Taylor Made: July 2010

This is a letter Casen wrote to his Uncle Jared who is serving a mission in Peru. Casen was born a couple months after Jared left so they haven't met yet. Because of this we wanted to update him on how Casen was doing and what he looked like.

Dear Uncle Jared, 7/4/10

We haven't met yet but my mom's already told me all about you and how you're serving a mission in Lima Peru. I thought I'd write you to tell you about myself since we haven't met and you won't know me until I'm almost 2 years old. First off, Happy Birthday! I know we are late on that but we are thinking of you and hope that you had a great birthday!

So I'm sure grandma already sent information about when I was born but I'll give it to you anyway in case she didn't. I was born June 7, 2010 at 3:32 p.m. I was 7 lbs. 13 oz. and 20 ½ inches long. I have dark hair and eyes, and long fingers and toes. I like to stretch my legs out and if mom or dad lays me down on my back my legs will rise up and hang out in the air for a while. My parents think I must have a nice set of abs to be able to do this so often. They think it's kind of funny to watch.

At 3 ½ weeks I've already chubbed up a bit. My once tiny chicken legs are starting to beef up a bit and I'm already looking older. At least I've lost that newborn look. I do have LOTS of wrinkly extra skin and my mom LOVES it. I have a lot of extra skin on my back that wrinkles up a lot when I am snuggled up on daddy's chest. I think that's why my parents keep me in just a diaper, so they can see my soft, wrinkly skin. And also because it's really hot in our apartment.

I am pretty happy most of the time. Except when I am getting my diaper changed or I am hungry. Then I can cry pretty loud. My parents heard my nice set of lungs the loudest for the first time when we went to Walmart. They took me there when I was sleeping and I woke up really hungry so I cried. What were they thinking? Luckily they got me a bottle pretty quick and I was able to calm down but not until after we left the store.

Other fun things I like to do are going cross-eyed, which I do A LOT. I haven't figured out yet how to control my eyes so they go all directions sometimes. I also smile a lot in my sleep although I still won't be able to do this for real for another couple of weeks. I like to form my mouth into an "o" shape. And I move my arms and legs around whenever I am lying down and am not swaddled. Although I do love to be swaddled and that's how I sleep every night. I also sneeze frequently and it's usually twice in a row. One time it was four times in a row! Have you ever done that uncle Jared?

Well, be sure to write me back and tell me how it is to be missionary. I can't wait until I'm old enough to be just like you and serve a mission. You're so cool Uncle Jared!

Happy Birthday again. I hope you did something really fun for your birthday and that you know that my parents love you lots and miss you. Mom and Dad tell me they are grateful for your example of righteousness and willingness to serve the Lord. We know you will be blessed for your service! We love you!

Love,

Your newest and bestest nephew,

Casen Aaron Taylor

And mom (Krista) and dad (Aaron)