Hello again

What's new in our lives? A lot of things! I haven't really written much on our blog so I thought now would be a good time to catch up on some of the events going on here in the life of Taylor and Mackenzie.

During the summer Tammy and Galen (Taylor's parents) were so kind and generous and let us stay with them to save money for a little while. At the end of September we moved into some brand-spankin'-new apartments that we heard about from someone in our ward. It's a two bedroom, two bathroom apartment with new appliances, big windows and a beautiful view our of the master bedroom. I feel so blessed that we were able to get it, especially because there were only a few left in the whole complex and the application process was just grueling. We love our new place!

As you've seen from previous posts we're expecting a baby girl in February and couldn't be more excited. I've been having THE FUNNEST time going through baby clothes and things that we've gotten so far and can't help feeling like February is an eternity away. However I'm sure time is going to fly by, and with that in mind I feel pressed to get things ready as much as I can up to this point. We've got pretty much everything unpacked and I'm getting ready to set up the baby room in the second bedroom. For now, my stomach is increasing in size daily and I can't believe I still have 4 months of growth to go. I feel our little girl kicking every day and Taylor finally felt her kicking for the first time last week. It was so fun to see his face light up when he did! We can't wait to meet her.

It's finally starting to cool off here in Northern CA and I'm getting extremely excited for the Christmas season. Especially since our Christmas decor' is still all new and I've only used it once so far!

For now Taylor and I are both working and he is going to Sierra College full time. Life is just great and we're so thankful for all our blessings, family especially.

The first photo is our kitchen. The second is me goofing off in our new kitchen. The third is our livingroom and balcony. The forth is the baby's room/office/storage and the fifth is our bedroom, plus Thomas. The last two are just of Taylor and I and my ever-growing baby bump.

It's a...

Okay everybody we went in for our sonogram on Thursday and got to see our adorable little baby! AND we found out we're having a GIRL! We were almost surprised just because there are so many boys on both sides of the family, but we couldn't be more thrilled either. We couldn't stop smiling! She is the cutest little thing and I can't wait to hold her in my arms in four and a half more months! What a wonderful feeling. :)

More of Utah

Here Taylor's super excited for the start of our long drive.
The next morning Matt Codina met up with us in Eden and spent the day with us. Taylor was so happy to have a riding buddy.

Swimming at Grandma Gwen's.

Sunday morning Addison, Ana, Alex and Jord met up with us also. I was so happy to see them!

Ahhh vacation...

I love grandma! She makes amazing food and it's always so healthy.

The next day in Provo Lacey and her mom threw me a surprise baby shower, I couldn't believe it!

I got some of the CUTEST things.

Breeana and her adorable little baby boy. That's going to be me soon, I can't believe it! Eeek!

Best friends.

This is the day before Jord was to go into the MTC. We figured a good send-off would be to take him shooting. I think all the guys agreed.

Matt Codina and Josh Miller came along and brought some other guns. I'll always be amazed at how much boys love guns.

Jord's getting his missionary hair cut, just before going to the Stake President to be set apart. I had to get a picture. Priceless.

The morning of. So many emotions! At least I was feeling them. I felt kind of like a mom sending off one of her own sons. Maybe that's because us older siblings were sort of the parents for the time being. We wish you guys could have been there mom and dad, but we know you were in a way. He was so excited and I am so proud of him. He's gonna do great.

I can't believe he's old enough to go on a mission...

Jord went into the MTC on wednesday, August 26th and we got to see him off at the corner. I can't believe he's all grown up! Even though he was gone for a year already I'm sure going to miss him for the next two years. What a great guy.

(I'm getting a belly!)

Lots of family came to show their support and say goodbye.

He wasn't really this scared. (At least not on the outside).

That night our nephew was having a blast with his dad's shoes. I couldn't stop laughing.

Packing up to go back to California.

One of my favorite places in Utah. I can't wait to be back!

TWO lines.

They say it happens when you least expect it, and they're right. (Whoever "they" are). On June 11th we found out that Taylor and I are going to be mommy and daddy! And no, not just "someday" but like, in 9 MONTHS. We were pretty surprised and completely excited for the news. Well that was two months ago and I'm now 13 weeks along and just starting to grow out of my normal clothes. My due date is February 17th and I cannot wait to meet the little one growing inside me. We're gonna have a baby!!!!

One Year!

On May 29th Taylor and I celebrated our 1-year anniversary! We left Roseville for a weekend get-away where Taylor took me to see WICKED in San Fancisco and then we spent two nights in a hotel in Monterey. It was an awesome anniversary. And what a wonderful first year!

Waiting to enter the show.

Here we're goofing off on Bart (the train from SF to our car miles away). Well Taylor has a nice smile anyway, and I promise I'm not trying to be serious.

More goofiness. Now I'm smiling and he's making faces. It's hard to get a normal picture.

Here we fell asleep on the beach for an hour or so. Some of the best sleep I ever got I think! And I'm sure the sun burn and horrible tan lines were proof.

I love him.

My Ukrainians!

At the end of March Taylor and I got to fly to Ukraine and visit my family for two weeks. It was absolutely wonderful! I missed my family beyond belief and it was like a dream come true to get to be with them again for a little while.