4 More Days & Counting...

Hi Baby! I hope all is going well in there. Mommy still prays for you every day! I can't wait to see you for the first time, but I know I probably won't get to at our appointment on Friday :( This makes me sad because I want to see you and your little heartbeat SOOOO badly. The waiting is excruciating!

The Lord is in control though and there is nothing more I can do to keep you safe than give you over to the Lord. He is the greatest source of shelter and comfort there is and so I am trusting you to Him.

I love you Sweet Pea! Only 260 some odd days to go! It seems so far away but I know you will be here before we know it! We can't wait :)

Until tomorrow, Precious Pea, stay safe and happy in there! We love you more than you will ever know!!!!

Baby Entry 3...

Good Morning Bean! Yes, it isn't creative...so sue us! It's just what has seemed to stick when we talk about you or to you so...

Last night was a rough night for Mommy! The things you do to my body are not always so very pleasant and sometimes very scary, seeing as how we've never done this before! But this morning, you made your presence known, so Good Morning My Sweet Angel! I will take all the morning sickness in the world, just to know you are ok in there.

Nana and Mimi both received their packages yesterday and are thrilled to have you join our family! They love you already :)

I have to get ready for work now :( I'd (well, perhaps, WE) would rather stay home and sleep, but that isn't really an option :(

Until later Sweet Baby...WE LOVE YOU!

Baby Entry 3 Continued...

It has been 4 days since we found out about you and in one week from today we will have our very first appointment with the OB-GYN. Oh how I am praying for the chance to see your little heart beating. I can't even imagine the wonder of such an experience! Plus, I know it will help to ease a lot of the anxiety I feel since we are so early in the pregnancy right now. You are our Dear Angel and I have come to love you SOOOO much!

I decided to have Sonic for lunch today but you politely declined ~ you'll like it in a few years I'm sure! If not, that's ok...it's not Daddy's favorite place either.

It's amazing the way my body is changing to make room for your growth! While not visible yet to the outside world, trust me, I am fully aware!

We are going to Galveston later on today and by the time we leave, Aunt Jaime and Uncle James will know they are going to have a wonderful little one to love as their own. They truly are fantastic people and I know they will be like second parents to you as you grow up. Cherish them Little One!

Well, that's it for Part 2 of Baby Entry 3! Enjoy staying warm in the oven (for a VERY long time ~ well not past the 40 week point preferably, but you get my point)! I love you so, so much and don't you ever forget it!

Ah...So Glad Friday Has Come!

I really have nothing to add to that...

Thank you Lord for this day (and especially for Saturdays and Sundays!).

Baby Entry 2...

Last night, Daddy and I had a discussion about what to call you until we know if you are a he or a she. Daddy suggested Pat! What in the world????? Why would we call you Pat?!!! You'll be grateful to know that I vetoed that :) This is why Mommy will always be better than Daddy! His next suggestion, given the above mentioned veto, was Sam. While better than Pat, it is not what I had in mind!

Sweet Pea, Angel, Bean, Little One...anything like that I was ok with :) For now though, I suppose you will have to remain nameless until we find something that suits you!

I can tell you are growing based on the changes I am feeling! The things you make my body do are SO BIG for such a TINY THING! I only wish that Daddy could experience even some of what it is like to have you growing within me. It is a bond that only comes from God and I am forever changed by having you in our lives. I love you so, so much Sweet One and I promise to be the best Mommy I can possibly be each and every day!

Today, you and I went to the post office and mailed off Mimi and Nana's books. I know they will be thrilled by you! Not as much as Mommy and Daddy, but thrilled nonetheless. Last night you and I bought Grandma Gail and Papa John a "Happy Grandparents Day" card. We will deliver that when we go to Florida, even though it will be a few days belated. Given the circumstances, I think we will all THREE be forgiven :)

It is so very hard to keep you from Aunt Jaime and Uncle James but you are definitely worthy of "in person" news! I know you will love them as much as we do. They are some of the most amazing people you will ever meet!!!

Ok Little One, that's your update from the outside world for now! Enjoy growing and stay safe! Mommy and Daddy LOVE you!

To Our Little Angel...

Yesterday, (Monday, August 24, 2009 at approximately 6:00pm), Mommy and Daddy found out that you would be the newest addition to our little family.

Oh, how I have prayed for you! I have prayed that God would love you and mold you into a perfect little angel as I know only He can. I have prayed that when the time was right that you would live in Mommy's tummy and grow into a healthy baby.

Over the past (almost) 24 hours, I have prayed that we would be the Mommy and Daddy that you need. That we will be able to love you the way a child from God should be loved, that I will do everything right so that you may be happy and healthy when you enter into this world 9 months from now, that we will raise you in a home that worships the Lord and that you will know the Lord's salvation and love from an early age. I prayed that all of your hopes and dreams will come true. I prayed that you would know we will always be here for you no matter what and will love you with a love that is unconditional. I have prayed almost nonstop...thanking the Lord for you and your precious life! You are the greatest blessing we could ever have asked for! I love you so much already and I know that will only grow each and every day. Thank you for the honor and privilige of being your Mommy.

As your Mommy, I suspected you have been there for a couple of weeks. I actually noted the date on my calendar when I suddenly felt the urge to pray for you...August 6, 2009. While I can't guarantee that is the specific date of your "creation", I have to say that I truly felt the Lord burdening my heart with the need to pray for you, to keep you safe and loved until you join us here in the outside world. What a true blessing from God to share some a wonderful moment in time with you and Him alone. Please know, I will pray for you daily for the rest of your life! You are my dear angel!

I bought your Daddy a card last night to announce your arrival. I also bought him a book, but frankly, that was probably more for me than for Daddy! Your Daddy loves you too and was so thrilled that you are on your way.

I also told Brother and Sister that they were going to be welcoming a new brother or sister into their lives. Yes, I know that they don't understand exactly but they will in time! As you grow, I know they will be some of the best friends that you will ever have. They will be loyal to you, protect you, and play with you...but most of all, they will love you!

Today I bought Mimi and Nana "Grandma's Brag Books". You and I will go mail these tomorrow so they too can pray for you and love you even now! Papa John and Grandma Gail will know later since we are going to visit soon! Your very first trip to Florida :)

That's all for now, Sweet Angel. I will continue to update often and one day I will make these blogs into a book so that you will have them forever. Anytime you need to know we love you, just look back on these words Sweet Baby and know that you were loved even before you joined us in this world! You are our Precious Gift and we will cherish you always!

Until tomorrow, Sweet Baby, stay safe in there and know you are loved!!! I love you!

Just an Update...

What a title I came up with! That definitely took some effort :)

Since I have neglected the blog lately I thought I would take a few minutes to write about what's been going on in the Taliaferro household.

This weekend was super busy! I took Friday off to take care of some errands that seemed to never get done and to finish up some last minute party planning before heading to Newton for the weekend.

Friday, Mom and I went to visitation for a cousin who passed away last week in a car accident. Mary, you will be dearly missed but I know you are happy to be with your son again! Enjoy your angel wings!!! We will see you again one day!!!

Saturday morning we went to the funeral and then headed to Wally-World for some last minute supplies. I had lunch and then took a nap! After my hour long nap, Mom and I went to pick up my sister's birthday cake, we wrapped gifts, blew up balloons, gave the kiddos baths, got ourselves dressed, and headed out (late I might add but after all that who can blame us)!

I think the party went well ~ I also think Amy asks too many questions and thus, highly suspected that something was going on...that's what she gets for being NOSY! Either way, I am glad she had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed turning the big 30!

Sunday, we threw a mini birthday party for Alice Kate! Even at 2 she would prefer the bags and tissue paper to what was inside of the boxes...until she got the SHOPPING CART! Who knew kids could love shopping carts as much as that little angel? I could literally see her thinking about throwing a right hook at Autumn when she tried to take it from her. Thankfully, Autumn let go before World War III could break out in Mimi's living room!

Kevin and I left soon afterwards to head home. I took yet ANOTHER nap on Sunday afternoon while my WONDERFUL husband picked up our house. Thank you Babe! I read and relaxed...that was about it.

Nothing to make you jump out of your seat, I know, but nonetheless now at least you know what has been going on with us this past week! Hope everyone has a fantastic day!!!

We're Off to See the Wizard...

the Wonderful Wizard of Oz!

Actually, we were just going to get the mail, but if that was the title, you wouldn't have been as interested :)

Kevin and I took the dogs on a walk to get the mail this afternoon and I videotaped it so everyone could see how impressive Miss Annie is these days. Even George got a little camera time :) I can't believe how far she has come ~ this video is almost THREE minutes long!!! Are you kidding me??? As any true Aggie would say, WHOOP! But also, on a more personal note and in response to the "wouldn't walk again, get her a wheelchair" prognosis ~ TAKE THAT A&M VET CLINIC!!!

Enjoy!

Big Enough

This song was playing this morning on my way to work after dropping Annie Mae off at rehab. I've heard this song a million times and have always loved it, but this morning it meant more to me than ever and I couldn't wipe the smile off my face!

When we picked up Annie from Texas A&M almost 4 months ago, I was completely prepared to buy her a wheelchair and learn to deal with a disabled dog. I gave God the glory for even allowing her to make it through surgery. Never in a million years did I expect to be where we are today...

Annie WALKED into rehab today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It makes my eyes tear up just thinking about it. Don't box God in and He will give you more than you could ever dream of!!!!!!

Weekend in Words

Why do weekends have to be so short? Friday you are thrilled because you are about to start the weekend, Saturday is fabulous because you know you still have ONE more day, and Sunday you sulk because you have to go back to work the next day. I would absolutely vote for a 4-day weekend if ever provided the opportunity! I would vote for Monday's just because I hate Mondays...but then I guess I would have to hate Tuesdays...anyway that's enough random rambling =)

We had a busy weekend ~ fun-filled but busy! I picked up Kylie and Ashton from my sister on Friday evening and thankfully they were ready for bed by the time we got back! I am SO NOT a night owl!!!

Saturday morning the girls and I went and shopped at a few stores, had lunch at Pei Wei, went ice skating and then painted pottery. The girls whined a lot while ice skating and wanted to go after an hour...and then, when I asked them what their favorite activity was on the way home today the vote was unanimous...ICE SKATING! DO WHAT??? Are you kidding me? How is that possible amidst all the whining? Anyway, if I ever decide to take them to do that again, please remind me to go back to this particular post!

Pottery was a blast and I was very proud of them for taking their time and being patient. The first time we went a few months ago, they both made these TERRIBLY HIDEOUS angels with soccer balls. I know I should be the supportive aunt and love anything they made, but seriously, there are no kind words for the rainbow colored angels that were created.

Kevin was at a pool party for most of the day Saturday and then spent a little while getting me a NEW COMPUTER!!!!! Yea for me ~ I love it =) The other one was getting slow and cranky, plus the enter key broke. Have you ever noticed how much you use the enter key??? Trust me, it's A LOT!!!!! Not having one was sheer torture...ok, maybe that's a bit drastic, but it certainly wasn't fun =(

We all met up for dinner and then took the girls to see Bandslam. I had no hopes for this teenager flick but it was actually cute! Go ahead and laugh ~ it's ok =)

Today we went to the Museum of Natural Science. The exhibits were fun ~ I think Kevin and I enjoyed them more than the girls. Maybe they aren't quite old enough to appreciate the exhibits fully...mental note made for future visits! They do seem to like the IMAX movie Under the Sea. It still amazes me how many people reach out to touch the animals! People...it isn't actually in front of you...it's only an ILLUSION! Kids get a pass just because it is a cool experience and they are young. Adults not so much =)

Because you are likely tired of my ramblings which have no effect on your daily life, I will wrap it up with this. I had a fabulous dinner with a great friend who I love dearly and haven't seen in FOREVER! Don't you love friends like that! No matter how long it's been when you get together, it might as well have been yesterday! I love you Jennifer!!!!

Hope everyone has a great week!

An Important Lesson...

So I won't even bother going into detail because it ultimately doesn't matter. All you really need to know to understand the lesson the Lord just taught me is this...a number of small things happened this evening, nothing major or life changing, but as the saying goes "when it rains it pours." In fact tonight, what started out as a pretty relaxing spring shower turned into a summer thunderstorm ~ and not the pleasant I want to sleep and watch it rain kind of thunderstorm, but the thunder clapping, dogs hide under the blanket, car alarms go off in the neighborhood, electricity is off for hours and you are burning up kind of thunderstorm! Get the picture?

That being said, all I really wanted to do was crawl into bed and mope about how my plan didn't go as I had dreamed it up in my head ~ and if you know me at all ~ you know the plan in my head was rather detailed...I mean seriously, my spices are alphabetized on a tiered shelf in my cabinet ~ who does that???

But as I sat watching 18 Kids and Counting (yes, I do watch it!), the Lord brought me this verse which I had read earlier this morning in my devotional from Proverbs 31 Ministries.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

So even though, nothing that happened to me this evening was earth-shattering, I learned this. Even if I do think the sky is falling and the rooster is crowing and life in general is just way too complicated and difficult, at the end of the day, what matters is that I stand on my faith that the Lord is a good God and loves me unconditionally. He may test me and I may hate it (because let's be honest, the tests He often gives us, REALLY STINK!) but everything that has happened to me, is happening now, and is going to happen in the future is all history to Him. It's all going to be ok! When the thunderstorm is over, the sky will be blue again, the sun will rise, and tomorrow is a new day!

Tomorrow is always a new day! Thank the Lord for that!

Prayer is a Powerful Thing!

Perhaps it's because I wear my heart on my sleeve, perhaps it's just my passion for children, or perhaps it's just because it's in my genetic makeup to feel and worry about the pain and struggles of others...

Whatever reason the ultimate cause of my attachment to this dear family, completely unknown to me personally, I have followed their blog religiously and check daily for updates regarding their Miracle Angels.

The Stansel family welcomed six wonderful blessings into this world only days ago. Born approximately four months early, only four of the babies have survived the week. It breaks my heart for this couple. I do not know them and truth be told, will probably never meet them. Their story has been told in a number of magazines and newspapers both here locally and as far away as New York. Some people disagree with their choice to continue the pregnancy without selective reduction. That is an opinion that you are entitled to, whether you agree or disagree with that choice.

Either way, I am asking on their behalf that you lift this family up in prayers to our Heavenly Father ~ for the four remaining babies and for them as a couple as they continue to ride this rollercoaster of joys in small successes, stresses for the many complications, and especially as they struggle to be strong in the midst of their grief.

Thank you in advance and if you want to know more about this family or follow their updates personally, their blog address is: stanseljourney.blogspot.com or you can just click on the link displayed in the sidebar.

Love you all!

THE GREATEST HUSBAND IN THE WHOLE WORLD...

CAME HOME A DAY EARLY!!!!!!!!

I love my husband!!! Kevin was supposed to be gone for work until tomorrow afternoon and last night he mentioned that if all things went in our favor he MIGHT get to come home today instead. Rather than get my hopes up, I figured it probably wouldn't happen ~ better not to hope and therefore, avoid the disappointment. Plus, if you know us, we DO NOT have the best of luck! James and Jaime pick on us b/c it seems we always get the cranky server at restaurants or the annoying teenagers in the movie theater sitting DIRECTLY behind us...anyway, I digress...

So today, I email him around 2 and ask how things were going and that since I hadn't heard from him that I would assume he wasn't coming home early. No big deal ~ the pups and I could make it ONE more day. He responded and said that yes, he was going to be a couple of more hours based on the number of people left to speak and wouldn't be able to catch an earlier flight :(

I called around 5:30 and he didn't answer. So Annie and I left a message updating Daddy on how her rehab went, chalked it up to him probably being at dinner since he was an hour ahead, and went home to clean.

At 9 the phone rings and he asks how I am and I say we are all doing fine. And he says..."Why don't you come to the front door?" And there he was!!!!!! My baby is home AND WITH FLOWERS TOO :)

How great is that?! Truly the best surprise I could have ever asked for! I love you Honey :) Welcome Home!

Sad News :(

Well, it doesn't look like my precious baby made it on tv after all!!!!!!!!! Imagine my heartbreak, especially after telling her how wonderful and perfect she was going to be on tv this morning. I am so sure she understood every word I was saying! In fact, she's probably boycotting any rehab at this very moment!!! Poor, poor baby! No wonder she was completely uninterested in Sully this morning ~ she must have known something I didn't...

Anyway, enough random banter about how wronged we all feel! Here is a link to the Canine Health Institute interview conducted this morning. Dr. Brode is our wonderful doctor, Eva is our fantastic rehab specialist (and neighbor) and Kristi (running MRI machine) is one half of our welcoming crew every morning we drop her off. Apparently, Aunt Amy (as she likes to be called) didn't make it on tv but we won't hold it against her!

Television star or not, this place has been our source of hope in what was one of the very worst trials Kevin and I have faced. We love them all dearly and they will forever be a part of our family!

http://www.khou.com/greatday/video/?nvid=385564&shu=1

Updated Videos :)

It has been a while since we have posted any recent videos of our Little Miracle Walker...and, since Kevin isn't home, I figured I might as well spend my time wisely (ha ha) and update the blog :)

These videos were taken this past Thursday. We took the pups out front (she does well on concrete ~ traction issues I suppose) so that we could give everyone an update! One note...Thursdays aren't her best days as that is her "day of rest" from Wednesdays hydrotherapy + acupuncture + chiropractic adjustments. This is certainly one well-loved baby!

Video One ~ *Disclaimer ~ she kept trying to get to Mommy who just happened to be filming, so I apologize in advance for the somewhat odd video angles :)

Video Two ~ *Due to disclaimer above, we switched the videographer role around so Kevin could get a better video. Note the time on the video and how long she walks around :) It's so thrilling for us and are so grateful for all those who have prayed and are continuing to pray for our baby!

Video Three ~ This is what our first born was up to while Sissy was practicing! You can see how impressed he is with her!

See how impressed?! The neighbor pup is so much more exciting! But to give him the benefit of the doubt, at least our neighbors have a black pomeranian mix, so when his entire world is surrounded by other dachshunds, I think he enjoys playing with one of his own, even if it is through the fence :) I love you Georgie!

Daddy Come Back!

Ok, this was so sad and yet so cute! Kevin left this morning for a week and of course we are all missing him already :( Here is what the pups think of Daddy leaving (and not taking them along!)...

Such sad puppies :( Of course, since they were so sad, I had to give them something to make them happy ~ so they both got a small piece of cheese :) Nothing quite like bribery!

We love you Daddy! See you soon :)