Christmas (late) in Colorado

After we got home from Houston, we celebrated Christmas here in Colorado. Taylor prepared for Santa by putting out Milk and Cookies and something else incredibly dear to his heart. He gave Santa his pacifier and asked him to give it to a new baby. Santa brought him lots of great toys like a big airplane. Others got him bulldozers and fire trucks so he is set to be an important community worker. Madison was just happy to have more people to hold her and watch all the excitement.

Before we left for Houston for Christmas, Taylor "posed" for a picture in his cool sleeping Bag that Grandma Switzer had given him. It came to the house early, so we wanted her to be able to see it. We then all flew to Houston to see the family for Christmas. Madison was happy because everyone wanted to hold her. Taylor's highlight had to be the Christmas cookies. Can we say sugar cookie dough and frosting..... what could be wrong with that.

All in all it was an outstanding trip and the "haul" we scored from our family was so huge... we had to ship it home.

This year at Thanksgiving we we fortunate to have Uncle Jon and Aunt Dana come out and Grandpa Switzer. Of course it was frigid Colorado and Dana didn't have the right clothes, but we all managed. Taylor was just enamored with Aunt Dana and couldn't stop talking about she and Kerbey for weeks. The guys attempted to go fly-fishing up at Spinney's Miracle Mile, but then bailed when the temperature in the car read a balmy -4 degrees. They headed over to Dillon and fished later below the DAM, but it was really just a little sight seeing. Dana and I had a little more fun visiting a little boutique here in Colorado Springs.

The highlight of the weekend may just have been our dinner out when Dana almost ate shellfish and we actually got a laugh out of it. It is great when you have a waiter on his A-Game.

In November, we were very fortunate to have a little family photo shoot down at Monument Valley Park. Taylor stole the show despite the fact that last time we tried to get pictures of him it was a knock down, drawn out fight and he won. We were pleased to get everyone on camera together.

Halloween was a great time for visiting the pumpkin patch, making Carmel apples, trick or treating and enjoying Madison's first big Holiday. Taylor of course made her cry (not on purpose). Taylor was a giraffe and Madison was a bunny. However, Mom, later found out that this was a little lamb hat, not a bunny hat. She looked cute nonetheless.

In October, both sets of grandparents came to visit again and help Mom out with the new baby. Taylor had a blast playing new games with Grandma and Pop Pop. He also had a blast looking at the Aspens changing and riding the Cripple Creek Train with Grandma Switzer. Too much fun to even mention. And with Kevin traveling so much, Mom was happy to have some help despite the fact that Madison is just a doll and a pretty easy baby.

In late September, we took the Kids up to Cripple Creek to view the Aspens and get a little fresh air. Madison went on her first hike and yes... you can't see her in the pack. We then decided to go the long way home along Gold Camp road. It was scenic... but very long. Taylor and Dad went down to the reservoir while Mom stayed in the truck to feed Madison. The dogs had a great time too.

Later in August, the Wagner's came down to see Baby Madison for the first time. It was wonderful seeing them. While they were here they took Taylor on a few adventures to the Zoo, the Dinosaur Museum, and to Cripple Creek. Taylor even got to meet the Engineer. What a fun day!

A few days after Madison came home, Grandma Switzer came out to help Mom. We found out Madison had to do the jaundice lights so for three nights we all took shifts staying with her and calming her on the lights to get her to sleep between feedings. Grandma was a huge help... it was just hard not to get to cuddle with her. However, after a few days, all her numbers looked good and she started to perk up. Even big brother spent some time with Madison on the floor and stared intently at this questionable new being in his household.

On August 19, 2007, Taylor welcomed his baby Sister, Madison Rea Wagner to the family. Madison shocked us all by coming almost four weeks early. She forewarned her arrival and surprised her Mother's MOMS friends while cheering them on at the Pikes Peak Marathon. Instead of a little marathon of our own in the hospital, we had a training session and a quick hard sprint to the finish! Madison was 6lbs 9.5 oz and 19 inches long. A little smaller than her big Brother, but still a good size for the Madison River in Yellowstone National Park. This is where her Mom and Dad spent their honeymoon. We are looking forward to the silly moments to share with Big Brother Taylor and doofus Dogs Jake and Marvin.