Lady Kaitlyn at 4 months - just in time for the wedding of the year...

Age of Lady Kaitlyn:  4 months and 3 days

Family,

And a good Sunday afternoon to you from the Queen City, where the Bull, Striker, and Munchkin are all EXHAUSTED from a weekend filled with festivities.  What festivities, you ask?  Well, I'll be happy to tell you - Kim and Matt's wedding!!!

Happiness is a left thumb.  Period.

Talk about an absolute BLAST - wire to wire, it was a weekend of fun, family, friends, and fantastic beer. :-)  We drove up on Thursday (Kaitlyn's actual 4 month birthday), departing the house to a MONSOON OF GALCIAN PROPORTIONS thanks to Tropical Storm Chantal (to show you how out of the loop I am, I didn't even KNOW there was a Tropical Storm brewing, let alone that it was rolling over the QC).  Traffic was moving at a less than brisk 40-45 mph on the interstate, interspersed with moments of complete standstills.  The cumulative effect of the rain, slow travel, and having a munchkin on a tight schedule meant that, 1 hour into the drive, Team Taylor had made it only as far as Lincolnton, where for the second week in a row Kaitlyn received her 2nd feed of the day at a Wendy's.  She didn't seem too concerned, however.  In fact, I think she quite liked the change in scenery (Jenny certainly enjoyed her free Frosty).  We rolled into Asheville about 2ish, where we checked in and unloaded A FREIGHT LINER'S CARGO LOAD of stuff into our TEENY little room.  I mean, to be fair, the room held 2 Queen Beds, 2 chairs, a fridge, a pack-n-play, and a stroller, but still - it was SNUG.

Throughout the afternoon the families rolled in, and a group of 13-14 went to a place called Farmburger  for dinner that night - AMAZING.  I also found room for some chicken livers (the look on Jenny's face when I ordered them was priceless), and I am pleased to report that they had Pisgah Pale Ale on draft!  Granted, that wasn't the first time I'd had Pisgah that day, as Matt presented me with a Growler of it upon arrival.  Have I mentioned yet that he's pretty much the greatest brother-in-law ever? :-)

The evening was terrific - we'd met some of Matt's family, but this evening we got a chance to meet some more of his crew - all WONDERFUL people.  In fact, it set the tone for what was to be a consistent theme throughout the weekend - lots of love and laughs with lots of good, fun, interesting people.

That night I got a chance to bond with the Munchkin, as K and I went back to the room a bit early to get her all settled.  Jenny and I were both worried how she would fare in the room (and how we'd fare for that matter, as we hadn't been in the same room with her since Tennessee), but, as always, the child was a DREAM when we put her down for bed.  I mean, she was awake for about 45 minutes, but I gave her another bottle, after which time she promptly PASSED OUT and slept for 10.5 hours.  It really is AMAZING how she can keep herself entertained.  It's quite fascinating to watch the recent transformation, as she's much more alert and interested in the world, and when I've got her on my shoulder, she much prefers to be up higher so she can see what's behind me vs. just snuggling on my chest (but fortunately for me she still likes to do that - it's just so sweet when she nestles).  But her highlight from this day was not her attentiveness nor her sleeping but rather HER LARGEST POOPY TO DATE - HOLY MOLY HIDE THE WOMEN AND CHILDREN.  Let's just say that outfit - as well as every other item of fabric in an 8 block radius - needed a washing.

The next morning I woke up to the realization that I am a terrible father, as I forgot to change my daughter out of the ABSOLUTE CRAP "fake jean" diapers before bed, the result of which was a poopy that had found its way through a) diapers, b) pajamas, c) swaddle, and d) blanket.  Yeah...not exactly father of the year on that one (insert more washing of clothes here).  But hey, after that the day went upward like a rocket, as Dad and Pattie arrived, and we all went over to the Early Girl Eatery, a farm to table joint in the main square.  The food was epic, and I spent the rest of the afternoon with dad, Pattie, and then mom (who arrived about 1).  Dad left about 2:15, but it was SO GREAT to see both he and Pattie.  Throughout the entire weekend, Jenny and I were reminded not only how fantastic Asheville is as a city but also how PERFECT it is for a weekend destination or meeting place for family - it really is almost a halfway point for everybody, and the city just continues to impress more and more each time I visit.

The simply STUNNING Tacy women - LOVE this photo.

Jenny and Kim returned back to the hotel about 4 with some VERY stylish nails (Muffin looked HOT), and we then got dressed and ready for both the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.  Grammie was an absolute LIFESAVER, watching the munchkin whilst JT and I galavanted about town and had a proper "grown-up" evening of wine, food, and terrific conversation with lots of friends and family.  The rehearsal dinner was at Posana - a place that I've been wanting to try for years - and it did NOT disappoint.  Matt and Kim had reserved the entire back room, and we were fed (and watered) like KINGS - SO MUCH FUN.  After dinner, a lot of their friends came in and joined us, and we made some new friends whilst catching up with old ones over the next two hours.  I headed back about 11:30 (I got up and worked out every morning but Sunday, so I was dragging by the witching hour), and JT rolled in about 1ish (and had to pump, poor thing - Kaitlyn, remember how much your mommy loves you and made sure you were well fed every day of your young life!).  It was a perfect evening, and the funniest moment was definitely the text from Mom/Grammie that read:  "Put her down awake at 8 PM - went right to sleep.  NO SOUND.  This child is amazing."  Love it. :-)

Saturday was the wedding day, and it was, in a word - PERFECT.  Seriously - the day started gray, but when it was time for pictures, the clouds parted, revealing blue skies and sunlight filtering through the trees.  I felt quite self-conscious because I hadn't brought a suit, but hopefully no one will be upset about how the photos turn out. :-)  Everything ran on time.  The music was beautiful.  Kim was a vision as the bride - Matt could have been a GQ model as the groom.  The venue (called, appropriately enough, the Venue) was immaculate.  The beer selection was superb. :-)  The munchkin went down like a dream.  And then, best of all, was my wife.  Now I realize I might be biased, but believe me when I say that, after her wedding day, my wife has NEVER looked more beautiful - we are talking drop dead GORGEOUS.  And the fact that I had her on my arm and had the chance to kiss and dance with that woman, well - it was a GOOD night. :-)

A big day, Munchkin - your Godparents' (and Aunt &
Uncle's wedding day - They love you!!!

The service was beautiful, tender, and heartfelt.  We didn't bring the Munchkin, but she was certainly there in spirit.  Jenny gave a BEAUTIFUL toast that came from the heart, and I was so proud of her up there speaking to both Kim and Matt.  She was nervous leading up to it, but she didn't look nervous or anxious at all up there speaking - she just looked like the perfect, amazing woman that I know and love.  And when Kim and Matt did their first dance, I got CRUSHED by emotion.  They danced to "Swept Away" by the Avett Brothers, and you could really feel the love in the room.  Feeling that energy and love, I was whisked back to a day 7 years and 6 days ago - July 8, 2006 - the date of mine and Jenny's wedding.  I remembered that dance, remembered how I felt, and remembered what it was like to have everyone that I love in the same place at the same time.  Overwhelming was the only word I had then, and it hasn't changed.  But now add in visions of watching your little daughter in a white dress, you walking her down the aisle, proud of the woman she's become and the man she's chosen, and you've got a recipe for hopeful, happy tears.  I've actually listened to that song 3 times since then (I pulled it down off i-Tunes at the reception), and I've cried every time.  I cry in the first verse thinking about twirling Kaitlyn during the Father-Daughter dance, and then I cry in the third verse thinking about Jenny and I during our first dance and exchanging vows.  I tell ya what - love is a POWERFUL thing. :-)

Grammie and Grand Pooh in action.

Saturday was also a great day because Grand Pooh came over from TN to see the Munchkin! It was so cute to watch him interact with her - just so sweet to watch. I mean seriously, how lucky was I to have so many members of my family make the trip "over the mountain" to visit us?  I am a blessed man in so many ways, and seeing all this family (mine, Jenny's, and Matt's) was just fantastic - my cup "ranneth" over several times.

Today we had a terrific breakfast with them before heading out.  We actually made the drive in 2 hours and 15 minutes, although it should be noted that the Munchkin screamed for at least half the drive.  We "upset the apple cart" in her schedule today, but she's down for a nap now, and I'm hopeful that we've got her back on schedule (or at least will be the end of the night).

Looking at the Munchkin at 4 months, it really is amazing how quickly she's changing.  She smiles EVERY MORNING when you wake her up.  Her eyes are just firestorms of energy, and she's clearly fascinated by the world around her.  She is grabbing at things now and actually holding them.  On Thursday she actually grabbed the little "Aussie Mouse" by the ears and lifted him up a bit - a big first! And whilst she still hasn't found her right thumb yet, she sucks on that left thumb like it's the last morsel of food on earth - TOO CUTE!  The right thumb is only a matter of time, but she seems quite content to just shove her entire fist in her mouth for now. :-)

I am singing to her more and more, and - dare I say or hope it - I think she likes hearing daddy sing to her.  She's tracking everything now - the lion, people walking around the room, rattles, you name it.  And whilst she still can't hold her head up completely on her own, JT's done some amazing work to strengthen her neck muscles, and I truly believe it's only a matter of time.  But regardless - these folks aren't worried. We're just so happy and thankful that the munchkin wakes up happy, is eating well, is sleeping like a DREAM, and, most importantly, is ours to love, hold, and cherish.

We go for our 4 month appointment on Friday, so we're hoping that everything is still looking good.  and I would be lying if I said I wasn't curious what percentile her little head bone will be. :-)

Grammie introducing Kaitlyn to the concept
of "jewelry" - the look in those eyes TERRIFIES me.

Okay, I'm conscious that was a bit of a ramble, but it was a BIG week!

Momma - thank you SO MUCH for babysitting the Munchkin this week.  You were a lifesaver, and Kaitlyn LOVES being around you.  Thank you so much for taking such good care of her.

My Family - thank you all for making the drive over for breakfast/lunch and bonding time.  I can't tell you how great it was to see you all and to watch you with the new addition.

Kim and Matt - we couldn't be happier for you guys.  We love you SO MUCH - welcome to the "other side."  You will love every step of the journey.

Love,

Sam and Jenny