Colin's First Big Laugh(s)

When does 3 months feel like 3 weeks....

...when you have a new baby.

Last post was the end of July. Now here it is mid October. That is BAD! But I know you all know how busy life is these days for us, but still...you'd think we could find a few minutes every couple of weeks to upload some photos.

Well, here are some from...um...August. We had an amazing time on a trip to the Russian River with Poppi and Grandma Bobo. Although we have a TON of wonderful memories from the trip, here are just a few of the photos.

And life goes on...

I know you all have been waiting patiently for new photos of Colin and the family. We have many, many to share, but it just seems to be challenging to actually find the time to get them posted. Here are some that are easily accessible. More to come...we promise!

Colin chilling for longer then 5 minutes in his chair.

Colin being read his first book by Grandma Connie.

Colin taking his 2nd bottle from "big sissy" Ella.

Colin in milk coma.

The girls at the annual July 4th parade.

Everyone had their cameras handy!

Colin loves to be held by Ella. However, when we give him to Lindsay, he stares at us with these big eyes that say, "Please help me!"

Daddy and Lindsay making fresh lemonade.

The whole family playing Rock Band (Colin is actually in the sling Bill is wearing).

First brother-sister talk.

Colin Thomas Taggart...a delayed welcome

This here is our little man, born June 12 at a healthy 8 lb 5 oz and 21.75 inches (future power forward for UNC, I predict!).

All are doing well...adjusting to our new life either as the parents of 3 (us) or as the big sisters to a new baby brother (Ella and Lindsay) or as a fresh arrival to Alameda, CA (Colin).

Time is short with a new baby, so I will dispense with witty captions. Enjoy the photos (of Colin, the girls and assorted others).

Sisters Enjoying Each Other's Company

These two videos are a bit delayed in getting posted, but well worth the wait. Ella and Lindsay did a fantastic job hanging out and entertaining each other during our trip to Vista back in April to celebrate Nicola's grandfather's 95th birthday.

Of note: this backyard running thing occupied Lindsay for precious minutes while I (Daddy) was inside watching the Tar Heels capture the college basketball championship.



And here they make up a dance routine...which falls apart a bit in the middle when their mirth gets in the way.

Ella tickles the ivory, June2009

As we await the arrival of Baby Boy Taggart, life goes on...and we just completed a weekend full of family fun time and kid activities.

Ella had her second piano recital on Sunday, and she dazzled with her playing of an original composition by her teacher.

Dressed Up and Dressed Down

Dressed up for St. Paddy's Day.

Dressed as Glinda (the good witch) for a Wizard of Oz party.

Play Ball!

A Magical Day with Molly

One of our best friends, Molly, was in town for a few fun days of playing and catching up in March. We had such a wonderful time watching Lindsay try to stay dry at the beach and then a spontaneous stop at Fort Point for some amazing views of the SF Bay, Golden Gate Bridge and Pacific Ocean.

The Many Styles of Lindsay

One of the things I love about this stage is Lindsay's desire to dress herself. Some days she matches. Some days she doesn't. Some days she wants to wear pants. Some days she wants to wear a dress. She has fun trying out different color combinations and takes pride in the fact that she got dressed herself.

Enjoying the hand-me-downs (hat from Ella and pants from cousin Cece).

The dress she picked out herself with birthday money from Grandma Connie.

Ella Turns 9 (more than 2 months ago)!

Playing School

Ella (a.k.a. Ms. Taggart) and Lindsay's favorite thing to do together is play school. Ella is the teacher (of course) and makes a lesson plan, creates worksheets, assigns homework and help's Lindsay practice her letters and numbers. As you'll see from Lindsay's "desk" (a step stoll), we'll probably need to invest in a real desk soon!

So Cozy

Lindsay was able to open one of her birthday presents early since she was having her first sleep-over last Friday. We knew that Neenie and Papa had gotten her a new sleeping bag, which would come in handy for the camp-out on her bedroom floor.

To quote Lindsay telling Ella on the phone about this special gift, "I was so excited that I couldn't stop jumping up and down!"

Lindsay then proceeded to sleep in the sleeping bag for nap and bedtime the past four days because "it's just so cozy."

The Birthday Girl

Lindsay has been dying to wear this special dress from her cousin Cece. Today was the perfect day to wear it to school to celebrate her birthday. She took mini chocolate chip cookies to share.

Taggart Twosome Now Become Taggart Threesome

Okay, so I realize you can't see much here, but this is Junior's first photo. There is a head and spine somewhere in there....


And although I can't believe I am posting this photo for all to see, I figured that I would prove that, yes, I am showing. This comes after actually getting the question today from someone afar, "So, are you showing yet?" I'll let you answer that!

Making Up for Lost Time

In an effort to get photos up quickly (since it's been F-O-R-E-V-E-R), I am going to write very little, expect when a description seems necessary. Also, I am going to let go of my painful desire to move these photos around so they are in order and just let you know that you are viewing them in reverse order. Start from the bottom if you must!

Lindsay and I playing our new Wii (thanks Neenie and Papa!)

One of the girls other favorite gifts--money (thanks Uncle Ries!).

The cutest Christmas Eve photo!

Waiting for the Nutcracker.

This photo doesn't do it justice, but this is our front yard. We live right around the corner from "Christmas Tree Lane," where all the houses are lit up (it's required). Each year we add a new element to our yard. This year it was the blue pond, but too hard to see in the photo.

I LOVE this photo of Bill and the girls all working under the tree!