John's 9 Month Stats

Height: 26.75 inches (20%)

Weight: 20 lbs 14 oz (55%)

Head: 44.25 in (25%)

Snow Day!

Snow Days are rare in these parts so we really celebrate them. After all the hype, I was so relieved to see some snow falling around 3 am on Friday morning. The kids were giddy with excitement. The best part of it all was having an unexpected, fun play day at home with Daddy.

All Three Kids Have Worn the Same Baptism Gown

Then Mia monograms the slip inside with their name and the date of the dedication/baptism.

Top - Alivia (8.5 mos)

Middle - Will (6 mos)

Bottom - John (9 mos)

John's Dedication at Grace Covenant Church

Today was John's Dedication at Grace. He wore the beautiful baptism gown that all of the other Taylor cousins have worn. He looked like an angel. Pastor Matt said the sweetest prayer for John and the other two kids were so good while on the stage. On the way out of the sanctuary, Will waved to everyone and kept saying "Goodbye" as we walked out. Mia and Pops were also there for the service which was really special since Mia was literally the first person that John probably saw when he arrived in this world.

Afterwards we went to Austin Country Club for their amazing Sunday brunch. It was such a warm day that part of the time John was in his undershirt which makes me laugh because my mom goes to such great lengths to be sure that all of the kids are outfitted to the nines. Oh well. . .

John, today we stood in front of our peers to once again re-affirm that you are God's child on loan to us while here on Earth. We are blessed to be your parents and love you so much. May God continue to bless your life and ours as we lead you.

Letdown to my letdown

Well. . . John has weaned me (sniff sniff). I saw the writing on the wall about 2 weeks ago when he would just get so mad that my letdown was taking so long. And once I personally started giving him bottles it was only a matter of time. I pumped for the last time today at work and only got about 2 ounces. The last time I breastfed him was 2 days ago. This is always a bittersweet time for me. It is so luxurious to not have to be tied to him this way, but the snuggles are just the best during breastfeeding. I breastfed John longer than my other two which seems so amazing to me. Well, Johnny-Cakes it was a good run. We made it NINE months! Yay to us!

We are using some leftover breastmilk from Aunt Emily that should get us through the mid-part of February which is such a blessing - both for your immune system and our wallets. Thank you Emily!

Some other milestones that I have not documented on my little man:

~January 2, 2011 - STANDS for the first time

~January 12, 2011 - started "solid" foods (baby mum mum, puffs, bits of banana)

~January 17, 2011 - we notice his bottom two teeth are IN! Without a fuss!

My mom took John to Dr. Dawson today because he has had a cough for the last 6 weeks (some could argue for the last 4 MONTHS). Dr. Dawson thinks poor John has the cursed "Taylor lungs" and gave him some liquid prednisone to quiet the inflammation in his lungs. I see a nebulizer and some chronic asthma medications in our future. . .

GO STEELERS!

Matt is trying to turn all of our children into Steelers fans. Will was sitting in his lap today while watching the game against the Ravens saying, "Come on guys! Go Steelers!" Alivia on the other hand was rooting for the opposing team just to get under Matt's skin. Pretty funny. At this point, if the Steelers win their next game they will be headed to the Super Bowl! If that happens we will hosting a Super Bowl Party and even I will wear black and gold. Go Steelers!

Fun Day with Mimi and Grandpa

Mimi and Grandpa took the oldest cousins for a hike in a nearby neighborhood greenbelt and then built a fire at their house to roast marshmallows. The kids had a great time, and Will said that "Grandpa really likes the black marshmallows." Here is a pic of them while hiking along the trail.