Volleyball

Last night Kayson and I made a road trip to Belmond.  My nieces, Ashley (16) and Hope (14) were playing in a small tri volleyball tourny.  These girls are good... and I really wanted to see them in action.  This is definitely the draw-back from living an hour and a half away - I just don't get to see the kids in sports as much as I'd like.  Either way, they both were happy that we made it and it was a ton of fun.  Kayson had a blast too - running around with Eden, Lindsay and Ryan.  They wore him out -- and he did sit and watch some volleyball too.  He says "Hope and Ashley spike the ball!"  and that's even more funny because they don't spike -- Ashley sets like a star, and Hope is an amazing digger.  Too funny!  It was just such a great time... I'm so glad we made the short trip.  It really meant a lot to me to be there.

K and Ashley & Hope

All the kiddos...  they had such a good time!!

And Ashley (#9) & Hope (in the red) - smiling - Love it!

Kayson Michael

There's been so many 'things' Kayson has done or said in the past month or so, I felt like I should just write them all out. 

• He can now open the fridge door, stand on the small ledge at the bottom of the fridge and reach his milk...  or open the drawer at the bottom and get some string cheese.  It's funny to think we used to have to do this for him, now he can do it himself.
• He also will now go down to the basement (where our small fridge is of pop) and get the correct pop that Mommy and Daddy want.  AWESOME!  (Yes, we can be lazy!)
• Pottying is going well -- really well at daycare, but getting there at home.  We still hear "Mommy I need a diaper so I can poop!"  He SO KNOWS WHAT'S GOING ON!  Stinker!  I think I need to do some more reading/asking advice on this one... 
• We've been doing big boy underware this week at home --- from about 6 pm til bedtime... and it's going well.  (We are going to attempt big boy underware this weekend)  Wish us luck!
• He eats way better for me if we have supper ready by 5:30.  That's early for Ryan and I (Ryan's usually not even home), but I've been tallying up - he just plain sits better, eats his entire meal and is much more happy during and afterwards. 
• Wants and does everything on his own (if possible) -- for example:
• opening the slider for the dogs, opening the front door for the dogs... or us
• tending to the Pantry himself! (This one is scary and annoying - he can reach a ton of stuff, including the junk food and glass bowls) - probably should re-arrange that!
• gets undressed himself when needing to potty... and can get his pants on easily, shirts are a little more difficult
• puts his shoes on himself - even the correct side (left/right)
• My ul-time favorite thing he asks me (in his sweet voice) - "Mommy will you play with me please?"  So sweet.
• He asked our neighbor the other day - "How was Avery's day?"  Again - sweet. 
• He always wants to know what our friends are doing...  asks about our neighbors, or Lacey, or his teachers/friends from daycare...  we talk and talk about the people in our lives.  I hope this is a sign that he'll be a caring boy/man.
• Other funny things he says:
• "Go away" - when he's mad at me!
• "C'mon boys... let's go for a walk!" - talking to the dogs.
• "I had a good day Mommy... did you?" - when I pick him up from daycare.
• "I want my Daddy!" - I hear this a lot when he's tired and sick of me! :)

• My favorite (specifically tonight) - "I want to go to bed..."  After a long week, long day, and long night of dinner out, and a portion of the Waukee Football game...  He'll sleep good tonight.

Our beautiful (and ornery) son.

Walk

Tonight after dinner, Kayson really wanted to go outside...  this is an everyday thing!  It was a little chilly, so I told him we'd just be out for a little bit.  He wanted to take the dogs...  and here are 3 of my 4 boys.  

Pretty cute.  

We then ran into Nicky, Rusty and Avery...  so of course, the kiddos played a little bit.  I was able to get this quick shot of them!  Again - so darn cute. 

Imagination

Our little Kayson is starting to get an imagination... and show it to us.  It's actually pretty neat.

Tonight Kayson tells me that "the bears are here!"  We talked about the bears and talked about what they were doing...  and he tells me "the bears chase us!"  He then tells me "let's run Mommy!"  So I played along...  we ran around the house as the bears chased us...  We then jumped on Mommy and Daddy's bed because that was the 'safe' spot - the bears wouldn't get us!  Then "the tigers are here too Mommy!"

We went on and on for about 15 minutes with this...  it was great.

Shopping

Today I needed to do a few errands...  So I went by myself while Kayson was napping and Ryan was doing bills.  I got a birthday gift taken care of, and my next 'to do' was look for Kayson some pants - whether it was jeans or just sweats for winter, it didn't really matter.  I went to Kohl's, it was pretty picked over... but got a few long sleeved shirts.  Then I thought I would try Younkers...  they had a much bigger selection - so I got a few pants and a pair of jeans.  NOW - the challenge will be to get Kayson to actually TRY THEM ON FOR US!  ha.  

As I was leaving the mall, I thought -- "I should look for myself for once".  And I did.  I went into 4 stores and browsed... and browsed... and nothing.  Am I too picky?  Am I too cheap?  (I think this is the main problem!)  I would rather keep my money or spend it on Kayson.  Every store has really cute stuff, but the stuff is all put together with a top and a jacket and/or sweater which then ends up costing nearly $100 for JUST THAT ONE SMALL OUTFIT?!  Not sure if I can really do that...  

So I came home with nothing for myself.  Oh well!

Ok... moving on!  We are slowly switching Kayson's closet into a closet that's actually used for clothes.  Over the past 2 years, I have folded everything into his nice dressers...  and we are possibly going to be moving one of his dressers into the 3rd bedroom, to give Kayson some more room.  Anyway, I'm starting to hang his fall/winter clothes... I have a long ways to go with the closet, but it's a start!  

Some of the fall/winter clothes (mostly shirts) hanging up!

And just a small pile of summer clothes that need to be packed away

And the clothes I purchased today for him.  The shirts will be wrapped up for Christmas/Birthday gifts... pants/jeans will hopefully fit and be put to good use this fall/winter!

Friday already?

Where has the week gone?  Believe me, I'm not complaining!  I'm super DUPER glad it's Friday.  It's been another busy week with work... busy evenings with Kayson (Ryan was out of town again), so knowing it's Friday afternoon makes me smile!

I just finished a workout... and I can tell that I'm worn out.  I literally do.not.have.any.fire in me.  I'm pooped!!  But again, knowing it's Friday, makes me smile! 

Kayson's been pretty darn good this week...  given that it was just us again, I get concerned that he really gets sick of me!  We had a play date one night, we did a few errands another night... and last night Ryan got home, so he and Daddy got to play quite a bit.  K is doing really well with the pottying too - still a little struggle to go at home, but at daycare, he's pretty much dry all day long.  Miss Jeanie (new teacher, new room), says that he probably can do underware at daycare.  WHAT?!?!  Really?  Gosh, that is crazy to me, but it'll happen before we know it.  Ryan and I discussed, and we'll wait another couple weeks/maybe a month and we'll have to see how it's going and make a decision.  We still have to 'diaper' him for #2.  Hhmm...  ;)

Another busy weekend is ahead of us...  tonight two "musts" on my list of things to do is: GROCERY SHOP.  I haven't really gotten groceries for a good while, it seems.  And CLEAN BATHROOMS.  YUK!  Tomorrow Mike and JeanAnn will be staying with Kayson while Ryan and I head over to Iowa City for the football game.  I'm sure hoping for a DRY tailgate and game!  Sunday I'm meeting with the bride to be of the wedding I'm photographing, then have a photo shoot in the afternoon... plus some errands that need to be done because they didn't get done this past week. 

But again, so glad it's Friday...  the work week can be put behind me and look forward to the weekend with my two boys.

WHY?

I was reminded tonight (by Ryan) that about 2 months ago, Kayson wasn't really asking the question "Why?"  Um...  I can officially say - that question is asked at EVERYTHING we talk about now!  Oh my goodness!  I never really imagined what that would be like --- or thought I would understand it...  I do now, and it kind of makes me crazy!  ha.  He knows when he asks "Why?" and we give him an answer... he either 'gets it' or he goofs off and asks "Why?" about 14 more times.  ;)  He can be so naughty!

Our weekend:

He was thrilled to have Daddy home Friday night...  they talked and talked when Ryan got home... then we decided to do dinner out... and Kayson had to be removed from the table a couple times (I think) - it felt like a couple times anyway - for just not listening.  Listening has been a struggle lately.  (Apparently that's hard for a 2 1/2 year old?!?!)  Who knew!!  ha. 

Saturday, he missed Daddy a lot in the morning, as Daddy needed to work some more...  so more "Why's?" were had and lots of meltdowns.  After a quick haircut by Aunt Lacey... and a few more meltdowns, it was come to the conclusion that Kayson's pretty much sick of me!  ;)   ha!!

An Iowa football game was had... and a disappointing loss too.  I had an upset husband!!  Darnit.  Saturday night Kayson got spoiled (and had a blast) with Aunt Tricia and cousins Hope & Eden.  Ryan and I went out with some friends for dinner and some karaoke.  We were told Kayson was great (of course!)...  Trish tells some great stories about him... it's great to hear the things he says and does when we are gone.  I love hearing about his fun and his personality when we aren't around...  just makes me smile. 

And today was more "Why's" and meltdowns.  I'm not going to lie - today wasn't a fun day for us.  It was a wasted day of doing random things and not really leaving the house.  We are all tired...  and really - kind of burnt out.  Kayson's busy (that's obvious) and we just have to keep him distracted from the "Why's" of life!  ha.  (If it was just that easy!!)

Asks "WHY" when I tell him it's time to get out of the driver's seat!

Asked "WHY" this was on our driveway Saturday morning?  (I crossed out 'State' and added 'Hawks'!)  

Quick story regarding the "GO STATE" on the driveway.  We have some great neighbors (very lucky)... and one set in particular are Iowa State fans... and are the ONLY Iowa State fans on our immediate block.  Apparently they thought it would be fun to stamp this little blurb on ALL of the Iowa fans' driveways early Saturday morning.  It was pretty damn funny to see this down the block...  good times.  ;)

Closed

I'm a big fan of Kendra Wilkinson. I'm not sure what it is about her... but I'm intrigued by her. Maybe cuz I'm a little nosey too! I love reading true stories... real feelings, real thoughts... and she tells it all in this book! I'm glad I purchased it and will be purchasing her 2nd book that releases the end of September!



Two thumbs up!

Pictures & Pottying

We had another busy weekend  - from the game on Saturday, to Creston Sunday and Monday... I'm just going to post pictures of our time away.  Kayson had a blast and was a good boy.  He's just growing up way too fast, I think!!   and by the way - used a Pull-Up all weekend, and only had a wet one twice.  I personally think that is awesome!!  ;)   We are getting there!

Picture overload!  ;)

Doing better each time we get the TEE out.

I just love this coat.  ;)

Loves to put stickers on his face!

Aunt Tina (& Momma) with her favorite boys

How sweet is that?

Hangin with Papa at the parade

With Jenna

Taylor Grandkids (Look at Kayson - what a cheesy face!)

Finally got a picture of the dogs chasing bubbles. ;)

It was great having a long weekend... and now even better having a short work week!  Ryan is in MN this week...  K and I got groceries tonight, tomorrow I do my first night of volleyball, and Thursday will be laundry and ironing night... Friday can't get here soon enough!

Kayson did well today again with the Pull-Up.  We are very excited... but also don't want to push it too hard and have him revert back.  I'm just trying to go with the flow...  it's tough!!  But I think we are doing pretty well.  We'll have troubles with the pooping I'm sure...  yesterday this is how one of of conversations went:

K: Mommy - take my big boy pull-up off and I need a diaper.

Me: Why do you need a diaper honey?

K: I need to poop.  I poop in my diaper.

Me: Why don't you poop in the potty?

K: No!  I need a diaper. 

You can guess what we did - a diaper was put on and he pooped.  So - he knows what he's doing... knows how it feels... so we just need to get over that bump.  He's smart and will figure it out.  Either way, I'm proud of him. 

95

Great Grandma Ann (to Ryan and I) - Great-Great Grandma Ann (to Kayson) turned 95 years YOUNG Sunday.  What a wonderful woman she is... 

Over the past couple weeks, however, Grandma Ann has been having some troubles with her hips...  she a frail little thing (literally), so family has decided to put her in a nursing home in Mount Ayr (in hopes this will be just for a short time).  Since this was Labor Day weekend (and this is typically one of the weekends where EVERYONE in the immediate Taylor family is back in Creston/Diagonal), we surprised Grandma Ann with some cake and ice cream and company for her at the nursing home.  It was a great little gathering...  tears welded up for me...  knowing and seeing how many people love her.  She was happy to see all of us.  Success.  

Looks pretty darn great for 95!!

Great Grandkids... and two special Great-Great Grandkids ;)

Taylor's & Grandma Ann

Go Hawks!

Welcome to College football!  We have season tickets to the Iowa games again...  and our first game was SOAKED.  Wow...  what a disappointment!!  The tailgate actually was dry for the most part, then around 10:30 this morning, it decided to sprinkle... then rain... then pour!!  I was lucky enough to be able to sit in the back of our truck - with my little friend, Cali Kuhl.  What a little sweetheart...  we talked and talked about football, and the rain... and Kayson... and you name it.  It was a very nice little moment for me.  ;)

We waited... and waited...  but the rain just never really stopped...  and soon enough we finally made a decision to just go to a bar and watch the game, rather then sit in our seats.  It was a good choice (in my opinion!)  But again, a disappointment that we didn't actually 'go to the game'.  We had good company with us (and it was a big win for the Hawks), so all and all, it worked out well and we were dry!  ;)

Kayson was watched by my parents today... thanks to Mom and Dad!  

Laundry is being done now... and some packing for the rest of the weekend...  bedtime early for me!  

Before the rain!

Panic Mode

Ok...  all of the sudden I'm in panic mode.  You should see our calendar for September and October.  It's ridiculous!  OMG.  We have something every weekend... either gone, or plans with friends/photo shoots or gone AND plans, really!?!?  But then I sit back and remember - this is our busy time. Period.  Football season starts now (as of Saturday).  That takes up a lot of time...  even though I won't be attending every game, it still takes a lot out of me -- and Ryan, being gone so much.  Just non-stop around here!

Another thing that has me in an uproar --- do I dare say it out loud?  Christmas is around the corner!  If our September and October is as busy as we think, then it'll be November (squeezing in Thanksgiving, Christmas/Birthday shopping and maybe, just maybe some time for just the three of us) - Christmas will be here before we know it!  Another OMG!  ;) 

Some things that are jumping around in my mind right now:

1. Will we host Kayson's birthday party at the house this year, or should we rent a room at a hotel and invite family PLUS friends to play/swim?  We don't want to spend a fortune, but maybe the later option would be the best thing??
2. What do we get a 3 year old?  (I'm going to have a 3 YEAR OLD!!!!)
3. I better start making a list for family members for things Kayson wants/needs... YUK! (this is one of my least favorite things to do)
4. I'm shooting a small/intimate wedding this October -- nerves has set in!
5. Winter = snow = nervous Janelle driving and would much rather be at home!  Lord!
6. I want to get Kayson into some sort of activity this winter -- Water Babies or something like that. 
7. Not only are weekends full, if you see my calendar for weekdays, they are full too - I've started VB again (on Wednesday nights), plus a couple girls dinners, chriopractor appointments, and trying really REALLY hard to get up to Clarion to watch my beautiful nieces play VB.
8. I'd like to get a weekend to go somewhere with just the three of us...  but I'm just not sure if it's doable, which makes me sad.

So...  I guess I'm done babbling! 

We are off this weekend to the first football game, then down to Creston Sunday through Monday for a photo shoot, Taylor family time and Labor Day parade.  Pictures will be taken!