Christmas 2015

Christmas Eve was spent at the Taylor's house with round one of gift giving.

Violet was very excited to open presents but extremely overwhelmed with all the new toys. We probably could have just wrapped empty boxes and she would have had just as much fun.

As my family gets larger, the number of presents increases. Even Lincoln got several gifts and he has no idea what's going on.

Jamie volunteered to cook dinner and spent most of his time in the kitchen either cooking or cleaning up while keeping his ear glued to the Lone Jack fire department monitor.

Ashley had to work on Christmas, so I was glad we were able to have some time together as a family.

Violet only allows so many pictures of herself to be taken. This is a set of wooden magnetic dolls that you can put different outfits on - the equivalent of paper dolls when I was a child.

The next morning the Taylors headed to Sedalia for Christmas with Jamie's family before everyone came to my house on Christmas.

I didn't put out as many Christmas decorations as I usually do. I'd like to say it's because it's too big of a distraction for Violet. But the truth is I just didn't want to put everything away after Christmas.

Honey baked ham was on the menu this year along with potato salad, baked beans, Teresa's popular deviled eggs,

and Karen's fruit salad and scrumptious cream pie.

Then the chaos of gift exchanging began. As much as I try to enjoy watching everyone unwrap each and every gift, there's just too many of us and too many gifts.

I kept trying to steal Dad's gift of a fruit cake baked by the Trappists of Assumption Abbey in Ava, Missouri. Not too many people like fruit cake, but it's one of my favorites.

Lincoln didn't quite enjoy the holidays as much as Violet. I feel so bad because I forgot all about giving Lincoln his stocking. It's still sitting under the tree.

But the best gift of all was the one Karen gave to Lola. The sweater says "Dear Santa, I can explain". If you know Lola, you can understand how true that statement is.

I almost forgot, I did get a family picture. My theme for my Christmas card was "ugly Christmas sweater". 

All too soon the day was over and everyone went home. Another Christmas has passed and not a snow flake in sight. Don't get me wrong. I'm not complaining. But I feel like I'm celebrating Christmas in Florida. I'll probably regret this statement in another month. Merry Christmas!

Michael and Ashley Get Engaged...and Ashley Graduates from UMKC!

What began as a simple graduation on a Saturday evening, turned into another exciting night of my life.

Michael and I headed to UMKC to see Ashley walk across the stage. For a winter graduation there was probably close to 300 graduates. First the doctorates, then the masters and then the bachelors. Out of all those people, Ashley was third from last to get her diploma. By that time there was total chaos in the auditorium.

Michael has been telling us for months that as soon as Ashley graduates he's going to ask her to marry him. And that's exactly what happened. He handed Ashley a card with a handwritten poem with words leading up to a proposal. Before she could finish reading it, Michael dropped to his knee and proposed. And we all cried tears of happiness. My heart was bursting with pride.

A date for the wedding has yet to be set. Congratulations Michael and Ashley and a second congratulations to Ashley for her graduation. This will definitely be a date she'll remember.

Letter From Santa

When Michael and Melissa were little, Mom used to send them letters from Santa.

Violet is starting to understand the concept of Santa Clause - at least she knows that some day soon, Santa is going to bring her lots of presents. So I decided to send her a letter from Santa. My handwriting is atrocious so with the help of my Apple computer I composed a simple letter from Santa. Since I couldn't figure out how to address an envelope using the computer, I had Ashley script the envelope. Melissa was the most confused when the letter arrived. She recognized Ashley's handiwork but Ashley denied sending the letter. There is still a little magic in the holidays!

Violet...and Lincoln...Visit Santa

As Violet gets older she gets braver with her visits to Santa.

Lincoln is just too young to even know where he is. Maybe next year she'll smile! Although all three have the same expression.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Chalk up another year for dear ole Dad!

We all gathered at one of his favorite places, Ruby Tuesday, to celebrate #89. We opted against going to Texas Roadhouse. Dad didn't want the waiters and waitresses screaming and clapping a happy birthday tune.

Michele wasn't able to join us, but the week before she was in town and gave Dad a Chromebook. I'm not sure how quick he's picking up how to use it, but the last time I was at his apartment it was still sitting on the counter and not in the trash! Happy Birthday Dad!

Lincoln - 1 Month Old

I can't believe Lincoln is already a month old. It seems like yesterday I was on a wild ride to the hospital with Melissa.

In true Melissa fashion, Lincoln will now be branded each month with his Etsy sticker. For Violet's 1 month picture, Jamie hid behind the chair and held her head up. Lincoln's not doing too bad on his own.

Happy Birthday Jamie!

Another year older for my son-in-law, Jamie.

No hats and horns and big parties. Just a small quiet lunch with Melissa, Violet and Lincoln.

The next day we all went to Olive Garden. Free desserts for me, Jamie and Dad - all December birthdays. Can you tell Jamie's taking the picture with my selfie stick? Violet and Lincoln are there but trying to get everyone in one picture gets a little more difficult as the family grows. Happy Birthday Jamie!

Living in the 60's

When I say "living in the 60's", I'm not referring to the 1960's. Not everyone can say they are living at an age when they lived in the decade. For instance my kids will be in their 80's before they can make that statement.

The advancement of technology has made it much simpler to keep track of not only major events, but day to day activities. Where we used to whip out our Brownie cameras, snap a picture, then take our roll of film to a developer and wait a week to get our memories, we can now just take a picture with our phones and share instantly to Facebook or some other form of social media. And for those times when you need to take a picture but don't have someone to take it for you, there's the selfie stick.

I played with my new selfie stick trying to figure out how to pose then push the button without looking like I was thinking about pushing the button. I'm also showing off my new "Gas Monkey" shirt that I got from Melissa and Jamie. It may be a little big but I'll never admit it because Jamie will be first in line to literally take the shirt right off my back.

Michele and her family came to Kansas City. I'd like to say it was specifically for my birthday, but Michele's conference in Kansas City sort of coincided with the day. Dad wanted a picture of the grandkids recreated. I think the top picture was taken 27 or 28 years ago.

With all the chaos there was still a little time for opening birthday gifts. Michele made me a Grandma Book for Lincoln. I promised I would complete it plus the one I received when Violet was born.

One last birthday dinner before everyone had to leave. They say 60 is the new 30...or is it 40? In my head I don't feel like I'm 61, but my body usually wins that argument.

Family Thanksgiving

For the past several years we've spent Thanksgiving at Harrah's. Partly because Michael is working and partly because I'm tired of cooking.

But this Thanksgiving seemed to be different. I'm not 100% sure, but I think I miss cooking the turkey, eating my Grandmother's famous dressing and having leftovers.

I certainly don't miss the clean up.

Now that Violet's getting older and Lincoln is here the ease of going to the buffet is not as great as having the family sit around the house. You usually only get one opportunity to get a good picture of Violet. I could barely have conversations with all the noise in the restaurant.

Plus Lincoln was stuck in his carrier.

The only way I was going to get the Taylors in a picture together was to Photoshop everyone in. And forget trying to get a picture of all of us.

With everyone's work schedules not being the typical 9 to 5, Thanksgiving may have to be on a different day and we may have to have turkey for breakfast or a midnight snack. I say this now probably because I'm hungry and craving a leftover turkey sandwich. We'll see what happens next year.

Violet Holds Lincoln

It may have taken a whole week but Violet finally asked to hold her new brother.

It only happened for a short time but what can you expect from a two year old.

At least she didn't toss him to the floor when she was done!

Maverick's Game with Violet

Last night Jamie, Violet and I went to the Maverick's hockey game.

A small distraction for Violet since Lincoln has taken center stage. Violet was all excited to see the mascot, Mac, as long as he kept his distance. She's still a little nervous around him. Jamie apologized to the people sitting behind us before the game started. I bought Violet a cowbell which she quickly learned when and how to use. It seemed like a good purchase at the time.

Peaceful Afternoon at the Taylor's

This is a good thing to have happen when you first bring your newborn baby home from the hospital.

This is even better.

And this is the best. Ideally Melissa should have taken this opportunity to run upstairs and take a nap, but she was probably too overwhelmed.

Lincoln Oliver Taylor

Although Lincoln's delivery may have been smooth and easy, the events leading up to taking Melissa to the hospital had me questioning whether I should check Melissa into the hospital or myself.

It all started with inviting Melissa, Jamie and Violet to Harrah's for dinner. I was going to meet them up there. When they arrived I got a call from Melissa telling me they were in the parking lot but she couldn't come in. She wasn't sure whether her water broke or she over extended her bladder. But there were no contractions. So Jamie and Violet were going to come in and go to dinner and Melissa was going to drive herself home, get her things and go get checked at the hospital. When I heard this my mind was screaming "WHAT! She can't drive herself!" But Melissa was more concerned about Violet getting something to eat. So I gave my car keys to Jamie and hopped in the truck with Melissa. Oh, did I forget to mention that Melissa was driving! On top of that it was the peak of rush hour traffic so I suggested to Melissa that we go straight to the hospital. Reluctantly she agreed.

When we got to the hospital Melissa swung her legs around to get out of the truck but was once again struck with a sensation of loosing control of her bladder. She couldn't walk, she couldn't get back in the truck. All she wanted was Jamie. So I calmly called Jamie to find out where he was. He told me they were just finishing dinner. I explained the situation and Jamie told me to go inside and tell the nurses we needed a wheel chair. I answered - calmly again - okay, see you soon. Then took off running through the parking lot to the maternity ward.

Now at St Luke's in Lee's Summit the maternity ward has their own separate elevator entrance. You have to push the call button, tell them who you're seeing, then they let you push the 2nd floor button. I told the intercom box that my daughter was having a baby. She was in the parking lot, but couldn't walk in. I needed a wheel chair. Once I got the clearance to go up, I walked through the lobby doors and heard one of the nurses say "that's probably my friend, Melissa". I recognized her and said "yes, it's Melissa". So Angie, six other nurses and I headed back down the elevator. Then Angie (the nurse) asked, where's the car. Panting from all the running I said "down the second row". Angie asked why I didn't park in front of the door and I cried "because she wouldn't let me drive!" As we rounded the corner, here comes Melissa shuffling slowly toward the entrance. I guess everyone thought I was telling them Melissa was having the baby in the parking lot. I still don't know what I said that was wrong. I'm sure I'm not the first to have this happen. Once upstairs Angie confirmed that her water had broke and she was admitted and the process began.

This labor and delivery was so easy for Melissa. There was only one time where she had a little bit of pain. Epidurals are wonderful.

Maternity wards are so different than when I had kids. Now it's more a family affair. 

I was prepared with favorite toys to keep Violet entertained.

Violet and I played while Melissa and Jamie calmly went through labor.

After one more picture of the family of three, before they became four, Violet fell asleep.

At midnight Jamie carried a sleeping Violet to the waiting room and 42 minutes later, little Lincoln was born.

Lincoln Oliver Taylor was born November 14, 2015, 12:42 a.m., 6 lbs. 15 oz., 19-3/4" long. He doesn't look very happy but I think he was cold.

I couldn't wait to hold him but I had to wait until 3:00 in the morning.

After running home and getting a few hours of sleep I was back at the hospital.

Melissa was so happy to see Violet.

Melissa and Jamie were wondering how Violet would react to meeting Lincoln. When Violet saw Lincoln she said "He's moving!" She plays with her baby dolls but they don't move.

Then she noticed he was asleep so she was telling every to "Shhh...he's sleeping".

Melissa and Jamie have been preparing Violet for Lincoln's arrival by telling her Lincoln was going to bring her a present.

After this initial touch

Violet hasn't been that interested in Lincoln.

While Jamie was holding Lincoln, Violet told Jamie "Ma hold". Maybe a little bit of jealousy.

After all the visitors left, Melissa had a little quite time with her new son.

He even opened his eyes and looked around before falling asleep.

Today the Taylor's went home to start their new life as a family of 4.

Violet may not be interested in her new little brother today but I'm sure she'll be a great big sister. Now who's going to break the news to Lola!