindeer pulling that jolly man's sleigh! Jeremiah and I found the reindeer at FoodLand munching on all the goodies in the sugar isle. So we snuggled her right up and took her home with us. Why she was told to stay back in the North Pole while Santa and the other 9 reindeer were delivering presents to all the good little boys and girls....

She weighed the sleigh down too much, Chubby the long lost reindeer stays and helps test the Christmas snacks and what a great job she does!!

Garage Sales with Grandma

2009-12-03T23:55:00.000-08:00

When I was younger my Grandma and Grandpa would come and visit, Grandma would always take us girls to garage sales. I was never really into it as much, but over the years I have become more interested. Garage sales in Alaska or anywhere else usually last what 3 days, Friday through Sunday and they go from no earlier than 8am and no later than 5pm. Let me tell you about Hawaii and their garage sales...I think it is almost worse than the infamous Black Friday. We learned this very early on. We always find them on Craigslist ahead of time. One of our first encounters, the post said 6am - 11am, no early birds!! We thought, 6am is an early bird, we thought wrong!! Luckily Ellah woke early that morning and we all packed up and got to the sale early, or so we thought. It was packed and when asked about the items we were looking for, they said they were gone, as Miah looked down at his watch it read 6:01am. She actually told us she had people knocking on her door at 3am for the garage sale. CRAZY PEOPLE!! So we have turned garage sales into a competitive hobby and it is fun but crazy! They usually just last one day and only for a few hours. They are amazing prices because people are usually leaving the islands and HAVE to get rid of the items. But here it is not unheard of to have people knocking on your doors at night and that is why they say NO EARLY BIRDS!! I love finding treasures, our recent was Pyrex Baking dishes for $2 of all sizes, amazing. I guess garage sales with Grandma really payed off, thank you so much Grandma, Ellah even loves it!!

Gingerbread Houses

2009-12-03T12:32:00.000-08:00

We started off the Christmas Season on Tuesday December 1st with making gingerbread houses. There was a big group of us, The Hannemann Family and The Hitz Family. I was super excited to get started because I had never made anything out of gingerbread before, Jeremiah was just as excited for me. We had gingerbread house kits, sleigh kits and of course making our own out of graham crackers....what a joy!! Of course Jeremiah taught the little guys some good ways to clean up the frosting, just lick the bag. Leaving the houses as one big community germ pool but they were still delicious! Ryan and Chandra Hitz were kind enough to let us start the season off at their beautiful beach house, thanks a ton guys!! We hope everyone is enjoying the start of their Christmas Season too.

Daddy dressed me...

2009-11-21T11:47:00.001-08:00

I am not sure if Miah is going to be in charge of dressing Bells anymore. We were shopping the other day and Daddy found some clothes for Bells. I do have to say she would make a cute little boy too!

Ellah giving a helping hand

2009-11-21T11:41:00.001-08:00

On Saturday mornings we go out to our Ward's Farm and help maintain it. Last Saturday was a lot of hard work, especially for the boys. Ellah was insisting on helping out, she is just too funny. She already want to help with everything and EAT everything. Did we mention she just crossed over to the size 5 diapers, my sister nicknamed her Elephant and it is really starting to fit.

Happy 1st Birthday Reef!

2009-11-21T11:21:00.000-08:00

Thursday Reef turned one and we helped out his mom Jenni, with making a birthday cake for the party on Friday. Jeremiah and I had so much fun with this little project. We decided to go with the caterpillar from Baby Einstein and even made a bash cake so Reef can dig into his own. They turned out great and we had a blast at the birthday party!

3 Stages of Ellah

2009-11-09T11:03:00.000-08:00

Stage 1- Going for a walk

Stage 2- Shoving her face after her vigorous walk

Stage 3- Falls asleep with a full tummy...what a life!!

Yabba Dabba Doo!!

2009-11-09T10:34:00.000-08:00

Halloween was a ton of fun this year!! We had our Ward Party and for all you Twilight fans, Edward Cullen was even there, hahaha. Then we went trick-o-treating on Moana Street, the best in town. It is nice here, we don't have to wear snowpants under our costumes! Ellah started to wave that night, when people would give her candy, she would wave and give a big ole' grin. We went as the Flintstones and had such a good time. Check out the Oompa Loompas too!

Just Do It

2009-10-26T19:11:00.000-07:00

"There are clubs you can't belong to, Neighborhoods you can't live in, Schools you can't get into, but the roads are always open. Just do it."

I grew up with that quote stuck in my mind and it hung above my bed on a poster that I loved dearly!! I have been thinking about it a lot lately, running that is. I love it so much and it is my serenity, if I am stressed or I can't relax, Jeremiah sends me to the road. I am completely relaxed and at ease while running. Nobody can touch me and I am not a mom nor a wife, not that I don't like being those but I am just me. You don't need anything but yourself, no matter where you are, you can always go running. That is one of the best things to me about going places or moving, I can't wait to get there and find "my trails". I swore to Jeremiah that when I went into labor I wanted to have my new pair of running shoes he got me for a present on, since I was unable to run throughout my whole pregnancy and my MP3 because I would of been totally relaxed then, hahaha. I usually hit any and every race I can get to, no matter what. Saturday I was given a test, yeppers. I have been sick for 2 weeks. I first had some kidney episodes again and that caused my immune system to hit the bottom and then I came down with a bad virus. I was so sick I didn't look at those pink Nike running shoes with so many miles on them I can't even count. Well my friend called and told me about the race, I was like heck yes!!! Then instantly I thought, no way, I have two people that need me to be healthy. Jeremiah has midterms he needs to study for and his focus needs to be on that and mine with Ellah. Those two people mean more to me than anything, I can't be selfish. I thought how much my life has changed since having our beautiful baby girl and how wonderful it is to be a parent!! The roads will always be there for me to run but right now it will have to wait...I two more important things.

Laundry, Eating, Hats and More

2009-10-20T10:28:00.000-07:00

Last week was a rough one for us but we made it through! Jeremiah is pretty busy with school now and getting ready for midterms. He has now decided to minor in Psychology, which is a really good idea to go along with Denistry. My kidneys flared up on me again and this time is was pretty bad, leaving me laying down for the week but after my visit with my Nephrologist, it is pretty common and there is nothing that can be done. I was put on a shorter call every 2 month to monitor my kidneys. Ellah had Roseola and now has a cough and runny nose. All I have to say is I have one amazing husband, he has been wonderful through this all. Us two girls will keep him on his feet. Some recent pictures of Ellah eating, helping with laundry, playing with Daddy's hat and just being her normal cuteness.

Cake Boss!!

2009-10-06T13:27:00.000-07:00

Jeremiah and I have a new favorite past time and it is great because we work as a team so well. We love cake decorating, ya know the fancy kind. We have gradually started to get things here and there, all those special tools. This is our first cake, not too fancy but we were very happy. It is so much fun. We have so many ideas and can't wait to get started. Poor guy, I hate cake and chocolate and so this leaves Jeremiah with lots of cake. We do have lots of people over to help eat it though. We made this one for the Ward BBQ after conference.

Thanks Grandma and Papa!!

2009-09-26T11:43:00.000-07:00

Ellah loves her crib so much!! We put a few jungle stuffed animals in with her and she thinks she is the coolest baby on the Island. She wanted to tell Papa and Grandma thanks for her crib and of course Grandma for making her whole crib set and wall hangings!! Thanks bunches from the Three of Us!!

Ellah and her helmet!!

2009-09-21T13:29:00.000-07:00

Giving me the thumbs up to let me know she likes it too!! Ellah finally fits her helmet and she looks sooo stinkin' cute!! We found the helmet when we bought the bikes and it was just too big but we knew she would need it soon. Well that day came Saturday when we were headed to the beach with our Ward to clean it up. It is the coolest helmet ever, it comes with 3 different covers- frog, bumble bee and a fish. They just velcro right on. Did I mention we pierced her ears when we first got here? Yet, people still call her a boy. I think that is because she only wears a diaper. I am asked very often if she is Polynesian because she is VERY tan and also due to her size!! A comment just made me laugh the other day. We were out walking and some people walked past and after doing so, I heard "Did you see that fat boy?" What can ya do but laugh it off? She is our little (big) princess and we love every fat roll on her body!!

School Started!!

2009-09-18T18:55:00.000-07:00

Well we are finally off to a long road...school officially started yesterday and Jeremiah was so excited. We made sure his lunch was packed, he got the no talking to strangers talk and to look both ways before crossing the street (as he rides his bike to school). My mom even called and made sure he was all ready for his first day, hahaha. Ellah got her first tooth, well half-way in at least. She did really good, no fussing or anything. We have seriously been blessed with a wonderful and easy going child. She is just about days away from crawling, she wants to so bad but just isn't there yet. So because of it being Jeremiah's big day yesterday...this picture is for him!! I love my plumbers oh sooo much!! Hmmm, maybe we should find a nude beach to help out with the tan lines!!

Settled!!

2009-09-04T14:45:00.001-07:00

Sorry we have not updated lately...our internet connection went crazy. But we are doing great. We are finally getting our own little groove. The people here are fabulous. The whole atmosphere is just great, so relax, way different than back home. Ellah is a little person now, one night I tucked her into bed and then she woke up a little person....it is crazy!! We got her a walker and she loves it. She thinks she is the coolest kid on the Island, hahaha. We do a lot of walks, bike rides, snorkeling and hiking trips. Jeremiah starts school here in a few weeks, he is looking forward to that. I cut my hair off, not because of the heat or because I am a mom now, just a little change, nothing too bad but it is fun. Hope everyone is doing well.

Bike Ride with Mommy

2009-08-12T14:07:00.000-07:00

This is how we get around through town...Ellah loves riding the bike with Mommy and Daddy!!

Washington and Hawaii

2009-08-12T13:52:00.000-07:00

We are finally in Hawaii, actually we have been here for almost 2 weeks. We love it, we have been really busy trying to get settled in. We got a car and bikes, just fantastic. It is really starting to feel like home now...I'd love to say we miss it in Alaska but we really don't, just the people. I will get better at keeping this updated now that we are finally settled....love you guys!!

Ellah's First Race

2009-06-22T10:35:00.000-07:00

As everyone knows, I love to run and I couldn't wait to get Ellah into her first race. So when the Kenai River Run came around, I signed us up. It was a blast and Ellah and Mommy both wore our Nike running clothes, of course. Good thing I had a jogger and that Ellah goes running often because most of the course was on a dirt road, all I could think of was "Never Shake a Baby"....she was fine and she won her age division, she also got her name in the paper. I was so proud.

I finally had to go to Anchorage for the Kidney Biopsy and right now, I am pretty sore. The procedure went really well, thanks to Diazepam but the recovery hasn't been so much fun. But because of the most amazing husband ( in my eyes) he has been helping me out with everything. The worst thing, I can't even lift my own daughter, mostly because she is too heavy, hahaha. I actually am so proud of that. Besides everything...we are living life and loving every minute of being a family.

Yikes

2009-05-29T12:47:00.000-07:00

Well everyone....it has been a long time and well Ellah is huge and doing just fabulous. Are you ready for this...she is just shy of 16lbs at 3 1/2 months, ahhhhhh. She is just perfectly healthy!! She is starting to get some teeth, yeah! That is loads of fun, actually not too bad. We took her swimming last week because she loved her bath time sooo much, turns out she loves the pool just as much. So she will love Hawaii, which we leave very soon!! She is getting such a personality and smiling soooo much, it is just wonderful. Jeremiah and I are doing great, life is good, we couldn't ask for anything else!! We hope everyone is doing good...

Dr. Jeremiah Taylor

2009-04-05T19:43:00.000-07:00

The last two days our niece Emmarie has had a loose tooth and well since I work at the Dental Office, she seems to think I am the only one, well and Jeremiah, who can pull it. By telling her popsicles will put her tooth to sleep, she was pigging out on those...that is when Dr. Taylor came in, she was so brave and overly excited when Jeremiah pulled her tooth out, yeppers, with pliers. So Dr. Taylor had his first extraction today and it went fabulous!! Here is to the future...

2009-03-29T21:43:00.000-07:00

Well Ellah's been doing good. She's up to 10 lbs now, eating like an animal all day long. She's really been getting used to being held. She has a hard time falling asleep now without being held-thanks to mama. When she gets up in the morning she gets pretty fussy, but all she wants to do is cuddle with us in bed, also a wonderful habit learned from mama. Oh well, we'll see how those habits play out in the near and distant future. It's a ball though, and we're loving every minute of it. Getting more excited by the day we take off for school.

2009-03-24T13:32:00.000-07:00

Well Ellah was blessed and it was amazing. I cried like I knew I would. The best thing of all was that my family came, it means so much to Jeremiah, Ellah and I for them to be involved, thanks to them, we love you. Well 5 months till we are in Hawaii and we could not be more ready!!

Oh and we are finally settling on the baby shower, hahaha, it has been canceled twice but this Saturday the 28th at 2:00pm, get ahold of me if you need directions. Well that is about it for now. Ellah is doing great growing like a weed but we love it. Hope everyone is doing well!!

Oh Happy Days....

2009-03-15T21:12:00.000-07:00

Today was great, we were all able to go to church as a family...it was amazing! Next week Ellah is going to be blessed, so anybody and everybody, next Sunday at 10am! This last week at least has been crazy. I came down with this horrible virus leaving us back in the Hospital twice and more tests, once again my husband is amazing and wonderful, he was the wonder dad again and took care of her mostly!! He also put on a surprise birthday party for me, it was great!! He blind folded me and took our family for a drive and untied me and Ellah was holding a ring in her hands for me, the cutest thing in the world. But it was so nice to have everyone at our house to share my huge 25th birthday, hahaha.
Ellah is doing great, weighing 8lbs now, I asked the doctor when do we need to put her on a diet, she is a little piggy! She scared Jeremiah so bad. She burped and then instantly it came out of the other end and he swore it went through her clothes and blankets and then said your turn to change her...I was laughing pretty hard. Oh and we are officially moving to Hawaii in August, Miah is going to school for pre-dental, bascially heading down a long road. We are so happy to be leaving, officially being able to be a family, having that alone time and start our own traditions...
Hope everyone is doing well and we'll see you next Sunday!!

2009-03-12T22:12:00.000-07:00

She's just the cutest thing in the whole world. She's up to an astonishing 7 lbs 10 oz. She's a true porker, after her mother. She's doing fantastic and everything is great, just so you know.

We Can't Help That She's an Angel

2009-03-05T09:58:00.000-08:00

We can't even fine the words to explain these.....

The Taylor Brood Has Arrived Home!!

2009-03-01T20:50:00.000-08:00

Well we made it...home sweet home. It is so nice to finally have our family in our own home. We are still very busy, since everything was last minute we did not have really any time to get things together at home. So that is what we have been trying to do and well get all the paperwork with the birth certificate and SS# all going. She is still too small to breast feed every time and for one feeding so I am pumping alot, while feeding and then putting her to bed. It is all a cycle, feed, change, pump, clean, and then put her to sleep...but I LOVE IT!! I will have to say I can't wait till I don't have to pump any more. I am counting down the weeks till I can run again, oh I am so excited. Recovery is still going but well near the end. That getting cut in half thing is really not so fun. But she was so worth it.

Jeremiah is back to work now and hates leaving his little girl and wife I am sure, hahaha. He comes home and as soon as he walks in the door, his eyes light up at the site of his new family, it is such a wonderful thing to see. He is such a good father, hands on all the way. We have learned many diaper lessons so far...I have been pooped on at 5am and he has changed multiple blow out diapers, which are his fault anyway, due to not putting the diaper on right. Ellah still has gas like her daddy...I am sad to say I will be the mom with the stinky kid in school. But with her being cute as a button, the boys will overlook the smell.

Ellah had her first doctor appt. on Tuesday and she is growing so fast. Everyone says she is so small and Jeremiah and I look at her and think she is so big now...it is amazing. She is now over a pound over her birth weight, fantastic. She also has little chubby cheeks and her little thighs are getting some fat on them. The doctor has told us we need to wait a few more weeks for Ellah to visit and for visitors....it bummed us out because I want to take her out and show her off...we can't help she is such an angel. But since she is so small still, she needs to get a little stronger and all those germs are not so good. So to all of you waiting...just a few more weeks.

Our nieces and nephews love their new little cousin, Emmarie loves to help with everything. She is just so interested with everything from how does she get from here to there, breast feeding, she even offered her Polly Pocket clothes for Ellah to wear, hahaha. I love it, pure inocence of a child. I hope everyone is having a good time and enjoying life, as we are!!

Splish Splash Ellah is Taking a Bath!

2009-02-16T23:31:00.000-08:00

We have a piggy on our hands, yepper doodles, Miss Ellah Grace Taylor is weighing in at a whopping 5lbs 3.8oz....she gained 2.8 oz just today and she even pooped. The nurse told us that is amazing, since she performed such a large duty and still gained that much. She has now moved to a 2 breast and 2 bottle feedings a day. She is just doing fabulous, we have surely been blessed. We are hoping to go home soon. It will be so nice to be at OUR home and just relax with our bundle of joy.

So today Daddy gave Ellah her first bath, our stinky little girl needed one. Those large feet of hers were getting a little stinky, like Daddy. She loved it, just relaxed, very relaxed, in fact she just let it all come out, luckily it was towards the end of her bath.

Alla Hjartans Dag

2009-02-14T10:38:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day!!
For a little catch-up, Ellah is doing fantastic, she's graduated from the big bulky incubator to a sleek, new, big-girl crib that's open. She also gets to wear clothes now. When we first went in to see her with clothes on the nurse had put newborn clothes on her and it looked as if she was wearing a big ol' tent. It was pretty funny lookin' (she gets that from her mom). She's also doing pretty well on her bottle/breast feedings. She doesn't get to try very often though as it tires her out quite a bit. She does take about half the amount of her food through the bottle or breast, so she just need to build up her endurance. She gets 1 bottle and 1 breast feeding a day, when she gets better at it we'll move up to 2 and 2, then start doing more breat feeding then bottle and so on and so forth. All in all she's doing wonderfully, we're pretty much just waiting for her to get stronger and better at eating. We'll see how long it takes her to learn it. Well, we'd like to thank you all for your continued support and prayers, we really appreciate it. We love you all.

Happy One Week Birthday Baby Girl!!!

2009-02-11T18:28:00.000-08:00

Ellah is now one week old and doing FANTASTIC!! The nurses are always so happy and surprised with her progress, as well as her mommy and daddy!! She is becoming more alert each and every day, it is so amazing. It is usually when we are just showing up and well of course I think it is because we tell her we will be back and so she wakes up just for us...but I am sure it is just coinsidence. She came off her IV and BILI Light, eating more and guess what....SHE IS BREASTFEEDING!!! Oh my goodness, that made me the happiest mom in the world. The nurses had told us and we have seen all the signs of breastfeeding and they were really surprised because usually preemies do not show so early and of course not feed so early. Well last night we tried a little and she took but was really tired and so today we came at feeding time and she latched on like white on rice, like peanut butter to jelly....oh is was simply fantastic!! I told Miah she reminded me of the Hungry Hungry Hippo game, she opened her mouth wide and just attacked, it was funny, even the nurses were laughing. Because she is so small, it tired her out and so we work our way up with just one breastfeed a day, it is great.

I am guessing everyone is wondering why there is a picture of a finger, well look a little closer and you will see a small and cute little booger on Miah's finger. Last night Miah was holding her and found her first little booger and was so proud, he picked it and asked if we should keep it. What a proud and great father he is. So we chose to just take a picture instead, hahaha.

Another trait that we have found is her gas...she is definetly our baby. Miah was holding her once and she just let one slip and I could of mistaken hers for Miah's, once again, we are so proud!! I am doing good too, I am doing more for myself, like putting on my shoes and socks, going to the bathroom all by myself and of course Miah is telling me what a big girl I am by doing all these things, making me laugh which is still such a weird feeling. But we are hoping Ellah continues to grow strong and that her progress continues to increase day to day. We love all the care she is getting but we are ready to bring her home and start our family like at our HOME. Hope everyone is having a great day!!

Thanks...

2009-02-09T12:08:00.001-08:00

We were out very late last night with Ellah, till about 12:30am, it is just so hard to leave her. Just a quick note though...she is once again doing great and for me, I can bend over and touch the ground...I love it. Darn bladder is back to normal though, going to the bathroom all the time again, bummer. The Hickle House is so nice, they have a weight room, which Miah enjoys, the kitchen has everything from a snowcone maker to a Kitchen Aide and they even have making ingredients. It is such a wonderful blessing to us. Jenn...thank you thank you and thank you for the advice on the blanket. I asked last night if we were able to do that and they said, we actually have supplies for you to start right now. So while we held Ellah, she was wrapped in a little blanket and I was wrapped in one, then we left it there for her and took ours with us. I just keep smelling it, sounds creepy but I love the smell of her and well I am using it to help with pumping too. Jenn you are amazing, you have always been there throughout this pregnancy with some of the best advice. Well we are trying to get everything organized today so I'd better go....

2009-02-08T19:43:00.000-08:00

Today was a great day. We were dismissed from the hospital, and put up to stay in the Hickle house, which is right behind the hospital so we can be as close to Ellah as possible. Enough about us... Ellah is doing simply fantastic. Each day she improves by leaps and bounds. She is able to go without the high pressure air flow and is fitted with a smaller one that is only on when she needs it. She is eating more everytime and challenging Mom to get enough milk pumped for her, apparently she got daddy's appetite. She has also started to gain weight daily instead of losing that initial weight. An even better sign of her maturing is when we hold her, as she's being fed through the tube, we put the pacifier in her mouth and she just goes to town on it, imitating of course breast feeding. She's so much ahead of the game it's not funny. Already we're the proudest parents in the world!!!

L...O...V...E

2009-02-07T21:10:00.000-08:00

L...is for the way she looks to us!!
O...is for the only one we see!!
V...she is very, very extraordinary!!
E...even more than anyone we can adore!!

Well it has been quite sometime since I have written in here, so here it goes. I am the happiest person on the face of this earth and I owe it all to the most amazing husband Jeremiah and the most b-e-a-utiful little girl Ellah. I will have to say something about pregnancy before I fill you in on a few things....I am way disappointed with it. Not with everything, I know I had an extremely rough pregnancy and everyone should not be this way, if I get all these health problems taken care of but goodness....I was so looking forward to those wonderful cravings...I wanted to crave that humburger and maybe a huge roast or maybe some onion rings but no way, I didn't crave anything but gummy bears and I wasn't able to really eat anything, sick to my stomach all the time, man was I bummed out!!
Well as you might all know I had to have a c-section basically decided less than 24 hrs before she was born. She was breach but after everything that had been happening, Dr. Richey decided to not chance it and risk taking her "normal". I was actually perfectly happy going with the c-section because I just wanted her to be safe and in the doctor's hands as soon as possible. I remeber being prepped and feeling like a lost soul, they didn't allow Jeremiah back just yet and I was up on the table, freezing and shaking as they are about to perform the spinal tap and finally I feel warmth, the spinal tap is working and it didn't even hurt and then I see Jeremiah, I was so happy to see him and hold his hand. Well I won't go into details on the surgery but the moment she came out, they quickly lifted her over the curtain and she let out this little cry and then they took her away and I looked at Jeremiah and a tear came out, we were a family!!! I don't remember a lot about the next 24 hrs, I was as they say "hanging out on cloud 9" or somewhere nice. I remember a few things, the nurse in the recovery room making me very angry, trying to push my drug button and not having it in my hand and loving the catheder due to not having to get up all the time to use the bathroom. I do remember coming off the magnesium and being very out of it and wondering if I really had a child.
Well I was forced to get out of bed and that was by far the most difficult thing I have ever experienced, the nurse was losing patience with me but I did not care, she had never had a c-section and so she could not talk. Anyway, recovery has been very tough but wanting to see my little girl has been the best thing for me. I have to get out of bed, walk down the hall and down to the NICU, that is a lot of effort and she means the world to me. I was told to keep getting up and moving and then yesterday I was told to rest because I was over doing it, goodness they confuse me!! The most painful part of recovery is yes, the GAS!! Oh my goodness, I have never had problems with passing gas, if you all know me well and these past few days I have been in pure pain because of it. But due to some wonderful procedures and medication it has been cured....we won't go into those options though.
One of the first times I remember seeing Ellah in the NICU I cried...I can't explain the feelings that went through me and all the emotions. She was beautiful and perfect...how happy I was she was okay. The bad part was, I tried to supress my tears and that hurt my stomach like no other so I cried even more due to the pain....crazy red head!! My milk is coming in great, its wonderful. She is eating my milk and loving life. Last night Jeremiah and I was able to perform what they call kangaroo care...skin to skin contact...pure bliss. We were able to hold out little girl in a closed off space, skin to skin, feeling our heart beat and smelling the smell of our skin...we went in there and she was awake, she looked right at us and knew right away, her mommy and daddy were there. I still cry almost every time we see her, especially when I see Jeremiah hold her. Being a mom is great and the best present in the world....it has only just started!! I am in love with my family!!

2009-02-07T09:47:00.000-08:00

She's awake. She's awake!! We took a walk down to see Ellah last night and she was just lying there eyes open looking at the world. When we walked in she fixed her eyes on us, like she knew who we were. We got to hold her and do this kangaroo care thingy where we hold her skin to skin. It was fantastic!

She's doing really well. They've turned down the air flow to her lungs from 3 liters to 1.5 in the few days she's been here. She's digesting pretty much all of the milk she's getting, and she's eating only mommy's milk now. She's just doing great. Michelle's able to get up and move more like a granny of caffiene as oppossed to a sleepy one. She can get up and down by herself now, and i don't have to help her go to the bathroom anymore. We're getting ready to get out of here on sunday and move over to the hickle house. It's a part of the hospital, more like a hotel, where we can stay to keep close to Ellah. So we'll see how that ship sails when it gets here.

Other then that we're doing just dandy. Almost getting sick of the Hospital life though, but we'll make it through.

Here she is again!

2009-02-05T01:10:00.000-08:00

Sizing her up

2009-02-05T00:58:00.001-08:00

Ok, the results are in. Ellah Grace Taylor is 4 lbs. 14 oz. she is 17.5 in long, and little belly is 26 cm in girth. And she's officially the CUTEST little girl ever born, even with tubes and things flying every which way. Michelle is still doing alright. She's pretty loopy right now, drifting in and out of conscienceness. When she comes back to reality she seems to be stuck in a story or movie that i've never heard of because she's usually saying some kind of mumbo jumbo that no one understands. Amuzing, yes, borderline frustrating, perhaps, mostly amuzing. Being on all of these meds brought to pass the first time that she's really snapped at me. Like a turtle. NO seriously, i was a little shoked to be honest, but all is well as she proceded to talk about some girl named Sue she flew around the world with. Easy to brush things off at that point.
All is well for now and are only expected to get better. Hope all is well with all of you.
The Taylors.

2009-02-04T16:02:00.000-08:00

Well, here she is. The wait is over! This morning the journey began at about 6:20. A nurse came in to help get Michelle all prepped and ready to go. She was hooked up to test her blood pressure and Ellah's heart rate before everything went down. Then it seemed like everyone and their dog came in to give us some info or advice, as if everything wasn't stressful enough. Eventually we got the room packed up and shipped down to the Mother Baby rooms before the procedure took place. Once everything was ready to go, she got wheeled in through the big scary security locked doors where I couldn't follow, just yet. She went to get a spinal tap and a cathader placed, (which she now thuroughly enojoys because she doesn't have to get up to go all the time now). After a super nervous nurse came to take me back for the surgery, I walked into a room buzzing with people. Our doctor looking at my wife's belly covered with a yellow plastic-type material, proabably to protect her. The rest of her seemed to be swallowed in a sea of blue tissue-like paper and towels. Once on the other side of the huge blue barrier of sheets, towels, and tissue, i saw my Michelle's head sticking out of the blue mess as if straining for air. She was pretty much out of it, but completely aware and nervous for what was going on- as any mother would be. The whole thing took about 8 minutes, and at 7:54 Ellah Grace Taylor showed her precious little face over that big wall of blue nothing that faded away as the only thing in this world that mattered, Ellah. Oh and how beautiful she is. She was quickly passed through the window to the NICU to make sure she was able to breathe on her own. After Michelle was sewn back up i was able to go to see Ellah as she placed on moniters and got an iv, having tubes placed in her lungs and stomach, some medicine pressed into her lung to help them absorb oxygen better. During all of these pokes, pushes and draws, i was looking at the most beautiful thing I'd every seen. My baby girl. She's doing great. There aren't any complications, beyond the coming early ones. So, basically she has to learn to eat on her own, without any helping from tubes, beathe on her one without extra oxygen, and maintain her body temperature. The table-side dr. said that usually babies at 37 weeks reach all of the criteria, but some as early as 36,37. So we could be hear as little as 2 weeks or over a month. Either way, we get to go in and see her at any time. We have these cool little wrist bands that let us ''get through the gates''.

Everything is going great, we're just back to the waiting game. Thanks to everyone who's come in to visit, sent cards, and kept us in your prayers. We really appreciate it.

Sleepless in Providence

2009-02-03T09:00:00.000-08:00

I tell ya with the sinus infection, strange place to sleep in, inducing tomorrow and headaches...there is no room for sleep. I fell asleep fast last night but woke up just hours later and couldn't fall back asleep. After finally doing so at about 3am, I heard loud knocking on the door and for a moment thought it was a dream and then it became louder, gosh darn her, the tech who checks my vitals opens the door and asks if I am sleeping? Hmmm, well I was. All she had to do was change the ice in my 24 hr urine box, yeah sorry gross but hey it has to be done. I was not a happy camper. Anyway, I somehow drifted back off to sleep. I woke early with a rather large headache and didn't want to wake Miah, so I went and took a nice cold shower....Miah is still sleeping...lucky!! Anyway, I am anxiously waiting for my breakfast and then maybe I'll try an lay down for a bit. Hope everyone has a good day!!

Less than 48 hours....

2009-02-02T15:41:00.001-08:00

Well good news everyone...Wednesday morning they will be inducing me, just shy of 34 weeks. It has been just a day or so since I wrote last, just to catch ya'll up. We watched the SuperBowl on Sunday, Miah wanted the Cardinals and so I really did not care much but went for the Steelers, hahaha good thing we didn't make a bet. The rest of the weekend was pretty much same ole'. My doctor came back from London today and so she came in and welp decided it was time. They have steadied my blood pressure which is really important and what they wanted. But slowly other symptoms are coming along and she decided before it gets out of hand, she wants to get Ellah out.
The moment I found that out, I became a mom. It hit me, I went from trying to keep my body healthy to not caring so much about myself, rather caring about our little girl. All these emotions went running through my body, like I have never thought they could have. Right as I was beginning to understand patience and letting her stay in my incubator a little longer, it is time to take her on out and welcome her into this world. I almost went straight into a panic, will she be okay, will she be able to breathe, all those crazy questions....I remembered a blessing I was given right before I was sent up here and it gave me the confidence. Trust in my doctors because they know what they are doing and everything will be just fine. I also called my sister Averie and she reminded me that she would not do anything to harm and this is what she does everyday...just like when I go into a surgery at the dental office, I have no worries, I do it everyday and the Doctor I work for is great and has my full trust....I am blessed with a wonderful doctor here and am so thankful for that.
We went for our daily BPP and well Ellah is fully ready to come out, she is head down and pushing a lot. They still hook me up on the monitor and I am contracting a lot more and quite often, so Dr. Ritchie just said let her contract and go into labor....darn her, I hate being on the monitor. But my body is ready and well I am getting there. I asked the nurse this morning if Ellah will still have Lanugo (the tiny hairs that keep her warm inside) and she will...they shed that at about 36 or so weeks....Jeremiah was disgusted. But I just laughed because I know he'll fall in love right away.
I haven't been able to sleep very well the last few days and instead of staying in bed, I went and hungout with the night shift nurses, they really are great. I had a great time. They insisted on teaching me how to Knitting....hahaha oh my goodness, I bet you all wish you were a fly on the wall last night. But if not, its okay, they laughed enough for you too. Then of course they were beading too, I had to stop and laugh myself....
I am not going to lie, I am very nervous about Wednesday and ask everyone to keep Jeremiah, Ellah and I in your prayers,we would appreciate it so much. Hoping she stays head down and for a pleasant delivery, hahaha, ya know what I mean. Lots of love....

Ohhh the weekend!!

2009-01-31T08:06:00.000-08:00

I used to love the weekend but now since nothing really exciting happens or changes from the weekdays...its so boring. I can look forward to the SuperBowl at least. I got a package from Heidi yesterday and oh goodness was it ever fun and exciting....THANK YOU THANK YOU and THANK YOU!! Miah already broke my paddle ball but we can fix that easily, I already colored the fuzzy poster and well HSM...what more could you ask for? I bet Ryan or Gina would try and take all my HSM stuff....hahaha.
Well the birds came back and there were like 3 times as many. We come to find out, the trees they hangout on outside our window, well the berries they eat, make them drunk. Our nurses were telling us about this and well I am trying to look it up to see if it really true. But they do engorge themselves with those berries. Its actually fun to watch them eat, they juggle the berries for a bit in the air with their beaks. But if the getting drunk off the berries is true, it makes sense to why they are always running into our window. I guess the nurse said last year they had a baby moose do the same thing, it would eat all the berries the birds dropped and they said the moose started to walk all crazy and stumble around....weird!!
They finally had to change my IV out and well that was not fun at all. I have become so good with the poking and everything. But this time it took a long time, the nurse couldn't get my vein to stay still, she termed it as dancing with my nerve. She had to re-enter 2 times. Then she would run the needle along my vein and honestly, it hurt. It took almost 15 mintues. What made it worse is I was having contractions at the same time...Miah almost got sick. He told me I had to scream or make noises when I was in pain or uncomfortable or else he gets really sick. I am the very quiet type, just holds it in and deals with it. The nurse felt so bad afterwards and I told her she should, hahaha just joking. I just don't want to do that again.
My sister Danielle made a HUGE batch of homemade mac n cheese for us when we came up here...we keep it in the car because well its so cold and because everybody wants to eat it. It was really for me but I think Miah has swallowed almost all of it. I have no idea how much is left but Danielle...I think we need to restock our food storage. We found a book for my nephew Bubba....its called The Potty Train, Chugga Chugga Chugga Chugga Poo Poo....sooo cute.
Anyway, Ellah is still doing great, quite the acrobat still. She is no longer breach but transverse, as of yesterday. But she moves around a ton. Still waiting for our doctor to get back from London, a well deserved vacation. We hope everyone is staying warm and away from the volcano...lots of love....the Taylor Family, including Ellah!!

Tick Tock, Tick Tock

2009-01-30T14:05:00.000-08:00

Its basically the same as the day before, everything is staying the same. This silent time bomb is waiting to surface. But as they tell me it is just a waiting game, an oh so fun waiting game. Everyone tells me its been snowing back home quite a lot. Its snowing up here but not a whole lot. I have been trying to keep up with the Volcano but I guess we only get a few stations here, so if anybody has any exciting news about it let me know. Because of the snow, the birds haven't been around our window much, which is really sad because that was a huge source of our entertainment. Yep they would fly into our window all the time and it was actually pretty humorous. Sometimes around 5-6 at the same time.
We have had quite a few visitors, its so nice. Tiffany, Brett and there little guy Micah came yesterday. It was nice to hangout with them for a bit, especially seeing a baby, made me even more excited. Sandy, an assitant that I work with, is flying to California so see her husband come home for Iraq and she flew in at 4pm to hangout with us. She was awesome, she game me a pedicure, manicure and we all went for a nice wheelchair ride. I can't believe what they have for woman here. They are all prepared, beading kits, scrapbooking stuff, nail polish, and a lot more items. They are so great here. I finally found somebody, other then Miah who can braid hair, the only down side is she works nights and so its basically pointless. All these woman who work here and nobody can braid, is that weird? I thought all girls knew how to braid.
They are sending a Nutrionist to visit me today, not because I am picky but because ummmm I will be here for a bit and they want to show me how to broaden my horizons. They tell me just today, they can make me any milkshake I want....after a week they are just now telling me this. I wonder if I can abuse this privledge....its worth the shot.
Well Ellah lots of hair, when taking the BioProfile, they showed us her hair. It was waving around, which is crazy. Miah was worried and made sure it was just on her head, he is scared to have a little fuzz ball, silly guy.
Well I hope all is well with everyone....congrats to Gina, a baby boy!! FINALLY!! Miah says you'll need these little items he found called PeePee TeePee....he thought they were the coolest things in the world. Welp, until next time....

Another day in Paradise...

2009-01-28T21:19:00.000-08:00

Today I thought long and hard about trying to find an incubator to maybe put over my belly to help Ellah out a little. But thought it was just my mind wondering crazy, trying to figure out a way to help further along the process...I didn't dare mention this idea to my doctor either in fear of sending me off to a looney section of the hosptial. Oh my, the sky bridge was AMAZING! Others might not find it was exciting but it was b-e-a-utiful. Miah found a little section where a creek runs right under and we have made this our special spot, cute eh? We now try and go there twice a day. Maybe if any of you come and visit, I will show you the magnificent spot of ours.

So you are all familiar with the hospital smell? It is becoming more like home, which is fine, since I work in the health care field myself. But this smell was starting to make me self conscience...it was more like bad body odor or along the lines. Well I was thinking, the first day maybe it could of been me, all the stress and shots coming at me, I was bound to work up a sweat. But then kept smelling it, just all over and I kept asking Miah if it was me. I started thinking this Perinatal unit is pretty full, those nurses work pretty hard....it must be them, right? I began spending more time trying to scrub every place twice. I finally figured it out....its these darn hosptial gowns we wear!! Yes, they wash them or at least they say they do but goodness, I think they forgot to add the detergent. Think of how many woman have worn these and seriously it takes a lot of wear and well there comes a time when the stench just does not go away. Did I mention they are also VERY fashionable? Hahaha, maybe I should drop a suggestion in the box at the front day on the way to the Skybridge.

For this next section, you woman will completely understand...hopefully and if not, just say you do for my sake. I mentioned before, emotionally I have been fine through my pregnancy but here it a little different. Well yesterday the Emotionally-Crazed Woman came back out. I feel bad for Miah because he has to console and deal with me, I am not mean just cry and ask the same questions every time and want answers that the doctors don't even know. I look back now and laugh at the situation, especially the object that set me off. Each morning with breakfast we fill out menu for the next day. Well I was so excited, they finally had something that I would actually really like, Cheese Manocotti, breadstick and some kinda of squash...I was pumped. I looked forward to it all day. My dinner was over an hour late and I had just been kinda down at the time...it arrived and well I opened it up...NOTHING and I mean nothing I would have ever ordered. I instantly started to cry and seriously went into the batheroom and turned off the light to continue to cry. I know I sound crazy and extremely spoiled but I swear at the time, it all made sense, kinda. But Miah coaxed me out of the bathroom and held me and his normal wife came back again.

Well everything is still just staying steady, Ellah is still doing good, growing and staying strong...They gave me Ambien to help sleep, ya that didn't work at all. It just made me really dizzy so they decided to take me off that. Heartburn and headaches are starting to come back, which are a few of the symptoms and slowly the medication is starting to not work so well. But we are doing good, we are under great supervision and have faith in our doctors. Hope all is well. Here are a few pictures so far...enjoy!!

Hanging in there...

2009-01-27T09:11:00.000-08:00

Monday was a tough day for me. I have been sleeping okay, which is good. The nurses are kind enough for right now to not really wake me up much to take my vitals. My Dr. is in London with her 21 year old son and so her husband is taking over until she gets back and then they say it will be time. He is really nice, very shy but nice. I thought I was done with keeping track of my urine, jokes on me...I get to measure every time and keep in a log, its getting very old. But I gotta do what I gotta do. We went in for an Ultrasound again yesterday and Ellah was being just a little diva again. They had to bring in a Doctor because Ellah is getting very low and it looked as if things were starting to open and they were worried. During this time, Ellah went from feet, hands and head all down (being a gymnist), oblique, transverse and now she is head down. They all laughed as normal. But turns out everything is still doing okay. Okay for this next part, its confusing to me. Sorry if this subject is too personal for some....they talk a lot about Poo here. It seemed like yesterday was the day to talk more though. They constantly ask me about it and then they give me these pills and Milk Magnesium and then tell me "Don't Push the Poo!" They scare me to death that if I push at all, they baby will come out. Goodness, I need a break from this place already.
I did have another visitor, which was great, it helps me out so much. He really made me laugh with his question....so he asks me Michelle, I really don't understand, when will her birthday be, ya know because she is a premie and everything?! I was confused and asked what he meant be that. Well will her brithday be her original due date or when she is born or what? Hahaha, I laughed and thought, no I get to pick when I was get birthday to be. But held that comment back and said well the day she is born, her BIRTHday!!

Jeremiah continues to help me out a lot. I haven't had an emotional pregnancy but in here I seem to be having a hard time. I honestly believe its due to this whole thing being foreign and well all the poking and testing they are doing. It gets really uncomfortable and well honestly that is what I have to look forward to every day....everything is like clockwork. I am trying not to be selfish and just beg the doctor to induce but already, we have just about one week at the most. But I am so exhausted with this. I will say, I think the tears come less often, so I think I am catching on. As I said, Jeremiah is my hero, he is simply the best husband in the world!!

I wanted to thank everyone for the support, it means so much to me. I hope everything is going great in Kenai, or wherever you are!! Today, we are going for a wheelchair ride to the SKYBRIDGE....I am so excited. Pretty sad huh?

Dentists...more like a Hairdresser!!

2009-01-26T08:34:00.000-08:00

So before Miah wakes up I need to get this before he can catch me. As you all know my hair is extremely long and well I didn't bring anything up here to fix my hair, who needs it really anyways. But then grrr, ya know sometimes I just want it out of my way and a ponytail just doesn't cut it....oh this is so cute. Guess who is my little hairdresser....yep Jeremiah!! He will do anything really but my favorite are his braids, hahaha. Maybe a hairdresser is right up his alley....nah he should really stick to the Dental Field and well I'll try to ask the nurses to braid me hair. Hope you guys have a good day!! Love an miss everyone!!

Lab Rat or Human?

2009-01-25T23:01:00.000-08:00

So I have been pondering if I was admitted into a research lab or an actual hospital. Besides that daily, IV flush (2 times) hooking up to the monitor for Ellah's heart beat and my contractions (4 times) every 3-4 hours vital signs...they said lab work would be put off for awhile, that is until my results came back, still creeping up there. So now I have to test my PIH every morning and blood at least once a week. So they sent me up here to rest, hmmm with all these people coming in and our taking samples and poking me, there is not really that much time for getting much rest. But I will do what it takes to make sure she is healthy. As Miah was at church this morning I was reading my scriptures and found a quote in my bag that made me laugh and it makes perfect sense for how I am feeling..."I know I can handle everything God has given me, I just wish he didn't trust me so much!" My feelings exactly right now. But I do know that I need to continue to have faith and put my trust in the doctors and my heavenly father....

Did I mention that modesty has flown out the window. While I was getting my steroid shot, the large window that people often walk by was wide open, as the nurse said to turn my cheek that way....I was informed to not worry unless I was asked for autographs, hahaha. Luckily they don't allow me out much and when I am, I am sitting in a wheelchair, covering my booty. Nurses and everyone else just uncovers and walk right in...its very interesting but I am getting used to it. The nurses love Miah and have grown quite fond of feeding him and showing him where all the secret spots are...its great. I believe he will be gaining more in here than I do.

Ultrasounds everyday, they are great. It is really a comfort to get to see Ellah everyday and knowing she is doing great, just trying to keep here in the oven a little longer. Dr. Richey told me today, things are slowly creeping up and hoping to get to 34 weeks still. Although she is doing just dandy, probably won't be much bigger than 5lbs when she is going to be born but she'll be just fine. Yesterdays ultrasound showed Ellah showing off and posing again, as normal. All the Doctors tell us what a diva she is already. She has one picture that shows her hand in the shape of an L, pressed up against her forehead...hopefully not referring to her Mommy or Daddy, hahaha. Some great pictures though, hopefully Miah will post them soon.

We had some visitors today, its always nice to see familiar faces, thanks to Cherise and then Terry and Bri Phillips. If anybody is heading this way, don't be afraid to stop on by...we would love to see you!! We would also like to wish Gina and Angeline a very happy birthday...hope you guys had a great day. So nothing that new or different, just keeping more tabs on everything and steroids should have fully kicked in about one more day and then just holding a few more days. Yes Camille we will try to have her before you leave to Hawaii, so you can be here. Anyway, we hope every one is doing well and please keep us in your prayers. Thanks for the support and love....

The First and Second Day...

2009-01-24T22:38:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our Taylor Family Blog, yes a little one is on the way VERY soon. For those of you who are just hearing the news, I am so sorry, its not that we are ignoring any of you, its just been a pretty busy and hectic pregnancy. Well after a few problems and then being put on bed rest, we were told that we need to go up to Alaska Providence Hospital for the remainder of my pregnancy to be with Dr. Richey, the Periantologist. After a long days of traveling, our moms had to drive and per request of the doctor, Jeremiah and I had to fly. We finally arrived at the hospital. Well they surely gave us no time to settle in...AT ALL. The dreaded hospital gown that shows your whole sexy self to the world was given to me and then the fun paperwork. For some odd reason I am not fond of the feeling of needles, doesn't hurt, just very foreign. So when they said lets hook up the IV and then you will need 2 shots of steroids for the baby, don't forget the Lab Tech will be in here to poke you again for some blood, 24 hour urine sample, and then twice daily we will need to flush the IV....I was not a happy camper. This was all set on me within the first hour or so. I am not gonna lie, tears and nerves were very present. Did I mention the steroid shots were in my booty, yep one in each cheek, seriously that had to beat me up on both sides. But I am still alive....

So anyway, we had an ultrasound to see how little Miss Ellah is doing and to our blessing she is doing just fine. We have a diva on our hands for sure, in which Dr. Richey has told us once before back in December. She stuck her tongue out and all sorts of fun stuff. One of my problems as I had before is the protein in my urine, which they unsure what is going on but the kidneys are functioning just right, which is good. But just 6 weeks after I deliver, I have to come back up to Anchorage and see the specialist for my Kidney and get a biopsy of my Kidney, yep more shots, as if I haven't had enough in the past few months or hours. Well Ellah's official due date is March 22 and well she will be here in just about 2 weeks, we are very excited. She is only about 3-4 lbs but is very healthy. So I am almost 32 weeks and we are just trying to hold her in there for 2 more weeks. So shortly they will be inducing me, due to her being better off out here with Mommy and Daddy than inside. Guess I just wasn't blessed with a pregnancy body.

A great blessing is our Moms were able to come here with us and help settle us in, they left today but we were glad they were able to come up with us. After all this was bascially all last minute and we didn't really plan for a premie, so they had to run around and get some premie clothes and well last minute things. Everything is pretty much set now, we are just monitoring every step of the day and waiting for her arrival. Miah gets to stay in the room with me and of course they nurses love him and feed him like crazy. The staff here is great, just super generous. I am just glad we have to have an ultrasound every day, we get to see the little diva and make sure she is staying healthy, which seeing her makes what I am going through much easier.

We pretty much have plenty of things to keep me busy, I am going to go nuts, I am not really allowed to do anything, the wheelchair and Jeremiah driving me is my only way of transportation. Coloring books, get pens, movies, books, and baby announcements are going to hopefully keep me busy. That is another reason why we wanted to start this blog, to keep me busy and well to keep people informed. We hope you guys enjoy and feel free to write back. Until tomorrow, going on day 3 of the exciting hospital stay....love ya!!