The Bell Family

Loving Life!!!

2011-05-13T22:48:00.000-05:00

So behind... so here we go...

2011-02-04T14:45:00.006-06:00

I cannot believe I am two months behind on my blogging! My personal computer crashed so I was out of luck for a couple of months...but after a month at the computer doctor, we are ready to go. I am very overwhelmed with the idea of catching up, so I am going to jump right in!

SNOW, SNOW, SNOW!

Here is my cute little snow bunny all ready to go play outside! Side note: It took way longer to get her ready to go in the snow than it did for her to play in the snow! Nonetheless, so much fun! We have had a January filled with tons of snow. But with my part time schedule, there was really no stress...we just kept our pjs on all day and enjoyed it. We even got daddy to stay home a few days too! Nothing like a spontaneous "weekend" in the middle of the week.

What a difference a week makes. As I right this, it is in the single digits and the wind chill is unbelievable. Just last week, the temperature was in the 50s and we were able to take our kids to the park. It was a little messy, but nothing was going to stop us from getting out of the house and running around for awhile. Taylor loved going down the slide with her friends, Dani and Allie.

Carson is almost nine months old and I cannot believe it. I know everyone says that the second kiddo grows up even faster...but this is ridiculous! She is crawling all over the house and she is pulling herself up on everything. She is so interested in everything big sister is doing, and it's something about hearing Taylor scream "Carson...stop messing with my puzzle/dollhouse/book/babydoll/etc" that I secretly just love. =) I am sure those words will get old soon enough, but for now...it reminds me how lucky I am two have two amazing daugthers that god-willling, will be the best of friends!

Sisters playing on the toys at the mall.

So now that we are all over the house, Carson likes to climb through the coffee table. She usually decides to lift up...which usually causes her to bonk her head or get stuck. You would think she would remember how that didn't work so well the first time, but nope...she goes right back at it again. Silly girl. She's such a bruiser. Love you stinker!

Teething and Books

2010-11-28T23:48:00.000-06:00

Carson turned 6 months old on 11/11 and she already has 7 teeth. Poor baby has a new tooth poking through, everytime I turn around. She is a drooling machine and she won't go a second with out her thumb or binky in her mouth. Despite the crazy pain, Carson is still the sweetest thing ever. Love you baby girl.

Taylor reading to her sissy...

Carson joining in on the fun...note: looks who is sitting up so good!

Taylor has been so patient with Carson, even when she is grabbing at all of her toys...hopefully she can keep it up!

Halloween

2010-11-28T23:36:00.000-06:00

Halloween was a blast this year. Taylor is really starting to get it. We spent many weeks trying to decide on the "perfect" costume. I had this super cute idea of Taylor and Carson being Dora and Boots, but Tay wouldn't have it. She was absolutely determined to be Ariel from the Little Mermaid. She is obsessed with reading the Little Mermaid book that we have and after watching it on VHS at Grammie's house, she was sold. The funny thing is that Ariel was always my favorite Disney princess, so I was just fine with her desire to be the princess. Poor Carson got the hand-me-down mouse costume from Taylor's first Halloween. However, she didn't mind too much...she was asleep by 7pm and didn't care too much for the candy.;)

Carson was not too thrilled about this whole thing.

However, Taylor was very excited about the concept of unlimited amounts of candy.

Ariel kissing the mouse.

Taylor loves dressing up and putting on costumes, she prances around the house yelling, "look at me mommy, I am so pretty" "show me the mirror" "I am a princess"...so Halloween may be over for all of you, but dressing up is a daily event at the Bell house!

5 Month Pics and more

2010-11-28T23:15:00.000-06:00

Wow, I am sitting here looking at my Christmas tree and I realized that I haven't even blogged Halloween yet. I can't seem to catch up on everything. Life is great and I just can't seem to keep up with how fast the days are flying by. Spending this time of year with my family is absolutely wonderful. Pumpkin patches, trick or treating, turkeys, and christmas lights...nothing is better than experiencing it through the eyes of a two and half year old. I feel so blessed to have my husband and my beautiful daugthers...life truly couldn't get any better.
I have to brag on Taylor for a little bit. She has become obsessed with puzzles. The wooden board ones are way to easy, I have had to buy her the "big kid" ones. This Ariel princesss puzzle is for ages 5 and up and she can do it all by herself. I was seriously shocked...after helping her a couple of times, she was good to go. I am impressed with her strong-will to do it all by herself and her patience to make sure all the pieces fit perfectly together. Not too bad for a 2.5 year old=)

I am way behind on post Carson's 5 month pics. Here is my sweetie pie posing for us in the chair, we had to do our photo shoot next to the bed since...

10/2010

her sister decided to take over the crib. Taylor thinks it's hilarious to climb into the crib and read her books. Note: She is reading 'The New Potty" book in this picture and it has failed to rub off. She only wants to use the potty when it's convenient for her (before bed, so she can stall or if we are out and about and she is bored and wanted to explore the "newest" bathroom). I am not really stressing yet, but sheesh she is so dang stubborn...I just pray we don't have to have an intervention like we did when she wouldn't feed herself. Everyone keeps saying "she will get it" so I will just take their word for it...for now.=)

10/2010

Thought it was fun to post Taylor's 5 month crib picture...to compare to Carson but also to 2.5 year old Tay. Can you believe the facial expression? Same exact one. Hilarious!

11/2008

Just Smiling!

2010-10-12T22:40:00.000-05:00

My niece Callie Rose

2010-10-12T22:34:00.000-05:00

Meet my niece, Callie Rose Day, she was born on September 16th and she is absolutely beautiful! I am so excited for my sister and my brother in law! Callie is currently the youngest of the four granddaughters and is absolutely perfect. We love you sweet baby girl and your cousins are very happy you are here!

Callie Rose Day

Proud Aunt Kelly

Callie Rose is named after our grandmother (my mom's mom)... Callie Bernice

Proud Daddy and Mommy

4 months!

2010-10-12T22:12:00.001-05:00

Carson is my smiley carefree baby girl....don't you just love the difference between my two girls at 4 months...haha!

Carson- 4 months. (9/11/10)

Taylor- 4 months. (10/7/08)

Sweet Baby Girl.

Hello again friends!

2010-10-12T21:57:00.000-05:00

I know, I know...it has been FOREVER!!! Where do I start....I have two crazy girls that are keeping me crazy busy and work is going great but is very busy right now! My company will be launching a new product in November, so lots of extra stuff right now which unfortunately means...way behind on blogging!! But let's dive right in...
Taylor is absolutely hilarious right now and such a sweetheart! She is talking a mile a minute and Luke and I find ourselves cracking up all the time at things she is saying and doing. Some of my favorite Taylor sayings right now are "I don't need to potty, I just went" (which she says everytime...note: potty training not going so well(sadface)) "Okay, Okay Mom" (which she says with total attitude) "I am not cute! I am a Big Girl" (she does not understand that you can be both "cute" and a "big girl") I have tried to explain to her that you can be both but she does not buy it....so no matter what adjective we use, "sweet" "helpful" "strong"....we are completely wrong....because she is a "Big Girl"....sheesh...she is already putting us in our place...a little nervous on what is to come=) Bragging moment: Luke and I had to have bedtime bootcamp a couple months ago because she was basically "holding us hostage" in her room at bedtime and not getting to sleep until way after nine every night. After a few awful weeks...Taylor screaming at her door (we had to lock her in) and us having to put her back in bed every 10 minutes...these battles lasting up to 1 or so hours at times.... it has finally paid off!! Taylor officially has it down. We start bedtime at 8...3 books, prayers, songs, bed....and we are out the door at 8:30 and she works it out. Mommy and Daddy are sooooo happy and Taylor is getting to bed way earlier...so everybody wins!!

Our princess with her princess shoes!

Our diva is very into dressing up....she is quite the "girly girl".

Sweet baby sister Carson...always smiling and such a good baby!

My Baby sister is having a Baby

2010-08-30T21:47:00.005-05:00

My baby sister is due on September 18 with a baby girl and we can't wait for Miss Callie Rose to arrive! We had her baby shower a couple of weeks ago and had a great time showering her with gifts. My sister took these pics so I had to show off a few. My mom bought these gorgeous dresses for the girls. We can't believe there will be 4 granddaugthers in the family now...can you imagine the girls' nights to come! We are so blessed.

Me and my girls
Carson, Taylor, and Reese...we just need Callie=) and yes...don't they look super excited!

My grandma Callie Bernice holding Carson...my sis is naming her baby Callie after her=)

Sweet Sisters

My beautiful daughter, gosh she looks old here!

My beautiful sister Katie and sister in law Carly...love you girls!

3 months!!!

2010-08-12T22:55:00.001-05:00

I couldn't believe it that when I went to compare Taylor and Carson's 3 month pictures, I had put them in the same onesie!! Too funny! I am getting a kick out of how different they look. Carson smiles so much more already than her sister did the whole first year. Carson is taller and thinner but Taylor had so much more hair! This last month has been wonderful. I feel like we are finally in "sync" has a family. Carson is sleeping amazingly..12-13 hours at night without waking (I know, this is amazing) and when she is awake, she is very happy and laid back. She is a doll. Taylor loves her so much too. The biggest different between the two is that Carson is a thumb sucker. I wasn't sure how I felt about this at first....but so far, I am LOVING it. She finds it at night and soothes herself back to sleep and I don't have to worry about pacifiers. I might be freaking out later when we are trying to get her to stop...but for now...I am a big fan! Happy 3 months baby girl. We love you so much.

Sisters!

2010-07-13T23:12:00.000-05:00

These girls make me smile. I am so blessed to have such beautiful, amazing daugthers! I am so lucky. I love you girls!!

Already telling secrets!=)

2 months old!!! what!?!?!

2010-07-13T23:07:00.000-05:00

It's time for the two month comparison!!=) This must be the month for falling over because I caught Taylor and Carson in the exact same position. Month two has been a fun one! Carson is smiling more and more and cooing and making so many cute noises. She is a great eater and sleeper and is very easy going!

Taylor falling over at 2 months old

Carson falling over at 2 months old

Carson and that crazy giraffe!

Taylor at month 2!

Playing in the rain!

2010-07-13T22:43:00.000-05:00

So Taylor was begging me all day to play in the rain. I found myself saying "it's too wet" "not right now" and then I thought, what the heck? Let's play in the rain! What's the point of life if you can't play in the rain every once in awhile=) Taylor had a blast and Maverick was happy too! Here's to playing in the rain!!

Baby sister hanging out!! 9 weeks old today!

Adventure with Papa

2010-07-09T22:15:00.000-05:00

My Dad has been talking about taking Taylor on his kayak with him for months...and they finally got the chance. I thought it would go one of two ways...1. she would scream like mad and demand to get out or 2. she wouldn't hesitate (because she was with her Papa) and she would love it. Well, #2 was the winner! This girl never stops surprising me!!

She was not so sure about the life jacket and refused to give up the sunsreen. A girl doesn't want to burn!=)

Here we go!

Can I go too??

She loves her Papa!

Carson, Taylor, and Reese

2010-07-09T22:10:00.000-05:00

I still can't believe the girls in this family are growing like crazy and it won't be long before girl # 4 will be here in September(my sister Katie is expecting). It is going to be so much fun to watch these cousins grown together and make so many memories! Here, Taylor is posing (very willingly I might add) with her babies.=)

Carson is 1 month old!!

2010-06-24T22:46:00.000-05:00

How fun will this be!! So, I promise I won't compare my daughters their whole lives, but at least for the first year!! My husband keeps saying that Carson looks exactly like Taylor did....but I definitely see differences! I love you girls!!

Taylor 1 month old

Carson 1 month old

Taylor is 2!

2010-06-24T22:28:00.001-05:00

It doesn't seem possible but Taylor turned two on June 7! She is talking like crazy, can count to 10, can sing her ABCs, and has been making great strides with potty training. What a smart little girl! You never know what is going to come out of her mouth and she surprises us daily with her vocabulary and sense of humor. We love you Taylor!

Mommy brought Elmo cookies to snack time at school to celebrate Tay's birthday.

Who is that hobo taking a picture...oh its crazy Taylor!

Birthday girl holding her Dora guitar from Grammie...she loves this present!

Dora and Boots cake with TONS of frosting...what more do you need?

Hanging with the girls

2010-06-24T22:20:00.000-05:00

Taylor is in love with dressing up these days. Here is one of her favorites...tutu complete with baseball hat turned backwards! Silly girl!

Carson just a swinging! In the words of Taylor, "put her in the swing"... Taylor has figured out that if Luke or I are holding Carson and Taylor would rather we be holding her or playing with her, we should just "put her in the swing." A simple solution from the two year old!

There are many times when both girls are on my lap...some of my favorite moments.

Taylor keeping Carson company on her activity mat.

Carson Elizabeth is here!

2010-05-24T10:13:00.000-05:00

Carson was quite comfy in Mommy's tummy, so we decided to evict her on May 11, 2010. The morning of the induction I was having contractions about 6 minutes a part, so I thought it would be no time once they started me on the pitocin. However, Carson had her own ideas...and decided to give her sister a run for her money and 15 hours later (Taylor took 18 hours) she decided to come in to the world. It was one long day...but one with an amazing reward at the end...our beautiful baby girl, Carson Elizabeth Bell, weighing in at 9 lbs 3 oz and 20 1/2 inches tall. Happy Birthday Carson Bell!

Woah Momma...getting ready to go to the hospital!

Daddy with his two girls=)

Carson Elizabeth Bell

Bright Eyed and ready to go home!

Baby Girl #2 Coming Very Soon!

2010-04-16T10:33:00.000-05:00

My amazingly talented sister, Katie Day (www.katiedayphoto.com) , took my maternity photos. I am so blessed to have such a beautiful photographer to capture these special moments in my life. Our little family of three will soon be four. I am so excited to welcome our second baby girl to the family! Taylor can't wait to meet her baby sister!

Maternity Pics by Katie Day

2010-04-16T10:28:00.000-05:00

Eggs, Eggs, and more Eggs

2010-04-05T22:31:00.000-05:00

It's funny how quickly they "get it"....she loved hunting for eggs...and finding out what was inside!!

don't judge...it's Easter.

Love it!

Easter Sunday

2010-04-05T22:27:00.000-05:00

What a beautiful day it was on Sunday! We had so much fun going to church with Mom and Dad and hunting for Easter Eggs!!

Squinting at the sun but showing off her Easter dress!!

Family picture!! Woah Belly!=)

Pretty girl!

Easter Egges straight ahead!!!

Coloring Eggs and Baking Cookies

2010-04-05T22:12:00.001-05:00

Taylor has had so much fun this past week! We "attempted" to dye Easter eggs (she was more interested in mixing the colors from bowl to bowl)=) And she made bunny cookies with Grammie!! Little Miss Tay is getting so much fun and is so interested in participating and "helping" us with every thing we do!

So much in Love!

2010-03-28T21:53:00.000-05:00

I couldn't resist showing off the latest pictures of Taylor and her boyfriend, Emmitt. These two are just giddy when they are around each other, and it is so funny to watch. They hold hands and just stare at each other! We are so lucky to have such great friends in Eric and Nealy...and it has been a blast watching these two the past two years. If these two ever do fall in love...I have the proof that documents it from the beginning. Love you kiddos!!

KU Cupcakes!

2010-03-18T22:30:00.000-05:00

Watch out Aunt Kate, we have a little artist on our hands! Taylor spends a ton of time in her play room coloring and playing with stickers! She is so content drawing all over her paper and talking to herself....I have memories of my little sister, Katie, doing the same thing while we were growing up. Maybe there is a chance that she got an artistic gene...and lord knows she didn't get it from momma!

Yummy in my tummy!

To celebrate the start of the NCAA tourney, Luke brought home special KU cupcakes and boy was Taylor excited!! I know, I know, no Mizzou ones...and believe it or not, they do not sell decorated Mizzou cupcakes at the Lawrence HyVee! Let's hope that both KU and Mizzou both have an awesome tournament!

Here we go again!

2010-03-18T22:18:00.000-05:00

My friend Nealy and I are lucky enough to be on our 2nd pregnancy together!! Taylor and Emmitt were born 4 weeks apart 2 years ago...and here we are again...with babies 4 weeks apart again! Nealy and Eric don't find out....so of course, we are anxiously awaiting little Peters arrival. Will there be another girl for me and boy for her? Or will we both have girls....time will tell!!

Love you Nealy!! It is so fun going through this amazing time together!

Big Ole' Baby Bumps!

Emmitt and Taylor! They are in love! She couldn't stop talking about him after they left!!

Taylor wanting a kiss from Emmitt!! So dang cute!

Carson Elizabeth 3D

2010-02-28T09:12:00.000-06:00

We are so excited to share our pics of little miss! It was so much fun to see her in 3D on Friday! She looks so healthy and beautiful and we can't believe in less than 10 short weeks, she will be here! Enjoy our little girl...Carson Elizabeth Bell.

so precious

the sonographer said she definitely had hair...so we can't wait to see if she will look a lot like Taylor

already smiling!! gotta love that!

precious little feet

We love you little girl!!

Talking during Dinner

2010-02-21T22:18:00.002-06:00

Here is my little jabber box during dinner. Enjoy!=)

Taylor's Microphone

2010-02-21T21:57:00.003-06:00

Of course every time we get the camera out, she stops doing what she was doing...but here is an attempt to catch our singing diva on camera! Thank you cousin Sam for the best present ever! She loves her microphone!

Superbowl and Taxes

2010-02-21T21:16:00.000-06:00

"Take a Bite" "Chip, please" "Yummy" "More, more"...some of Taylor's favorite phrases regarding eating! Here she is digging into the chips before the Superbowl party that we hosted at our house! She does not usually sit on the kitchen counter unattended...but I took my chances for a few seconds while I snapped a picture. I love you my little chip eater!!

"It's good, don't judge!"

"I would stay here all day if you let me"

Taylor loves playing on her computer while Mommy and Daddy are on theirs. She loves it so much that we decided to let her do our taxes this year. Here she is examining all of our receipts from 2009. Good luck little girl, there are a bunch of them!

"My calculations look correct"

Pigtails and Shades

2010-02-21T21:07:00.000-06:00

The girls at daycare have been having fun with Taylor's hair! The cute thing is that she doesn't seem to have "time" to sit still for mama to do anything cute to her hair, but has all the time in the world for her daycare teachers=) Little stinker. So, here she is sporting her piggies!

She might have been doing something else here, I can't remember=) hehe.

Sporting her new Tinkerbell shades that Grammie Fen(Mickey) got her for Valentine's Day. It is important to note here that for some reason that we have yet to figure out, my daughter has decided to call my mom "Mickey"....she knows exactly who Grammie is, but refuses to say it and repeatedly calles her Mickey....so we are going with it. My mom and dad are Papa and Mickey...as named by Taylor! Maybe someday she will be able to explain her reasoning=)

Moments before the candy necklace broke off to a million pieces!

Taylor's Big Girl Room

2010-01-20T21:56:00.003-06:00

Guess who has a big girl room? No, we are not officially sleeping in it yet (just a couple of naps) but we are spending a lot of time in there and preparing for the big move soon! Mama is a little nervous about switching from crib to big girl bed so I am dragging my feet...but we will attempt it soon enough!
happy girl

so proud

she is so excited! and luke and I had so much fun getting it ready for her!

Best Xmas gift EVER!!

2010-01-20T21:50:00.002-06:00

So check out this hand crafted rocking horse! Officially the best Christmas gift ever!! My brother-in-law spent his summer off from teaching, hand carving this rocking horse...isn't it gorgeous??? Taylor absolutely loves it and it looks amazing in our living room! Thank you Jared for such an amazing gift that will stay in our family for ever!

Santa's little helper himself!! Better watch out....he will probably try to recruit you to work for him! Love you Jared!

Taylor is going to have a baby sister!!

2010-01-04T20:59:00.002-06:00

I just realized I never actually posted on the blog the news of our next little booger bottom. Yes, we are having another GIRL!! We are super excited for Taylor to have a baby sister and we can't wait to meet her! The sonogram was wonderful and she looks healthy and absolutely perfect! Our due date is still on track for May 13th and the funny thing is that my sister in law, Carly, is due with a baby girl on May 15th....so it will be down to the wire on which baby girl will be older=) So many fun times ahead and we are definitely thinking pink in this family!

New Year's Day with the Lawrence crew

2010-01-02T09:27:00.000-06:00

Well our crew is growing and growing so here was my attempt to get 5 crazy children to sit still and take a pic! They are getting so big and so much fun!!

Cason,Eli,Allie,Dani,and Taylor

Take 2

Take 3

That's a wrap!

Computers, Cars, and Slides oh MY!

2010-01-02T09:19:00.000-06:00

These are all for me?!?

Grammie Fen got Taylor her very own computer! She feels like pretty hot stuff with this new toy!

Her new car from Santa!! Equipped with bright blue eyes to match Tay Tay's=)

Santa out did himself with this gift!! She can finally be a monkey inside the house too!!

Let the spoiling begin!

2010-01-02T09:11:00.000-06:00

Uncle Kevin and Aunt Carly gave Taylor her very own stroller, bed, and baby supplies so she can get prepared for her new little sister!

smiling little girl! It will be so much fun to have 3 of these booger bottoms at Christmas next year=)

Christmas 2009

2010-01-02T09:07:00.000-06:00

We had an amazing Christmas! Tons of family, food, and fun! We were even snowed in for 3 days and made the best of it with quality family time=) I have had an amazing two weeks off and have enjoyed every single minute of it.

Classic Santa Picture: Taylor was Terrified!! Note: we have made some head way since this picture, she will now kiss the "fake" santas that are in our house=)

Tay hanging out with Aunt Kate

lots and lots of presents!

Hanging around

2010-01-02T08:55:00.000-06:00

Taylor and Maverick watching Elmo why Mommy and Daddy enjoy something else on the TV=) (Thank goodness for portable DVD players)

Taylor helping in the kitchen!

Girls night! Taylor and Halli reading on our new kitchen table!! Can't believe how big they are getting!

Our little book worm!

Thanksgiving at the Farm

2010-01-02T08:48:00.000-06:00

Here are some photos from the Bell Family Farm. Taylor just loves running around and playing with all the animals. I have a feeling she is going to have more and more fun the older she gets. We are blessed to have Luke's parents who live in the country, so that our children will be able to experience the "farm life" and the "city life". Luke had an amazing childhood growing up on the farm and he is excited to share a piece of that with his own children.

big ole barn

Taylor and Maverick roaming the grounds

Maverick never wants to leave!

gazing at the cows

Merry Christmas!!

2009-12-13T10:14:00.000-06:00

Photos and Design by my talented sister ( katiedayphoto.com)

Decorating for Christmas

2009-11-29T23:21:00.000-06:00

Taylor is reading us her favorite Itsy Bitsy Spider book!

We bought Taylor her very own pink Christmas Tree last year~ She helped mommy decorate it! Or should I say tried to undo everything I did...but oh well, it's her tree! She has it in her room and it looks sooo cute!!

Studying where the next ornament should go (or which ornament she should take off next)

Logan's 4th Bday

2009-11-29T23:17:00.000-06:00

It doesn't seem possible but our nephew Logan turned 4 this month and wow how those 4 years flew by!! Taylor enjoyed her spongebob birthday hat, hanging out with all the boy cousins and eating cake!!

Girl in pink with all those boys!!

yummy!

yummy yummy

Preggo with Baby Bell #2

2009-10-26T23:08:00.000-05:00

We are happy to announce that Taylor is going to be a BIG SISTER! Baby Bell is due May 13th. Luke and I heard the amazing sound of our little one's heartbeat last Monday (Oct. 19) and are feeling so blessed about our growing family. Taylor has no idea what she is in for, but we figured we better give her a sibling so she doesn't turn out to be a total spoiled little stinker. (We definitely see how easy that is to do) Thanks for following our journey and we will keep you posted through it all!

Time with Cousins

2009-10-26T23:01:00.000-05:00

My cousin Samantha hosted a dinner at her house Sunday night. We had a great time getting together with my cousins, spouses, and the little ones! We love how quickly our family is growing! Taylor and Tristan sure are getting quite the personalities and I LOVE it!

Taylor and her cousin, Tristan! 9 months apart and the gap is closing quickly....what a ham!

Pretty little pumpkin!

Taylor, Laina, and Tristan! How quickly our family is growing!

Girls rule! Taylor and Laina hanging out!

More pumpkin patch

2009-10-26T22:53:00.000-05:00

So many pumpkins....how do you decide which one to take home??

Taylor loved the corn maze the best!

This way Momma, let's go this way!

Me and my little leopard! Happy Halloween!

Hanging out and Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-26T22:49:00.000-05:00

We got together for our monthly girl's get together and had to take some pics in our matching outfits! Taylor and Halli are growing up so quickly! It gets more and more fun everytime we get together! Love you Halli and Kristen!

Twinkies!

And more Twinkies!! Taylor is seeing double with her best friends, Allie and Dani!=)

Taylor absolutely loved the pumpkin patch and the corn maze!

Hanging out with Daddy!

Diaper organizer

2009-10-04T21:36:00.000-05:00

Taylor loves to "organize" her diapers

I think there must be one more in there...

Our little monkey!

Monkeying Around

2009-10-04T21:30:00.001-05:00

Taylor playing with her brother, Maverick

Climbing on everything!

But so darn cute!

Decided she didn't want to wait on me to take her bath!

Fun Times with Daddy

2009-10-04T21:19:00.000-05:00

Taylor loves her Daddy. She loves rough housing, being chased around the house, and most recently, being dragged across the kitchen floor=) She made him do this forever! Our floor never looked so clean=) Hehe. Luke is enjoying this change, because there was quite a few months where she only wanted ME, if I was in the room or even in the house...she would seek me out and Daddy just wouldn't do. This new Daddy appreciation is a good thing for all of us!

Our new floor sweeper!

Daddy's little girl!

Loves (obsessed) with her shoes! All shoes! Every shoe!

We look away for a second, and this is what she is doing when we look back. Of course we scolded her and then grabbed the camera and made her do it again. (mixed messages?) Oh well!

Circus and Baby Charlie

2009-09-20T21:40:00.000-05:00

Luke and I decided to take Taylor to the circus on Friday night! We went with our friends, Eric, Nealy, and their little boy, Emmitt. It was at the Sprint Center and the kids really liked it. We didn't get any pics besides this one because it was very dark and my hands were "full" the entire show....but we had a great time. Taylor's favorite parts were the animals and all the music and lights. It is so much fun being able to re-live childhood through your own child....and it's just beginning!

Our friend Jen Jordan's new baby boy, Charlie...

Taylor trying to find the baby..."It's right there, that cute little lump on Ashley's chest..." =)

I have been so happy that my best college girl friends and I have been able to get together about once a month for the last few years! We have so much fun getting together and keeping up on each other's lives. There are three kids in the Pi Phi family so far...it has been a blast being there for each other through engagements, marriages, pregnancies, and babies.....great friends, great times. Love you girls!

Taylor Plays Mommy!

2009-09-20T21:27:00.000-05:00

Taylor really loves pushing her baby stroller around the house . She goes and gets her baby, loads her up in the stroller, and off they go! She has even been putting "food" in the bottom part of the stroller for the baby...hilarious! Of course, this often ends with her throwing the baby onto the ground and running her over with the stroller....but we will work on that issue later.

Stinker Bell is my little Talker!

2009-08-30T22:29:00.000-05:00

Taylor is definitely showing more and more personality these days! She is not even 15 months old yet and already acting like a little stinker. Her latest antics are pulling out everything that you put in her hair...and she is sly about it...and then, POOF....this is the end product! Please tell me this will pass....=)

Some Taylor updates: She is talking a TON: she will basically repeat anything you say to her. My favorites are her versions of "love you" and "thank you". Her favorite words are "nana" (banana), "mimi" (binky), mamma, dadda, Ella (from school), bye bye, hi, hello (when talking on her phone), yes (with the head nod)...she is talking non stop! Her teachers at daycare say she is talking more than the 2 year olds!! (that's my girl!) Most words we can't understand, but alot we do!! Wow, how we love this little girl!

2009-08-17T22:29:00.000-05:00

Feeding the chipmunks in St. Elmo. There were hundreds of these little guys, and they came right up to you to get the seeds. Miss Tay didn't quite know what to think=) I felt a little like Snow White or Cinderella, where all the animals are on you and there is singing and dancing...it was fun!!

On the way home, we stopped in Vail and rode the Gondola to the top of the mountain. It was fun and beautiful!

Beautiful Beautiful Colorado!!

2009-08-17T22:15:00.000-05:00

Hanging with the crew in her chair! She loved it! Where's her coozie??

Exploring with Daddy!

"I think I can handle this thing!"

P-O-O-P-E-D-!

Bell Family Colorado Trip

2009-08-17T22:11:00.000-05:00

Taylor was our little mountain girl this past week when we met up with the Bell Family in Buena Vista, Colorado! We had a great trip filled with white water rafting (kids stayed with grandma), 4 wheeling through the mountains, hiking, eating, and just hanging out with each other! Taylor loved waking around the campsite (although we stayed in cabins in Buena Vista)...no tent for Tay Tay...not yet anyway!

This pic just cracks me up...she looks so old to me!!

2009-07-30T23:03:00.000-05:00

Such a big girl now!

Was not going to pose for me...but at least you can get a glimpse of the do!

Short and sassy!

Haircut for Tay Tay!!

2009-07-30T23:01:00.000-05:00

So it was finally time!! The hair on top was way too long and the hair on botton was short and much much lighter....so Aunt Carly was nice enough to give Taylor her first hair cut! She cut quite a bit and blended the top with the bottom so it can all grow out together now! I won't lie, I was a little nervous at first...but my sister-in-law convinced me that it would look a lot better and eventually would grow out all the same length! So here we are....such a milestone! Here is to the beginning of many hair cuts with Aunt Carly!!

"What have you done?"

2009-07-30T22:56:00.000-05:00

Posing for a quick pic by the swing!

Trying to convince Taylor that she should hold my hand, she had other ideas!

Sitting on the saddle....ready to go riding with Grandma Bell!

New shoes and Deanna Rose

2009-07-30T22:53:00.000-05:00

How cute are these hot pink Chucks?? I found them at Target and had to get them for Tay-Tay! (they even fit over her marshmallow feet....I was sooooo excited!!)

Pointing to the animals!

Not scared one bit of the sheep...or is that a goat? Oh, it doesn't matter, not scared of the animals!!

Love my little girl!!

Silly girl!

2009-07-30T22:45:00.001-05:00

So I am offically a bad parent because I let my child play for many minutes with two bottles of Tylenol....she was very entertained so I went with it=) She loved how noisy it was...and I loved how I could actually get something done for awhile....I should probably put the pills away, but for that moment...it worked!!=)

Circus Day at Stepping Stones! Taylor had a blast being a clown with her fellow infants at daycare for Circus Day. A mother of another baby girl, Quinn, made all the babies costumes and they turned out adorable!! Taylor put up with the flower and the makeup....I loved it!

Cutest little clown ever!!

Hanging out!

2009-07-30T22:39:00.000-05:00

Just trying to catch up on some blogging! Taylor has been enjoying hanging out with Grammie Fen whenever she can, reading with daddy, and just being a goof! She is talking non stop these days and she can offically say 2 words together like, "bye mama", "hi baby", it is so cute! She is just quite the little person and it all happened so fast!

Taylor's 1 year Pictures....more to come!

2009-07-13T12:54:00.000-05:00

My sister took some fabulous pictures of Taylor while were down at the lake on our family vacation....I just love this one and wanted to share...more to come! Can you believe my baby girl is one?!?!

Playing with her brother

2009-07-07T23:38:00.000-05:00

Taylor has been antagonizing her brother lately. She loves chasing him and teasing him. Maverick is such a trooper, being ever so gentle and loving her so much!!

4th of July and stuff!

2009-07-07T23:35:00.000-05:00

I have been a horrible blogger lately! We have been so busy and the sad thing is I have been hardly taking pictures! So here are some random ones from the the last couple of weeks! Taylor is doing great! She is officially turning into a "toddler" with attitude and all. She is into everything, babbling a mile a minute...and being so loving when she wants to. She is very quick tempered...going from screaming one second to hugging the next! Luke says she is just like me=) Every day is so different and I am enjoying it all!

Helping Mommy with the dishes in the kitchen!

Celebrating 4th of July with the Peters!

Yummy cake by Kenna Gates !

Trying to get some kind of picture of all of our kiddos: Dani Gates,Allie Gates,Cason Dick, Taylor Bell, Eli Dick..The Lawrence crew!

Monkey Cake!

2009-06-16T22:02:00.000-05:00

We love our Birthday Girl!

Hamming it up for the camera!

Passed out on Grandpa from all the fun!

They love each other!

2009-06-14T22:58:00.000-05:00

These two have known each other since Day 1 (Emmitt is 3 weeks older) and I thought these pics from the party were just too cute not too share!! Here's to future Taylor having boyfriends in the future that we approve of and who's parents we love! You two are cute little love bugs!!

Our Monkey's !st Birthday!!

2009-06-14T21:28:00.000-05:00

"You look like a Monkey, and you smell like one tooo..." Our Monkey's first birthday party went off without a hitch! We had an amazing day filled with tons of fun, friends, food, and presents. Thank you to all our friends and family who made it over to Lawrence to celebrate our little girl's special day!

Birthday Girl's Monkey shirt!

Little Miss Personality

2009-06-09T22:41:00.000-05:00

These pictures are from dinner tonight and I had to show them off because they had me cracking up! Little Miss Tay is showing us so much personality these days! She loves sticking out her tongue at us....probably not a good thing to start....but still hilarious!!! Taylor is also talking so much lately...she is offically saying "mama" "dada" "uh oh" "hiya" "dogga" (or something like that when she is referring to dogs...and tons of tons of babbling!! I can't believe how fun this is...and we can't even understand her yet=) Love you little stinker!

What a difference a year makes!

2009-06-09T07:57:00.001-05:00

Chuck E Cheese!

2009-06-07T22:51:00.000-05:00

Luke and I decided to take our birthday girl to Chuck E Cheese! We weren't sure if she would "get it" quite yet but boy were we wrong....she loved! She loved the characters on stage and she enjoyed the little rides made especially for toddlers! Luke and I had just as much fun as she did playing pop a shot and skee ball. We are definitely enjoying this whole mommy and daddy thing. Thank you Taylor for being the best little girl anyone could ask for!!! We love you!

Snooping in the pantry before we were getting ready to leave!

Loved riding in the car with Chuck!

My Baby is ONE!

2009-06-07T22:42:00.000-05:00

My baby girl is ONE today! We are having her birthday party on the 13th but we couldn't let her birthday weekend go by without a "practice" cake...especially since little Miss Tay is feeding herself now. She didn't even hesitate...she loved it!! It was hilarious...she kept going back for more, it was awesome. Happy Birthday Monkey! I love you!!

Look at me go!!

2009-05-31T21:38:00.003-05:00

Look What I can do!!!

2009-05-31T20:59:00.000-05:00

Okay, so this weekend goes down in the record books!! Not only is my baby walking but she is now feeding herself!! Can I get a "woot woot". I can't believe it, I am actually still in shock. I am so excited for tomorrow, to see if she will do it again!! At least we know now that she CAN do it!! And I have proof! So, for all of you that are wondering how the heck we got this miracle to happen...here is the skinny: WE HAD AN INTERVENTION! After trying everything else, we decided there was only one last thing to try...NOT feeding her anything until she did it herself. So, that's exactly what we did. We gave her a bottle before bed Saturday night, and then the stand off began. Today for breakfast we offered fruit and pancakes..and Nothin...she didn't want anything to do with it and she screamed the whole time. We offered her a snack of goldfish and still nothing....FINALLY, we saw her trying very hard to put a goldfish in her mouth...so we applauded...but then no more....so then we got to lunch time. It was about 12:30...at this point she had only had one goldfish in the last 15 hours! And it WORKED.....we couldn't believe our eyes, she was so mad but she picked her food and tried so hard to get it in her mouth...so we helped her and praised her everytime she tried. She was so proud!! And so were mom and dad=) These pics are from dinner....she barely even needed my help. She was getting it down cold. I am so happy! Wow, what a weekend!! Good job Taylor Bell...and just in time for her 1st birthday party....let's see if she feeds her self cake....stay tuned....

Daughter in the Water

2009-05-31T20:42:00.000-05:00

Taylor had a great time this weekend playing in the pool at Peyton's 5th birthday! Remember, she is the youngest and only girl of 6 grandchildren...and she was the the only "water baby" of them all! She LOVED it!! She would have stayed in the water all afternoon! This summer is going to be so much fun. I know I keep saying this, but where did the year go? This time last year I was about ready to pop...and now I have this chunky monkey to show for it! It's true what they say...it just keeps getting better!

At the Zoo

2009-05-25T16:06:00.000-05:00

She loved the petting zoo. She kept waving at all the sheep.=)

Had to include the best shot of the day! Two camels having an "intimate moment." HAHA! Don't you just love nature?

Sleeping beauty after a long day at the zoo!! Sweet baby girl.

At the Zoo!

2009-05-25T15:57:00.000-05:00

Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-25T15:52:00.001-05:00

We had a great Memorial Day Weekend! 3 busy days filled with the Kansas City Zoo, lounging around at home, and just being together!

Taylor loves being wrapped up snug as a bug in her towel after her baths. She thinks it's hilarious!

Hanging out with Daddy!

So excited to be at the zoo!

Looking at all those crazy animals!!

Sippy Cup!

2009-05-18T22:12:00.000-05:00

I am documenting this moment...because it has not been easy to get Miss Taylor to drink out of anything except her bottle! What a big girl she was....grabbing the sippy cup...and taking a big drink of water! She of course decided to play with the cup and spill water all over the place after she was done. But I will take it! One baby step at a time...

Mother's Day and Around the House

2009-05-18T22:07:00.001-05:00

My first Mother's Day was very special! Taylor painted a flower pot and made me a poem! Luke let me sleep in (the best gift EVER), made me a big breakfast and gave me beautiful flowers! I still can't believe I am a Mom. It is truly the best job in the whole world. I fall in love with my baby girl more and more every day. Thank you Taylor Katherine Bell for making me the happiest girl in the whole world! I can't wait to see what is going to happen next...

Taylor was such a big helper on Sunday around the house. I was cracking up because she was soooo interested in the laundry...just when I would get everything put in the basket, she would pull it all out again. Little stinker. I have a feeling that someday she might not be so willing to help with the laundry. =)

11 months!!

2009-05-17T22:53:00.002-05:00

I have been trying for more than a week to get a picture with her in her crib...and this is the best I could get!! She refuses to sit still long enough for me to capture her next to the giraffe. I cannot believe there is only ONE crib picture left until she is ONE. I am in denial. Where did the year go? I am sad...but yet so happy...she is definitely not a baby anymore!

I need HELP from all you mothers out there!

2009-05-04T22:57:00.000-05:00

So here is the deal....my child is REFUSING to feed herself. A little background...Taylor has never been interested in putting anything in her mouth. I thought this was a good thing at first...no yucky stuff from the floor...no dangerous objects she could choke on...but now it's getting ridiculous because she is refusing to put food in her mouth too. You would think that as much as this child loves her food...she would be all over it, but it's not happening. She plays with it on her tray and thinks its the most hilarious thing ever to feed me or Luke...but she never even attempts to bring the food to her own mouth. She want to grunt and scream until you do it for her. She has even brought her open mouth down to the tray to get the piece of food. Anytime you put the food in her hand and force it to her mouth, she freaks out and she will imitate everything else expect for this. This is one very stubborn child! I have been so worried that I even called the development center in town. They gave me some ideas about playing more with food so that she is having fun and that its not stressful...but so far there hasn't been any huge improvements. She is also having a very hard time with the sippy cup. She will let me bring it to her mouth sometimes, but most of the time she wants nothing to do with it. So, to sum it up....she loves her bottle and she loves for us to feed her...and that's how she wants it right now. I would love any help that you mom's out there have...HELP!

Sam's Shower

2009-05-04T22:42:00.000-05:00

Taylor and I had a great time at my cousin's baby shower this weekend. Well, I should say...for the most part...Taylor experienced her first ever flesh wound. She was bitten by a 19 month old...the little stinker. And she still has the mark on her back to prove it! I was actually very impressed that she only cried for a little while, and then snapped right out of it. It was so much fun hanging out with the family and we finally managed to get a "4 generations" picture taken with all of us girls.=) I love you mom and Grandma!

Great Grandma Ski "Callie B", Grammy Fen, Mommy, and Taylor

We are so excited to meet Samantha's little girl coming in June...Taylor's first girl cousin!!

Taylor Pushing Stroller!

2009-04-19T21:25:00.005-05:00

And Yes...Luke was really sleeping on the floor!

Easter in Wichita!

2009-04-19T21:14:00.002-05:00

Taylor's first Easter was a complete success! We had a great day spending time with the Bell Family and Taylor enjoyed trying to keep up with all her boy cousins! We had great food, great company, and a Easter Egg Hunt complete with over 150 eggs!! However, Taylor was very content with just 2 eggs...so she could bang them together!

We never could get one with all of them looking!=)

"You want me to do what?"

"I would be completely happy just banging these eggs together all day"

I love you little bunny!

Some of my favorite things!

2009-04-19T21:07:00.000-05:00

Taylor loves pushing around her baby stroller! Sometimes its in control of her...but she is learning quick!

Taylor showing her friend Halli how to crawl over to the door.

Taylor loved the rocking chair at Aunt Angie and Uncle DJ's. It was just her size!

Woman, enough!

2009-04-19T20:53:00.000-05:00

10 month crib pics!

2009-04-19T20:49:00.000-05:00

So much to post, so little time!! Here are Taylor's 10 month crib pictures. It is getting harder and harder to get her to sit still for very long, so these are as good as I could get. And then after capturing them, I realized the green giraffe was no where to be found!=) So, we will bring the giraffe back for the 11 month. The 10 month mark has been a big one! She is walking around everywhere while holding onto things...she is getting to be quite the pro!

Curly Sue...

2009-03-29T21:55:00.000-05:00

I realized the other day that I have yet to post a pic of Taylor with her crazy curly hair. This is what it looks like right after a bath. Unfortunately, once it dries...its just one big disshelved mess...but the curls are too cute when they are wet!! She thinks Maverick's room is the coolest place in the house, so I thought I would take some shots of her checking out her favorite puppy's pad. I love you my curly chunky monkey!

Look at me go!

2009-03-29T21:49:00.001-05:00

I am so proud!

Waving and Crawling and Standing...Oh My!

2009-03-29T21:38:00.002-05:00

Taylor cracked us up this week with tons of waving, crawling, and pulling up on things. She is waving hello and goodbye to people, animals, and things. Oh boy is she loving her new trick=) Another first this weekend was pulling up to her feet. She has had the pulling up to her knees thing down for awhile, but now she is up on her feet!! Enjoy some pics from the week...

I caught the end of the wave on camera!

Hanging out with "Aunt" Kenna before the KU game.

Taylor and Maverick

2009-03-15T12:14:00.003-05:00

Lately, we have had to put Maverick in his "dog room" because Taylor is all over the place. She "officially" started crawling this weekend and Maverick likes to follow her where ever she is going. Mav doesn't realize how big he is...and he often sends Taylor to the ground. The funny thing is she usually laughs hysterically...but it makes mommy nervous. Needless to say, Maverick has ended up behind the glass. Taylor crawled over to the door today to taunt him...Poor Maverick!

9 months!! Seriously?!?!?

2009-03-09T21:14:00.009-05:00

It just can't be true! My baby girl is 9 months old! She is moving around all over the place but is still not "technically" crawling...but her scooting and rolling around is getting her from point A to B and is keeping us on our toes! We are starting to wonder if she will skip the crawling and go straight to standing, because she is definitely more interested in pulling up on things. I guess time will tell!=)

Daddy reading to Taylor...she was so into the book it was hilarious!!

Showing off how she can stand!

Posing for her 9 month pic! I could barely catch her...she wouldn't sit still!

Head butting the duck...silly girl=)

Taylor is a flirt!

2009-02-22T22:01:00.006-06:00

We saw quite the little personality come out from Miss Taylor tonight. She was making eyes at Emmitt and even wanted to wear his hat!

She was making sure he knew how to play with her toy correctly!

Love you babies! You are growing too fast!!

8 month pics!

2009-02-22T21:13:00.002-06:00

Once again, I am a little behind on posting my 8 month pics for Baby Taylor. The weeks are flying by so fast, I can barely keep up. This month has been a big one. She is mobile...although not "technically" crawling. She is talking a ton "dadadada" and is getting quite the little personality. And...she is pulling up on everything!

"Look at what I am starting to do in my crib! "

I am such a big girl!!

Griffin and Pigtails!

2009-02-02T22:39:00.010-06:00

We had a fun night on Sunday, watching the super bowl with Mom, Dad, Kevin, and Carly. I thought I would do a blast from the past. Remember this picture of Taylor and Griffin...they were both around 6 weeks old!

Do you think they have changed a bit?

Taylor pulling herself up on her Taylor stool!

Look what Taylor found while Daddy was playing PlayStation!!

Check out Tay's cute pink overalls...that aren't suppose to be capris!=)

I can't believe I have a baby girl that can wear pigtails already...I love it!

She is almost getting this down...

Luke took this picture while I was away at meetings last week. (He actually let her go to school with her hair like this!!=)

Almost Crawling...=)

2009-01-22T21:08:00.006-06:00

Taylor has been so mobile lately...scooting on her bottom all over the place. But just in the past few days she is getting in the crawling position like she just might take off. She gets ready and just stares at us waiting for a reaction. It won't be long before this chunky monkey is doing laps around the living room. We will keep you posted...

Look at me!

I am so close!

7 months old!

2009-01-14T22:54:00.002-06:00

Taylor turned 7 months old on the 7th...so I had to post her latest pics with the giraffe! She would barely sit still long enough to take the picture....notice her pjs....it was pajama day at school today, so of course she wore her Tinkerbell Pjs...get it Tinker Bell...Taylor Bell.... Grammy Fen gave her this nickname and there is no shortage of Tinkerbell paraphernalia around so we are stocking up!=) Love you Tinker Stinker Bell!

7 months old...woohoo!