The PERFECT Father’s Day Present – K starts WALKING!!!!

Age of Lady Kaitlyn:  15 months and 4 days

Family,

The munch - moments before a burst of
self-propelled, frenetic energy.

And a good morning to you from Charlotte Douglas International Airport, where the Bull is sitting in the D Concourse, awaiting his flight to Pura Vida.  Sneetch – the good news is that this is the last work trip planned for awhile,so I’ll be around a lot more with you and mommy. J  On that note, it has been interesting to watch K on mornings or afternoons when I’m leaving on a work trip, as it’s almost like she can tell I’m preparing to go somewhere.  I don’t know if she’s figured out what the luggage means in the bedroom (probably not), if she notices I’m hugging her and playing with her a bit more (perhaps), or if she just senses something is about to be different (as crazy as it sounds, that feels like the most likely choice).  We obviously have no proof of any of this, of course, but it is interesting how she always either gets sick or fussy in the 24 hours before I’m set to depart. 

But let’s not dwell on any unpleasantness in this blog, as we have SO MUCH to report.  And while I realize that I should do this in sequential order, I just CANNOT wait to put the news on paper – MUNCHKIN IS WALKING!!!!!  That’s right, sports fans – K is officially the cutest little walking toddler on the planet.  The move from cruising to walking was a play in 3 acts this week, starting on Wednesday.

On Wednesday K and JT went out for their usual walk (now run) – the 5K around the neighborhood.  What follows is always a 15-20 minute stretch in the cul-de-sac where we walk with K while she drags us by one finger, pulling us desperately toward dogs across the street and the play structure in the neighbors’ yard (and always ends in us picking her up and her screaming at us because she doesn’t want to stop – she doesn’t quite yet understand the concept of “trespassing”).  From my office on the second floor, I usually get to watch a bit of this as I’m on a call, and it is always a highlight of my day. 

"As a future Rhodes scholar, I'd like to
examine the nutritional content of the
meal that you have prepared for me.  Oh,
and pass the mac 'n cheese."

Well, on this particular Wednesday, I happened to look out just as JT let go (similar to how we’ve been doing with K running between us), and BAM. Kaitlyn.  Took.  Steps!  She went 5 or 6 steps in one direction before dropping into the yard, cackling all the while.  JT looked up and saw me (it was really a miracle of God that I happened to look out at that moment), and the pride that passed between parents was unmistakeable.  This was NOT just a mad scramble on carpet between parents.  THIS was the real thing.

Thursday took it to the next level, as for the first time ever the sneetch LET GO OF FURNITURE and walked over to me!  It was crazy, because we weren’t even paying attention – JT and I were just chatting whilst K played with the toys on the table.  But then, as we looked over, she let go and walked straight to daddy!  It was absolutely AMAZING – I just can’t tell you how proud and excited I was (I ran straight to her baby book and recorded it). 

And then, on Friday, we had THE BIG ONE – the Munch STOOD UP on her own and walked!!!   JT and I hovered over her in stunned silence (HUGE smiles happily frozen on our proud parent faces), absolutely STUNNED that K had done it – and just in time for her 15 month appointment, no less (it’s actually later today, and we can’t WAIT to get the new numbers).  JT had actually seen her stand on her own 3 times previous, but this was the first time I’d ever seen it (and it was SO CUTE!). 

World Cup Fever - it runs in the genes...

And just like that – she was off.  K is now popping up all the time, and each time it is absolutely adorable.  When she does manage to stand (which is still a tricky, shaky proposition), she rises slowly from “down dog.”  Once she’s confirmed up, her smile is just about the cutest thing ever, after which time she starts clap (and we’re only too happy to do the same).  She actually views the act of standing as much more of an achievement than the walking – she only claps when she stands. 

Now granted, her stride is still a bit choppy, and the way she a) tilts her head and b) holds her arms to steady herself is too cute (and more than a little funny to watch).  But there is no mistaking it – she is MOVING!  The good thing (selfishly) for me is that she still wants to hold our hands most of the time.  However, I fear that, by the time I return from the flight, that desire will be a thing of the past.  But hey – no complaints, as I could NOT be more proud of my daughter (and my wife for all the tireless work with her to keep her on pace with developmental milestones and growth – I love you, wife muffin!).

The week itself was CRAZY busy with activities.  On Tuesday, JT took K to a working farm (it’s a long story, but a friend of a friend runs a farm down near the South Carolina border) – K LOVED IT!  She spent a good morning chasing after chickens, petting goats (and having them lick her J), and rolling around in/eating poop (her Granddaddy couldn’t be more proud).  K absolutely LOVED the goats, and because she had food, they absolutely LOVED her as well. J  The photos were TOO CUTE!  It was also one of the FUNNIEST “Captain Obvious” moments ever, as there was a moment when K – diaper full of poopy – was climbing around and suddenly thought it a good idea to climb on top of me (I was laying right beside her).  Well, she actually climbs on my head and then starts bouncing up and down, slamming my cranium with what I know is feces.  Jenny’s comment:  “She’s bouncing on your head!”  THANK YOU, CAPTAIN OBVIOUS – I am well aware of this fact.  Jenny and I must have laughed for a good 10 minutes. 

On Wednesday, Jenny’s mom (Nanny Tacy) came over for a bit, and she got to witness some of K’s walking (still the scrambling between adults) first hand.  Nanny hadn’t seen K in over a month – needless to say she was quite surprised by how much she’d changed!  We then had din din at (where else) Hawthorne’s with the Parkhouse clan.  It was the best dinner out with K we’ve had a in a long time – she was an angel, and she LOVED all the food we had for her.  That girl LOVES her carbs!  We had other food for her as well (Cheerios, fruit, etc), but shew as ALL ABOUT the penne.  J 

"Bubbles, bubbles, all around..."

Friday was yet another organized activity for the sneetch – Romp ‘n Roll!  This is basically like Gymboree (and Cross-fit Kids, L’il Gym, you name it) – it’s pretty much a fully padded room with a basquillion things to climb on, run around, and attempt to destroy.  K LOVED it – especially the bubbles that were blasting out of one wall (guess that means we can’t hide that bubble solution from her much longer), and I definitely think she’ll be back.  And now that she’s mobile, we think she’ll enjoy this even more (same with daycare at the Y and daycare at Elevation Church – once we actually visit J).

The weekend itself was JUST PERFECT.  Seriously, Father’s Day was one of THE BEST days of my entire life – a heartful of love, a belly full of good food, and a liver full of good New Belgium beer. J  The entire weekend was just great – amazing weather, to-do’s crossed off the list, lots of bonding time with K (JT started her run club this weekend – AND ROCKED IT – meaning I had some great bonding time with K in the morning – especially since she’s now waking up at 6:30 AM…).

This was about the time the sneetch stood up on her
own for only the third time.  She would stand and
walk a short 2ish hours later.  So proud of our munchkin!!!

Saturday was nice and relaxed, kicked off with a leisurely morning that flowed nicely post-nap to lunch with some friends.  As with dinner on Wednesday, K was just great – sweet as can be, didn’t make a sound, and sat there patiently for 90 minutes while we chatted with the adults.  What was amazing was that she ate EVERYTHING not bolted to the ground during that period – she really did eat the entire time we were there! 

A little help with my Father's Day present.

Sunday was Father’s Day, and as I said earlier – it was one of the best days of my life.  I woke up to smiles from both of my girls, and JT had created this amazing photo collage of K’s last year as my present.  The card she gave me was one of the sweetest ones (if not the sweetest) that I’ve ever received, and we followed that up with DELICIOUS breakfast (JT did ALL the cooking and cleaning).  I even got a 5.5 mile run in while the weather was still cool (well, cooler, anyway).  We rolled to the pool in the afternoon, where K got to play in both the kid pool and the “big kid” pool (aka the adult pool) and even saw her friend Avery.  K had first visited the kiddie pool on Thursday, and much to our relief she LOVED it.  On Sunday we spent over an hour in the water, with K pulling us all over the pool (and swallowing more than her share of water).  She absolutely LOVED it – no amount of going under or swallowing chlorine (and I’m sure other stuff) filled water could faze her.  She crawled around on the shore (there’s a gradual slow for kids to enter, which is quite nice) for a bit before entering and starting to run headlong at the water – SO CUTE, and so much fun. 

We then played in the yard at home for a bit before doing K’s bath and putting her down for the count about 7:30.  As it was Father’s Day, I got to put her down for both her nap and the evening, and as per standard we read our 6 books and got to cuddle a bit.  The last couple of nights she’s actually laid her head on my chest and rested peacefully for a bit before sitting up and saying “nana,” which I’m pretty sure means “night, night.”  And last night was extra special, as I was actually able to put her on my shoulder for a bit.  I know I don’t have many of those left, and so every second where she wants to lay on daddy is a very special one indeed.

There's really no question which side
of the family tree she inherited the
appetite from...I know what healthy is...

It was then to the back porch for a few beers, the sun down and the temperature perfect, during which time JT and I reflected on the past year as parents and how amazing it has been (as well as how perfect our lives feel right now).  I just cannot believe (or fully comprehend for that matter) how blessed we are, and I am so thankful for our lives right now and for all the blessings we have.  Jenny continues to love being at home, K continues to develop quickly (and seems very happy), and work has continued to be good for me.  We’re both getting back into shape (knock on wood we stay healthy), and we’ve got some fun travel planning in the coming months.  It’s been so great to see Jenny’s excitement with regard to getting back into running, and we’re very excited about the upcoming “racecations” we’ve got planned.  And just as being a parent has changed my diet for the better, so now I’m seeing it with regards to exercise.  I’ve always enjoyed running and working out, but for the first time in a LONG time I’m looking forward to every run – and even looking forward to hills.  I know that all of this will make me a healthier person, which means more ways to enjoy being a father, and hopefully more time on this earth to make the most of it.

June 15, 2014 - me and my girls on Father's
Day.  Without a doubt one of THE BEST
days of my entire life.  I love you, ladies.
I really am the luckiest man ever.

As for K – she’s now 15 months old, and the world is very much opening before her.  She knows what certain doors mean.  She knows that the milk is in the fridge.  She can identify her ear and nose when you ask her, and she knows that “Up!” means it’s time to stand (even if she doesn’t always want to).  She has 3 teeth set to pop through, does NOT like you to try and spoon anything into her mouth, likes to brush her own teeth (translation – she likes to chew on the toothbrush and will happily open her mouth as long as she’s wielding the instrument of cleaning), and loves to wear shoes (particularly her dark brown slippers).  She loves books and churns through them – we’ll read a good 15-20 books to her a day (and most will be read multiple times).  She also loves pulling all of her books down from the book shelf - even more than she enjoys trying to climb into the dish washer or move the end table in the living room.  Every day is a voyage of discovery – and we are LOVING being along for the ride.

So there you have it – one of the busiest and best weeks EVER for Team Taylor, party of 3.  Next week will be a report on K’s 15 months appointment and a weekend of serious festivities – already looking forward to being back at home with my girls!  Chat soon!

Love,

Sam and Jenny