August

Stryder celebrating daddy's birthday too!

Chris turned 30!!

Stryder is growing like crazy! 

Nona couldn't resist buying this outfit

It's hard getting a smile out of him sometimes

I turned 31!

Can hardly believe Stryder is already 4 months old!

My handsome men in their ties!

Johnny Cash, Aunt Nannie and Stryder

So Stryder's Aunt Nannie (we came up with this name after much debate over what Stryder should call my youngest sister Annie. Aunt Anne, Aunt Annie and Auntie Anne just didn't work) loves Johnny Cash and wanted to play a song for Stryder and as you can see he loved it! He even joined in with his own little solo!!



Newborn Photo Shoot

The same photographer who took my maternity photos asked if she could take newborn pictures once I had Stryder to build her newborn portfolio. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to capture priceless pictures of Stryder when he was so fresh and brand new (he is 9 days old in these pictures). It wasn't an easy photo shoot (it was hot from the heaters we had blasting to keep Stryder warm, he wet through at least one blanket, he woke up multiple times as we tried posing him) but it sure was memorable and memories are for a lifetime!

Recent Texas Happenings

Chris arrived safe and sound with all our belongings... many thanks to our brother-in-law John Starke who caravaned with Chris in our Sequoia!

This is my youngest sister Annie in front of her adorable itsy bitsy cabin she'll be renting while she attends grad school at Texas State University in San Marcos

Like Father, like son... I swear we didn't pose this

Stryder's first time in a swimming pool!

I love these jammies on him!!

Love his MANY expressions

Chris and John... they're good at sharing

Chris & I got to go out on a date to one of our favorite restaurants that we hadn't been to in a LONG time

To all our Canadian friends: this is me trying to tempt you into coming to see us, hot rolls and cinnamon butter!

Stryder has recently found his hands and LOVES looking at them as he attempts to put them to his mouth. Very cute to watch, especially when his eyes cross as his fists get close to his face

I asked my sister if she wanted to see the pics of Stryder in his new Bumbo chair clothed or unclothed and she voted for both... so these are for Aunt Laura

Stryder is smiling more and more... love this little man!

Papa and Stryder... bonding!

Stryder getting his feet wet in the pool Nona bought for him

Cow Appreciation Day

It's days like today that warm my soul that we're back in Texas! Chris & I have really missed our favorite fast food chain, Chick-fil-a! Today was a special day, Cow Appreciation Day! Allow me to explain for those of you who have never experienced this delicious eatery: dress like a cow = your choice of any combo meal on their menu for FREE! But as great as it was to have a free dinner tonight it was so much more fun getting to do this with my family... I've missed doing these types of things with them! Stryder even got a meal for dressing like a cow!

Our costumes for Cow Appreciation Day... moo

Marmee, Kimmy, Annie and Nathan

Papa and Stryder trying to beat the Texas afternoon heat

Stryder in his 4th of July pajamas

Big Texas Welcome

Stryder and I made it to Texas! I was a pretty nervous mommy flying with a 9 week old baby by myself, but Stryder did AMAZING! People were so helpful at the airport as I went through security with a stroller, carry-on suite case and car seat, such an answer to prayer! My family was waiting with open arms at the airport, they couldn't wait to get their hands on their first grandson/nephew! It's warmed my heart to pieces to watch each of them dote over and bond with Stryder, and of course he is LOVING all the endless holding time he's getting! We're happy to be here but missing daddy and praying his drive over the next four days in the moving truck goes smoothly and without a hitch.

Stryder meeting some of the Shepherd fam for the first time

Uncle Joel

Aunt Laura

Aunt Kim

This was what I woke up to at one of his early morning feeds... I'm thinking he could be a morning person

Happy, happy boy!

Taylor Family

What a privileged it is to have married into the Taylor family! I am so proud to be a part of Chris' amazing family! I truly feel I gained so many blessings when I became a Taylor six years ago! I have enjoyed living near this half of our family and getting to know each one better. Chris & I owe so much to the Taylor clan as they've been right by our sides through countless ups and downs over the last few years. I don't know where we'd be without them. We're so sad to have to say goodbye to them. We love you, each and every one!

 

L-R London, Lynia Jon, Austin, Dad, Mom, Amy, Chris and Stryder

Austin and London

Tim

Aunt Bonnie & Uncle Olaf