Our Adoption Blog is Up!

We have created an adoption blog in hopes of spreading the word that we wish to adopt again. We found David because I talked to a doctor during intermission at a concert. We'd love to have dozens of friends and family helping us spread the word!

So take a look at it! If you find any errors or things that are confusing, weird, or funny, tell me so I can fix them. I did the best I could with the hierarchy (getting from one page to another) using Blogger, which is set up for chronological, not topical, entries.

Again, please pass the word! Tell anyone you know; give them this website address: http://adoption.taylorandlisa.com. We will be creating "pass-along cards" too; let me know if you'd like to have some to spread the word.

Finally, feel free to copy this button to your own blog or website, and link it to our adoption blog. Thank you!

Our Little Music Man

Before the US Air Force Falconaires Jazz Band Concert at Gunn 2 weeks ago,
David discovered the joys of auditorium seats
(he thought it was hilarious to get sandwiched in the seat!).
Once the music started, he was all attention.

Quite some time ago we taught David the sign for music: waving one's arm about like a conductor. Now he does it any time he hears a riff or refrain.

At church he entertains all the rows behind him, conducting during every hymn or musical number. When we take him to concerts, he conducts during the music and makes a ton of noise (his way of complaining?) if they stop to talk during the program.

This past weekend during General Conference he did likewise: he didn't really want to hear the prophets or apostles or other Church leaders expound upon charity or unity, family values or patience. He wanted MoTab! (That's the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for all of us non-Utahans.) He thinks he's the next in line to conduct that great body!

First Steps!

David has been taking his first steps this past week. I used to think that parents knew the exact day that their children started walking. I have heard that some kids take one step and are OFF! Not David. He started taking steps about a week ago, but at first Taylor and I were like "Does that count?" A step or two, then fall. Now he sometimes does as many as 10 or more steps before he's down!

But it's the hardest thing to get a picture of! I tried repeatedly on my own to no avail. Taylor and I teamed up this morning and got one good shot! Sigh.

The Black & White Ball

Earlier this week I learned that teachers in the District could attend the Palo Alto Black and White Ball for free if they volunteered for 2 hours at the event. With tickets otherwise costing $135, or $70 for non-teacher volunteers, I'd never expected to go. But Taylor and I decided to jump at the chance this year, and called up Jenny for babysitting at the last minute.

And what a fun time we had last night! I'll quote the Ball's website to describe the event a little:

Since 1987, the Palo Alto Black and White Ball has been one of Palo Alto's premier charitable events.... This formal affair offers live bands, diverse theatrical and musical performances, food from top Bay Area restaurants and dancing till 1:00 a.m. in two venues: the Stern Ballroom and outdoors - under the stars! Over 1500 guests dazzle the night away in an extraordinary setting created by combining unique dacor, artistry, and features in one great location. The result is an extraordinary experience that makes for long and lasting memories as we celebrate Palo Alto together.

It really was a "lasting memory." The Lucie Stern Community Center where it was held was perfect, with gardens and cobblestone walks and lots of lovely nooks and crannies. We cuddled in a garden while listening to Scottish music at the end of the evening (for us -- we went home a little after 10, though the event went on till 1 a.m.).



And the food was incredible! There were about 40 different restaurants serving all sorts of delicious food. I think I'm still full, 24 hours later. Taylor got a crepe mid-way through, and I swore I'd get one right before we left. But I was too full to even think of another bite! I know one restaurant for sure that I want to patronize now!

Then & Now

Five and a half years ago, my sister Anna took lovely photos of Taylor and me in the Elizabeth Gamble Gardens in Palo Alto. We used some of them in our engagement announcement.






We dropped into the Garden very briefly (wanted to attend an event but ran out of time) and, using our cell phone, got the shot at the start of this blog entry. I'm not sure of the photo's exact date, but it was some time in October or November of this year.

I'm so happy that Taylor has blessed my life for more than six years now! And we're so happy that David has increased our joy even more!

As always with Taylor, there has to be a joke! <:

Big Head

Does this kid need a haircut? I can't bear to cut these curls...but his hair is getting long!