Spring Break in Florida

We had a wonderful time last week in Vero Beach, Florida visiting our good friends and Taelyn's godparents, Adam and Michelle. Here are a few of the things we did:

1. Disneyland - We took Taelyn to the Magic Kingdom, and she had a great time. She especially liked "It's a Small World," the Disney 4-D show, playing in the toddler play areas, and seeing Winnie the Pooh. When he walked by, she instantly pointed at him and said "Doo." During the 4-D show, Taelyn would not put on her 3-D glasses, but she made sure that we had ours on. She also enjoyed when puffs of air would get her in the face during that show.

2. Walking in the Sand - Now that Taelyn is walking, she loved to feel the sand on her feet. We took her to the beach to see the ocean and to multiple playgrounds where she could play in the sand.

3. Playgrounds - Taelyn's favorite part of playgrounds right now is the slide. She loves to go down by herself! She had ample time at various beach playgrounds, and we even took her to Crazy Frogs bouncy houses where they had several different bouncy houses that included slides.

4. Swimming in the Pool - Taelyn recently started swim lessons again, so we practiced her skills in the pool including going under water. It always shocks her a bit to go under, but she never swallows water or cries. Splashing in the water is her favorite, though.

We have captured many of these moments on film and have included them in the scrapbook below. Enjoy!

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Caught on Camera

We were finally able to capture Taelyn walking on video.

Toddlin' Taelyn

Our little Taelyn Walker is now walking! She started by taking a couple of steps a few days after her birthday. Then she was eager to hold our hands while she walked around the apartment. Just yesterday, she walked across the room and has been making more and more attempts ever since. It is so special to see her figure this big moment out and to see how excited she gets too!

Taelyn also has two new teeth with two more just around the corner. She just got the top canine teeth, and once the bottoms come in, she will only have her 2-year molars left to go. Taelyn certainly has a full mouth of teeth!

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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