Taelyn - 1 Year

I can't believe my little baby girl is now a toddler! She had her 1-year doctor's appointment today where she weighed 21 lbs, 12 oz. and measured 29 inches long with a head circumference of 18 inches. She has definitely slimmed down even more this month as she constantly is on the go and is now down to the 60th percentile in weight. We no longer have a chunky baby.

Taelyn's personality has also demonstrated that of a toddler this month. She LOVES when we jump around a corner and yell "Boo" and she loves to play peek-a-boo. She likes to wrestle and be tickled, and she is constantly smiling and laughing, showing off her 12 teeth. Taelyn also enjoys reading books and will pick out the books that she wants to read each night before bed.

Developmentally, Taelyn can now place toys and blocks inside a container and can stack blocks on top of one another. She recently discovered how to place rings around a pole. Every time she does this, she shouts "yea" to congratulate herself. Taelyn has also mastered standing by herself and just took her first two steps today!

Although Taelyn hasn't said any new words yet, she certainly comprehends a great amount. She knows the names of all of the toys that she plays with every day - baby doll, doggie, music, Elmo, Pooh car, etc. She also knows "bath time" and will speed down the hallway to the bathroom each night when I announce that is it bath time. Taelyn also likes to bring specific toys with her in the car. When we instruct her to make sure she holds on to that toy, she consciously keeps a good grip and makes sure she has the toy. And whenever we use the elevator at our apartment complex, she is great little helper in pushing the button.

It seems like Taelyn has grown leaps and bounds this past month in terms of development. Here are a few pictures and videos to capture her toddler spirit!

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Happy 1st Birthday, Taelyn!

Taelyn had quite the exciting 1st birthday with her Grandma and Grandpa Walker visiting from Michigan. She was so eager to impress them, that she wiped herself out just in time for birthday cake. So her first attempt at eating cake did not go so well, but we tried again the next day when Taelyn was not so tired. It went a little better - she at least tried the cake. Overall, we had a very nice time hanging out, opening presents, and celebrating Taelyn's big triumph of one year. Thank you to all who sent birthday wishes and presents her way!

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The Walkers are Moving to South Africa

That's right. Johannesburg, South Africa is the next stop on our overseas adventures. Justin just accepted a job at the American International School of Johannesburg as the middle school counselor starting in August. I will stay home with the two little ones for the school year with the exception of a little substitute teaching from time to time if I choose. From what we have heard and seen online, it looks like a great school and a fantastic place to live. We are pretty excited for this new opportunity.

It's A Girl!!!

We had the big ultrasound last week and found out that we will be having another girl. She was very active during the ultrasound, kicking quite a bit and opening and closing her mouth. Precious!! Here are a couple of our favorite pics of the new little one.

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