RODEO DAYS MAKE EVERYONE HAPPY!...
This year I decided I needed to look the part of a real cowboy. I wanted real pointy toe cowboy boots (just like Tyrone on the Backyardagains.) I knew my cousin Wesley would be wearing his gear and we could ride the range together. We headed to the store for some Wranglers, boots and a George Strait button down preppy cowboy shirt. I topped it all off with a Tobey Keith hat and I was set (Thanks MawMaws and Tim.) Mom decided later that I really should have had a belt to show off the Wrangler rear, but we will have to set that as a goal for next year. I loved my boots--by the way they are not pointy...more rounded. Mom just wouldn't give in to the points. I was very selective though. I picked each piece myself and literally cried when they did not put the boots I wanted on my feet. We found a compromise though and I was ready to wear it all home. I did not complain once about boots rubbing my leg or pinching my feet. I was happy to be all cowboyed out.
The rodeo has become a tradition for us. We plan each year to attend with the experts; Aunt Carley and Uncle JJ are officials around there. Shiny gold badges mean we get in for free and that just makes everyone smile :)
I enjoyed it all just as much this year. I loved the pony rides (the horses made Wesley cry), the animals both big and small were so interesting to me. I called them by name and even tried to speak their languages (with an oink and a moo and a quack, quack, quack...) This year marks an exciting time for me though--I am 37 inches tall and that means that I am tall enough to ride all the big boy rides. I was ready for the rush--bumblebees flying, carousels spinning, bouncing off the super speed slide and of couse my first roller coaster. I smiled and laughed through it all. I love new adventures and that is what led me to the camel. It is much bigger than a horse and we just had to ride it. Mom remembers riding a camel with MawMaw and Jeff long ago when she was a little girl. That made this ride special. Life came full circle for her with just one ride.
To end the big cowboy ride we saddled up and headed to Pappasito's. Chips and queso were calling our names. What-a-day! Rodeo Houston makes everyone happy!

Perfect weather for the Perfect Rodeo Day

SPEED RACER...
Papalo had put the saftey screw in to make sure I opeyed the speed limit, but dad and I agreed that I was ready for some speed. GO SPEED T AYLOR, GO SPEED TAYLOR, GO! Whew. It's a good thing I wear a safety helmet. Dad had a blast trying to keep me off the curbs and driving in a straight line. He got a cardio workout while I put the petal to the metal more or less.













Boys and their toys

BICK (BIG) TOWERS...
Dad and I build some BICK towers. It's my job to make sure that they crash just right. I try out all of my karate chops and long legged kicks to see which one makes the best fall. We make a good team!

OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

KISSING CATERPILLARS...
It took some effort, but dad transformed himself into a kissing caterpillar.















I like being a caterpillar too

PONYTAILS...
What can I say. I wanted to have a ponytail too. I keep thinking that what is good for mom is good for me too. We have worked through the make-up already, now ponytails and next up is jewerly. I am really not a fan of having my hair pulled into little rubberbands. I think I am finished with that. I do love trying on rings and bracelets though. Mom has a whole box full of them :) So, if you ever wondered what a future sister might look like. Here is your sneek peek...RGT with ponytails!















Oh my gosh...I think this could be used for blackmail later...get these off!

THEY LEFT ME!...
Mom and dad celebrated their 3rd anniversary 3 days early on February 23rd. Mawmaw was excited to stay and play with me while mom and dad had a real date. Infact, they left me! They had their first night away. Mom wasn't sure either one of us would sleep, but we made it. We both woke in the night and wondered where the other one was, but we survived :) Mom and dad thought of me often, but they enjoyed having some extra time to spend with eachother too. MawMaw and I had fun exploring with all my toys. I think I wore her out! She looked very sleepy when mom and dad made it home. Thanks for staying with me MawMaw...maybe mom will let me sleep over with you one of these days.














Our family 3 years later!

O-PEN, O-PEN, O-PEN THE BOX!....
Lala knew I needed a pick me up. I was still feeling yucky with all the reactive airway junk, sinus infections and more. Dad convinced her that this is just what I needed (was he feeling sick too?) I was thrilled to have my very own drum set, a new guitar and oh yes, a real microphone. More songs to learn and dances too. I can really rock the house now!




















I'm lookin for a few good band mates

RISKY BUSINESS...
Just take those old records off the shelf...what's a record? Mom thinks my teeny, tiny hiney is cute :) And I am a typical boy. I love to walk around the house in my underwear. Now that I have an entire collection of "shorts" I pick and choose who is worn each day. Some days are just made for Cars, Thomas the Train, Diego or camo. Mom knows I am as picky as Uncle Jeff and Grandpa when I get dressed. I know what looks good and I even try to match my shoes and socks. If mom gets it wrong I quickly tell her "I don like dat on." UGHHH!





















If only I had Uncle Jeff's shades. I could really play the part :)

FAMILY GAME NIGHT...
MawMaws birthday was the perfect start up inspiration for family game night. We made a night of food and fun and even threw in a trophy for the winner. We all tested our years of wisdom with Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader. As it turns out none of us are. MawMaw came away the big winner. In addition to her new trophy she got cake, icecream and her very own birthday song :) I have big plans for game night. Mom is already coaching me on Guess Who? I can point out all the people with skinny noses, fat noses, hats, different colors of hair and glasses. Care to play? I know Dot is up for the challenge.














Habe Bir-Bay bu bu--Yea!

HEADIN' FOR THE FINSIH LINE...
Well mom is finally catching up on the blogging. She already posted that the potty training is complete. I can even sleep in big boy undies now, but back in the day I wore pull ups to sleep in. Mom thought I looked so cute. I was super proud to wear them...they had cars on them. VROOOM!














Ready to run off to bed...HA!

FORGET TAKE OUT!...
This chef is cooking it up in the Taylor TOT Kitchen. Dad and I pretend to host a cooking show. Dad gets the mic and gives the play by play as I mix sauces, fruits and veggies and serve my masterpieces. Cooking is one of my favorite passtimes. Whether it is in mom's kitchen or mine I have a blast. I love to stir and chop and I even peel my own oranges. Funny fact, if you tell me to get the ingredients for cookies I can pull them from the pantry. I have had lots of practice cooking and enjoy every minute of it.















I am a fruit-a-tarian these days. Picky eaters have to learn to cook for themselves :)

I LOVE MY MOMMY...
This was my all time favorite shirt. I loved the big red heart and saying that I love mom. I literally teared up when mom said I had to take it off to wash it. We had a great Valentine's Day. Dad covered the house with big heart balloons. I had a blast following the trail and then opening my gifts too. It turns out mom and dad love me more than you can imagine!
I had fun experince at school too. I had my first Valentine card exchange (I gave out pink, red and lavender play-doh to my friends.) I loved carrying my bag of cards. I knew that my bag held lots of candy too. Mom let me eat a sucker on the way home. I enjoyed every lick. We stopped by the mailbox to get my gift from grandpa. Mom jumped out of the car with keys in hand and shut the door to keep me safe. I was safe allright--locked in. Mom had just got the car back and the dealership neglected to key the door properly. The keys they gave mom did not open the doors--WHOOPS! Mom and the neighbors brainstormed, jimmied and everything else they could think of to get me out with a smile. Meantime, I just looked at my valentines and continued to eat my sucker. Finally mom had enough--she called 911. Soon I was surrounded by firetrucks, policecars and an ambulance. I was fine, but they had to make sure. I was so excited to see them up close. I made my own sounds for the rescue cars. The firemen used a metal bar to pry open the passenger side door and get me out. I was still snug as a bug in my carseat enjoying my 2nd sucker. I had asked mom to open it while I was still locked in. She just smiled and said she could not do it, but that she knew I could...I just had to pull really hard. What do you know. I did it. Thank God! It was a cool day, still light outside and I had a full bag of entertainment. God loves me and mom too!

Happy Valentine's Day!

ROCKED OUT!...
Forget the rocking chair...I ROCK-N-ROLL! Dad and I are hooked. I can sing lyrics to hard rock, 80's rock and more. Mom isn't so sure that is a good thing though (but she laughs.) I select my own guitar, and then build my set, guitar and player to my own specifications. My favorite is Bark at the Moon and the fish guitar (go figure.) I stomp my foot to the beat, lay on the floor and wiggle my legs, pace back and forth and play above my head just to name a few of my rockin' moves. Mom and dad have captured a few of my jam sessions on video. We keep the family laughing and enjoying their music. Care to play? I think I'm done for the night.















Sleepin in the van is out...I prefer my chair

THIS IS WHAT COOL LOOKS LIKE...
I'm fresh out of the tub and feeling good. I'm ready to read with mom. My favorite books are those with real photographs and captions. I love to hear facts about animals, fish and reptiles. I remember their names too...don't try to fake it. I recently corrected mom when she said "it's a monkey." I had to inform her that infact it was a gorilla. Mom has had a bit of trouble with me and these books. I love to take them in the car with us. I inspect each photo then call out "what's this mommy?" I expect her to respond. Trouble is, she can't see the picture and drive at the same time. So, if you see a white Honda swerving down the road...it is probably us trying to master reading and driving at the same time.















I found my baby shades and decided to try them on for size--I am a big boy now!

LALA HAS SKILLS...
Lala put her sewing skills to work to make me 2 new nap mats for school. One is covered in bright colored fish and the other (sound effects please--I prefer the British version) in firetrucks. I am sleeping good now. No lumpy nap mats for me.














Mom-I'm trying to rest. Please put the camera away.

Reagan Is A Moviestar

POTTY TRAINING...COMPLETE!
I'm a big boy now! Mom feels confident in saying that I am potty trained. I have been successfully working on this for about 2 months now. I started the process still in diapers. Mom would just ask me if I needed to go and of course I wanted to sit on the big potty. My teachers at school noticed that I knew when I needed to go and told mom that she needed to get my underwear because I was ready to train. Mom was not so sure...she just did not want to push me, but as it turns out my teachers were right. I was ready and I haven't turned back since. All together I may have had 8-10 accidents...but probably not even that many. Mom has banked a few of the funny flood stories in her mind for later laughs...she won't embarase me now. I am so proud of myself and mom is happy to say that she has a big boy now :) I can get my pants up and down by myself (most times) and can even let you know when I need to go. I stand up to pee (hee-hee.) So, look out Wesley. I got some diapers coming your way! I'm a big boy now!
Side note--mom is happy to say that some of my old 3T clothes fit again. No bulky diaper makes more room for a growing boy :) We are still buying 4T shirts, but my 3T pants fit fine for now :)

PRAYER WORKS...
Thank you for continually praying for Reagan. He is doing better this week than he has done in months. The cough is gone PRAISE GOD! Reagan acts like he feels better again. He has his little pep back...His teachers at school (and his parents too) have noticed that this little man is a bit hyper. Hyper/Wired is a change for Reagan. He is usually just a go with the flow, pleaser kind of kid. I am sure every 2 year old has these wired moments (and Reagan's were fun too) but we had to wonder if his meds were getting to be a bit too much for him. 2nd hint...he was just picking at his food...basically all Reagan eats these days is fruit, some cheese or his favorite cinnamon sugar toast that his dad-d-I makes. After a call to the doctor, his dose has been decreased. Reagan is now only taking his medicine at night. This is such a welcome change to our morning routine.
Please continue to pray that he will stay on his healthy streak. We want him to heal and from the inside out and flat just not need the medicine anymore. Our family is looking forward to a trip to Mexico in April and we want Reagan feeling his best so he can enjoy it all.
Here is a quick side story. I have been sharing with Reagan the fun things that we will see and do in Mexico. He seems so excited too. One night while he was taking his bath he stood up in the tub and started marching (arms moving back and forth knees raised and all.) I quickly grabbed his arm, but asked him where he was going. He responded "Mexico." He told me he wanted to go see the dolphins, sharks and fish. Reagan is such a beach kid. If ever you ask him where he is going in his toy car he will respond "the beach." He loves it! Preston and I knew we were raising a nature kid. It just runs through him.
Thanks again for all the prayers and please keep them rolling. We are trusting God for a full recovery!

COME TOGETHER...
I am aware that about a million things have happened between my last post and now...I plan to get all that in soon, but this is the best way for me to reach all of you. Reagan needs prayer. I realize now more than ever that I am putting way too much faith in doctors and not enough faith in God. God is THE HEALER and that is who I need taking care of my son. So, I am switching gears and believing that "where 2 or more are gathered he is there." I trust that you will all join with me and pray this little man into some good health.
Here is the story unfolded...
Reagan got tubes placed in his ears and his adnoids removed in July. Since then we have not seen any sign of an ear infection (PRAISE GOD!) After a tough recovery, he began school at the end of August. We all know that kids get sick when they enter daycare or school settings and the same was true for Reagan. Except, he never seemed to be well. Coughs, green noses, fevers, stomach bugs...over and over again. We started seeing an allergist and ran the standard allergy scratch test and immune system tests that are paired with that. Everything seemed to be fine. Aside from the slightest allergy to soy, Reagan was looking good. So, on to more blood work and a sweat test. More intense now and a bit worrisome, but again everything turned out fine. (PRAISE GOD AGAIN!) However, Reagan keeps getting sick. Viruses and more sinus infections. By this time I am just frustrated. I mean seriously, how many antibiotics should one child get? This can't be good for him either...
Just shy to 2 months ago the coughs began and have lingered. The allergist put Reagan on Flovent and Xopenex believing that he may have Asthma. After a 2 week stent of Flovent we were again exploring other options. So, back to the ENT and GI we go. The ENT sees thick mucus and says to stick with what the allergist suggests and add saline washes and suction to the plan. The GI says it could be Reagan's reflux acting up again and she puts him back on Previcid. This is a trial for the next month. (The only test to prove the reflux is not worth the effort in a toddler.) At this point I just want to believe that it is reflux that is causing the cough and that the drug will work and Reagan can play and eat and rest again--cough free.
Not the case, he began taking the Previcid on Saturday night. By Sunday the cough was so bad that I also gave him Malox (a trick from the baby days of reflux.) It seemed to help a bit, but wore off and the coughing started again just as bad and just as frustrating. After a great day at home for President's Day, Monday night was impossible! The coughs were every 5 minutes and to the point of gagging and vomiting. Tuesday the doctors were called again. The ENT suggests adding an OTC cough/nasal decongestant to the mix. Tuesday night Reagan slept better, but not without coughing. Wednesday morning Reagan woke up with 100-101 fever. The doctors were again called and Reagan visited with the allergist. He was diagnosed with another sinus infection and lots of wheezing. Reagan is currently taking medicine for reflux, a sinus infection and 2 different inhalers to combat the lung problems. Reagan's ENT and allergist will be have a conference call tomorrow to discuss what to do next.
I literally feel like we are being stretched. I believed that the doctors knew what to do...they don't. They are practicing...my child and all his medicine are an experiment. Don't get me wrong. I like each doctor. I believe they are doing all they know to do, but I want my son to feel good again. I want him to wake up, stretch and say yeah! I can breath, not cough, eat what I want to, run and play and feel great all day long. He is 2! 2 year olds should not have to stop and medicate 3 times a day.
So, admist my frustration I am asking you to join with me and believe. I need to believe that GOD will heal my son. God will guide me and He will heal Reagan.
Thanks for praying with me! I will keep you posted.
Just so you know...Reagan has stayed true to himself. He remains the most amazing child I know. He is patient and kind hearted. He loves to play and loves to snuggle. His latest addiction is to his quilt that his Grandma D's mom made. He wants it wrapped around him to eat, to sleep, to play...basically all the time. It is a chore to get it secretly away to wash it. I have said from the moment Preston and I conceived that Reagan was destined for greatness and I believe it with all my heart. Just to think of all the things that he has already overcome...I know that God has a plan for him and it is going to be amazing when it is fulfilled. He has a desire to learn and a positive energy that just makes me glow when I look at him. I am so proud of him and the little man that he has become. Imagine what he can do when he feels better...thanks again for praying.
Jenn

MOM'S MOST BEAUTIFUL BABY!...
No matter what Regis and Kelly say, mom knows that I am the most beautiful baby! With big brown eyes, a button nose and ringlets that never end I have mom wrapped around my little finger. She likes being there too.





















Hey family...vote for me!

PRINCESS ELLA GRACE ....
She's arrived! My little lady made her enterance on Jan 7th...she's just too far away. To get to see her we had to drive behind this potato truck. Mom and dad had never seen anything like this. It was picture worthy. Thank goodness Maw Maws got mom a GPS for Christmas. The last time we ventured out this far we were lost for an hour. Uncle Gene had to come to the rescue. Never fear, we made it in 3 hours and with out the stress of the last trip.
Mom was smitten with that little girl, but I had to entertain myself. I found all kinds of things to get into. First, I pretended to be Uncle Gene and climbed into his boots. Then I decided being Dad might be fun. I got all his garb on quick before he caught me. So cute!
I was ready to take on a new adventure. I helped take care of Ella. When she cried I put my finger over my lip and said "shhhhhh," I covered her with a blanket and patted her too. My phrase for the weekend was "I unna hold her." I said this with the most sincere look on my face and shook my head yes. Aunt Meme gave in (of course.) She knew I was already in love with her princess and I was her first baby too. She had lots of practice before Ella even got here.
Meme, tell us when we can come back. Babies grow fast and I don't want Ella to find a new heart throb before I return.

Mommy's sweetpea holding a Meme's sweetpea

A MAKE BELIEVE PLAY DATE...
Julia came to play. It had been way too long since our last play date. Now that I am in school play dates are few and far between. We had some making up to do. We played in every room of the house. We dressed up, rode bikes, raced cars, built towers, vacuumed and finally settled down to read a stack of books as tall as us. Mom was relieved! She just smiled as we used our words to "read" the books. When we finished one we would swap for another. We have 2 very different personalities, but sweethearts we are!














At work or at play?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!...

WHO STOLE LA LA's CHEESE?...
I did! Mom had to take it from me. I would have eaten the whole block.

La La's mouse is in the house!

A DAY OF SMILES...
It was a mommy and Reagan day from sun up to sun down. A day at home with Reagan will make you smile!

He is loving pretend play. His imagination surprises me everytime.

MOMMY'S BIRTHDAY!...
It was a big one. Her last year to say that she is a 20 something. We had to celebrate! We started off with a belgin breakfast at Buffalo Grill in Bellaire. It was delicious.
Mom and I had to get silly. We wanted to be pancake faces and have big red strawberry noses like the clowns. You're only young once so have a little fun!
Then, we were off to the zoo. It was a beautiful day and we wanted to spend it outdoors. We took our last train ride before the big renovation and then headed inside the park. We visited all our favorites and a few new attractions too. Each time we go mom and dad realize how much more we can do now that I am a big boy. I love to watch the animals and talk about them too. I immitate their noises and sometimes their movements too. My big question of the month is "What's that Mommy?" I simply can not get enough information. I want to know names, places, and all the facts. If I want more or if I don't understand I furl my brow and say "huh?" Today was no exception. I wanted new adventures and lots of new stories.
Lunch was a bit out of sorts...I wanted popcorn and a snowcone and my parents not being one to put a damper on the day agreed. Too bad for us though, BEES! They were everywhere. We got to see them up close and personal. They even liked my hair. I had to remind them that although I am a very sweet boy I did not appreciate them sniffing me. And that is where the bee stories and fact session began. We took lunch on the run.
After a beautiful day at the zoo and lots of new adventures too we found the wishing fountain. I made my 1st-25th wishes. I loved tossing the pennies in and watching them sink to the bottom. We eventually had to start make more expensive wishes...these are sure to come true.
It was a very, very happy birthday for mom! She had all she needed and wanted for the day.

A birthday present sealed with a kiss!

3rd CHRISTMAS, ROUND 3...
It was a busy day, but filled with lots of good times and lots of love. Wesley and I are finally at an age that we can play or at least attempt to share. I shared my tools with him just long enough for him to tuck them into his pockets...then I wanted them back. I about pulled him over to retreive my hammer. We did better with vechicals. I shared my new race car with him and he shared his new firetruck with me. We have something in common already; we both love to drive.
Papalo had just returned from Africa and he made sure that my ride was in tip top shape for me.
Thanks Papalo, Merry Christmas!

VROOOOOOOM!

3rd CHRISTMAS, ROUND 2...
I kept Uncle Dusty on his toes. From reading books to belly laughing at our images in the hallway mirror, we had a jolly 'ol time. I made sure that everyone got a new picture of me. I has happy to play Santa and pass out the gifts and even happier to play peek-a-boo behind the hallway door. I wanted to give everyone a little taste of my silly side. He-He.

We look silly like this!