Ready for 2011

Our lives have been so frantic lately, updating the blog has not even made the to-do list. However, for the first time in months, I feel that I have a few minutes to write...so I will! The title of this blog is appropriate given the incredibly blessed yet devastatingly difficult (I feel like those often go together) year we've had.

Obviously, the difficult involves loss: loss of grandparents we all loved and miss daily and loss of friends/family in Huntington. The blessings, however, have continued: Jarrod loves his new job, Spence is thriving (hilarious, fun, insightful, SWEET, curious), and we were fortunate to rent our house, sublease our apartment, and move into a new home.

In this week alone, I flew home to Huntington for my grandfather's funeral, we packed up our house, purchased a new house, moved into a new house, got a Christmas tree (on Christmas eve), shopped/wrapped presents, unpacked our new house, celebrated Christmas with family, drove Spence to Indiana for the drop-off with Kiki and Papa, and I'm sure much more. We are exhausted - needless to say. We will top off the week, with a drive to Huntington for the New Year's weekend.

After all the ups and downs this year has brought, I am definitely ready to ring in the new year. Jarrod and I have a lot of goals for 2011...here's hoping we keep them! :) In closing, I end with two of our favorite things from the holidays: Jarrod's favorite thing is a quote from 30Rock (which he now wants to use on our Christmas card next year).. "Terrorists say Happy Holidays. Merry Christmas from the Taylors." And, my favorite thing: a picture of Spence enjoying his new Jeep, his Woody cowboy hats/boots, and his Thomas the Train sunglasses. What more could a little boy (or people responsible for marketing name-brands to children) want!

Am I Allowed to Do a Post About ME????

Well....not really about me as about The Taylor Trio. Since the majority (if not the entirety) of my blog focuses on Spence, I wondered if it was appropriate to talk about the Trio generally. Guess so, 'cause here goes.

We bought a house! After trying in vain to sell our house in H'town for almost 6 months, we broke down and rented it. With that all cleared up (I know dad, we're still not off the hook), we decided to pick up house hunting. We've looked on-and-off since we moved but two weekends ago, we really went for it. We probably saw 15 houses in 2 days. Our poor realtor, right. Well, the very last house that was listed as "#5 of the see if we have time" turned out to be the one. It's move-in ready and has great bones. Spence keeps saying "Mommy and daddy buy this for me?" Which, I guess, is true.

This past weekend, I went to San Antonio with my girlfriends from Vandy (minus Morgan - we missed you!) to celebrate Becca's upcoming nuptials. It was tons of fun and consisted mostly of sitting around in our PJs, talking, and drinking wine. Jarrod and Spence had a daddy/son weekend which I think consisted mostly of PJs, playing, and drinking coffee & milk.

We're excited for Thanksgiving and seeing familiy & friends. After that, it's crunch time as we plan to try to move right before Christmas. I know, I'm crazy.

Halloween Blues

This past weekend we were able to make a very quick trip to Huntington because we FINALLY rented our house out! We're very excited because, at this point, we're not sure how much longer we can live in this duplex and maintain our sanity.

The trip was great. Friday, I was able to catch up with a lot of old friends including my former stay-at-home Panera bunch and my Huddleston Bolen girls lunch group. Plus, I was able to spend time with Carly, Madison, Jessi, Jill, and Sarah. Lots of friend time - something I've needed since we have 0 friends here (okay, that's not true - I have 1). :) In addition to friends, we were able to see all the great-grandparents and spend lots of time with Papa and Kiki. I regret that we didn't get a chance to see Hunter, Jeanne, and Sawyer - but I'm thanksful they'll be in Huntington for Thanksgiving! I need to kiss those dimples!

We got home Sunday afternoon and did a quick trick-or-treat that night here in St. Louis. Spence was, as you can see, a pumpkin. He did the obligatory "trick or treat" to a few neighbors, but then said "can I have macaroni and cheese now." Needless to say, we went to 2 houses and called it a night. About 8 p.m., Spence started to run and fever and now he has full-blown hand, foot, and mouth disease. He has to stay out of daycare for a week and he's pretty miserable. Jarrod and I are ulternating staying home...hence, I'm updating my blog! :)

Below are some pictures from our October, including the pumpkin patch (and the train he cried on - which he continues to discuss daily), seeing Carly's baby Brynn, and his costume.

This is my favorite age....

I've been delaying posting anything until I can get more pictures uploaded. However, that clearly hasn't happened. So, I'm giving a boring text-only update with the goal of posting pictures soon.

We've had a busy month filled with pumpkin patches, the zoo, a fishing trip, and lots of other fun. First, we went to Bennett Springs, MO with Jarrod's parents for the weekend. Dick and Jarrod fly fished while the rest of us watched and played by the river. It was gorgeous but funny. In WV, you can find miles of trout streams without a single person. Here, you had to make sure you had enough shoulder room between the person beside you to cast. Slightly less relaxing but gorgeous nonetheless. Spence's favorite thing had to be helping Jarrod start the campfire and making S'mores! : Okay, maybe that was my favorite thing too!

Then, the next weekend, we went to a pumpkin patch. This is no Milton, WV pumpkin patch. This is the Pumpkin Festival without the horrific crafts. They had animals, bounce houses, tractors, face paint, a miniature train, and, of course, pumpkins. We picked out our pumpkin and then made a decision that has apparently scarred by child for life. There was a small train attached to an ATV that gave the kids rides around the farm. Spence said he wanted to go, even after I explained that mommy and daddy couldn't ride with him. We put him in the train and off it went. As it pulled away, Jarrod and I thought it looked like he was fighting back the tears. The train went around the farm and I ran up by the road where they swung back around to take a picture. I saw Spence swing around the turn, still buckled tightly in his train - not a tear in sight. So, I yelled "Spence! Look at mommy!" and the tears gushed. He sobbed, he hugged, he shook...he was terrified and clearly only held it in as long as he could. Some 3 weeks later, he continues to daily say "I cry on the choo choo train because mommy and daddy weren't there." Yes, it's the first of numerous things we will do to our child that will one day be explained to his psychiatrist.

Finally, last weekend we took a quick trip to the zoo. That is one amazing thing about being in a city with so much to do. Since we're members of the zoo, everything is free - parking, trains, entrance. So, we can go for an hour or two and leave! It's really perfect.

We're still trying to get settled. The church we had decided on doesn't have the small groups we were looking for - and we're therefore disappointed to be on the hunt again. Jarrod and I are going to the Mizzou v. Oklahoma game on Saturday which Jarrod is thrilled about. I am excited about hitting up a supposedly beautiful winery for a little wine tasting on the way to Columbia.

Missing everyone dearly and excited to see those people in Huntington next weekend! :)

Balloon Glow and Country Living

Several weeks ago, we decided to go to the Forest Park Balloon Glow. We had heard amazing things but dreaded fighting the crowds. But, one mention to Spence and it was all he could talk about. Plus, apparently a couple of his friends at work mentioned they be there, so he was ademant. So, Friday after a long day at work, Jarrod, Spence, and I packed up baby juice, mama/dada juice (aka wine), crackers, cheese, diapers, wipes, the monkey (a leash if we're honest), and the stroller headed toward Forest Park. One way to beat the crowd seemed to be to ride the metro. When the train pulled in, it was PACKED! Jarrod literally pushed people out of the way for us to get on. Spence held on to our leg like a little champ. When another couple finally pushed their way on at the next stop, they said "Look, you can tell he's definitely a city boy..." Kinda made me sad....

We arrived at the balloon glow and it was absolutely beautiful. It was a gorgeous night and Spence loved the balloons and the firework display that followed. By the time we walked back to the metro, it was 10:00 p.m. and Spence was dead asleep in the stroller. Since we had a sleeping baby and had not yet had dinner, we stopped at the corner bar and had dinner - all while Spence slept peacefully. It really was a perfect night.

Then....this weekend, we went to the Johnson Family Reunion (Jarrod's grandmother's family) in the country. We finished off the weekend at Uncle Joel and Aunt Brenda's farm. We discovered that while Spence loves the tractor in theory, reality is much different. He refused to participate in the hayride...waiving bye to everyone without any hesitation. I didn't take any pictures but Caroline took one of the grandkids with G and Pa. Spence had a great weekend with his cousins and misses them already. This weekend we are taking Spence fishing (okay, Jarrod is going fishing while I attempt to entertain a 2 year old). Should be interesting and pictures will definitely follow......

Do Not Repeat After Me

We've officially reached the stage where Spence is repeating EVERYTHING we say. While I'd like to say it's precious (and there are precious moments) for the most part, it's only made me realize that Jarrod and I need to clean up our mouths! Seriously, we should keep soap on us at all times and wash out our mouths at even the thought of a bad word. In the past week, Spence has repeated minor curse words (said by me when bumping my toe), insisted on calling toots "farts", and told the neighbors dog to "shut up" (a phrase he learned at school and not from me- thankfully).

Last night was probably the worst example. I had purchased funny drinking straws for a friend's bachelorette party several years ago. When we didn't use them, I brought them home and they have remained in our pantry (even through the move) for years. While we were unloading groceries yesterday, these wonderful straws --- okay, I'll just say it-- penis straws fell out of the pantry. Jarrod picked them up and said "Seriously Linz, we still have these penis straws." Well, for the rest of the night, Spence carried around his penis straw begging for more. Oy vey....

On a sweeter note: Jarrod usually reads books to Spence in our bed before he gets put in his crib. Lately, Jarrod has asked me to lay in bed and read with them. Unfortunately, I've had 100 other things to do and haven't. In response to my refusal, Jarrod taught Spence to say "Mama, you're breaking my heart." It's precious. And, everytime I say "no", I get to hear "Mama, you baking my hawt." :)

Video on Facebook

Okay - the video has been posted on Facebook. I decided to only allow certain people to see the video. So, I hope I included all of you! However, if I didn't, comment on this post that want access and I'll add you!

Ring bearers and Lullabies

This weekend we set out for Lexington, Kentucky to attend my cousin Matthew's wedding to Erin. Spence was excited to see Eloise and to be a ring bearer. I was not (excited about him being a ring bearer - I was obviously excited to see Eloise). I had visions of him screaming down the church (where the official wedding rules requested no children younger than 8) and possibly eating his boogers while digging in his diaper. After all those nightmares, however, it turned out he just ate his boogers - what a relief! He behaved and now I can relax.



It was great seeing my parents, brother, cousins, and aunts/uncles but even more fun seeing my studly child in a tux! :) Above and below are some pictures of Pence, Eloise & the bride.


I am also attempting to post Spence's remix of his favorite songs. Watch the whole thing...it's hilarious and completely inappropriate! I guess he is my child. It says there was an error but here's hoping it works. If not, I'll upload it onto my facebook page. Love and miss you all.

It's Still Hot....

How hot it is seems to be all I can focus on this summer. It's impossible to enjoy being outside and every second I spend outside seems to make me more irritable. If the neighbors heard me in the morning annoyedly telling Spence to "hurry up...walk faster...you don't need your paci", I know they would think I'm a horrible mother. And so, I now pray for weather below 90 degrees so that I can stop being in such a fowl mood.

Since I know this blog is really about Spence, I'll throw in a few Pence updates as well. His new theme songs are "Bah, Bah Back Seep" and "We wull we wull rock you" (sic). When I got him out of his crib several mornings ago to his singing the "rock you" song (which, by the way, does not sound like "rock" - use your imagination) and I asked him where he heard that, he said "Bennett." I thought it was funny although probably not accurate. It seems that Hudson and Spence decided this weekend to blame everything on Bennett should the question come up.

This morning, on the way to "work", I told Spence how hard it was for me to leave him at work and how I wished we could play together all day. I ended by saying "I don't like work." Spence laughed and responded by saying "I do." I hopefully assumed he meant he does like the idea of us playing together all day but when I asked for clarification, he nicely pointed out that no, it wasn't me he liked but, in fact, work. I guess I should be thankful since I don't see our arrangement changing anytime soon.

Last weekend was an exhausting trip to Huntington for Garrett and Allie's wedding. It was one of the best ceremonies I've witnessed - heartfelt, deep, theological, romantic - and full of great music. The reception, too, was great. Kiki made incredible food and overall the catering went relatively smoothly. Allie looked gorgeous - no surprises. It was hard coming in because everything seems so comfortable and familiar. Difficult to leave.....

Pence's tux is getting altered for his big debut as a ringbearer next weekend. Pictures will follow - along with his wonderful rendition (via video) of bah bah back seep....

Summer in The City - Could It Be Any Hotter?

The title of this post pretty much sums up our summer. The weather has been miserably hot and humid. Jarrod swears it's "abnormal" but I'm starting to think he might have misled me slightly on St. Louis' weather. Regardless of the weather, however, we have managed to get out and about. This weekend we went to a Cardinals game (where Spence and I spent most of the time in the air conditioned Edward Jones luxury box - thanks EJ!) and we've been going on long walks every night. Jarrod says he's my Jillian - which means we're on Weight Watchers and he forces me to exercise. Needless to say, if you talk to me within 2 hours before mealtime, I apologize in advance for my rudeness - it's the hunger talking!

We're still working on finding a church and meeting people. Neither of which we have been very successfull at so far. Our only friends here (John & Lindsay Perkins) had baby #3 on Friday night so tomorrow we're bringing them dinner. Other than that, we're so excited to come back to H'town for Garrett's wedding and to see more family two weeks later in Lexington at Matthew's wedding. We miss everyone so much!!!

Oh - and we've had a big week with Spence's vocabulary. We've officially gone from calling ourselves "P" to "Pence", we can count to six, and we say the alphabet (okay - really we say every 4-5 letters of the alphabet. But, we've got the tune down!)

Below are a few pictures I've been meaning to post, including a picture of our duplex, more from Pence's birthday, and a couple pics of this weekend's baseball game.

P is 2

I can't believe it's been a month since I posted. I swore I was going to be better! Anyway, it's been a very busy month as we settled into things in STL - only to fly home rather unexpectedly for my grandmother's funeral. We are now trying to get back in the swing of things and had a great, but eventful, weekend!

On Friday, I got a call from Spence's daycare that he was sick. So, after leaving work and cleaning up vomit all day, my parents and brother arrived! On Saturday, we went to the park and out to dinner on the Hill...followed by "custard" at Ted Drew's. On Sunday, we woke up early and headed to the Zoo to celebrate P's birthday! We then returned home for presents, a cookout, and cupcakes!

By Sunday night, we were all exhausted and dad started feeling ill. By Monday, he was very sick and by Monday afternoon, Spence was sick as well. At this point, it seems like everyone is slowly (but surely) coming down with a bug!

It was wonderful seeing my family and we all miss them dearly already! Here are a couple pictures, although I hope to post more celebratory pictures soon!

Spence had so much fun at the Botanical Gardens.
Walking across the rope swing and playing the water
were two of his favorites.
Thanks Cameron and Mitchell!

Houseguests and Exams

This week my mom and Marilyn came to help watch Spence while I started work and Jarrod finished studying. It was a busy week - with Spence getting WAY too spoiled by all of the attention. Mom and Marilyn have decided that, with Spence, they are Cameron, Mitchell, and Lily Pritchett (for anyone who watches Modern Family). Troubling, I know.

Each day was a new adventure for the Pritchetts. They've gone to the zoo, the Magic House, multiple parks, and the botantical gardens. I think they're wearing poor Lily out!

I started my job which has proved to be exhausting. There's a huge learning curve moving from a law firm to this environment but overall, I think its a good transition. Jarrod takes Level II of the CFA tomorrow and, with all of the time we had to spend moving and interviewing, he hasn't studied as much as he would've hoped. Pray that he passes!!!

Marilyn leaves tomorrow and mom stays one more week to help out. I don't know what I would've done without their help. Hoping to post pictures of our new place and Spence soon.

Love, The Taylors

Beginning to Get Settled

After a stressful move, a week-long trip back to H'town to visit family, and a return to St. Louis, I think we might be starting to get settled. We've rented a duplex in University City, just a couple blocks from Washington University. We're right down the street from stores, restaurants, bars, and (Spence's favorite) - the Metro.


So far, each morning, we've gotten up and walked 10 minutes to the local coffee shop, Kaldi's, for a morning pick-us-up. We have to walk right by the Metro which usually requires us to wait a few minutes for Spence to get his daily choo-choo fix.


After that, Jarrod is off to study and Spence and I are on our own to explore. Today we found a nice playground and an incredible grocery story. Unfortunately, I won't be able to frequent that grocery store if we ever plan on saving a little money! It was ridiculous nice....I'm sure my mom will love it! :)


Anyway, the majority of the boxes are unpacked and things are slowly starting to feel like a "new" normal. Transitions, however, are hard. Both Spence and Sadie have had diarrhea (TMI?) and with Sadie's barking when we're not at the duplex, we're having to consider finding her a new home. :( Keep us in your prayers as we try to get everyone (and everything) settled before I start work next Tuesday. Missing family already...but excited for this chapter.

Our new address is:
7339 Lindell Blvd.
University City, MO 63130

Love, The Taylors