The Life and Times of Miss Taylor

Kindergarten 2009

2009-09-09T22:42:00.002-04:00

No more updates and last picture of blog

2009-03-30T15:47:00.004-04:00

I will not be updating this blog anymore. I do update Taylor's photos at times on facebook. You can look me up by searching for me - Michelle Lowe-Butler.

I have enjoyed updating Taylor's blog through out the years and enjoy looking at the past 4 years. In April will be 4 years since our referral and I can't believe how time flies.

Random pictures from Christmas

2009-01-06T22:15:00.002-05:00

Now that the holidays are over - we can all relax. Taylor enjoyed her christmas. She went downstairs before we did and I heard her yell "Oh my gosh" and then you hear her running up the steps yelling come see what Santa brought, come see what Santa brought.

Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer

2008-12-17T09:38:00.002-05:00

random pictures of Taylor

2008-12-15T12:38:00.003-05:00

I know that I haven't posted pictures of Taylor. I am not updating her blog as often, nor am I taking as many pictures.

I think I will be posting updated pictures once a month or if some special event has come up. I hope you enjoy these.

Thanks

Santa and Taylor

2008-12-10T21:39:00.002-05:00

Here is Taylor's christmas photo of Santa and herself taken tonight at the mall. She looks so much older in this picture compared to last years christmas photo.

photos from this weekend

2008-09-16T22:56:00.002-04:00

We went to Wintergreen Ski Resort this weekend to visit family who live in that area. Here are some shots of Taylor playing after church. I look at these photos and she is getting so big. Her 4 year check up is tomorrow and she doesn't want to go because she is afraid she is going to get a shot. Hopefully no shots, but I told her I would get her a lollipop if they did.

Princess meets biker chick

2008-09-11T22:18:00.004-04:00

Taylor wanted to wear her tutu and a pair of winter boots. I thought she looked quite cute.

Here she is trying to get outside in her tutu from grandma and her boots from last year
My pretty pretty little girl who is growing up
Somone loves the camera!!
She loved her manicure she got for 5.00. They painted litttle flowers on each finger.

Professional photographs

2008-09-07T22:04:00.003-04:00

This week, Taylor and I took off for Northern VA and met with a photographer to take some photos of Taylor and me. We want to surprise Daddy with a gift of a photo of Taylor and me together as well as some of just Taylor.

I can't post the pictures here because they are copyrighted, but please visit, RDavid Photographyand click on the Enter Blog link and you will see a post called Hollywood. This is a few of Taylor's photograph's.

I can't wait to see the other photographs.

Video of Taylor

2008-08-26T14:05:00.001-04:00

Birthday pictures and a video

2008-08-22T10:55:00.004-04:00

Getting ready to leave for school - she is so excited that she wanted to wear a fancy dress to school
Here she is again - she can hardly contain her excitement
This picture was taken at Nanna's - she is so excited because it is present time
Opening up a card from her Daddy and me.

She is so excited to open up her birthday present from Daddy.

Her Daddy bought her a build a bear with a special message recorded.

Her Beautiful Hello Kitty Cake

She is getting readyto blow out her candles

Happy Birthday Taylor

2008-08-20T23:26:00.002-04:00

My daughter is laying upstairs in my bed sound asleep. In a few hours she will wake up and she will be so excited. It is her 4Th birthday and she has waited for this day.

I don't know if I can even write down how Taylor fills this house with her love. A love I only could have hoped to have had one day. It is beyond my wildest imagination and even better than I could have wished for.

I have the honor and privilege to be this little girls mommy. She brings a joy and happiness to me and her Daddy. There are times I will look at Taylor and can not even imagine being without her. I love her to pieces and nothing makes me happier to be her Mommy.

A few items you may or may not know about Taylor:

You may one day see her in the movies. Her wish right now is to be an actress and a movie star and be on the stage. Everyone says that we should nurture this desire. I have found a place for kids in theatre here in VA but she has to wait 1 more year.

You might see her on the Olympics one day... she announced the other day that she wants to win a gold medal. However, when I asked her what she wanted a gold medal in she said, acting. Of course, maybe she will win an Oscar... that is a gold medal.

Taylor now notices people that look the same as her. She will pick out athletes while watching the Olympics and announce that they are from China. When I asked her how does she know they are from China, she says because they look like they are from China. She does pick the athletes who are Asian, of course they could be from Japan or Korea,etc but she does recognize the difference in athletes that look Asian versus Caucasian.

Obsession: Hannah Montana and Princesses

Tells me that I buy the best food in the whole wide world. Best feeling in the world when she tells me this.

Loves to give hugs and knows when someone is feeling down and needs a hug.

Wants a sister and a brother

Is a homebody. She does not like to travel out town. As soon as we get to our destination, she wants to know when we are going home.

Last but not least.......She is probably the most wonderful, loving, beautiful and compassionate daughter any one could ever have.

I will be posting pictures as soon as I have them ready.

Having fun outside

2008-08-09T22:13:00.003-04:00

Taylor was pointing to the ducks in this picture that took off after we came to feed them bread
Here she is tired of having her picture taken. Giving me that look of... are you kiddin me
Taylor being silly

more random pictures of Taylor

2008-08-05T23:33:00.000-04:00

Taylor and Mommy having fun posing for the camera
Taylor having a fun time in mommy's bed

Random pictures

2008-07-28T23:45:00.003-04:00

I haven't been taking many pictures of Taylor lately and seriously considering stopping posting after her fourth birthday.

I am not sure how she will feel when she is older that her pictures and information about her life were made public.

If I keep the blog, it will only be open to myself and family until Taylor is old enough to decide if she wants people to take a glimpse into her life.

Like I said, I haven't made up my mind yet, but I am seriously considering it.

4th of July trip to DC

2008-07-06T21:02:00.003-04:00

We took a short two day trip to DC to see the fireworks and the Zoo, we even took in the Museum of Natrual History since Taylor learned about Dinosours in preschool.

She really enjoyed the fireworks, oohing and ahhing as each one went off.

Happy 3 Year Anniversary

2008-06-19T23:06:00.003-04:00

Three years ago in China, a little girl was handed to Alan and myself. This was the happiest day of our lives. This little girl has blossomed into a happy toddler who brings a smile to every one's face.

I can't believe how fast 3 years fly by and next year at this time, I will be getting her ready for kindergarten.

Ten things you should know about Taylor:

1. Taylor loves chocolate. If she could have it all 2 meals, she would be one happy child.

2. She loves to finish her plate and ask you to feel her muscles.

3. She has a laugh that is so deep sometimes and she opens her mouth and laughs from her belly.

4. She knows when you are sad and need a hug to help lift your spirits.

5. She loves to dance and sing and has proclaimed many times she wants to go to Hollywood.

6. She is very independent. She dresses herself in the morning, puts her own head band on and her own shoes.

7. She still loves to be held and loves to hold my hand when we are walking down the stree.

8. Daddy has spoiled her so much that she loves to have a manicure and pedicure at a salon. (yes you read that right)

9. She likes it when I show her "Yoga" moves. She likes to get down on the floor and show me her downward dog.

10. She loves to sleep with me in the bed when Daddy travels. Like clockwork around midnight, she will wake me up and ask if she can snuggle with me.

Sad News...

2008-06-10T10:50:00.004-04:00

My Pappy passed away this morning. Taylor loved him so much. He fell a few weeks ago and broke his hip and he never recovered.

We saw him last weekend and Taylor brought him a Princess balloon and flowers to cheer him up. He had a smile.

I will definately miss him. My sister and I spent many summers there with our Pappy and Granny. I remember when we would come and visit she would go to the store and buy our favorite foods....bugels, poptarts, coke in the little glass bottles and make us blue berry muffins. She made the best buscuits that can't be duplicated. Granny would make Pappy take us to the mall since my grandmother didn't drive and he would sit out in the middle of the mall waiting on us while we shopped at Montgomery Wards.

Pappy gave the biggest bear hugs and I will miss those.

I will miss them but know that he is in heaven and is no longer in pain and reunited with Granny and the daughter they lost.

I love you,

Taylor and Mommy

Manicure fun

2008-06-10T10:23:00.003-04:00

Taylor so carefully painting Mommy's fingernails
She is such a girly girl

Being Silly

Bathtub fun

2008-05-28T23:20:00.003-04:00

Shoe Fly don't bother me....

2008-05-27T19:45:00.003-04:00

This is what I was told when I went to help Taylor get out of the bathtub and get dressed for bed.....

When did a 3 year old become so independent?

She dresses herself before she even wakes me up. She will go downstairs into the pantry and get her own breakfast bar, into the refrigerator and get a juice box on her own as well.

She told me the other day that she didn't need me to help her with anything.....When I ask her why she doesn't need me anymore she says because I can do it by myself.

Wow, almost 4 and trying to be so grown up....before I know it she will be driving and going off to college.

Fun with Bubbles

2008-05-19T22:10:00.003-04:00

Taylor's first dance recital

2008-05-16T23:50:00.002-04:00

I am so proud of Taylor. She had her first ballet recital and she was so excited to be up on stage. Her grin from ear to ear was so precious. Mommy and Daddy were so proud of her and she had lots of grandparents in the audience too.

She will take tap/ballet combo next year along with acting/singing classes. She loves to perform, dance and sing that I just want to see how she does in some of these classes.

Taylor with her many flowers. It is almost as big as she is.
Giving her teacher a hug. She loves Ms. Kelly and hopes to take from her next year.
Me, Taylor and Alan's mom
Taylor smelling one of the roses after we got home

This is a video of Taylor's dance. We were not allowed video camera's so I had to use my digital camera to take the video and it could have been much better.

Random pictures of Taylor

2008-05-03T18:31:00.002-04:00

Here is Taylor at Maymont Park in Richmond striking a pose.....
Taylor posing with her favorite Disney Princess book and her sunglasses we bought at the Children's Place.
Taylor loves to play dress up. Here she had her Sleeping Beauty costume on along with her flip flops and wedding veil. She said she was getting married to Prince Charm.
Taylor and me playing to the camera. She likes to be a super model.
Here we are giving each other kisses.

Three years ago this week

2008-04-20T10:48:00.003-04:00

Three years ago the most life changing even happened in our lives. We received the referral call on April 18th and 2 days later we received her pictures. To say we were on cloud nine is an understatement.

I know that the wait right now is at 2 1/2 years almost and that is one reason why we have not really gone any further in our adoption for a brother or sister for Taylor. However, Alan and I waited 15 years due to infertility before we were blessed with Taylor and I can tell you that those 15 years are a distant memory because I know now why it took us so long. We love this girl beyond measure and know that she touches everyones lives that she meets. She is beautiful on the inside as well as the outside. We are blessed in our lives even if we are to only have one child, we were given more than we could have ever prayed for.

America's Next Top Model - 2025

2008-04-13T15:55:00.001-04:00

Watch out Tyra Banks - Here comes Taylor in 2025 to be on America's Next Top Model

Fun at the Beach

2008-04-07T12:10:00.005-04:00

Having fun playing in the sand
She calls these, snow angels
Daddy and Taylor venturing out into the water
Hey - what is this water doing???
Brrr - a little chilly

This was enough for her....she yelled - I am outta here and didn't go back into the ocean.
Here she is buried up to her neck
Breaking free from the sand
Almost out
Free at last

When we were on vacation - we went to the beach for a day at Jupiter in Florida. Taylor had fun being burried in the sand. She enjoyed the ocean until the big wave hit her and got water in her mouth and then she loudly exclaimed - I'm outta here.

Been gone to Disney.....plenty of photos

2008-03-31T11:20:00.011-04:00

We made another trip to Florida last week and enjoyed a few days at Disney and then went on to Hobe Sound FL to enjoy some R and R.
Taylor really enjoyed Disney this time and got to talk to the princess. She had plenty of questions for them, like where is Prince Charm or where was the beast.
She even dressed up like Belle and got her picture taken a second time with her in her pretty dress.
Daddy even got into the action by participating in story time with Belle and he got to be the beast!!!!(you will see why when you see the pictures..lol)

On our way to Disney via the water taxi...

Showing Belle her easter bunny....Belle asked her where she was from and instead of telling her from what state she was from, Taylor said from China. Then Taylor struck up a conversation with Belle and told her she could speak Chinese and told her hello in chinese. Then she told Belle she knew spanish, but when Belle asked her what hello was in spanish Taylor said I don't know...so Belle laughed and told her what hello was in Spanish and then in Japanese and then in German. I think if we didn't say anything, Taylor could have talked to Belle for hours.

Showing her bunny she got from the Easter Bunny
Taylor and Sleeping Beauty...Taylor asked sleeping beauty where Prince Charm was, but Sleeping Beauty told her to ask Cinderella and that her Prince, was probably out riding horses...
She is so excited she can hardly contain her excitement for the next princess.....

She was very excited to see Cinderella because she finally got to ask her where Prince Charm was (she calls him Prince Charm)

We waited almost 2 hours to see this fellow - she was so patient thru out the whole thing
Here she is with Minnie Mouse - even though Minnie didn't talk, Taylor had a lot to say to her also....she told her she sees her on TV everyday and really liked her dress
Taylor giving Minnie a hug before we leave to go see fireworks....

We finally made it to fireworks.....
It was so nice that night and pretty.....we had fun and Taylor really enjoyed it...

Taylor not sure of which way to go in the kitchen
Turning on Minnie's oven
Sitting in Minnie's chair at Disney
I love this photo of Taylor....she was so excited to be at Disney
Waiting so patiently to see Minnie Mouse

Here she is getting ready to show Belle her pretty dress
Taylor is telling Belle that she is 3 years old
Taylor and Arial
After getting her face painted
Daddy enjoying some alone time with Belle. This was so out of Alan's comfort zone. He would have never volunteered to go up there, so when Belle pointed him out, because he had his face painted, he couldn't say no. I wish I had a picture with his whole face painted. It was pretty amazing.

One last photo with Belle....if anyone is counting that makes 3 photos in 2 days

This is how you enjoy a ice cream sunday

2008-03-13T21:04:00.005-04:00

We were at a restaurant and I took this with my camera phone. Taylor really enjoys her chocolate ice cream sunday.

A big accomplishment!!!!!!

2008-02-25T22:27:00.004-05:00

Last year Taylor could spell her name. This year with a little practice, she can write her own name....

Five things that Taylor proclaims - I dont need your help, I can do it myself

2008-02-20T12:41:00.003-05:00

1. Get dressed - she picks her clothes out and matches most of the time and gets her self dressed. She tells me to leave the room and she will come get me when she is done.

2. Wash her own hair - yes the girl that screamed when she was little when it came to washing her hair - will now lay down in the bathtub and get her own hair wet and then wash her hair. I still have to rinse.

3. Go to sleep by herself - once she moved to a big girl bed last year - she wanted me to lay with her until she fell asleep... now she crawls up into bed - I read her two books and she goes to sleep on her own

4. Getting in her car seat - and she can buckle it herself

5. Go to the bathroom by herself when we go out to dinner - she makes me stand outside the stall and leave her alone. "Go away, shut the door" that is her saying

My little girl is growing up and proudly proclaims - I can do it myself mamma, I don't need your help.

At least she still likes to cuddle with me on the couch.

A Wii little accident

2008-02-01T21:15:00.000-05:00

Well it had to happen - we were playing Wii tonight with Taylor's Nanna and Pappa John and Taylor sat down on the floor next to her Nanna who was getting ready to bowl.

We heard a smack and looked down and my mom had hit Taylor in the eye with the remote. Of course, Taylor started crying and my Mom was about to cry also.

Taylor finally calmed down after about 2 minutes but doesn't want to go near the room that has the Wii in it.

Taylor and her first American Girl doll

2008-01-29T22:32:00.000-05:00

Words I didn't think I would hear at this age.....

2008-01-29T19:05:00.001-05:00

I go into Taylor's room to help her get dressed and she has already put on all her clothes and her shoes and she looks at me and says......

"I don't need you anymore..I am a big girl now and can get dressed on my own."

She is growing up so fast and I am surprised just how well she can get dressed on her own, but I never thought I would hear her say that she can do it all by herself from now on.

She even puts her own night clothes on now and goes to sleep all by herself without me laying with her.

Pretty soon 3 will turn to 13 and then to 18. Where does the time go?

A new ballet outfit for dance recital

2008-01-19T00:12:00.000-05:00

Taylor has a new ballet outfit for her dance recital in May. She tried it on for the first time and loved it. She loves to pose as you can tell.

Taylor explaining how to make rainbow cookies

2008-01-17T23:33:00.000-05:00

This was a video during Christmas. Taylor was explaining to me how to make rainbow cookies. By her answer, I think she thought I should know how to make rainbow cookies.

Taylor's first real snow day

2008-01-17T23:21:00.000-05:00

We had our first snow fall. We don't get much, so Taylor enjoyed the little we did get. She wanted to play in the snow. She even made snow balls as you can see in the picture above.

Some random thoughts

2008-01-07T23:54:00.001-05:00

When we brought Taylor home, I was always worried about milestones that I am afraid I missed some of the things that I should have enjoyed when she was a baby. While I am sure milestones are important, I shouldn't have been so worried about them.

Now that she is three, I don't concentrate on those milestones anymore and just enjoy her being herself.

She comes up with the best sayings and cracks me up all the time. Here are a few things she that has come up the past few weeks or has done:

She told me yesterday as we were pulling out of the driveway that she was giving me a safety violation because I didn't have my seatbelt on. (She gets this from Disney's Lou and Louise safety patrol)

She doesn't like to watch anything she perceives as sad - She cried when Cinderella got her dressed ripped to shreds by the mean step sisters and we had to turn it off because she was crying so hard she was sobbing. In between her sobs she told me she didn't want a mean step mother.

If she thinks you are eating something like chocolate, she wants to smell my breathe. Nothing gets by this child.

She can count to 25

She knows a ton of songs and loves to sing them out loud

When she dances and sings...and the end of her song she drops to one knee and bows. Of course I clap and tell her how wonderful that was.

She loves kisses and hugs and loves to whisper secrets in your ear.

She is getting quite sassy and loves to put her hand on her hip when she is disagreeing with me and answers with a big But MOM.....

Out of the blue she will tell me...I love you Mom...when that happens that is the best feeling.

She has best friends at school and always tells me who was being bad at school.. of course when I ask her if she is ever bad she always answers no

When she is in trouble, she tells me I'm not your best friend no more.

Her L's are prounouced with a Y - so it is funny to hear her talk. She was at my dad's house and his dog licked her grandma's leg and she said...Grandad - Sammy yicked grandma in the yeg

She loves Hannah Montana - I think it is the music that she loves

She loves to cook with me and we always bake a cake for daddy when he has gone on a trip

She loves to pick out her own clothes to wear and she normally picks out clothes that match and she will dress herself.

There are probably 100 other things I could list, but these are the ones that stick out the most.

Right now she is sleeping in my bed and I love snuggling with her at night. She talks in her sleep and right about the time she is drifting off to sleep, she sucks her bottom lip. She has always done that.

Random photos from Christmas

2008-01-02T13:13:00.000-05:00

Taylor and Morgan jumping on the bed
Taylor with her tar(guitar)

Hat and gloves from Santa
Taylor with her Hanna Montana Tshirt

now she can cook like Mommy
Her microphone from Santa
Taylor, Nanna and Lizzy and Katie
Don't spill the beans...I loved this as a kid and she loves playing it too
Taylor with her Uncle Bobby

Christmas gifts this year

2007-12-18T17:40:00.000-05:00

I saw this service on Ellen's show and thought it would be neat. I put a book together of Taylor's adoption.

Take a look if you like and tell me what you think....

Making a gingerbread house

2007-12-18T17:34:00.001-05:00

Dear Santa (as told by Taylor)

2007-12-14T21:09:00.000-05:00

Here is Taylor's letter she wanted to write to Santa. She had an interesting question for Santa as you will read. This is in Taylor's own words.

Dear Santa,
I want a microphone, hat and gloves a geetar and suitcase and an umbrella and thats it.

I like you. I really like you. I can get you a really nice umbrella. How are you doing? How do you feel? How do you go to the bathroom? That's it.

I love you and I am going to give you a note. Do you love milk and cookies?
I been a good girl so I'm gonna get something.

Love Taylor

2005,2006 and this year

2007-12-13T21:29:00.001-05:00

December 2005
December 2006
December 2007

Wrapping Christmas presents

2007-12-13T20:58:00.000-05:00

Taylor and I were busy wrapping christmas presents tonight. She wrapped her gifts to her Daddy and Grandparents. She was quite proud of herself for doing such a good job.

Our trip to the Biltmore

2007-12-09T00:33:00.000-05:00

We went to the Biltmore last week and had fun. Here are a few pictures of that trip.

Alan, me and Taylor in front of one of the many trees in the Biltmore

Taylor and Daddy in front of the wagon that we rode on around the Biltmore

Taylor getting to know Duke

Taylor relaxing in Daddy's arms

Us in front of the house.

Why anyone needed a house the size of the Biltmore. If you aren't familiar with it, the house itself is 144,000 square feet. That's right, that is no typo. It is 144,000 sq ft. They said that is over 4 acres of home. It has over 300 rooms, 44 of those are bathrooms. Only 90 rooms are open to the public.

It was decorated beautifully and we enjoyed a dinner in the restaurant at the Biltmore in the original stables.

We had fun and a great time to relax

A conversation with Taylor regarding Santa Clause

2007-11-28T23:14:00.000-05:00

Let me start off by saying that we have seen Santa four times so far and everytime she tells him the same thing she wants for christmas.

1. A microphone
2. A suitcase
3. Hat and gloves
4. Umbrella

I don't know if you she planning on a music career and needs to pack up her stuff in a suitcase and needs the hat and gloves to keep warm and an umbrella to keep her from getting wet. But that is what she wants for christmas.

So back to my story.....we are in the car going to the mall and here is the conversation:

Me: Taylor, we are going to the mall
Taylor: We going to see Santa mommy?
Me: If you want
Taylor: Yes, do you want to sit on Santas lap momma.
Me: No, hunny I am too big for Santa's lap, I might break his knee and he will say...Ho Ho my knee is hurting
Taylor: I'm not big, but I will get bigger and bigger and one day I will break Santa's knee too..then Taylor all of a sudden breaks into a big laugh and can't stop.

I wish I had a camera with me at all times. She breaks into songs that she makes up and stories and I need a camera for those times because the things she comes up with are so funny.

Here is an example.

Momma, I have an idea
First we will go to the mall
then we will see Santa
then we will eat
Does that sound like a good idea?

or
Momma, I have a plan
first we get dressed
then we eat breakfast
then we go to schools
That's a good plan

Well, we are going to Asheville NC to the Biltmore so no updates for awhile.

Our family's Christmas photos

2007-11-26T23:21:00.000-05:00

We had photos taken for our Christmas cards. Here are a few shots of some of my favorite poses.

Nanna's birthday party

2007-11-26T14:02:00.000-05:00

My Mom, the birthday girl
Jenifer and Steve
Me, Jenifer and Amy (my two sisters)

Taylor and Aunt Amy
Dancing with the feather boa

Still dancing........

She just won't stop

Dancing up a storm

Put me down this instant Mommy, I want to dance a little more......

Come on Mom - it's not time to go just yet....10 minutes later she was asleep

My mom had her 60th birthday party and Taylor was the life of the party. Taylor danced literally from 7:30 pm - 10:30 and was fast asleep before we got out of the parking lot. Her Aunt Amy came in from WV and her other Aunt was there as well.

Happy Halloween

2007-10-31T22:04:00.000-04:00

After her face painted

An upclose picture of Taylor

Being Silly

Strike a pose...

Taylor was a butterfly this year. She was so cute. She would say Trick or Treat and then after she said thank you for the candy, she would always finish it off with Happy Halloween. It was so adorable.

She got tons of candy and I will have to have her Daddy hide it or I will be eating it.

Singing some songs.....

2007-10-25T18:17:00.001-04:00

Taylor sings some of her favorite songs....when I ask her what her favorite song, she breaks into, "wining and dining up on the floor, I want to love you" This is a song from the radio that she has picked up. Believe me when I say, if you think they aren't listening they are, if you think they aren't watching they are.....So even if you think having the radio on in the car on low is harmless, and that they aren't listening to the songs, they do....trust me...I usually turn it off when I hear this song because she knows it....she hasn't heard it in so long that I was surprised when she started singing it.

There are other songs, such as Justin Timberlake, Sexy Back that she sings. I have told her we don't say sexy back. She is so funny. She now loves the John Mayer song, Waiting. I don't know if that is the title, but she will literally come running from the other room, (See I told you they hear everything) and say this is my favorite song....

They are like sponges at this age and I have to be very careful that I don't even talk to myself and say something she may pick up on.... :)

My daughter, the photographer

2007-10-22T16:29:00.000-04:00

Taylor loves to take pictures with my camera - as you can tell she had fun taking mine and her daddy's pictures this weekend.

Taylor's finger in the way here
A better picture from Taylor
Here is her Daddy
Woops, another finger in the way

Unknown to me, I was downloading these pictures onto the computer and I came across two pictures that have me aslep on the couch taking a nap. I asked Daddy if he took them and he said no, that Taylor snuck downstairs while I was sleeping and took the pictures herself. So here I am with the cat taking my own cat nap.

Happy 18th Anniversary to Alan and me and Taylor's silly faces today

2007-10-14T22:33:00.001-04:00

This was her attempt at being mad and stomping her foot.

Another attempt at trying to have a mad face.
Taylor with a happy face
Taylor with her face when something smells. She is always pointing out when something stinks. She always sniffs the air and says, "Somethin stinks mama"

It was our 18th year of marriage today. I can't beleive I have been married for 18 years. Where did the time go? We went to the The Melting Pot for dinner and boy was it good.
Taylor was funny today, she made many faces today while trying to take her picture.

Taylor's halloween costume this year.

2007-10-05T22:29:00.001-04:00

We went here and found Taylor's halloween costume this year. (this is not Taylor, just a copy of the picture from the website.

Taylor's halloween costume this year.

2007-10-05T22:29:00.000-04:00

A visit with Taylor's cousin's Lizzy and Katie

2007-10-04T11:38:00.000-04:00

Corn shucking

2007-10-01T22:19:00.000-04:00

This is an old video from this summer in Florida. I just thought it was funny. If you listen to the video you will hear Taylor grunting trying to get the husks off the corn then towards the end she is shaking trying to pull something off.

Silly time

2007-10-01T22:08:00.001-04:00

Taylor had fun today dancing and playing.

As you can see in most pictures she likes to stick her tongue out now while taking her picture.

First day at dance class

2007-09-14T18:43:00.000-04:00

The pictures did not turn out well, but here are a few pictures of Taylor's first class with Miss Kelly.

In West Virgnia last week

2007-09-11T19:08:00.000-04:00

Taylor and Daddy

Mountains of WV

Is this what I get to look forward to at 16??

2007-08-26T17:00:00.001-04:00

Hi Mom - I am going for a ride in your car
Gotta make sure everything is turned on and ready to go

let's turn the wheel this way and see where it takes us

Swinging outside

2007-08-26T16:56:00.001-04:00

I like to swing
Whee - this is fun
That is really high!!

Taylor's Birthday

2007-08-22T17:15:00.000-04:00

Opening up a gift from Mommy and Daddy
She got a play dog with a carrying case
Taylor's pink birthday cake
The look on her face when people were singing happy birthday was priceless
Taylor and Mommy after she blew out her candles

Taylor's birthday was yesterday and we had a few people over. She got to dress up in a princess dress and her friend Devin dressed up in one of Taylor's dresses also.

She was so happy that she kept telling people thank you for coming to my happy birthday.

Taylor sings and pretends to fall

2007-08-17T13:59:00.000-04:00

Early Birthday celebration

2007-08-13T09:32:00.000-04:00

We went into WV this weekend for a small birthday party for Taylor since no one in my family could come in next weekend for the party.

Taylor got to see everyone this weekend and was excited to open her gifts.

One of her favorite books that I bought her was this:

Here are some photos of her with her cousins and her grandma, granddad and pappy.

Let me see your thumb Taylor

Taylor with her cousins and Taylor is wearing the Belle outfit that Uncle Daniel and Beth bought her.

Taylor on Pappy's lap

Playing guitar with Granddad

Taylor with Grandma right before we left to go home

Pretending to be a ballerina. She will start dance next month and she is very excited

Taking a big bite out her birthday cake

Taylor very happy that she gets to eat some chocolate cake

Princess Taylor

2007-08-06T14:26:00.000-04:00

Not for the weak stomach

2007-07-30T11:19:00.000-04:00

Taylor had an accident at school last week while I was out of town. She fell on a block at PreSchool and smashed her thumb. Basically it was like she smashed her thumb in a car door.

Here are a few pictures, these are taken about a week after the accident. She will loose her fingernail. Her thumb is usually in a split and doesn't seem to be bothered by it.

Meeting the Disney Princess

2007-07-12T11:44:00.003-04:00

Taylor felt like a princess when she got to meet the Princess at Disney. Her favorite is Belle.

2007-07-11T14:50:00.000-04:00

Watching the fireworks at Disney

Cooling off

Dancing to the music

Eating while on vacation

2007-07-11T10:23:00.001-04:00

As you can see, Taylor had lots of pictures of her eating.....she really enjoyed her vacation..as you can see she is not the neatest eater...

Relaxing by the pool

2007-07-10T16:31:00.000-04:00

Getting ready to fly to Florida

2007-07-10T13:42:00.000-04:00

I am too cool for this

Work it girl....

Taylor took this photo of me

Getting ready to fly on a jet to West Palm Beach......

More pictures to follow

2007-07-08T16:01:00.000-04:00

We are now home. Haven't downloaded all our vacation pictures yet. Here are two from today while Taylor was eating lunch. She got a new haircut yesterday.

Leaving for two weeks...

2007-06-22T16:09:00.001-04:00

Taylor, Mommy and Daddy will be off to Florida for some fun and relaxation.

I should post some pictures after July 4th....

Happy 2nd Gotcha Day

2007-06-20T14:16:00.000-04:00

Two years ago today Taylor came into our lives. This has been the best two years of our lives.

I can not explain what a joy this little girl is.

Here are a few pictures from June 20th, 2005, 2006 and 2007.

My little girl is growing up.....

2007-06-13T00:22:00.000-04:00

I had to go out of town last week on business and when I returned, it was like Taylor's vocabulary grew even more while I was gone.

She says the darndest things.......here are a few examples....

Goodnight mamma.....sleep tight...don't let the bugs out

Mommy, will you lay in my bed for 5 minutes

Scratch my back very hard

Me: Taylor, what did you eat today at school?
Taylor: Hmmmmm, (finger to her chin) I forgot

I could go on, but it seems that she picks up on everything....in fact...we were at the drive thru the other day and the line was going really slow and I hear her saying something and then all of a sudden she says....move car...get out of the way....geez
Guess we gotta watch what we say.... :0

Exhausted.......

2007-06-13T00:18:00.001-04:00

I don't think there is anything left to say about this picture....

Fun in our backyard

2007-06-13T00:07:00.001-04:00

Hey everybody, come and join me

Where is Taylor????
Barely showing her face
Boo - here I am

Watch me swim...

Taylor with Aunt Amy

2007-06-11T11:21:00.000-04:00

Taylor not looking too happy here

Much happier here

Fun at Grandma's house

2007-05-31T15:54:00.001-04:00

Smile Taylor
You are funny grandma
Bye Bye Mommy
Grandma and Taylor hanging out

Taylor had fun in WV this past weekend over memorial day and got to visit her cousins and grandparents.

Seeing double

2007-05-24T09:44:00.000-04:00

Hey - you look just like me
Gotta itch
Why are you copying me
Hey - that's me Mommy

2007-05-23T16:15:00.000-04:00

Come on Mom and Dad - let's go on our trip
Daddy and Taylor
Mommy and Taylor
We stayed the night in Wintergreen Resort for the night and enjoyed getting away for just a night.

At Last

2007-05-14T11:06:00.000-04:00

Lizzy
Katy

At last, Taylor got to hold her cousins and she was so happy. She did a good job of holding them and kept saying my Lizzy Katy.

The Many Faces of Taylor

2007-05-10T23:30:00.000-04:00

I had Taylor show me all her different faces she could make....here is a few examples.

HAPPY FACEMAD FACE
VERY HAPPY FACE
SAD FACE
GIGGLE FACE

TuTu Cute

2007-04-28T14:01:00.000-04:00

Fun with playdooh and dancing

2007-04-27T23:55:00.000-04:00

Taylor loves play dooh
Red is her favorite color

making a star
Hey - where is my play dooh
Momma why you always taken my picture?
Gotta get all my stuff out
Got my rolling pin

We interupt this program for a little bit of dancing....
boogie woogie

Back to our playdooh

Pictures from last week

2007-04-22T10:44:00.000-04:00

Lizzy - one of Taylor's new cousins
Right before we leave to go to the shower
Taylor having fun blowing bubbles

Taylor posing with her cousin's baby clothes

Taylor was so excited to see her new cousins I couldn't get her to sit still. I don't think she quite understood how two babies could look alike

Taylor helping her Aunt Jen at her baby shower this weekend

two years ago today

2007-04-18T22:51:00.000-04:00

The most amazing thing happened to our family two years ago today.

Words can not describe the moment that when you pick up that phone knowing what is on the other end. A flood of emotions swept thru me that day, I knew the call was coming, I just didn't know when. It was around 3:00 when I got the call. I can still remember her saying, congratulations you have a daughter. Congratulations.....you have a daughter.......music to my ears after 15 years of infertility.....you have a daughter.......she is beautiful.....and she is sticking her tongue out in each picture.

Taylor is the most amazing kid. I couldn't have been blessed any more then I am now.

Taylor is funny, she has a belly laugh that when she gets to laughing she can't stop. She has a little dimple under her eye that only shows up when she really smiles. She is a chocaholic (my daughter). She get's this look on her face when she wants a peice of chocolate that is so funny that I wish I had a camera at those times.

She loves to draw, color, paint, play with play doh and play with the calculator and sticky tape. I think she might be an accountant she loves a calculator so much.

She can count to 20, zip her coat up, go to the potty all by herself and insists on sleeping in a big girl bed. She loves to give hugs and she always wants to hold me when she goes to bed. Her bear is her companion to the store and we almost had an emergency yesterday when she left him in the buggy at the store and I didn't know she had not gotten him and we had to rush back to the grocery store and frantically find him. Luckily he was still in the buggy. We bought the bear in China and he has been with her ever since.

She knows a little about China and at night she wants me to tell her about China and the airplane. She says her prayers at night and always says "god bless boots" (he is her cat).

I could go on and on but won't. I use to cry and pray everynight for a child, praying that the next month I would get pregnant. We decided to open our hearts to adoption and I am glad that I made the best decision of my life. If we had not went that route, I wonder how empty my life would be right now.

So, Taylor Grace Suqiao, we love you very much.

Mommy and Daddy

A visit to the zoo in DC

2007-04-16T08:22:00.000-04:00

Daddy and Taylor excited to go to the zoo
Taylor's cousin Morgan
some small mammals (can't really remember which one)
Daddy and Taylor checking out a lizard - you can barely see it on the log
Taylor, Joshua and Mogan having fun sitting in the zoo sign
come on mommy and daddy- let's see more animals
Taylor got excited when she saw a cardboard cow
The giant pandas were out
one very large hippo

and one hairy orangutan

There were plenty of more animals and fun we had at the zoo. We rode the train up to DC and stayed the night. Except for the cold and rain, we had fun.

Im a fog mommy

2007-04-12T21:22:00.000-04:00

Who could this be in Taylor's bed??
Hey, it's me Mamma - I'm a fog
I fooled ya
See....
it's me - Taylor

Taylor's easter dress

2007-04-09T15:47:00.000-04:00

Some conversations with Taylor

2007-04-04T22:40:00.000-04:00

Taylor has been talking up a storm lately here are some of the conversations we have that melt my heart everytime she talks to me like tonight.....

We are laying down in her bed tonight and here it goes....

Taylor: Mommy

Me: yes honey

Taylor: I wanna hold you

Me: You wanna hold me?

Taylor: Yes (proceeds to have me put my head on her arm)

Taylor: (patting my back) go to sleep baby, go to sleep

another conversation:

Taylor: Mommy, you my best friend?

Me: yes Taylor I am your best friend

Taylor: You my best friend too. You my best friend forever

here goes another:

Taylor: Mommy - you happy?

Me: Yes Taylor I am happy

Taylor: Mommy - you sad?

Me - No Taylor I am not sad

Taylor: Oh ok

and finally:

Taylor: Can I we go bye bye

Me: No, we need to stay home

Taylor: Why?

Me: because I don't need to go anywhere

Taylor: Why?

Me: because I think we should stay home

Taylor: Why?

Me: Because it is dark

Taylor: Why?

Me: well it is night time and it will be soon time for you to go to bed

Taylor: but why?

Me (getting frustrated at this point and seeing that this conversation is going no where, says) just because

Taylor: JUST BECAUSE.....you funny mommy (all caps because she yelled it)lol

She has turned out to be the funniest person and has a laught that when she starts has a hard time stopping. She loves to trick me by pretending she is asleep on her chair and likes for me to say, is Taylor asleep. She will smile from ear to ear and say I tricked you mommy.

The other thing that has started is she is beginning to stutter but I have read this is normal for some kids and begins around 2 1/2. There brains are working faster than there mouths. I have her slow down and take her time and this seems to work. She amazes me everyday and am thankful that this little girl who was million miles away was picked for our family. We are the luckiest family alive.

Introducing......

2007-04-03T20:21:00.000-04:00

Taylor's twin cousins, Lizzie and Katie who weigh a whopping 4 lbs. They will be 4 weeks old tomorrow. When they were born they were a little over 3 lbs and are doing great. Taylor has not yet seen them but she is excited and can't wait.

A visit to the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC

2007-04-01T20:42:00.000-04:00

We went to Washington DC for a overnight trip to see the cherry blossoms. I hadn't been to DC during the cherry blossoms and it was a beautiful site.
Here are a few pictures of our trip....

Here we are on our way to Washington DC
The Nations Capital

Jefferson Memorial
Taking a break....

We had Taylor's two favorite foods - chocolate and ice cream
Daddy and Taylor
Mommy and Taylor in the Cherry Blossoms
Taking another break

Along the tidal basin in DC

On our way home - exhausted

Someday.....

2007-03-26T15:48:00.000-04:00

I bought this book at Target and was touched by it that I bought the book to read to Taylor at night. It is a wonderful story that will bring tears to your eyes.

A nice spring day

2007-03-21T09:45:00.000-04:00

Does anyone read this blog???

2007-03-15T01:45:00.000-04:00

I have noticed that some blogs get 15- 50 comments on their daughters pictures everytime they post photos of their daughter.

When I post photos, I am lucky to get 2 comments. I know people are coming to the site because the counter is counting the number of times people visit.

I just think it is curious and strange that certain bloggers get comments like crazy and I get hardly any comments.

Just curious....

Taylor snaps a photo of mommy

2007-03-09T21:33:00.000-05:00

Beleive it or not Taylor had my camera and managed to snap this picture. She has me put on her silly hat from the circus and thought it would be funny.

Taylor and Boots warming up to each other

2007-03-08T21:40:00.000-05:00

Here we are, watching the Doodlebops together. (in fact, Boots almost became Rooney but I talked her out of that name)
Give me a big hug Boots
" Oh, I love you my kitty"

(this is exactly what Taylor told the cat when she gave him the hug)

Past and Present

2007-03-01T22:53:00.000-05:00

June 20th, 2005
Today, March 1st 2007

Taylor baking her Daddy a cake

2007-02-24T20:34:00.000-05:00