Family Resemblance?

OK, So I must admit, since the day Luke was born I could not help but think he looked just like me!  I don't know if it was me hoping that this child I carried for 9 months would look like me or if it was me just being stubborn.  While I always hoped that if we had a little boy he would look just like his daddy, I just could not see it in him.  Every time I looked at him, I saw his round little face and chubby cheeks and pictured myself or my dad.  However, over the past month, I have started to see more of John's features in Luke.  I see John's eyes and John's lips. 

Over the Christmas holidays, I caught myself several times looking at all the little cousins to see if I could see Luke in them (or I guess I should say, them in Luke).  While looking at all their little faces, I was surprised how much I thought they all had similar features.  I had always thought each of the cousins took after their moms (my sister-in-laws) but now I am starting to think there is more Taylor in them that I had originally though. Below are pictures of the cousins now and also as a baby. See what you think....Do any of them look like Luke to you???

 Hudson as a baby

 Hudson (6)

 Brody as a baby

 Brody (4)

 Hank as a baby

 Hank (10 months)

 Luke and Hudson's baby pictures! 

I found this picture the other day and could not help but think of Luke.  Although their face shape is defiantly different, I do see a resemblance.  Its kinda crazy right?

I will be so excited if Luke turns out looking like any of these 3!  They are too cute and we would be Lucky to have our little guy resemble any of them!  Cant wait to find out!

Vivienne Taylor!

Meet Vivi......

 This precious little girl is my new niece!  She is two years old and currently lives in Ethiopia.  About two years ago, my brother and sister-in-law (Mark and Lynn) decided they wanted to adopt a little girl.  They already had two adorable little boys and felt called in their hearts to adopt from Africa.  Both Mark and Lynn had gone on separate mission trips to Africa and fell in love with it and its people.  They always felt a strong connection to Ethiopia and knew without a doubt that that was the country they wanted to adopt from and so the process began.  It has been a long process and trying at times, due to wanting to hurry things along, but we are finally getting closer to the end now.  On December 10th, Mark and Lynn flew to Ethiopia to meet their daughter!  She is a precious little girl, with a face that already melts my heart!  She is super shy(says M and L) but sweet as can be.  I am so excited to meet her and can not wait to get to know her! Due to the courts doing things super slow in Africa, we are not sure of the exact date Mark and Lynn will get to bring her home.  We were given an estimate of anywhere between 7 weeks to 7 months. I am praying it comes soon and we get to bring that sweet baby home sometime this winter! Our prayers are that the process moves quickly and efficently so we can meet our sweet girl soon!  Please keep her in your prayers and I will keep everyone updated on the whole process as things move forward! xoxo

Happy Birthday Kid!

So I decided it was time to add a new element to the blog other than just updates on Luke.  This blog was originally made to track Luke's life and milestones, and while that is still true, I decided I wanted to add other elements of my life also like my friends.  With that being said, what better way than to acknowledge one of my best friends birthdays?!? 

Christen and I have been best friends for the past 13ish years.  I met Christen when we were freshman in high school because our boyfriends were friends and played football together.  Little did I know at the time that we would be life long buddies. Thinking back on our friendship, I could not be more grateful to have her in my life.  We have been through the ups and downs together and I truly view her as more of a sister than a friend. We talk everyday and know every little detail of each others lives.  This past year, Christen and I both had little boys and it has been so fun becoming new mommies together.  I call her all the time for advice and don't know what I would do without my 24/7 doctor as John calls her. You are such a wonderful friend and person and I love you so much! Hope you had a wonderful 28th birthday kid! xoxo! 

Christmas 2011

Christmas this year was absolutely wonderful!  It was so special because it was Luke's first Christmas and we got to spend it with all of our loved ones.  It was a 3 day 6day celebration and we have loved every minute of it.  The festivities kicked off on Thursday night when my parents came into town and gave John and I a much needed date night and they got Luke all to themselves.  I honestly think that if we lived in the same town, I would have to ask my mom if I could see my child because she would constantly want him at her house.  It is so sweet how much my parents love Luke and I know he just eats up all the extra attention!!  Friday night, we all got dressed up and headed over to the Taylor's house to Celebrate Christmas Eve with 23 of our closest friends/relatives.  It was all the Taylors plus all of the daughters-in-laws families plus Aunt Joan, Uncle John, Maddie and Grammy.  Needless to say, it was a full house. We had a wonderful time eating good food, having tons of different conversations and opening a few presents! 

 Taking a few pics before heading to Christmas Eve dinner!

 The next morning, Luke snuggled in our bed for a little while and then it was off to open presents at the Taylors with all the siblings and little ones!  The more babies we add to the mix, the more fun Christmas is to watch!  It is so fun watching the little boys get so excited when they open their presents!  I cant wait till Luke can really appreciate Christmas and get involved!

 Luke and Lynn smiling for the camera!

 Kelly, Luke and Lynn

 Hank and Luke in their matching PJ's!

Luke opening his stocking!

 Hudson modeling his new hat from Uncle Matt and Aunt Kelly

 Mark gave Kelly 12 cupcakes because she LOVES cupcakes!

 This is where Luke spent the majority of his first Christmas, just taking in all the action!  I cant believe he sat there as long as he did.  He would look around, play a little and then take a little cat nap and then repeat! ha

 John showing off some of Luke's new presents!

Annie and Kelly got new purses

Hankie got a drum!

And even Vivi got in on the action!  We cant wait to meet her and watch her open all her gifts in person next Christmas!

Daddy and Luke 

By about One we finally finished with breakfast and opening presents so it was time for everyone to head home, relax and play with their new toys!

Papa loved feeding Luke his bananas and rice and Luke loved the delivery!  Papa makes eating fun!

Next it was time for Luke to check out his new toys with Nana!

He wore himself out from all the excitement!

The next morning, we said goodbye to Papa and Nana and then headed back over to the Taylors to see Earls brother and sister and all their kids.

We got to spend some more quality time with the family and eat some delicious Chili!

Luke got two adorable books that I cant wait to read with him!

And Hank ate his first ever Popsicle!  He loved it!

It was a wonderful week spending time with family and celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior. We have truly enjoyed every minute of our first Christmas as a family and are so thankful for the gift of our precious son this year!  It was by far the best Christmas present we could have hoped for!  It makes me so excited for the future and seeing our wonderful family grow bigger and bigger!  The time we get to all spend together is so sweet and I just cherish every minute of it!   Cant wait till next year! xoxo!