The View (and not the TV show!)

Well I promised some pictures of the view. This is it. The picture, of course, doesn't do it justice, but you get the idea. This is from our street. Our view from our bedroom window is similar, but we have a couple of trees in the way. You can make out the Cascade Mountains in the distance (just below the pink sky). Also you might be able to see the Vashon Island ferry on the right. It runs between Point Defiance and Vashon Island. I'll try to get some pics of Mount Rainier soon. You can see it from the road out of the complex on a clear day. It's been too cloudy for about a week now for the mountain to be out.

2 Month Check-Up

Hey everyone! Today is a big day for Matthew. He went to the pediatrician today for his 2 month check-up and immunizations. He is now 14 pounds plus a half an ounce, that puts him at the 90%tile for his weight. He is 23 and 1/4 inches long (50%tile) and his head circumference is at the 70%tile. So, yes, he's still a big boy. He got his immunizations and all things considered, is handling it pretty well today. I think the around-the-clock Tylenol is helping a lot. We got some good news from the PNP at his appointment today. We can finally stop boiling the water for his formula. Not sure if many of you heard about this or not, but Scott and I, two college-educated persons, can not boil water. We have a routine every night when Matthew goes to bed, we put all the bottles in the dishwasher and put on the water to boil for his formula. The first night that Scott was off for the week, we did all that and then sat down to watch a movie. About an hour or so later, I said "What's that burning?". Yep, burnt up one pot. But the kicker is that we did it again the next night. So for a while our stove top was filled with different pots and pans that we kept burning up. But not to worry, the boiling is over.









We took Matthew for his first ferry ride on Monday. We spent the day in Seattle and went to Pike Place Market and the Seattle Aquarium. The first picture below is taken at one of my favorite spots in the market. As you can see, Matthew is out like a light in this picture. He was totally fascinated by the city after we stepped off of the boat, but that lasted for about 20 minutes and then was sound asleep.

The Market was exciting, as usual. We brought home a really nice piece of salmon, some sausage and berries. One thing is for sure, we need to take a big cooler with us next time. The aquarium was a lot of fun as well. We're going to try and make it back in the fall when the salmon are using the "elevator" to get to the hatchery. Both places I would highly recommend for anyone planning to visit Seattle in the future.

Well that's all for now. Got to go and make tomorrow's bottles. And NOT boil the water.

Cheryl

A Few Cute Pics

Just wanted to share a few cute pictures with you all. We're heading to Seattle for Matthew's first day in the big city and first boat ride, so I'm sure that there will be more to come. Hope all is well....

Scott and Cheryl

Bath Time with Daddy

Bye, Bye Sunshine (for a while)

Well it looks like we're going to be getting some of that famous Seattle rain for the next several days. It had been absolutely beautiful and sunny so that you could see Mount Ranier everyday. But even with the rain and clouds now, it is still beautiful here. I love our drive down the hill from where we live. We have a great view of the sound and Point Defiance Park. I'll post some pics when I get a chance.

Matthew continues to do well. He made a trip to the pediatrican today and he weighs 13# 10oz. Of course, while I was in the exam room with him (by myself), he picked his head up while he was laying on his tummy. But I did get a picture, so I have evidence...

He is getting on a pretty good schedule and is taking some fairly regular naps during the day. He's also starting to laugh a little. I'm finding that I'm having to readjust my expectations of what I hope to accomplish in a day. His naptime is pretty valuable. I feel like the start gun goes off the second that he goes to sleep. Although, this week I did manage to nap with him twice.

The big news here is that the Tacoma Narrows Bridge #3 opened on Monday. Now we have two bridges with four lanes of traffic each heading into and out of Gig Harbor. Traffic was horrible before, now it's much better. The first bridge, "Galloping Gertie" collapsed in the 1940's, so that's why this is bridge #3. Hopefully modern engineering is more sound today.

Scott starts his week off tomorrow. We're looking forward to getting the stuff in the garage put away and having someone come and remove Mount "Box"more from our living room. I'm sure this place will seem much bigger when we're minus about 60-70 boxes. We'll post more later this week. Bye for now....

Mount "Box"more

Hey all. We're still continuing to unpack. Yes, I know we've been here almost two and a half weeks now, but unpacking with an infant is proving to be slower than expected. We've got the bulk of the work done and only have the office, part of the family room and the garage to deal with. Our living room is packed with empty boxes. We are referring to it as Mount "Box"more.

Matthew is continuing to deal with his parents chaos like a champ. He is getting so big and really starting to change. He is getting really good head control and is smiling more everyday. He is up to sleeping for almost 7-8 hours some nights, but not consistently yet. He's not a big fan of "tummy time", but does better when he's on his boppy and can look around (and yes, that's his thumb in his mouth!!). He loves all kinds of stimulation (movement, music, etc....). Although he sleeps in his bed at night, he will mostly only nap in his swing, stroller or while being held during the day.

The cats are surviving the transition as well. They are really happy that "kitty TV" is back on again. We put a bird feeder on our back deck and they are now about 5-6 feet away from the action. Cleo almost took out the sliding screen door the other day trying to get herself a little snack.

We are really enjoying getting to know the town of Gig Harbor. It seems to be a hot spot for boaters. The town was packed the week of Fourth of July with all kinds of people out and about in the evening. There wasn't a single space available at the public dock. This week was a different story. Everything was closed up by 5pm and the dock was empty. It will be interesting to see what things are like this winter. We're gradually finding all kinds of places to eat and shop. A few of our favorites include Anthony's, which has great seafood and is so noisy no one can hear Matthew if his fussing.
The sun is setting here now and the sky is absolutely breath taking. Lots of pink clouds. If Matthew weren't sleeping, I'd pop him in the stroller and take a walk down the street and see what Mount Rainier looks like (it is usually stunning with these kinds of sunsets).
Well got to run for now. Thank you to everyone for all of the calls, emails and cards. I'm sorry we haven't been better about responding, but as you can see above, our life is a little crazy now. I'm hoping things will be in more order after Scott's next week off.
Take care.
Cheryl and Scott

He's asleep... (finally)

It's almost 10pm PST and the sun has just set in Gig Harbor. Matthew had a pretty good day today. He handled well our running around town as we tried to get our vehicles up to speed for Washington licenses, plates, and a transponder for the new bridge. It's taken us two days and we've only managed to get plates onto Cheryl's car. (That's of course after going to the Volvo dealer to have them drill in a new plate holder on the front.) Nothing has been easy with this adventure. You'd think one could do one-stop-shopping and get it all done? Heck no! And did you know that the DMV needs a passport, finger and toe prints, and practically a note from your mommy to get a license! Needless to say, waiting 80 minutes to have the guy at the desk say "this is not possible" was a little frustrating, and very, very German.

Alas- it is beautiful here and while Matthew makes each part of the move a little more interesting (we did a bottle today in the Sunoco parking lot!) he is a real joy and his smiles make it all worth it.

We went for a walk yesterday afternoon and Cheryl snapped the photo above. The harbor is a really charming place and it was a gorgeous day.

We'll write more soon.

Love, Scott and Cheryl

Yep, we're still alive

Sorry that it has been so long since our last post, but we temporarily lost our internet access for a while. But we are now back online.
Not a whole lot new to report at this point. We are still working on unpacking, which can be a very slow process with a 5-week old baby. Scott's mother arrived yesterday and Scott is not working this week so we are really able to start getting some things done. I was just thrilled today to find the silverware and some more shampoo.
Matthew is as wonderful as ever. He is really doing a lot of smiling, laughing and making some gurgles. He is quite entertaining. Scott and I continue to joke about the silly things that he is making us do including just making up any lyrics or tune just to keep him happy.
Our Fourth of July was pretty boring. We were both beat and so we just watched the fireworks from our bedroom window. I think that will probably be the pace of our life for the next year or so.
That's all for now. I will try to post 1-2 times a week and hope to get some pictures soon.

The Taylors Arrive in Gig Harbor

Hello all. Just wanted to pass on a quick update. Sorry that we haven't had much time to post, but we've been a tad bit busy ; )
We arrived in Washington on Tuesday. Matthew was a champ for the 4+ hour flight here. He slept for most of it. Scott and I managed to figure out that you can change a baby in your lap while seated during the flight.
Our movers came with our stuff yesterday and now we're just working on unpacking little by little- as much as Matthew will allow. I imagine this process will be a bit longer than I had anticipated, but we've got our bed set up, some kitchen stuff unpacked and will finish the bathroom today.
Scott had his first night of work at the new job last night. He said that everyone is really nice and he's looking forward to working at Good Sam.
Well that's pretty much all for now. We won't be able to post more pictures until the computer is up and running (I'm using Scott's laptop now). We have some great photos of Scott asleep with Matthew in his cousin, Carolyn's hammock.
Take care.
Cheryl

Ouch!!

Well, today was circumcision day. Dr. Wheatley did a wonderful job, but I think Matthew still isn't speaking to us. He was much happier this evening after a big nap and some Tylenol.
He saw the pediatrician yesterday and yes, our boy is up to twelve and a half pounds (no wonder my arms are so sore!). Matthew also had a visit from my friend Joy and his future girlfriend, Jada. She's 9 months older than he is and quite a doll.
Matthew seems to be adjusting well and is having fewer crying bouts everyday. He is having more and more quiet, alert time and is almost giving us some social smiles.
He can't wait until his daddy comes back on Sunday. And then all three of us are off to Washington next Tuesday.
Got to run for now. Got some laundry to do, bottles to wash and our boy is going to be up in the next hour or two for another feeding.
Hope all is well with everyone.
Cheryl

Matthew's First Full Day With Us

Well, Matthew has been with me for over 24 hours now. I still find it hard to believe that I'm a mom and now responsible for the little person. Yesterday, was a bit of an adjustment for him. He screamed for an hour and a half straight. Today has been much better. He's actually had some quiet, alert time and was looking very cute.
He made his first trip out with me today to St. Joe's to sign up for health insurance and make a visit to everyone in the NICU. He goes to St. Mary's tomorrow for a going away potluck and I'm sure they will all be happy to see him again.
I'm actually feeling pretty good still. I'm sure some sleep deprivation will start setting in over the next few days. My friend Joy was right, the 24hr shift we used to do at U of M are great preparation for parenthood.
Ooops got to go....my little man is calling.
Cheryl

Matthew's Finally Home!!

Hey all! I only have time for a quick post, but yes, Matthew is finally home. We picked him up at 3pm today and he slept for the whole ride to Canton (2 hours). He is currently out like a light, but I'm sure will be up again in the next few hours. So I need to go and get some sleep myself.
Thank you to everyone for all your prayers.
Cheryl

Sometimes No News Isn't Good News

Well, five o'clock came and went today with no word from the judge. So it looks like Monday may be our day. I think by then we need to start thinking bribery ; ) At least I have the weekend now to catch up on some sleep after all the moving chaos this week.
Scott and the crew were just outside of Wisconsin the last time we spoke. They plan on stopping somewhere in Minnesota tonight and then back at it in the morning. They had a good visit with Matthew this morning before hitting the trail. My parents and I will be going out to see him tomorrow. Hopefully it won't be much longer before he's with us for good.
That's all for now. I will post more Monday. Have a great weekend.
Cheryl

Just waitin' on the Judge!!!!

So yesterday was a great day!!! Everything went well in Jenison. (Jenison is near Grand Rapids, the headquarters of our agency Adoption Associates, Inc.) All the paperwork is complete and everything is signed. We only await the judge's review and signing of paperwork. After the judge signs, we can go and pick him up and take him home!!!

After signing yesterday, we went to spend time with Matthew at Sue and Bob's awaiting the news that everything was complete. He is growing like a champ- He was a little fussy when we arrived, but Cheryl did her neonatal magic and settled him right down. He then had some great face time with Cheryl- he was very awake and happy! Cheryl then handed him to me, all happy and asleep. Needless to say, with a cuddly warm newborn in my arms, I was soon nodding off a touch myself!! Hence the sleepy picture...

The house is packed, the movers were at our house while we were with Matthew. Our wonderful cousin Carolyn met the movers and got them going. We cleaned last night and this am, packed the cars and are ready for the next stage. I take off at 0730 tomorrow with our friends Joseph, Beatrice and Gary- Needless to say, Cheryl is staying behind to take Matthew home, bond with him, and stay up all night with him. Really, I'm sorry I'm going to miss that this week Cheryl... The drivers are going to make a little stop in Grand rapids to see a very special boy on our way out of town.

Thank you everyone for your kind words, thoughts, and prayers. God has His fingerprints all over these events... Cheryl and I still can't believe that we are (almost) parents!! It's scary, exciting, and crazy, all at the same time. (People have told us that this is normal.)

Please also pray for Julie and Don's twins, named Charlie and Jack.

More news tomorrow!

The Start of the Big Move

Hey all-
We won't be able to post for a few days since this week is the start of the big move. Our movers are coming Tuesday and Wednesday, so I imagine that we will be very busy. We will also be signing papers Wednesday (God willing) at the adoption agency in Grand Rapids. Then Scott heads out on Friday. So quite a busy week ahead. I will try to post on Wednesday to let everyone know how it went. After that, we just wait for the judge to sign the papers, which could be anywhere from Wednesday to the week after.
Got to run for now. Lots to prepare for next week.
Cheryl

Matthew's Host Family

Lots of people have asked "Where is Matthew now?" He is currently staying with a "host family" just outside of Grand Rapids. They are absolutely wonderful!! Although it means that we don't see him as often as we would like, we know that he's in good hands. They've cared for over 80 babies over the years, so they have lots of experience. We continue to joke with them that about getting Matthew on a schedule for us before he comes home.

These are pictures of our first visit with Matthew while he was staying with Bob and Sue.

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Cheryl's Last Day of Work?

Cheryl had her last day at St. Joe's today before the move. It's very interesting that if Matthew comes home that she will be a "stay-at-home" mom for at least the next 6 months. After working in the Neonatal ICU for 17 years, she may not be in a level 3 nursery for a while. I think being at home with (hopefully) our little boy is the better option!!

I have three shifts left at UM and Hurley. Cheryl has 12 hours on Monday at St. Mary's. That's quite a few life changes, but we remain peaceful and extremely excited about what's happening in our life!

If you want to leave a comment, just click on "comments" below.

We'll keep you posted.

Scott

A Little While Longer.

Well, it looks like our court date has been pushed back to next Wednesday which means Matthew may not make it home until as late as Friday. Bummer!! This really is cutting it close for Scott to be able to spend any time with him before he starts driving out west. But we certainly have no control over it.

We did get to go and visit Matthew today. He has changed so much already in just a few days. We're still working on getting his cues down and figuring out what he likes. We just can't wait to get him home!!

I included a pic from the day he went to host care last Sunday. I'm still working on downloading the rest.

Home with Matthew soon!!

Hey everyone-
Just wanted to give a quick update. Matthew's birth mother and father go to court on Thursday to sign papers. Scott and I will go to the agency office that evening to sign our papers. Then we wait for the judge to finalize things which could be as soon as Friday. So Matthew will be coming home soon!! We are so hopeful that all will fall into place so that Scott has some time with him before he heads out on Friday.
Thank you for all of the prayers and calls. We will post either Friday or this weekend to let you know where we're at with things.
Take care.
Cheryl