The Taylor's: Christmas AND some very exciting NEWS! :)

The last month has been like a whirl wind, and I've completely lost track of time. I have lots to blog about so I better get right to it! :)

First I'm going to share our EXCITING news! Tate is going to be a BIG brother! We are expecting Baby Taylor #2 on June 4, 2014! Today we found out that IT'S a GIRL!
We couldn't be happier, and I'm feeling so blessed!! How amazing!

We brought home PINK cupcakes to share the news with Tate. He knew right away that he was having a sister when he opened the box. It was such a fun way to share the news with him!

Ok, so now I have to move on to Christmas. Before Christmas we had a major scare. As we were getting ready to go to school on December 20, I got a call from my mom saying that my dad was being rushed to Mason City because they found some blood on his brain. Without knowing the severity of the situation, we got right in the car and headed for the hospital.

He was put in the ICU. The doctor had said that the bleed wasn't too large and that it wouldn't require surgery, but later in the day things started to go down hill and it was determined that the bleed had tripled in size. The situation became critical at that point, and he was taken in for a craniotomy to help relieve the pressure and remove the blood from his brain. The surgery went well. Dad was able to come home on Christmas Eve. What a blessing! He does have a long recovery ahead of him, but he's strong and Mom has already seen improvements. He continues to receive daily therapy at home. He has some vision loss and won't be able to drive for quite some time. Poor guy. I pray that God gives him the patience to get better and not get too down. I know this hard on Mom too because she's the one that deals with it all day in and day out.

On Saturday the 21st, I stayed at the hospital with Dad but Tate and Blair headed to the big Taylor family Christmas. I didn't want them to miss it, and I know they had a great time! I know that this year was a bit different without Grandpa Dick.

Our Taylor family!

Tate, Cora, and Kayson with Great Grandma Janis.

ALL the cousins!

On Sunday the 22nd, I met the boys back at our house in Nevada and we had our own little Christmas before we headed back to the hospital on Monday. It was nice to have our own little time and open gifts between the three of us.

Tate and Daddy!

We were so thankful that we were able to be with Dad on Christmas so we spent the whole week of Christmas at my parents in Emmetsburg. It was wonderful. Tate was thrilled because Santa knew to come to Nana and Papa's to find him! We had a nice time and did lots of relaxing. Tate was spoiled by Nana and Papa of course!

Tate and Nana Dawn looking for Santa!

KD and Tate putting milk and cookies out for Santa (and carrots for the reindeer).

Tate and Papa Tim

Santa came! Tate got all new John Deere things!

On Friday the 27th, we left Emmetsburg and headed to Creston to Blair's parents. We went out for supper Friday night, and then Saturday Ryan, Janelle, and the kiddos came! We had a blast. The kids played so hard. We opened gifts from Nana and Papa and everyone else. Again, we were all spoiled!