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!

Pregnancy Pictures

Melissa likes getting professional pictures of major events in her life. The most recent are pregnancy pictures for little Lincoln.

I don't always like the way the photographer poses the family but I was rather impressed with this session. I like the way the photographer has captured the importance of Jamie and Melissa expecting Lincoln with Violet in the background but still an important part of the family.

Even though Violet doesn't like to cooperate and get her picture taken - probably because every time someone sees her, there's a camera in her face - she always seems to smile for her Mom.

But this is my favorite. It's a lot like the first one but you can see the love this couple has for each other and the excitement of their second child. Melissa's plan is to make a collage of pictures that goes on the wall going up the stairs. These will be great memories in years to come.

Yuk - Yard Work!

In August Dad moved to a senior living facility and put his house on the market. I've spent countless hours packing up years of accumulated "stuff" that he didn't want to take with him. The house hasn't sold yet so I decided to spruce up the yard a bit.

The flower bed in the back looked like the most logical place to start. It's hard to tell what are weeds and what are flowers. So I just started pulling out anything that didn't actually look like a flower. I figured winter is coming. Everything is going to die anyway. And if it was meant to be it would come back in the Spring.

It didn't look too bad after I finished. I'm not sure if mulch was the way to go but it looked better than the muddy dirt.

Kansas City Royals Win the World Series!

After 30 years, the Kansas City Royals finally won another World Series.

No one is a greater fan than Michael and Ashley. This picture was from the last home game during the playoffs. Even the rain didn't stop them from watching the Royals beat the Toronto Blue Jays.

After the win Kansas City went nuts with a parade and rally. Even the schools were closed and some businesses gave their employees the afternoon off. The city expected around 350,000 people to show up for the parade and rally. There was actually over 800,000 with cars literally parking on I-70 just so they could witness this bit of history. This is the rally in front of Union Station. People were packed in all the way up to the Liberty Memorial. Most people couldn't even see or hear anything that was happening with the rally.

The city even continued the celebration during the night with many businesses lighting up their buildings with blue lights.

But the Royals didn't make it easy on the fans. Most games were nail biters with the Royals coming from behind to rally for the win. This was my favorite joke floating around on Facebook. It's hard to believe that so many people are such die hard fans. I was happy just watching from the comfort of my own living room. Go Royals!!!