is really not so much a baby anymore.
We can't believe that seven years ago we brought this little bundle of joy home from the hospital.
(and even more, looking back I can't believe I was so determined to still go to my family's Christmas Eve dinner that I brought a brand new baby to my parent's home where it was packed full of people...and germs. let's just say I was a little crazy.)
It has been so good for me to try really hard to make sure when Tay's birthday comes around that Christmas takes a backseat and he is front and center. Some years have been harder than others. This year, I think, was a good year. However, he did want to decorate gingerbread houses for part of his celebration.
(loving that kitchen mess)
Tay was so happy that some favorite's came to join us. Not only did they come, but they brought him his #1 Christmas wish. Modeling Clay.
His request for dessert was brownie sundae.
One of my favorite things about birthdays, is when the brother's give each other gifts ($2 limit). I love seeing how excited each of them get, and even more so, their hand written notes. Warms my heart.
I really do try hard to make the day special, but so often, with the natural busyness of the season, I let things slip. I love the inspiration from all my friends and relatives, I especially love the breakfast in bed tradition from Cami. The boys think it's extra special. This year I completely forgot about it until several days later, so I decided in the back of my mind to celebrate it on his 1 month birthday. (we like to be surprised, right?)
Taylor ended up being sick the day before, so he slept on the couch that night and woke up to his surprise.
I think I made it up to him. He realized that I never forgot it and in some ways made him feel even more special.
I hope that with all the mistakes that I make as a mother, that in some small way I can make it up to each of them with the good that I may do.
Taylor, we love you so much!!
and seven reasons why...
1) your endless creativity.
2) you already show us how sentimental you are. So often you want to go through your box that is full of your things from school, your crafts, and pictures of yourself.
3) your sweet voice singing 'away in a manger' to Rudger, I love the look in his eyes when he watches you in amazement as you sing.
4) how hard you are working in school. You are becoming a really good reader. I love listening to you as we read from the Book of Mormon as a family.
5) the way you love to quote lines from movies. You always take us by surprise how well you quote them.
6) your love of chocolate...and not gross chocolate, good chocolate.
7) your sweet little smiles that melt my heart
Love you tons and tons Tay Bay.
