Finally, a new post

We've been pretty busy, but all is well. Malachi went to another baseball game recently. As you can see he had a great time--played hard and crashed hard.


We went to a BugFest last weekend. Here Malachi is pushing a ball of "dung" to simulate a dungbeetle, with a little help from Daddy of course.
And, he's walking! On his own! His steps get more confident and quick each day. I'm having trouble uploading video right now, so please check back for a glimpse of our little man's newest moves.

And, arguably even bigger news...no more bottles. We had a check up on Friday, and the doctor, very gently but firmly said, they've got to go. Cold turkey. Many of you know that Malachi will NOT take a sippy cup (yes, we've tried them all--or close to it). We're just using a cup, which is quite messy, but he's getting the hang of it. He's not drinking nearly as much as he was drinking with the bottles, but he's taking in enough to stay hydrated (thank goodness). He get's better and better with the cup each day. His Grammie is visiting this week and helping him practice. We hope to have this skill mastered before the return to daycare next week.

The morning bottle was the hardest to give up; we both cried. Overall, he's doing really well with the transition, and he's now sleeping through the night since he knows he won't get a bottle.

Labor Day Weekend

This is not for those with weak stomachs. Malachi really enjoys clapping his hands and feeling the subsequent spray of food land on his face. What a little goober! :) We were at a park with some friends on Monday. Kevin had the idea to kick the soccer ball around on the bridge so Malachi could see it bounce around. Well, Malachi thought that was hilarious! He laughed so hard.
Then, Mommy accidentally kicked the ball over the bridge railing and into the water. Oops! I don't think Daddy was too pleased about retrieving it, but he did so nonetheless.

Malachi had another ear infection this week. Yes, even with the tubes. Fortunately, the tubes alleviate a lot of the pain associated with ear infections and he didn't experience a fever. Unfortunately, there was so much drainage, he was prescribed a 10-day couse of antiobiotics (usually with the tubes you can get by with three days of ear drops). He's acting his usual self though, just a bit tired.

He's starting to babble a bit. When I was about to scoop him up out of the high chair after dinner tonight he said "BAAAAAAATH" four times with a big smile. Baths happen immediately after dinner. Why? Please refer to the first picture!. We've also hear him saying Mom, Dad, bottle, and Foster (our cat). He's not using anything consistently, just when he feels like it, but it's a start and so much fun to listen to. When he says something that he thinks is a word (which I'm sure is, we just can't understand it yet), he gets a little smile on his face, likes he's proud, a little surprised, and tickled with himself all at once. So much fun.

Phoebe

Please welcome Phoebe, Brian's new kitten, to the family. Isn't she adorable? She's two months old.

I think Malachi must be getting taller. He seems so big in his Pack and Play now.

This happens quite often. I usually pull him out right away and put him in the Pack and Play for a nap, but I couldn't resist capturing this on video.

First Steelers Game

Malachi is watching his very first Steelers game tonight, a special occassion in the Taylor family.

This video is too funny. I was laughing so hard after this was taken my stomach hurt and I had tears rolling from my eyes. Malachi's giggle is THE BEST!

We're also tuning in to the Olympic Marathon. An Ethiopian runner is in the lead pack and looking good.

Peek-A-Boo!

Peek-a-boo!
Malachi loves playing peek-a-boo with us these days. It's so cute.

Big news! He started babbling "mom-mom-mom-mom!" When you repeat it back to him, he smiles as if to say, "Yes, I thought you'd like that." The little turkey.

We went to a friend's wedding this weekend (Congrats, Adam and Heather!). We found a nice park near the chapel, so Malachi got a chance to play before the ceremony. Yes, he was as tired as he looks in the pics, which explains the meltdown he had just before the ceremony, resulting in me missing the nuptials. Poor guy; he had a touch of a cold and his new molars are giving him a heck of a time. :(

Malachi asked me to give a shout out to Grandma and Grammie for him. He really enjoyed all of his "lessons" with the Grandmas during the past few weeks and is looking forward to learning more from them!

Self-feeding!

Finally!





We wanted to keep encouraging him, so we grabbed whatever finger food we could from the kitchen and kept it coming. He did great! And now...the aftermath!

North Myrtle Beach Vacation

We just got back from a week at the beach. It was a much needed time of rest, relaxation, fun, and time with family. Kevin's parents, his brother Steve's family (Steve, Kim, Ryan with girlfriend Hayleigh, Katie, Rachel, and Nathan), and his younger brother Brian were with us.

Malachi at the beach.

Malachi learning to play cards, a Taylor family tradition.

Malachi at a Children's Museum. Big bubble!

Playing with K'nex.

A big light-brite board.

Will he be a doctor?

Or a dentist like Daddy?

What a smile!