The Ray Family

My Precious Little Girl

2010-02-11T08:42:00.004-06:00

Mallory at her 4 month photos. We had fun during our first professional photo shoot. I wanted a photo of her and Taylan but he didn't want any part of her photo shoot. So these are some photos of just Mallory. I can tell I'm going to have a lot of fun playing dress up with my little girl!

Mallory is 4 Months Old

2010-02-08T17:16:00.004-06:00

Miss Mallory had her 4 month check up today. She got a perfect bill of health. The doctor fell in love with her cheeks...but let's face it.. who hasn't??? I could kiss them all day long... and I do! It makes her laugh right now so i have to take advantage of it. Someday she will be asking me to drop her off three blocks from the mall because I will embarrass her. She is growing like a weed!! She now weighs 14lbs 13 oz and is 2' 1" tall. She is just amazing!! I love spending this time with her. She doesn't roll over yet but tries really really hard. She love to be sitting up. I think she'll sit before she rolls!

AUNT KRISTIN!!!

2010-02-08T13:41:00.003-06:00

I got a call yesterday that I've been waiting for for a long time!!! My baby brother is going to be a DADDY!!!!! I'm so happy for Jason and Lisa! I'm also excited that Taylan and Mallory are going to have more cousins!! They are due Sept 7th! Congratulations to my baby brother and his wife! Jason and Lisa, we are so excited for you! ~ Love, The Rays

Bath Time!

2010-02-02T23:57:00.002-06:00

We love bathtime at the Ray House!

Taylan loves to help give his sister a bath. He has his own wash cloth and if I don't have one for him at the tub, he digs through the drawer and pulls them ALL out and gets one himself. He tries to do everything I do when I'm giving Mallory a bath. The only difference is, I get the water on Mallory. He gets the water down him, on the floor and then decides to run around the house with a wash cloth full of water. It makes for a fun clean up!

This is him saying "cheeeeeese." It's his new thing when he sees the camera.

A baby's life wouldn't be complete without some sort of incriminating naked baby photo now would it?? She's going to LOVE me for this one!

Too precious! I just LOVE BATH TIME!!!!

2010-02-02T23:49:00.002-06:00

It's all grins and giggles at the Ray House! Yes Mallory, you have to keep us! You have no choice!

Am I going to have boys knocking down my door or what???

Taylan loves to be under this table. I'm not sure why because he bonk's his head every time. But it's his thing so we do it. He's playing with my homemade playdough. This activity lasted about 3 whole minutes.

Taylan found this tv in the guest bedroom and has made his own little nook out of it. He loves to sit here and watch the Backyardigains. He sits here for a couple of minutes before he's jumping on the bed and flopping into the pile of pillows we have on it. It's pure fun.

Every time I put Mallory down on the floor Taylan thinks it's the funniest thing to lay right next to her. I have to watch him at all times because sometimes he gets literally on top of her. He loves her so much!

Mallory is 3 Months Old

2010-02-02T23:46:00.001-06:00

Really? Three months??? Oh my princess, time goes by so fast!

I am SOOOO Loved!

2010-02-02T23:44:00.000-06:00

Snow Play

2010-02-02T23:41:00.001-06:00

Taylan LOVES to be outside. So we bundled him up and he helped Daddy shovel the walkway.

Christmas

2010-02-02T23:32:00.004-06:00

Christmas was pretty exciting this year! Taylan learned how to say Santa. he may not have put Santa with all the presents but it will come! He was so much fun to watch this Christmas. It was pretty much the Taylan Show this Christmas. He had so much fun opening every one's gifts. We all let him open our gifts so the day lasted a long time! Too often the presents are opened so fast, then it's time to move on to dinners and family gatherings. It was really nice to take our Christmas slow and enjoy it all day long. Taylan made it so fun! Every gift was "BIG" he would say and carry it over to Grandma to open. No matter who's gift it was. Mallory raked it on on her first Christmas as well! Next year she will grasp the idea of ripping paper off and getting excited. It's only going to get better and better!

Christmas

2010-02-02T23:26:00.003-06:00

Taylan getting ready for presents

coming down the steps where Santa left all his gifts!

Grandma and her Christmas Angel

Mommy and her Christmas Angels at Christmas Eve Mass

Mallory after her photos with Santa.

Christmas

2010-02-02T23:10:00.003-06:00

Mallory got a good photo with Santa. Unfortunatly, we didn't get it on camera. Our camera was set to video instead of camera. Turns out, we got a pretty funny video of Dave and I not knowing what was going on. This year Taylan was a little more affraid of Santa. He kept calling out "SANTA" "SANTA!" but when it was time to sit on his lap, he wanted NO part of Santa. He was able to run up and give him a high five.

We went to the mall early and got there before Santa even did so Taylan got to ride the train. It was a pretty neat little train ride for our small but quaint mall.

The only way he would ride is if daddy went with him.

This is Taylan and Mommy making cookies. Rolling the dough kept him occupied for about 3 minutes. We might not have a baker on our hands! But he sure did enjoy eating them... or should I say licking the icing off and handing me the cookie to put "more, more" icing on it.

My very own Santa Baby!

Trip to Kansas City

2010-02-02T22:57:00.004-06:00

Girls Rule!

Make a Wish! Great Grandma with ALL her Great Grandchildren!

Generations.

The Ray kids took a long road trip with Grandma Butler to Kansas City in December to celebrate their Great Grandma's birthday! This was the first time Mom's side of the family got to meet Mallory! We weren't sure how the 8 hour car ride would go but amazingly it went really well. Taylan was such a good rider and Mallory slept like a champ! Thank goodness though for McDonald's Playlands!!!! Who would have thought that so many McDonald's in the Midwest would have OUTDOOR PLAYLANDS??? My mom and I figured out we needed to look for signs that said INDOOR playland. It was a cool 20 degrees when we went. There was no playing outside! The trip was a huge success. We surprised Great Grandma and I think she had a wonderful birthday!

Mallory 2 Months Old

2009-12-08T13:59:00.002-06:00

What a fun two months this has been. There is not much sleep at the Ray house but it's all worth it. Taylan loves his baby sister so much. He gives her so many kisses all the time. Mallory has changed so much in such a short time. I forget out fast it all goes by! Before she was born, I was worried about how I was going to possibly love anything as much as I love Taylan. Once she was born, I had no worries. It's true that a Mom's heart expands beyond belief. I can't believe how much I love these two precious angels! I know in my heart that Taylan and Mallory are going to be so close as they grow up. Every day is a new journey and I'm so happy to have these blessings in my life.

Going Home

2009-12-08T13:56:00.002-06:00

Since we had so much stuff to get on the plane, we arrived at the airport really early (something Dave and I are not use to at all). We found a play area for kids to run and "let loose" before we took off.

Chicago here we come!

Helping Grampy with the Truck

2009-12-08T13:52:00.004-06:00

Taylan loves to be outside so when the weather was nice enough, we went out to play. Grampy took advantage of the nice weather and wanted to work on his truck. Taylan found it facinating and wanted to be just like Grampy. He watched and then when Grampy gave him a wrench, Taylan worked on the back tire while Grampy was in front. It was really cute to watch.

Random Thanksgiving Photos

2009-12-08T13:49:00.001-06:00

Rare Images of the Ray Kids

2009-12-08T13:46:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving in Boston 09

2009-12-08T13:41:00.002-06:00

Thanksgiving in Boston was a lot of fun. There were so many cousins to play with. Taylan had so much fun running and jumping and playing with everyone! We brought his jammies with us over to Jeff and Shannon's in case he needed to fall asleep. There was no sleep in the picture, but he sure looks cute in his turkey jammies!

Gobble gobble! My little turkey!

Haley Jane turns 2!

2009-12-08T13:37:00.002-06:00

It's a DORA party!!! Happy Birthday Haley!

Taylan LOVED the cake and ice cream. Who gave him chocolate?

Cousins Cousins and more Cousins

2009-12-08T13:25:00.003-06:00

All 7 Cousins on the Ray side! Taylan had so much fun with each and every one of them!

Maeve was really into the baby! She is going to be such a good Mommy some day! She liked to hold Mallory and where ever I was with the baby, so was she. It was so cute!

Cole was so helpful to Taylan and shared his Jello with him. Finally Taylan got his own jello and they enjoyed it together!

I walked into the dining room and found Taylan and Haley begging like little puppies to share ice cream with Grampy. Good thing Grampy likes to share!

I was trying to get Taylan and Haley to stand next to each other and say "CHEESE". Yes, I live in a dream world.

Nanna and Grampy Ray

2009-12-08T13:22:00.002-06:00

Taylan automatically fell in love with his Grampy. They shared lots of snacks and had lots of good laughs

Nana was in love with her newest Grandaughter!

Thanksgiving in Boston 09

2009-12-08T13:13:00.002-06:00

Getting prepared for our trip to the East!

The plane ride was an event. Taylan is a very active boy and being confined in the airplane seat was a job all in itself. He was a very good boy though. We came prepared with snacks, books and videos. It was a very early morning on our way to the airport. We arrived to Midway in a minivan with 4 huge suitcases, two huge car seats, a big stroller, two kids, and Dave and Kristin with 2 carry-ons each. it was a site to see. Mallory slept on Dave the whole trip and I kept Taylan busy with videos snacks, the window, songs and books. We were on our way to Boston!

Even at 14,000 ft. Taylan is still protective of Mallory.

Mallory 1 Month

2009-12-08T13:06:00.004-06:00

It's been a month of baby bliss!

Fall is here

2009-12-08T12:57:00.003-06:00

Berwyn is the city of Trees. Our house however is the ONLY house on our block that has this ONE GIANT tree in our back yard. Our yard is covered with leaves - good thing we have a small yard - so Dave is busy raking leaves. This year, Taylan found so much joy in helping his dad rake leaves. What Daddy does Taylan does. We even got him his own little rake but he prefers the big one... just like Daddy.

Halloween 2009

2009-12-08T12:48:00.002-06:00

Mallory's first Halloween! We didn't really get a costume for her because she was a little too small for any of them. She was not without Halloween outfits though! here are a few of her best looks.

Halloween 2009

2009-12-08T12:31:00.003-06:00

Grandma Butler makes the best sugar cookies. She spent a whole day making little bite size cookies for Taylan. Little purple bats, orange pumpkins and white ghosts. I think Mommy and Daddy ate most of them but Taylan got his fare share of cookies (one of his new favorite words - everything is "cookie".

Taylan just started to "roar" when he saw a lion (photos of course) so I thought it would be really cute for him to be a Lion for Halloween. He didn't think it would be so cute!

It was a nightmare getting the body of the lion on him and forget about the top part of the lion. He would have been a really cute lion. Instead, he was a really cute part lion part boy.

This is the rest of his costume that didn't go on.

One thing is for sure....Taylan LOVES his candy! Takes after Mommy and Daddy! He does like to share though. One for you then one for him.

Behind on Blogging

2009-12-08T12:26:00.002-06:00

I'm so behind with my blogging. I don't even know where I have left off. Our computer was down for almost a month! Mallory is getting so big and Taylan continues to grow. I'm going to post some random photos I have just to catch up. Then I promise I will update more often. Why didn't someone tell me time flies by FASTER with two little ones??

Bath Time

2009-11-07T17:39:00.002-06:00

Scrub a dub dub. Mallory's in the tub tub! She is pretty good about taking a bath. I think she's still in shock as to what is happening to her. I just love how good she smells after a good baby wash! She has some curl to her hair! I can't wait to see what happens when her hair grows long!

Swingin'

2009-11-07T17:36:00.002-06:00

Taylan loves to get in this swing. At least Mallory isn't in it this time. We can't keep Taylan out of it. When Mallory is in the swing Taylan LOVES to lay ON HER and kiss her. She likes it for about 2 seconds. I finally figured out he is giving her eskimo kisses. Poor Mallory. She doesn't know he does it out of love.

Week One

2009-11-03T13:56:00.001-06:00

Kisses Kisses Kisses!

Look how small I am! I wont stay this small long!

Sleeping beauty!

Mallory's First Doctor Appt

2009-11-03T13:52:00.002-06:00

Mallory's first doctor visit went very well. We heard what every parent wants to hear "your daughter is perfect". She was already at her birth weight plus two ounces!

oops. didn't get a diaper on fast enough.

Taylan ... Always makeing us smile!

2009-11-03T13:42:00.003-06:00

We put this blanket around Taylan like a cape and was telling him he was Superman. Well, Superman "FLYS AWAY!" Now when you say what does Superman Do? Taylan puts his arms up and "Flies away" .... with the actions and his grin... it's priceless!

New England Sports weekend. Just like daddy! Red Sox and Patriots!

Taylan found Daddy's shoes in the kitchen. When we found Taylan he was wearing dad's shoes. Already walking in Daddy's footsteps! (ps - Mommy had NOTHING to do with this outfit. Daddy dressed him)

This is Taylan putting his own shoes on. Growing up too fast!

2009-11-03T13:35:00.002-06:00

Uncle Jason and Aunt Lisa were so excited to come to Chicago to visit! They arrived the day we came home from the hospital.

From the very beginning, Taylan loves to give his baby sister kisses.

Grandma and Grandpa are in heaven with their little pieces of heaven!

Diaper Change

2009-11-03T13:31:00.002-06:00

While at the hospital, Taylan needed a diaper change so for old time sake.... he jumped right into Mallory's bed and daddy changed him up.

Everyone Loves You

2009-11-03T13:26:00.001-06:00

Smiley Ray Family! All Four Of Us!

2009-11-03T13:23:00.001-06:00

Introducing Mallory Michelle Ray

2009-11-01T09:27:00.003-06:00

Here she is! Our little princess! Mallory Michelle Ray was born on 10-6-2009 at 6:18 am - 8lbs 10oz and 20 1/2 inches long. Our arrival story is much different than it was for Taylan. I was having contractions around 2am and called my doctor. She had just seen me that day (my 40 week visit) and said my cervix needed more time and if I was more comfortable at home, that I could stay at home until the contractions became uncomfortable and then I should come in. Around 4am the contractions were unbearable and I told Dave, "I'm done. We are going to the hospital" On the way there, I noticed my contractions were coming 2 minutes apart and when I arrived, I was dilated to 8cm. I was rushed up to labor and delivery and had no time for an epidural (my worst nightmare came true) and after a few complaining pushes that I couldn't do it and three good pushes, we heard "IT'S A GIRL!"

A girl.

I got my precious little girl and have a precious little boy at home. Life is good.

Baseball Fan

2009-09-26T20:30:00.003-05:00

Taylan is just about to move into his new room. It's all about sports! We got this baseball bean bag. Dave didn't think he would like it much. I knew better. He loves it! He loves to jump on it, sit on it, lay on it. He thinks it's funny. I think HE is funny!

Outdoor Fun

2009-09-26T20:26:00.003-05:00

I just really love his little smile.

Big Man & Little Man

2009-09-26T20:22:00.003-05:00

Taylan loves to do what his daddy does. Today Dave pulled out the lawn mower and walked it around the yard, only to be followed by his little buddy.

Stud Muffin

2009-09-21T21:00:00.002-05:00

I wish this photo wasn't blury.

Taylan's 1st Hair Cut

2009-09-21T20:49:00.003-05:00

15 months of hair and it was time to get it cut. I could only take so much of people telling me he needed a hair cut. I had to do it when I was ready and I was finally ready. We went to a fun place for kids. I thought it would make it fun for him. He got to sit in a cool Police Car seat and watch a fun Little Einstein video and as you can see... he was surrounded by toys. He hated it from the start.

This is his before photo. Hair is a little shaggy I will admit. But who looks at his hair with that smile???

The tears are flowin'!!!

This is the after effect of the traumatic hair cut experience. I had to break and give him the paci and he was out like a light. Precious.

All Boy

2009-09-21T20:41:00.003-05:00

Saturday mornings Dave loves to take his bike around to yard sales and find toys for Taylan. This is one of his many finds. A toy truck. We have to talk to our cousin Cole about what kind of truck this is (mommy especially needs truck lessons) but Taylan loves to ride this truck. It's pretty funny. It's now an outdoor truck.

Random Summer Memories

2009-09-21T20:24:00.004-05:00

Well this has been one crazy summer. I have been off my blog scene and have fallen way way behind. But with baby number 2 coming in two weeks, I need to catch up on my baby Taylan's photos. This summer actually flew by. These are some of my favorite moments.

Taylan got a sandbox this summer and fell in love with it. He loves to dig and pour the sand all over himself. It's so fun to watch him. It's also fun to play in the tub after a sandbox adventure!!

Nothing beats a naked baby running around the house. He's so funny when he's just in his diaper. He feel so FREE!!!! (typical male) This summer he has learned how to build a choo choo. Grandma Butler started this. Since Mommy is large and in charge this summer, I would get on my knees to build the bridge of blocks for him to knock down. Now he gets on his knees and says "choo choo" and wants to build with the blocks. He's getting really good at stacking them but absolutely loves to knock them down.

Shootin' hoops. I love this little K-State Shirt. He must have known our KSU Wildcats would not do so well in football this season and has jumped right to basketball season. Daddy got this basketball hoop from a yard sale and Taylan has no problem slam dunking!!! Look out Celtics.... Taylan might just be on your scout list.

I love this little outfit. He has so much fun running and playing with anything. He just makes me smile.

Taylan got this rocking horse for Christmas and has been loving it! Ride 'em cowboy! Time to Cowboy up!!!!

This summer Taylan found Dad's visors and loved to put them on... or attempt to put them on. The just hung around his neck and he would run through the house with them around his neck. It was funny. I tried to put them on his head but of course he would just pull them off in seconds.

I did however manage to get a photo of him in this KC Royals hat. He must like the hat. Maybe if he kept the hat on, the Royals wouldn't have done so poorly this summer. Maybe not. But doesn't he look adorable in this hat?

Fun at the Zoo

2009-07-25T15:55:00.003-05:00

Rylina and Bradley made a spur of the moment trip to Chicago to visit us. We spent Saturday at the Brookfield Zoo. Bradley loves dinosaurs so we went to the Dinosaurs Alive Exhibit at the zoo. It was amazing!!!

Taylan and my trip to the zoo was cut short but Bradley and Rylina got to really experience the zoo. Mom and Taylan got to experience air conditioning and nap time. Taylan had fun walking his stroller out of the zoo though.

Visit with Grandpa

2009-07-25T15:48:00.003-05:00

Grandpa Butler came to visit last week. We got a nice little ice cream treat. Taylan loves to climb up into chairs by himself. (Mr. Independent)Grandpa and Taylan stooped out front and enjoyed their ice cream treat! Yumm-O!

Book Me

2009-07-25T15:39:00.003-05:00

Ahhhh... my favorite! I love it when he picks out a book and cuddles with me to read to him.

Taylan loves his books. He loves to flip the pages of any book. He flips so fast, it's hard to even read the story to him but he love it anyway.

Cake Anyone?

2009-06-25T21:31:00.002-05:00

Party Time!

2009-06-25T21:12:00.005-05:00

Taylan's cousin Katelyn was born on June 6th so we decided to go to Kansas City and share a 1st birthday party with her. It was so fun to share his birthday with all of our family in Kansas City!

We went to Tim's Pizza (my mom's favorite) for dinner. Taylan ate LOTS of pizza. His favorite was Canadian Bacon. It was so good!

After pizza, we went back to Aunt Sherry's house for presents! His favorite off the bat was the riding firetruck that Cousin Kimmy got him.

1 Year Photos

2009-06-25T20:59:00.005-05:00

I've been waiting for Adrienne Maples to take Taylan's photos since I found out I was pregnant. I loved my wedding photos so I figured it was a perfect opportunity to have her take Taylan's 1 year photos! He was tired from traveling and without his long solid nap so I was very worried what we would get. Adrienne pulled out her magic and I love what she got! Happy 365 days Taylan!

I even love your tears my sweet Bubbaloo!

Swing Swing Swing

2009-06-25T20:45:00.002-05:00

Taylan and I took a trip to Kansas City for a weekend. Aunt Sherry and Uncle Jim have a swing set and Taylan had a blast in the swing! This is only the beginning of smiles for him this weekend! So much more to come!

Laundry Time

2009-05-20T20:50:00.003-05:00

This morning Taylan decided he needed to crawl into the laundry basket. Why? We don't ask.

Then it was time to play catch with Daddy and the ball.

How do I get out of here?

11 Months Old

2009-05-20T20:38:00.002-05:00

Take ONE:

Take TWO:

Take THREE:

Final TAKE:

Every day this smile brightens our world. Taylan started to take his first few steps on Mother's Day. He starts laughing at himself and then falls. It wont be long until he's walking on his own. Solid foods are going pretty well. He eats more and more but we still squeeze some Gerber in that belly of his! He loves to play outside and of course get dirty! Good thing he loves the bath as well! Taylan, this has been the best 11 months. Thank you my little man for all the love you have brought to us when we thought we had all the love we needed. You gave us more than we can ever imagine! Keep smiling baby smiley ray!

SMILE BIG!

2009-05-20T20:36:00.001-05:00

SImply Silly

2009-05-20T20:30:00.003-05:00

Yes. Taylan crawled up onto (or into?) the dishwasher himself.

He thought Libby's dog bed was his personal pillow.

Mommy time!

Bath Time!!!!

2009-05-20T20:24:00.002-05:00

Taylan still loves bath time!!! JOE! come scrub my toe! Jack... make sure you get my back! Nelly, wash my belly! It's hard to get him out of the bath....someday I'm sure someday he'll be kicking and screaming when it's bath time but for now... SUDS UP!

Birthday & Baptism

2009-04-22T21:25:00.003-05:00

This weekend my mom turned a very young 60 years old. My Aunt Sherry, Jason and Lisa were in town for her birthday. We had a very fun weekend and an incredible dinner! On Sunday we took the opportunity while everyone was in town to have Taylan baptised. It was so nice and Taylan was so good. Taylan is very lucky to have two sets of God parents. Uncle Jason, Aunt Lisa, Uncle Jeff and Aunt Shannon. Sadly, Uncle Jeff and Aunt Shannon couldn't make it but luckily Uncle Jason and Aunt Lisa were there to stand up for him.

After the ceremony, we had more cake and then it was time to say good-bye to everyone. It was a fun weekend. Happy Birthday Mom and Congratulations to Taylan! Taylan loved his cake! Especially the frosting! His birthday is going to be fun!

Hippy Hoppity ....EASTER!!!!

2009-04-22T21:11:00.003-05:00

I told Taylan the Easter Bunny was coming but I don't think he got it until he saw the eggs and the dancing bunny. Dave had to work on Easter so we took a trip to Indianapolis to spend Easter with Grandma and Grandpa Butler. Taylan loved watching the singing and dancing bunny (he still does today) but his favorite was the plastic eggs that rattled.

The Easter Bunny brought Taylan some marshmallow twists in his Easter basket. Taylan loved it!

After church, we went to lunch. Taylan couldn't take it anymore. He needed a little nap on Grandma. I don't think she minded at all.

SleepyHead

2009-04-22T21:08:00.002-05:00

Taylan sometimes doesn't like to take his afternoon nap. This is him eating at dinner. Well, sleeping at dinner. Two nights in a row, he simply fell asleep while eating because he was so tired.

10 Months Old

2009-04-22T20:52:00.007-05:00

He's 10 months old. The best 10 months! He's not quite walking but he's moving much more on his feet. When I say he never stops moving... he N E V E R stops moving! This was the best photo I could get of him with the sign. It's a lot of fun but he really keeps us on our toes. Taylan has found out how to open and close the door which he finds hilarious!

Dave has taught him to climb the stairs. At first it was cute to see him climb one step but now he can climb up all the way to the upstairs in a matter of seconds! Bathtime is still a favorite with him. No matter how tired he is, there's always time for bathtime! Splish Splash!

This has been a fun month for dad and Taylan. First the Celtics and then the Red Sox home opener day. Dad has fun dressing him in New England attire!

I can't believe I'm already starting to think about his 1st birthday! We love you Taylan James!

St. Patricks Day

2009-03-19T20:36:00.003-05:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Taylan and I went to dinner on St. Patrick's day with some of mommy's good friends from KSU. Taylan was funny at dinner. I tried to get a photo of him, but he's too fast and my camera is too slow. But he kept putting his hands on his head and putting his head down on the table.

And our day ends with smiles! My Little McCutie!

Celtics vs Bulls

2009-03-19T20:14:00.005-05:00

Daddy and his friend,Tom got to go to the Celtics vs Bulls game this year courtsey of his good friend Mr. Brown. The Celtics lost but Daddy had a good time supporting his team!

The day of the game, Dave couldn't wait to put Taylan in his Celtics warm-up suit that our good friend's the Bearce's gave us. I wasn't sure where it was but he knew exactly where it was and had it already pulled out and ready to go.

The last time Taylan wore this was the day we brought him home from the hospital:

All the Celtics hype really made him tired. Plus Taylan needed a good nap so he could go have dinner with Mommy and her friends.

9 Months and Growing

2009-03-19T20:06:00.003-05:00

How we did we get so lucky? I think this month Taylan will be walking. He is getting really daring and lets go more often than not. It's a lot of fun....until he falls and cries. No. He usually just giggles and gets back up. We are starting him on more and more real people food. He's not so fond of it but I get a pretty good laugh at his face. At his 9 month appointment Taylan had the doctor laughing. When Dr. King was feeling his belly, Taylan was laughing so hard, the doctor started laughing. It was funny. Before the doctor left the room, he said he needed one more laugh and tickled him some more. Lately Taylan has had me laughing so hard, I get tears in my eyes. Oh.... I Love it!

ROAD TRIP!

2009-03-19T19:59:00.002-05:00

Last weekend Grandma and Grandpa Butler came to pick us up and we took a road trip to see Uncle Jason and Aunt Lisa in Des Monies, Iowa. I got my new car seat and it was a fun ride, even if I did get a little restless. Uncle Jason and Aunt Lisa got baptised on Sunday and then we all went to lunch and then it was back in the car to go home. Short trip but we love to spend time with Uncle Jason and Aunt Lisa.

I Love Daddy!

2009-03-19T19:57:00.001-05:00

Brusha Brusha Brusha

2009-03-01T21:56:00.002-06:00

8 1/2 months old and Taylan has 4 teeth all the way in and 2 teeth that have just poked through the skin. I thought it was time to start good dental hygiene so I got him a little infant toothbrush. He liked it! He was so cute. He cried when I took it from him. I hope this love of the toothbrush lasts through his toddler years!

Toy Shelves

2009-03-01T21:51:00.002-06:00

Taylan has a toy box. He has toys all over the place. But he LOVES these shelves in our living room so we put more toys on his shelves.

My Boy

2009-03-01T21:49:00.001-06:00

Perfect Picture of True Love.

Bitter Biscuit

2009-03-01T21:45:00.002-06:00

First Time Mom for sure. This is me giving Taylan a bitter biscuit for the first time.....without a bib. Yeah... not a bright idea. But look how much fun he had. Bath time was fun that night.

Trail Run

2009-03-01T21:41:00.002-06:00

We had a beautiful day in the middle of February. So we hooked Taylan up in his new ride. We had a trial run in our living room. Dad loves to push him around and Taylan ate it all up! I'm so excited for it to be nice all the time so we can go out more. He loved it!!

8 Months Old

2009-03-01T21:33:00.002-06:00

These month photos are getting harder and harder to take. Taylan is not really fond of sitting still and doesn't quite understand "sit still so Mommy can take your picture." But I will say these photos give him character! At 8 months old, Taylan ....as you can see... loves to stand up. This has been another fun month for us. Every day is just a new joy in our lives.

Scrub a Dub Dub

2009-02-06T20:56:00.002-06:00

I don't know who loves bath time more.. me or Taylan. This is my little boy getting ready for his first bath not in the baby bathtub.

Amazed at the water!! He couldn't get enough of it his entire bath!

I actually felt bad pulling him out of the tub. What a cutie!

We've come a LONG way since his first bath 8 months ago!

Gonna Getcha Getcha Getcha

2009-02-06T20:53:00.002-06:00

We can always find ways to be late in the mornings. The other day, Dave had gotten Taylan dressed and when I walked in the room, Dave was "getting" Taylan and making him giggle like no other. NOW REALLY... how am I suppose to go to work (on time) when things like this go in the morning? it was really cute.

Superbowl Weekend

2009-02-06T20:47:00.002-06:00

Dave has a wonderful friend that gets him some big connections. Thank you Mr. Brown for the Superbowl tickets again this year. Dave was able to go visit his old stomping grounds and see his good buddies, Keith and Jay (and the little guy). Congrats Steelers. Enjoy it this year because the Patriots are ready to take the crown back next year!

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!

2009-01-15T22:33:00.003-06:00

Today the HIGH was -10 degrees. This is my neighbor's house. We have icicles on our roof too but our roof is too high to get a good look at. I don't think ours are even this deadly! Tomorrow it's suppose to be even COLDER!

7 months old

2009-01-15T22:28:00.003-06:00

WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE??????????? Was it really 7 months ago that I was laying in the hospital room wondering when he (or she at that moment) was going to arrive??? It's true what everyone tells me.. time flies. This has been the best 7 months of our lives though. Every day Dave and I are in amazement at how much more we love him than the day before. He has 4 teeth, can crawl, pull himself up, he loves to talk and he LOVES his jump-a-roo. He loves to dance and be sung to.... even by me. We love you Taylan James!!!!

Hat's Off

2009-01-15T22:26:00.003-06:00

Go Celtics!!!

Red Sox are over, Patriots are done.... all Daddy has left this year is the Celtics. GO GREEN!

Up, Up and Up

2009-01-15T22:16:00.002-06:00

Taylan is crawling all over the place. He can now pull himself up to a standing position. He is so proud of himself. It's so cute. The only not so cute part of it is that he doesn't know how to get down. He already has some bumps and bruises. I think I have a long road ahead of me when it comes to bumps, bruises and boy stuff.

Generations of Ray Boys

2009-01-15T22:15:00.003-06:00

Grampy Ray, Daddy Ray and Baby Ray.

Tickle Me Taylan

2009-01-15T22:08:00.004-06:00

Taylan is so ticklish! And there is that smile that just gets me everytime!

New Accomplishments

2009-01-02T12:43:00.004-06:00

This is Taylan's new thing. Pulling himself up on his knees. He is so proud of himself when he does it.I love watching him do new things and I love his smile and sparkly eyes when he has done something he is so proud of. I do think it's time to officially lower the crib. I'm proud of his accomplishments but I would hate to see him accomplish getting up and falling out of this crib!

Daddy Time

2009-01-02T12:40:00.002-06:00

Playtime:

Naptime:

Nanna and Grampy come to Chicago

2009-01-02T12:29:00.004-06:00

The day after Christmas we had some wonderful visitors to Chicago! Nanna and Grampy drove all the way from Massachusetts and stayed with us for a whole week. It was so nice to have them here with us. Nanna watched Taylan one night when Dave was not working and Mommy and Daddy got a much needed date night. Nanna got Taylan to eat so much cereal and fruits and veggies (but not peas - those just will not go down) and got him to nap like a champ! I think he put on 10 pounds just this week! I think they loved to play with Taylan and wake up to his infectious smile every day. We are going to miss them very much!

Johny Jump Up

2009-01-02T12:24:00.002-06:00

Taylan loves this Johnny Jump Up. He laughs and laughs and jumps and jumps. Mr. Active! It's so funny to watch him. He of course loves to be watched too. He'll stop and pause until someone notices him and then he laughs really loud and then starts jumping again and again and again.

WHAT? It's OVER?

2009-01-01T12:14:00.007-06:00

Yes Taylan it's true, the Patriots season is over.

But you did have fun watching the game with daddy!

My First Christmas

2009-01-01T11:38:00.005-06:00

On Christmas Eve, Grammy, Grandpa, Uncle Jason and Aunt Lisa came and we all went to a beautiful church service.

Then SANTA CAME!

WE LOVE SANTA!!!!

6 Month Check Up

2009-01-01T11:30:00.002-06:00

The sign is backwards!

Taylan had his 6 month check up. 17 pounds, 27 inches. He is in the 50% for weight and 75% for height. He has two teeth on the bottom and two teeth that just popped through the top. He's crawling everywhere and is pulling himself up on his knees. He loves to laugh and jump and dance and he loves it when we sing to him.... no matter how bad our voices are. Talk about unconditional love! He has so much personality. I can't wait to see what the next six months bring for us! We love you Taylan!

Santa Baby

2008-12-14T13:51:00.004-06:00

I'm really excited about the Christmas holiday this year. We put a little tree in Taylan's room and play Christmas music for him. Do you think it makes him happy???

Merry Christmas Baby! I love you.

Learning to Share

2008-12-14T13:49:00.003-06:00

Taylan has started solid foods and is getting more on his face and hands than in his belly. Luckily Lola is there to help him with his peaches.

'Tis the Season to be Jolly!

2008-12-07T20:25:00.001-06:00

Santa, All I want for Christmas is....

2008-12-07T10:13:00.003-06:00

Taylan made the "Nice" list this year. He was so good sitting on Santa's lap. He looked up at him, grabbed for his beard and wide eyed as can be. This is going to be a great Christmas. The magic of Christmas is here and it's only going to get better each year. Merry Christmas Baby!

Winter Wishes

2008-12-06T08:57:00.001-06:00

Brrrr.... Baby it's cold outside!

Pilgrims and Indians

2008-12-06T08:51:00.002-06:00

At day care, Miss Sabina had a Thanksgiving Feast for all the children and their families. When Dave and I got there, she had the kids in either a Pilgrim or an Indian hat. Taylan was a Pilgrim and his good friend Lili was an Indian. We ate a turkey casserole dish and some corn and some pumpkin muffins. All of which the older kids helped prepare all morning long. I got my first little art work from Taylan. His hand print with feathers to make a turkey. Happy Thanksgiving.

I can do it myself!

2008-12-06T08:44:00.003-06:00

Taylan is learning to like solid foods. BUT ..only if he can hold his own spoon. This makes feeding time a little longer than it probably should. Rice cereal never really was a huge hit with him. He can't get enough sweet potatoes though. Slowing but surely we will get him to eat more solids.

Silly Willy

2008-11-20T21:07:00.001-06:00

WHAT??? Lately Willy has been found in the wierdest places.

5 Months Old

2008-11-20T20:53:00.003-06:00

It seems like just 5 short months ago I was at the hospital with our new addition to our family... oh wait... it was 5 months ago. I can not believe how time goes by right under your nose. At 5 months of age, the biggest news we have is that Taylan has 2 teeth popping up through his lower gums. TWO!!! Taylan loves his exersaucer and loves to roll and roll and roll. Tonight I found him in his crib doing the downward dog. I know he does some yoga on Wednesday's at daycare but I don't think they are learning the downward dog at this point. It was so funny to see him up on his toes and hands ... then fall to the side like a falling timber tree! He laughed and got up and did it again. I think we are going to have my hands full when he gets older. Little dare devil is going to keep mamma's heart pounding hard. What a fun month it's been.

Awww........ Lola

2008-11-19T20:02:00.000-06:00

She looks sweet doesn't she?.... She is.

Proud Taylan Keeps on Rollin'

2008-11-19T19:56:00.002-06:00

Taylan loves to roll and roll and roll over and over and over. Toss in a few giggles and a few smiles and I have one heck of a proud baby. He loves to roll and then look around for me. Once he sees that I notice him, he grins from ear to ear; so proud of himself! It's pretty darn cute.

Uncle Jason & Aunt Lisa Visit

2008-11-19T19:50:00.002-06:00

Last weekend Uncle Jason and Aunt Lisa came to visit. Aunt Lisa got to babysit Taylan on Friday while Uncle Jason went to work. Little spit up, Little poopy diaper, little drool... but big love and big fun and big snuggles.

Jumpy Jumpy Jumpy!

2008-11-13T22:24:00.003-06:00

We (and when I say we... I really mean Dave) got the exersaucer put together for Taylan. HE LOVES IT! he is a very active little man and loves to jump up and down and up and down and up and down. I love watching him play on this thing because he gets the biggest smile and giggles on his face. Every so often he stops, looks up at me and is SO proud of himself and just starts smiling and cooing all over again!