Happy Nine Months

Today, Taylor is 9 months old. And to celebrate, I think her hair is finally starting to grow. All of our kids have been late bloomers in the hair department, but Taylor officially has hair now - not much, but enough to count. You can see it best if the light hits it just so. I think it will be strawberry blond like Lauren's, but straight like Jake's. David is still holding out for brown hair like him, but I think he's stuck with another blond hair, blue-eyed kid. I'm looking forward to no longer hearing "how old is he?", no matter how much pink she wears. Hair is an important characteristic for little gals.

We are so blessed and fortunate to have had these 9 months with Taylor. When I think how far she's come from being a little 5 pounder at birth to the smiling, laughing beautiful baby she is today, I am so thankful. A few special memories for you - Taylor is affectionately called "The Bomber" or "T-bomber" because of her explosive poops her first few months of life. I'll never forget Dr. Dudas at her 2 month appointment, just about to take off her diaper, and she let it rip. He jumped back - certain that he had been torpedoed. Thankfully it was just a close call. She's also called "T" or "Tay Tay", so it's no wonder she doesn't seem to recognize her name (one of the questions on her development assessment). She loves to laugh and will giggle easily if you tickle her back or neck, smile big, or make noises at her (her favorites are a kiss noise and horse noise). She also loves listening to singing, looking out the window, and watching Lauren and Jake play. She has always been a very mellow baby and a good sport - as most third babies need to be. Our family would certainly feel incomplete without her and we're so thankful that she doesn't have a condition that will threaten her health or require painful treatment.

Tonight was Jake's graduation from his preschool - a very special place that we've been at the past 4 years, between he and Lauren. His teachers are so special and when I picked Jake up from school this afternoon for the last time, I became teary-eyed. His class was doing circle time - singing their favorite songs - and as I watched my little buddy sing and dance with his friends - I was so proud. These moments are also bittersweet because I so hope Taylor can experience these moments in a few years. As I thought about it though - the emotions I was feeling for Jake - pride and love - I will feel for Taylor many times over. The experience may be different or the same, but I'm certain I will love her and be just as proud. I composed myself and drove home, but decided I would let myself get sad for a few moments when I could steal away. Then, as Jake was "helping" me bring in the groceries, he dropped a 2 gallon jug of milk and it exploded in our entryway. As I've said before, thank goodness for young kids, because by the time I had cleaned up the mess, the sad moment had passed. So today....here's to spilled milk and special birthdays......