Kayson - Lost 2nd Tooth

After about two weeks or so, K's second bottom tooth has finally come out.  It wiggled and wiggled forever, it seemed.  Kayson HATES having us look at it...  doesn't want us to touch it...  screaming happens, the whole bit.  It's a disaster I tell ya. 

Tonight was no different... but it had to come out (just like the first one).  We were scared he would swallow it.  He wouldn't let Ryan touch it...  and was just as hesitant with me doing it... but I did.   More screaming, lots of tears... and it's out.  It was the same reaction as the first time - blood = scared even more...  then he finally calmed down.  "Can we take a picture and text it to some people?"  Yes, buddy.  And we did.  

Good gracious that was exhausting.  :)

Our Christmas

Well, we've had plenty of Christmas' huh?  We still have one more to go too.  But on Christmas Day it's us, just us 4 and I love it.  I would say I was an emotional mess this Christmas morning...  I think I teared up at least 6 times all at random times - watching Kayson love his gifts, getting hugs from him and lots of "thank you's", thinking about all of us, thinking about my Mom, watching Cora smile from ear to ear for me, and seeing their excitement.  It still brings tears to my eyes.  Man, I love them. 

So... we had a good morning.  It was quick, but also perfect too...  we didn't rush, we were able to put some of the toys together, we were able to just sit too.  Here are some of the great pictures of the kiddos.  

Cora's cleaning set from Santa.

Cora's gifts - including a new pillow and sleeping bag!

Kayson's remote control crane and a few other Santa gifts.

Our big boy.

They both got little flashlights.  What a hit.  ha.

New Iowa stocking cap.  So cool!

Playing a little Battleship.

Christmas 2014 #3 (Hardy Family)

This year we did things a little different.  Typically we are home all day on Christmas Day - which is still very important to us - especially morning time.  We want alone time with our kids in the morning, again - especially for Kayson.  So in the past, we've always just stuck around our house.  We decided this year to change that...  we (or I) felt a little jipped on spending time with my side of the family.  We always would see them, but they ALWAYS do Christmas gifts and lunch and/or supper at the farm, etc.  We always missed that (now that K is here and Cora too).  We felt if we were still home in the morning, that would be good...  but then even better to fill that small void if we drove up the Clarion to spend time with my family.  It worked out.  It worked out perfectly.  

We got up to Clarion around 3:30ish...  and the games and laughter started right away.  Man, I love my nieces and nephew - what good kids they are.  We opened a few gifts (Mom and Dad didn't do much for the kids this year - they got a couple sets of learning books, which is really cool - they'll hopefully utilize them soon).  Then each 'kid' got another 'kid' something... K got a cool Under Armour sweatshirt and the game Trouble.  Cora got an Anna Build a Bear, which is adorable.  It was all good... and fast!  ha.  

Then we had supper... and just continued to hang out.  

We stayed at the farm with Mom and Dad...  again, like Thanksgiving, it's hard to be there and watch Mom.  She's sick, and I hate it.  But I know she loved having us there... she fusses over Cora so much, just follows her around and is always concerned about what she's doing.  It's fine, but it does get a little frustrating... I hope one day Cora doesn't get frustrated!

Anyway... we got up this morning and got packed up... then went into Tricia's to hang out.  The kiddos were tired, especially Cora, but we survived.  We headed home around 2:00... and Cora napped the entire way, which was great!  Kayson enjoyed the quiet with a movie.  

The rest of today has been laundry, and letting the kiddos play with all their new stuff.  They've done pretty darn good tonight...  but still very tired.  I'm so glad we have a full weekend of just being home and doing whatever.  I hope to get the tree down, and re-organized a little. 

It was a very nice Christmas Day - we are very blessed and lucky.  

K, Cora and Lindsay

Ash giving Cora her Anna Bear

Crazy times with Cora and Linds

A little Farkle being played.

A selfie with my SLR.  Not cute.  ha.

Watne and Taylor kiddos.

Kayson's 6th Birthday

Another year has passed... we now have a 6 year old.  Unbelievable.  

Christmas morning, Kayson slept in pretty good...  but as soon as he was up, he ran out to the living room... paused... then back to our bedroom  --- "Santa came!"  (Just like last year)... and my words were "Happy birthday buddy!"  He said thanks... and explained that he got that remote control crane!  I guess Santa IS the best in his eyes.  ha.  

We all sat down and 'opened' Santa's stockings...  it was very nice.  Kayson was very thrilled with the remote control crane, which made me smile.  We then had him open a few birthday gifts...  which he loved as well... and I think I got at least 4 hugs following those few gifts.  MELT ME... and tears fell.  That's all I need - a smile and hug from my birthday boy.  And I got it.  

The rest of his birthday was full of Christmas stuff...  driving up to Clarion to the farm...  spending time with his cousins... opening a few more gifts... and getting to bed late.  I'd say it was a success.  

Kayson has had a lot happen this past year - he's changed a lot too.  He's experienced a lot of new things too, and he's handled it with his own type of 'grace'.  :)  He's an excited little boy, but can be so challenging as well...  he's learned how to nail down being dis-respectful, which is frustrating (I guess we'll thank real school for that... and society... and a little bit of us???  ha.)  He's made new friends and he's loved his sister more this year than last year. 

Kayson hates to go to bed when he's in the middle of something... just like any other kid.  But he can also look at me with those blue eyes and tell me he's ready for bed and doesn't want books.  He's smart, he knows when he's tired.  

I'm so thankful that he's my first born... we have learned so much from him, and I'm thankful for that.  

Happy 6th birthday Kayson Michael.

Christmas Eve 2014

Ryan and I both took today off from work.  Kayson didn't have childcare, so I had already planned on being home with him... then Ryan decided to take it off as well.  Cora was up early - earlier than a normal week day.  Man, that's frustrating!  K and Ryan slept in a little...  then we just hung out for awhile.  Ryan and Kayson did an errand or two...  Cora and I got groceries, then we met the boys for lunch.  

This afternoon Cora took a good rest... and I thought I would be 'Mom of the Year' and bake sugar cookies with Kayson.  Well... it's obvious that I'm not a great baker, I just don't have it in me.  But I tried.  Unfortunately, it was kind of a mess at first... some tears even.  (Yah, I know - pathetic, or maybe just emotional and really wanting something to be memorable for Kayson).  Well, it's definitely memorable - 'that Christmas that my Mom cried while baking cookies'.  Awesome.  :)

Anyway, Ryan stepped in - saved the day... and we got the cookies baked... then frosted.  I do feel that K enjoyed the frosting and decorating a little.  I at least saw some smiles.  Once Cora was up, she decorated a few as well.  

Tonight we decided to go to Christmas Eve service at our church.  Yep, the church we are members of, but haven't been for probably over a year!  Oops.  It was a very nice service...  and even better afterwards when we got to talk with a few people.  I would say one of our 'goals' for 2015 is to try to go to church more. 

We got home - got baths taken, then the kids just had some quiet time...  We've had "The Christmas Story" on, so Kayson got to see a little of that.  Ryan's favorite movie.  Now the kids are asleep, and we are prepping for Santa!!  Ryan's putting Kayson's remote control crane together...  yes, I'm on the blog, but I needed to get pictures on here!  Next, I'll get all the other stuff out, and K's birthday gifts too.  We have a big day tomorrow and I just pray there are no tears (besides happy ones!)

Merry Christmas kiddos!

Christmas 2014 #2 (Taylor Family)

It's Sunday already... what a quick weekend we've had!
Saturday morning we had a few random things to do...  then Blair and Martina headed over.  Them, along with Mike and JeanAnn hung out with us over lunch...  Cora took a short nap, then we all headed to the hotel.  It's the Taylor way we do things now...  we get a hotel space reserved for all the Taylor's - and we gather!   We had such a good time!

We gathered and just hung out...  kids started playing... we eventually ate supper, then we did some fun games, Santa even visited!!!, we opened a few gifts (kiddos), followed by a few kiddos swimming...  We tried to get Cora to bed at a decent time (started around 9ish), and it took her over an hour to fall asleep.  I felt so bad, I hate that.  We let K stay up, cuz he was doing well (no meltdowns).  With that being said, it was still super late for him...  Once the kiddos were in bed, the adults finally hung out - most of them playing the famous Taylor card game of Pitch.  I didn't play this year...  but I believe Ryan did well (or at least has fun!), cuz he was doing a lot of hooting and hollering!  :)

I think we finally got everything cleaned up and we were in bed around 12:30.  YAWN.  Kayson slept great - Cora didn't.  This is not abnormal - she just doesn't do well not in her own bed.  We've always said that.  Anyway - she was pretty much awake at 5:15.  She kept quiet and I think she did snooze a little (restlessly) until about 7.  Again - YAWN.  Once we were all up - Ryan and the kids (and other cousins and Mike) did some swimming.  Cora had missed out on swimming the night before, so she got in this morning.  She does great - thank god for those arm floaties!  Anyway, we hung out a little longer - chatting with everyone, then finally headed home this morning around 11.  Blair's came back to our house so Landry could stretch out and crawl on clean carpet.  :)  Tate and K played a little more...  then they took off.  Cora took a great nap - I got groceries (which I believe I did that half-asleep) - man, I was tired.  I did lay down for a bit, which was great - but not long enough.  Oh well!

All and all, we had a great weekend.  As I re-read this, I babbled... you get the point on what we did - it was A LOT, we were non-stop!  :)  the kids had fun and so did we.  Tons of pictures below:

Yes, she ate a ton of junk all night... does that surprise you?!

US!

Brittlyn and Kayson

LOVES.

Duke & K

Merry Christmas (& Happy New Year) from the Taylor's

NOT quite sure, but she didn't cry!

Kayson did awesome!  He wants a remote control crane.

Funny.

One of the games we played...  child labor laws?  And check our brother's shoes.  ha.

Grandma Janis and her grand 'babies'

The Greats.

Gotta have a duck face before swimming.

Wow - what a great picture.

Pass the Pretzel game

it was a hoot!  We had to concentrate!

and have some sass.  :)

Winner, winner chicken dinner.

Kayson - Almost 6

It's hard to believe our first born is almost 6.  Six years ago I was ready to have my first baby and I was scared to death!!!  And also kept saying - 'as long as he doesn't come on Christmas!'  Well that didn't work!  :)


It's time for a brief update on buddy.

• Loves technology - love the iPad, movies and the iPad (again).  :)  That kid could be on that thing all the time if we let him!
• I'm anxious to see how tall he is - he seems tall, but at his birthday party, he had a school friend come and he was a giant compared to K!  K is just skinny, but his teacher says he's a 'tall friend'.  (he doesn't have his 6 year well check til the end of January!)
• He's reading really well...  we actually got a note from his teacher just last night.  Kayson is reading at a D level and the district approval for the end of the year is to have kids reading at a D level.  This makes me super excited.  :)  I can't imagine how much more he'll learn in the next half of the year.  Amazing.
• He's a kid that can't be bored.  He wants to play, he wants to help, he wants to do something all the time.  I like this about him, but also there are times, man - I just want to sit!  (I laugh as I write this, cuz I really don't ever sit down!).  ha.  :)
• He loves to tell us stories about his day.  As an almost 6 year old, some of the stories are missing pieces or he jumps around when telling them, and I love it.  I actually love trying to piece it all together!  Eventually we'll ask enough questions for clarification, then he tells us one small detail and it all comes together!  It's hysterical.
• Kayson sleeps hard.  I mean hard.  This kid falls asleep super fast and gets so warm when he sleeps.  Lately, he's been sleeping in his sleeping bag WITH the covers over him.  He's so toasty warm!  He hates to wake up in the morning for school, but once he does - he gives me the best hug in the morning.  That's the best thing ever.
• He loves music... and loves to sing.  He's a rock star in the car, I tell you!!  Me too... and Cora too. haha.

Cora May - Almost 2 1/2

"Cora May Rotten Taylor" is the name that Kayson calls his sister.  I tell him not to call her that, but 99% of the time, it's true.  She's a pistol.  She's ornery.  She's independent.  She's stubborn.  The list could go on. I figured it was time to make a list of all the things Cora does and says.  :)

Cora is almost 2 1/2, it's crazy to think that.  She has just changed so much over the past couple months.  I look back at pictures, and every month is so different.  I love it, but it sure is bittersweet. I wish I could keep her in my arms all the time.  (and her not talk back!)  :)

• She HAS to do everything Kayson does.  No matter what it is - she's following him, she's doing the same thing.  It's so annoying to Kayson.  ha. 
• She does not like the word 'no'.  I know - not many kids do, however, she's perfected the meltdown after the word 'no' is used on her.  She does a complete scream (sometimes with tears, but not always) and just stands there, in one spot. From time to time, she'll tell us what happened - which typically includes something about Kayson or Daddy.  :)  Yes, Daddy makes her cry too.  ha.
• Independent - she wants to get dressed on her own.  She's not ready for that yet.  Period.  We will let her try, but it's a long process to get her to accept the fact that she needs our help.  Putting her coat on in the morning is the longest process ever.  
• She gets into the pantry all the time.  Kayson did the same thing at her age... and still does, but we can have a conversation with him!  ha.  She's so demanding! 
• "Turn it up!" as we are in the car - she wants every song turned up.  Then she tries to talk to me, so I turn it down to listen to her, and she gets mad and yells "Turn it up Mom!"  
• I've started taking her backpack away from her on the ride to get Kayson.  Last week she got into her bag and rubbed Desitin all over her hands.  No more!
• She talks all the time.  We thought Kayson talked a lot - wow - now we have TWO that talk!!  The dinner table is NOT the quiet place, that's for sure.
• If she doesn't get her way - guess what she does?  Hits, throws things and cries.  UGH.

 
With all her orneriness - she has such a sweet side too.  

• She'll tell me (out of the blue) - "I love you Mommy", or "Huggie?" and lean in for a hug, then always give a kiss.  
• At bedtime, as we read, she leans her head in on me and just snuggles.  This is my favorite part of her.

There are a few sayings out there that remind me of Cora... and someday, I hope to have one of them in her room. 

"Let her sleep for when she wakes she will move mountains."

"She leaves a little sparkle wherever she goes." 

We love you Cora May.

Our Evenings

Our evenings mostly consist of playing games, wrestling, dance parties... or whining!  :)  Usually it's a combination of these things!!  

The other night - this was our night:

Showing our muscles...  Cora a little hesitant??  Nah.

Baby doll needed to be half naked as well.  :)

Kayson's 6th Birthday Party

Kayson is going to be 6.  SIX YEARS OLD.  Unbelievable. 
This morning we had his birthday party at SkyZone.  He invited a few 'old' friends from daycare, a few neighbors, and a few boys from his class.

We arrived early and waited a little bit while his friends came and my sisters and their families.  Then it was time to jump!  Ryan jumped with the little kids... and the big kids (my nieces and nephew).  They had such a great time!!  It was fun watching them too!  We'll definitely be going back!

Kayson had fun...  he got some great gifts, and hopefully made some wonderful memories for him.  

Soon to be birthday boy!

Cora had a blast as well!

Dodgeball!

Foam pit!

Riley, K, Ella & Austin

The group!  Thanks for celebrating with Kayson!

ALMOST 6 years old!!!

Make a wish buddy!

After the party, we headed home...  Jill, Jeff and Ash went to do some shopping, so Lindsay and Ryan came back to our house.  We played for several hours - played a few games that Kayson got, even got outside for a short bit to play with new remote control cars!  It was super fun spending some time with those two.  :)  

We then all did an early supper out... which was great fun as well.  Cora was a pistol, but K was great (as long as he's doing something with cousin Ryan!)  It was nice to have adult conversation with my sister, Jeff and Ash!  :)

On our way home for the night, we drove around and looked at some Christmas lights...  which was nice as well...  we got home and the kiddos got their baths early.  Then we just hung out a bit.  We were all wiped out - so bedtime wasn't a fight for those two.  Ryan's been snoozing for awhile, and I'm on my way!  I'm so glad we have another day to just be home and take it easy!

It was a great day - and I sure hope Kayson enjoyed himself.  I hope he knows how lucky he is!!