Taylor Family

I think most of my blog readers already know the devastating news about my friend, Shannon Hunter. Her parent's home in Terre Haute, IN burnt down a couple of days ago. They had no home insurance and they lost everything! It not only effected her parents but also Shannon's brothers and her very small niece and nephews.

We met Shannon's husband, Simon, thru Kevin (Kyle's brother). Simon is such a close friend to the Meek family that he has actually experienced Meek Christmas and Thanksgiving first hand. Simon and Shannon married just over two years ago and now have adorable twin baby boys! The Hunters are a sweet, loving family and wonderful friends. I've met Shannon's mom on a couple of occasions and she is a loving grandma to lots and lots of grandchildren. (Shannon comes from a very, very big family!) We recently saw Shannon's parents this summer at a BBQ at her house. They were a real pleasure to be around. They seemed so happy to spend time with Shannon and Simon and to love all over their new grandbabies.

Since the tragic fire, so many people have been reaching out....donating money, clothes, furniture and housewares. I am amazed at what wonderful friends and family I have. So many people have asked to donate....many of who have never met Simon or Shannon. I feel lucky to have such wonderful people in my life. I especially want to thank my aunts, mom and my friends Nicole and Sandy for all of their donations. You have such big hearts!

If you would like to read more about the fire/items needed/how to donate money, please click on the links on the side of my blog.

Dentist

Carter had is first trip to the dentist. I know I've said it before, but this kid is an amazing patient! He didn't whine or cry or squirm in the chair one bit. Did everything the dental hygienist and dentist asked! He opened his mouth wide enough for a quick cleaning. And the best part for Carter was finding out Dr. Gary can make balloon animals. I'm guessing not too many 2 and a half year olds ask for "more dentist" on the way home! We are very proud of our big boy!!

slumber party w/ grandma

Grandma Meek was in town Wednesday and stayed overnight at our house. Carter has been sick all week. In a small house like ours, if one [sick] kid is awake in the middle of night then the other kid is awake in the middle of the night. If 2 kids are awake in the middle of the night then you better believe both Mom and Dad are awake. And if Mom, Dad and 2 kids are all awake in the middle of the night; then it goes without saying that Grandma is awake too! Carter was given some medicine to bring his fever down. Of course once Carter started feeling better he felt like 3:00am was a great time to play with Grandma. Poor Grandma, I'm sure she was expecting to get more then 4 hours of sleep that night!

2 and 1/2

Can you believe it? Today Carter is 2 and 1/2. Everyday he seems more like a kid instead of a baby or toddler. He does so much and says so much that I'm constantly shaking my head, thinking when did this happen! Want to know some of the things about this kid that makes me smile?

• He knows all his letters. However, because "W" is said "double-U" he thinks all letters should have a double. Sometime he tosses in a "double-Y" or a "double-R". Same goes for his numbers. I've heard the occasional "double-4" or "double-8".
• He calls Popsicles powerpuckers. I could work on the pronunciation but it's so darn cute!
• He is wearing pull ups now. He said he doesn't want to wear diapers anymore. Sill far from totally potty trained, but hey, another step in the right direction.
• He loves to go to the doctor and is an amazing patient. He makes sure the doctor uses all her instruments and sometimes asks her to do everything twice. Other then his shot today he was perfect! Oh yea, for those keeping track 32 lbs. (71% for weight), 37 in (74% for height).
• If you ask him what he wants for breakfast, lunch or dinner he will always say waffles.
• He can ride and steer his tricycle.
• He loves to swim. He jumps off the diving board and now likes to take his swimmies off and go underwater by himself. He tries to swim to us underwater but doesn't really go anywhere but down.
• He sings alot. Loves to sing itsy-bitsy spider and do the hand motions. Don't let him catch you singing along though. He likes his solo!
• He kisses Ryan goodnight on the head every night.

Although this post is about Carter, I couldn't help but add a picture of Ryan being her cute self.

new pics

We went to the cottage Labor Day weekend. Here's a photo from the park where we had a picnic with Nanna, Bob (yes, Carter is now calling my dad by his first name) and Aunt Jane. Ryan started crawling this week. Carter didn't crawl until he was 9 months old so it's still a bit of a shock to see our little peanut moving around at 7 months. I guess we better double check all our baby proofing. It's been awhile since we had to be on such high safety alert!I love that most of my close friends started having kids around the same time. It's great that the older kids are now able to play together. It's so cute! We got together for girls night and to celebrate Mia Johnson's 2nd birthday. Here's a photo of the kids.

(left to right): James Kelker (3), Carter Meek (2), Mia Johnson (2), Will Kelker (1), Nate Bolles (2).

back to school

Carter started another year of school today. Like last year, he goes to the Mothers Day Out program at the Orchard Park Presbyterian Church Learning Center. He was very excited to go back. Carter loved his teachers last year, Mrs. Mary and Mrs. Barb. He has been asking about them all summer and when he learned that Mrs. Mary would be his teacher today he decided he bring her a teddy bear.
Picture: Carter saying goodbye to Dad before school (note: teddy bear in hand for Mrs. Mary). Picture: Carter ready for school.

When Carter walked into the classroom he gave Mrs. Mary a hug and handed her the bear. So cute! Carter had a few tears when I told him I had to go, but I'm sure he was happily playing with the other kids before I made it out the building. He was all smiles when I picked him up this afternoon. Carter will go two days a week (Wed/Thurs). It should be a great year. We are all very excited that school is back in session!

Ryan says

Oh, hello there. I'm just in the middle of eating some avocado.What's that? It would be more lady-like if Mommy fed me with a spoon?This seems to work fine. Do ya want some?

Oh yes, I am aware I'm wearing a Merry Christmas bib. Happy Holidays in August?

What is Mommy thinking? Geesh!

On a side note: I had some girl time with my friend, Suvi Monttinen, last weekend.

She lives in Cincinnati.

She turned 1 today. Happy Birthday chica!