One for the money!

I knew things would get pretty busy but I didn't know it would take me so long to get my act together enough to update our family blog! I know you're all probably waiting on the edge of your seats wondering what we've been up to. Well , wait no more...Here's what's going on!

Mom flew in on Monday, March 3rd. I went to pick her up alone since Mackenzie was taking a much needed nap when it was time to leave. It was really nice to have the car ride to chat and catch up.

Mackenzie and Grandma playing


Mom was very excited to see Mackenzie since she hadn't seen her for 6 months! The two of them hit it off ( again) and I'm sure Mackenzie's little brain couldn't fathom how blessed she is to have two grandma's who simply adore her!


While Mom was here, we made the long journey to Ludington to visit Grandma Taylor. She was a great host and we all had fun....well, except Miss Priss, her three legged , blind cat. She stayed hidden until Mackenzie and I left on Wednesday morning.

Mackenzie, Great Grandma and Miss Priss. Kenzie is more interested in the zipper.



Mackenzie's birthday party was so much fun! She was surrounded by people who love her and everyone had a good time. Here are a few highlights of the birthday madness!


Mackenzie's opening an early birthday present from Leif and Marie!

Cookies for breakfast?? It MUST be my birthday!

Mackenzie's birthday cake made by Grandma Mary

Taking a taste! The cake ended up a big crumbly mess and she later
threw up from eating three peppermint patties! hehe

Sunday was Baptism day. Mackenzie was a little fussy that morning and we worried how she'd get baptized when she wouldn't allow herself to be pried from my shoulder. Once we got to the church, the social butterfly in her woke up and she did very well! Faith in God is the most important thing in my life so seeing Mackenzie baptized and seeing our friends and family vow to support her spiritually was a precious thing for me.

Will, Olivia, Mike, Mack, Missy, Grandma, Erin, Mom
Will and Erin are Mackenzie's godparents.

Afterwords, Grandma Mary treated the whole gang to a yummy brunch at Tanglewood. With full bellies , we headed to our " homes" for much needed rest after a busy week!


Mom left on Monday and life was back to " normal". Admittedly, it was a pretty big let down and it took us all a few days to get back in the groove of life again. Mackenzie had her One year well child exam on Tuesday, the 9th. She weighed 20 # 9 ounces and was almost 31 inches long! She got four shots, which she handled pretty well!

Since then, Mackenzie has been working more and more towards walking. I thought for sure she'd be a season walker, but she just hasn't really found a need to this walking business. The last few weeks, though, she's done a lot more standing on her own and has even taken a few steps here and there. I imagine that it won't be long before I'll be wondering why on earth I wanted a walker!

Mackenzie is working on 6 new teeth! We were pretty sure this would happen since , up to this point, she's only got two! She's been a bit fussy as those teeth push down and start to break through but on the whole, she's still pretty happy. We get to see our friends and family very frequently and are anxiously awaiting spring time!




Mike traded in his 20's for 30's on March 23rd. The event wasn't as earth shattering as anticipated and he realizes that 30 feels a lot like 29! He is on the hunt for a new job. He interviewed with a family practice and will soon have an interview for a research coordinator position at St. Joe's ER in Ann Arbor. Of the two jobs, we are praying that the second one would be a good fit. Looking at it on paper, there couldn't be a more perfect job for Mike. We'll keep you posted....
Mackenzie " helping" daddy fix my mom's luggage

I am still working out at the gym 6 times a week. I've lost 40 lbs and am excited to reach my "healthy" weight which is still about 25 lbs away. Then Mike and I will talk about making Mackenzie a big sister!

We were excited to hear that our family gained an 8 # 3 ounces bundle of cuteness this week, as Chloe Copenen busted into the world two weeks early!( sorry, Marie, if it's too soon to use the word " busted" although I am sure it's a pretty fair description) It's funny to be a parent and see a new baby enter the world. As we watch Mackenzie toddle around the house, we know the love, joy, worry and laughter that goes into that first year and we know that there is really nothing better! Congrats to Leif and Marie and Grandma Meg,too!

Here are a few " left overs":
Pig tails..Kinda! They looked so pretty starting out...

And this is how it looked when we took them out at the end of the day!

I think that's it for now. I've got some more pictures to down load and will report back after Mike's interview! We love and miss you all......