Christmas Fun...

We had a wonderful Christmas! This year, we stayed around Nevada and my family came to us. My family arrived at our house on Christmas Eve, just in time for mass. After church, we came home and had a big dinner and spent time opening gifts and chatting. Here are some pictures...



There is a tree behind us...we're just too big! haha!

My Parents!

This is where Marc planted himself for the evening!


We all agreed that next Christmas is going to be MUCH different with Baby Taylor around! We're so excited for that!


On Christmas Day, we enjoyed a big breakfast and lunch and then just lounged around the house with my family. Later in the afternoon, we headed to Ryan and Janelle's for the Taylor Christmas. We opened gifts and had a big dinner!!
Uncle Blair had soo much fun with Kayson. The two of them played and put new toys together! :)

It was a great Christmas! We had lots and lots of GREAT food! We're so thankful for our families!

Now we're just enjoying break- lounging, cleaning, and meeting up with some friends...oh, and waiting for baby!





Happy Holidays!

Well the holidays are quickly approaching! I can't believe it's Christmas time. I've been looking so forward to this Christmas. I think it has something to do with the break that comes along with it! :) This year will be a little different for us because we can't travel more than 30 minutes away, since we're getting close to baby time!! My parents and brother are coming to share Christmas Eve and Christmas morning with us. We're very excited that my brother, Marc, can make it. He and his girlfriend live in Arizona, so he has some traveling to do. It's our tradition to just eat, eat, eat! We always have lots of snacks during the day and our famous Christmas supper is steak and crab legs. YUM! We've been doing that now since Blair's been in the family...and it's a big hit! We'll go to Christmas Eve mass at our church in Nevada.
Christmas day we'll head to Ryan and Janelle's and have Christmas dinner and open gifts with the three of them and Mike and Jean Ann. Kayson, Blair's nephew, makes it so much fun. We love watching him open presents...and since he shares a birthday with Jesus he gets LOTS of them on Christmas. I believe Jean Ann is preparing a yummy Christmas dinner, so we're looking forward to that.
Now lets just pray that the weather bypasses us. I worry about our families being on the icky roads.

As far as Baby Tay goes.....We're at 37 weeks, the room is ready, diapers are stocked, bag is partially packed....he can come anytime!
I've still been feeling great, besides some back pain in the evenings. Dr. Gessner says that he's 'petite' and she's guessing we're going to have a 7 pound bundle of joy! We're getting so excited and can't wait to meet this little man!


Merry Christmas everyone! May God bless you ALL this holiday season. Safe travels!

35 weeks!

We're getting closer and closer! 35 weeks!! Someone told me today that I looked like I was going to explode..haha! Little do they know that I have a good 5 weeks left. Everyone comments on this big ol' belly!

Baby Tay's room is finished! My dear friend, Beth, sent me an Uppercase Living saying that I have to put on the wall yet..but after that I'll post pictures! My mom came this past weekend to help me with some last details. She is one excited grandma-to-be. I don't know how many times she opened his dresser drawers to pull out his little clothes or shoes. It's soo cute! The three of us worked on hanging some decorations on the walls.  My mom and I even put his name up, but Blair says were going to have to cover it up because we can't give it away! It just looks soooo cute in there! :) I love just going in there in the evenings to read in the glider rocker! I'm sooo ready....:)

We got our tree up and we're all ready for Christmas! We even got most of our shopping done! The nesting is continuing..I've been cleaning and organzing...driving the hubby NUTS!

Anyways...I don't have too much to say this evening, but I'll share a picture!

So very Thankful!

Well, I was sitting here tonight thinking about all the things I have to be thankful for! I have an amazing husband--I love him more than I can say. Tonight, I was taking a bath and he brought me in a new loofa that he picked up at Walmart today, and while I relaxed he folded laundry! Now thats a pretty amazing man--remembers that I needed a new loofa! What a guy!
I have an active baby boy growing inside of me!! I'm going to be a MAMA! I've wanted nothing more than to be a mom since I was a tiny girl.
I have awesome parents, a feisty brother, and the best in-laws. Also, I have lots of other loving family members. Family is everything!
I have the best friends anyone could ask for.
I have a warm, cozy house.
I have a job, and in this world today I couldn't be more thankful for that.
I am healthy and so are my loved ones.
Last, but certainly not least, I have a relationship with God.

Life is pretty amazing...thats A LOT to be thankful for!

I wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving!!

Love,
Mart

32 Weeks!

I decided I'd post a new belly picture! We're at 32 weeks! :)

Snow, Snow, Snow

Happy Monday! :)
I'm very excited to blog about our crazy weekend! We went to Emmetsburg for a shower that my wonderful aunts and cousins were throwing for us! Unfortunately, Emmetsburg was hit with a very LARGE snow storm and we ended up getting 14 inches! The shower was scheduled for 9am but we postponed it until later in the day. It was such a nice shower...my Aunt Jan, cousin Heather and her daughters, along with my mom had decorated the basement of the bank so nicely. The sad part is we ended up having the shower in the pitch dark--the power went out! I opened gifts by the light of a book lamp my mom had in her purse. I just feel bad for all the hard work that was done. All my aunts baked muffins and my aunt Jan made four pans of egg bake! I just want them to know that I probably ate about eight muffins...and they were GOOD!
It was still such a nice day and some family made it, including Blair's mom and dad all the way from Creston. I'm just thankful that those who live far away didn't risk it! Some of us had a sleepover at Mom and Dad's and of course we had lots of yummy food to eat thanks to my dear mom! My poor dad was stuck moving snow ALL day!!

On Sunday, I was able to catch up with some close friends, Amy and Sara. We had a nice visit...it was much needed!
Later in the day Mom, my aunt Darlis, and I went to a craft show. My aunt Danita makes the most awesome homemade cards. We had to go check out her stand!


Blair and I are so thankful for all the nice gifts that people have given us for both showers. People are so generous! We truly appreciate all the kindness and hard work!



Baby Tay update:
-He's very active!! What a cool feeling...I'm falling in love with the little dude :) Can't wait to meet him!
-His room is beginning to come together. Grandma and Grandpa Taylor brought his bedroom set last Thursday and we're slowly getting organized.
-He supposedly weighs just over three lbs!! Big boy! :)
-Daddy and I are starting to call him by name and are working on a middle name! We might have to wait and finalize that when we meet him.

Busy, busy...

Ok--So I have lots to post about tonight! We've been busy starting to get ready for this little man to arrive. Tonight Blair is cleaning all the carpets on the whole main floor! On Thursday, Blair's parents are bringing the baby furniture and they are going to work on getting that put together! The baby's room is empty and all ready to go. Tonight I washed all the mop boards and washed all the walls!

My dad has been putting in numerous hours at our house! He's been finishing a spare bedroom in the basement! I took some pictures tonight but I think I'll wait and post the finished product, once it's all set up!

Here's our project from tonight:

This is the mess in the sunroom! Ha!

ha!

Ok, What I'm most excited to post about is the shower that my wonderful sister-in-law hosted! It was so nice. It was the perfect size- just Blair's side of the family and some close family friends. My mom also came! We got lots and lots of great things.

The adorable diaper cake Grandma JeanAnn made.

Janelle, me, JeanAnn

Thanks for reading! Have a great rest of the week everyone! :)

Long overdue..

So, my lovely sister-in-law told me that it was time I update my blog! So...here is goes! :)

Things are swell at this Taylor household. My dad and Blair have been working on the basement every weekend. I need to take some pictures this week and post the progress. They are ready to start the drywall...so we'll see if how much they get accomplished this weekend! I think my 'nesting' is kicking in and I want to start the baby's room, but I can do that until the new spare bedroom is finished. Of course I want everything all cleaned including the walls, windows, and carpets! I want this house to be clean as a whistle when that little man arrives...ha..we'll see how that goes!

As far as the pregnancy, everything is going just fine. We did have a little scare yesterday morning. We were getting ready for school and just about ready to walk out the door when all the sudden I got these terrible pains in my upper abdomen that were shooting to my back. They literally dropped me to the floor and I was sweating uncontrollably! The tears were just pouring! I called my school and said I'd be late...and made a call to my Dr. She ended up being in surgery and her nurse told me to go to the ER and they'd send me up to the OB. As soon as we got there, they hooked me up to monitors. The baby was fine...no stress. I had assumed everything was fine with him because the pain didn't feel like it was in my uterus, and nothing like contractions/cramping.
They did an ultrasound and lab work and didn't come to any conclusions. The only thing that might be possible is gall bladder but the doctor didn't test this because I guess for this particular scan I would need to fast...
Anyways...we went home at about 3:00 and I crashed for a couple hours and then went to bed early too. I was wiped out!
I'm feeling better today, but still dragging.

I thanked God last night that it wasn't anything serious and that Baby is ok. It's a little frustrating not knowing what caused that 'attack'! Probably the most pain I've ever experienced!

The ultrasound showed that baby weighs 2 lbs 9 ozs. The new estimated due date is January 5th..but the Dr. didn't make any official changes! He's a growing boy!
Baby Taylor is officially named! Daddy picked out his name letters to paint for his room last week at Hobby Lobby! I told Blair- this must mean its official!

We hit the 28 week mark! It's going quickly!

Have a great rest of the week everyone! Thanks for reading!

Friends, Family, & Food

We had a GREAT weekend filled with family and friends! My closest friends came for a visit-Beth, Emma,  and Kay! Beth and Jared came all the way from Kentucky! Blair was thrilled to have his 'guy time' with Jared too! 

Friday evening we had a nice dinner and joined some more friends in Colo for some drinks. 

Saturday morning was got up and tailgated and enjoyed the awesome fall weather. My parents and brother came too, and we had many friends stop by the tailgate throughout the day! We had some awesome food :) and I think we can all say that we were miserably stuffed by the end of the day! :) 

State even pulled off a win! It was a very exciting game.

 

Here are some pictures from the weekend! 

6 Months!

We are 6 months along already! I can't believe it. It's really going fast. We had an appointment last week and found out that Baby Tay is heathy and active. Everything is great! I've still be feeling great, except my feet have been a bit sore in the evening. I used to complain when my mom would ask for foot rubs...now I'm understanding how great they feel! :)  haha!

It's been so exciting lately because four of my very close girl friends are also expecting. They are all due a month or less after us. They are all finding out what they are having and enjoying that exciting 20 week ultra sound. Beth and Jared had their appointment and remained strong..they decided to keep it a surprise...it will be pretty cool to find out what Baby Scheckel is in February!

Here's the new baby bump picture!

School is going great! We only have two more weeks of volleyball and football, so that extra time in the evenings will be awesome.

We're looking forward to a weekend of football fun...tomorrow we'll do some tailgating and enjoy the ISU/UNI game.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone. I'm praying the rain stays away.

Oh State...

This was the first time in many years that  I didn't watch....or cheer on the the cyclones at a tailgate during the Iowa St./Iowa game. I checked in on the score several times, and I actually think it was better this way. Oh State....UGH!
We did have a great weekend however! Blair and I were both part of the new Mr. and Mrs. Downing's wedding! We had a great time and it was beautiful weather. The wedding was outside and I don't think the couple could've been blessed with a nicer day! We were both happy to be part of their special day. Congrats Cody and Jenni!
Here's a couple pictures from the weekend:

While we were celebrating, my parents were at our house working! My mom and dad are helping us remodel part of the basement. We had a large storage room on one of the basement and we're turning that into a spare room. On the other unfinished end we're making a full bathroom. It's going to be soo nice! They got a lot done! They put in HUGE shelving units for storage and did a lot of gutting. It's such an improvement! I'll have to post b/a pictures. They worked very hard and we truly appreciate everything they've done..not to mention their willingness! Thanks Mom and Dad! 

I have one question- Where do weekends go? They sure seem to fly! Here is it Sunday night and we're preparing for another week of school and games! I have a Dr. appt tomorrow morning--hoping Baby T is growing and healthy!

Have a wonderful week everyone! 

Great weekend!

We had a great long weekend! It went rather quickly though. Saturday we went to Des Moines to see Blair's parents and Kayson, Blair's nephew. They were babysitting, while Ryan and Janelle were at the Iowa game. We played hard! Later that afternoon, we got to pick out baby furniture (thanks to Grandpa and Grandma Taylor). I can't wait to start working on the baby room.
On Saturday night, my parents came down and stayed with us. We got up Sunday morning and went to church and had a nice lunch. My parents are going to help us do some remodeling in the basement. We're going to finish a bathroom and a spare room down there. We made a trip to Lowes to start purchasing what we'll need!
Monday we headed to Diagonal, IA with Ryan and Janelle for the annual parade and get together at Grandma and Grandpa Taylor's (Blair's Grandparents). We also celebrated Blair's Great Grandma Ann's 94th bday! It was very special...lots of family in one weekend!

Tonight was my first volleyball game of the season! The 8th graders did a great job! They won all three games! :)

Have a great short week everyone!

Aww Friday!

I'm very thankful that it's Friday! It's been a long week! I should be at the West Marshall football game but I was simply pooped, so I decided to stay home! My plan was to get ALL the laundry done but we're having dryer issues so it's taking forever. The dang thing runs for about five mins and then shuts off...so I've restarted it probably 17 times tonight! We're waiting on a 'part' for the second time! We'll see if it ever gets fixed!
We've had a busy, fun week! Last weekend we went to Gabe and Gretchen's wedding in Minneapolis. Blair stood up with Gabe. The two grew up together and are a very close. We were thrilled we could help the newlyweds celebrate!!

The rehearsal dinner was at the new and amazing Target Field!

Blair's parents were at the wedding also and it was very nice to spend some time with them. Of course Grandma and Grandpa Taylor brought Baby T. a bag full of clothes! There was even Iowa State gear in there, along with some hawkeye apparel. 

On Sunday, we met my parents in Medford to do some shopping and Uncle Marc (my brother) sent along lots of goodies for the baby also--Six outfits and two adorable pairs of shoes. Grandma and Grandpa Siemers splurged at the mall, purchasing several outfits as well!

Also, Auntie Nell, Beth, Kay, Emma, Sarah, and others have contributed!

 SO, needless to say we already have a very very spoiled baby boy! Take a look at his wardrobe! 

Thank you everyone!!!!

Ok, I guess staying home on a Friday night makes me ramble!--This just means we have LOTS to be thankful for!

One last thing...We kicked off the football season by attending the ISU game last night! It was soo nice out and we can't wait for more!  Go State!

Those are just stadium lights behind Blair...he's no angel!! :)

Thanks for letting me share my thoughts! Have a safe holiday weekend everyone!

Baby Bump

Alright I just had Blair take a 20 week belly picture because I had people asking for an updated picture! Its growing!

Don't mind the sweaty volleyball look!

1/2 Way!!

Well this week is week 20 in my pregnancy! That means I'm technically half way there..I hope! :) I feel great, although I feel like I've really popped in the last 10 days or so! Last night I got out all the maternity clothes I have, some mine but most Janelle's! :) I tried outfits on and realized that I'm going to be wearing the same few things to school until it cools down! Oh well...sixth graders don't mind!

School officially started today! I met my new group of kiddos. Its a fairly nice group...but much larger than I had last year! It was super hot and we dismissed at 1:10! I was very thankful, as I was swelling up like a balloon! Here's to a new year!

This past weekend we went to Davenport to a wedding (Luke and Lanna Niemann). It was great because we got to see Beth and Jared (who live in Kentucky). We've missed them and sure hope they make it back to Ames for a Cyclone tailgate this fall! 

We stopped in Williamsburg at the outlet mall and did a little shopping! I went to the Carters store to look for Baby Taylor but decided I better not splurge because he'll be spoiled enough...Aunt Janelle already said so! :) 

Have a great week everyone!  Let's pray for cooler weather! 

It's that time of year again...

Well it's officially time for school to start again! I can't believe it! Summer always flies by. Tomorrow I get to start back for all the fun teacher meetings. At least we start the day of right--they give us coffee and donuts! Thats a plus. haha!
The kiddos come Monday!  This year is going to be especially nuts because we were supposed to be in our new school building, but thats been delayed so we'll be in the old one to start. We're scheduled to be in the new building just after labor day. I can't wait! Its going to be a fresh start for everyone-teachers and students.
I'm also coaching middle school volleyball for the 4th year. With Baby Taylor on the way, I think this could be my last! This year I'll be coaching 8th grade instead of 7th. It's a nice short season, so it goes rather quickly! Let's hope the girls can have another undefeated season!
Blair started back yesterday. He's been  putting in some long days getting his classroom ready and preparing for football. He had his back to school night tonight. He said he has 17 boys and 7 girls! That could be a challenge!

So...here's to a new school year! Bring it on! :)

It's a BOY!

Baby Taylor is a BOY!!! We're very excited! He's healthy and measuring perfectly. He wasn't shy at all and right way showed us his little 'dude'! He was sucking his thumb just about the whole time--it was so cute!
It was such a cool thing because the ultra sound tech put the probe on my stomach and within a second we could see the sex. She goes, "ok, if you look right now you can see exactly what you're having." There was no doubt! I looked over at Blair and he was smiling from ear to ear! He's one excited Daddy-To-Be!
Bridget, my close friend, was here visiting us so she got to hang out with this mommy all day. I even made her to come to BabiesRus so I could make a 'blue' purchase!

We're so blessed and I can't thank God enough for this little blessing...simply a miracle!

My Last Day With Mr. Kayson!

Every Wednesday this summer I had the privilege of watching Kayson (Blair's Nephew)! He's such a little man and I'm so lucky that I've gotten to see him each week! He makes me laugh so hard..I always leave there feeling great!  He's 19 months old, but oh so smart!  

Aunt Tina snapped some pictures today. We played outside in the water and I just had to capture that 'slicked back' look! 

Tomorrow is our ultra sound to determine the sex of Baby Taylor!! Boy or Girl?

We'll be sure to keep everyone posted! 

Belly Pic (17 weeks)

My Hubby Rocks!

So, this hubby of mine has been very productive. :)  In one week he's installed a new garbage disposal AND now a new dishwasher! He really is a good guy!

A professional plumber?...Nope Blair Taylor

Chicago!

Last weekend my three close friends--Beth, Emma, Kay, and I had a nice little girls outing in Chicago! We did lots of shopping and eating! It was Kay's birthday so we had to do a little celebrating. It was a great weekend and I'm so thankful for awesome friends!

Navy Pier!

Celebrating! 

Figured I better jump on the blog bandwagon....:)

Welcome to our blog! I've had so much fun following family and friends' blogs that I decided I better create one too since our life is changing and getting more exciting as we wait for Baby Taylor. We have so many friends and family members who I know would appreciate updates! :) As all of you know, Blair and I are expecting our little blessing in January. We are so thrilled! I'm just about 17 weeks along and we're patiently waiting for August 12th---the day we find out if we're having a girl or boy.

Lets see..what else...
This summer I've been busy working at Okoboji Grill in Ames and Blair is employed at Cedar Pointe Golf Course in Boone. We like having summer jobs to keep us busy...and the extra $$$ is nice. School will start again soon and we'll reunite with our little cherubs before we know it. Blair teaches 4th grade at West Marshall and I teach 6th grade reading/language arts at Colo-NESCO.

Now, my goal is to post a few pictures but we'll see. This is all trial and error...:)

Belly Pic! I believe this was week 15!