Where, oh where...

...did 2009 go??????? I am just in amazement that tomorrow will officially be 2010! I don't even know how that can be. I mean I know after Christmas comes New Year's, but even Christmas seemed to come so fast this year.

Kevin and I were coming to work today and it dawned on me that tomorrow will officially be the beginning of Sophie's birth year!!! Oh my! If the years with her go by as fast as 2009, I will blink and she will be a grown woman. I suppose I am blessed to have realized this sooner rather than later, for I will cherish each second, minute, day and year of her life with every ounce of my being.

It is so strange to know that only 5 months ago we learned the news that we were going to be PARENTS!!! It was a moment that forever changed the rest of our lives. In one single second, my life was no longer about me ~ it was solely about the child growing inside of me. In that moment, I became a mother. Kevin became a father. We became parents. The Lord chose US to raise this precious child! WOW!!! Even writing this it brings tears to my eyes for I know we are so very blessed.

It has certainly been a year of adventures ~ we saw the Grand Canyon, took a fantastic vacation with our best friends, survived Annie's surgery and subsequent recovery, welcomed new babies, spent quality time with family and friends, celebrated milestone birthdays and joyous holidays!

I will cherish this year as I have all the ones prior ~ and tonight, I will say hello to a brand new year which is sure to be even more life-changing and adventured filled than all those which have now become part of our history.

To all those whom we have been blessed with throughout our lives, we love you each dearly and look forward to many more years of love, laughter and memories!

My Prayer for You Sweet One!

Back in October (10/9/09), I posted an entry titled "My Current Favorite." I am sure you are wondering why I am even bothering to tell you this, but I am your Mom so you have to oblige me in my explanation!

That entry was for you my dear Sophie. At the time, I had not made the official "Yes, we are" post (10/23/09) and had certainly not posted any of my other random thoughts to you ~ you were saved in draft form until that ever so important announcement :)

Back to the point...

When I heard that particular song, it was my prayer to you and it still is. For the past two nights, Mommy and Daddy have heard that song on our trek home and every time, I say, "here's my song to you Sophie Grace". And while I could repost the link, I have decided to put my prayer for you into written words. (I fear that by the time you are actually able to read this, You Tube will be a thing of the past ~ you know technology and all!)

So here it is baby girl ~ from my heart to yours.

From "The Words I Would Say" by The Sidewalk Prophets:

Be strong in the Lord and,

Never give up hope,

You're going to do great things,

I already know,

God's got His hand on you so,

Don't live life in fear,

Forgive and forget,

But don't forget why you're here,

Take your time and pray,

Thank God for each day,

His love will find a way,

These are the words I would say.

I love you Baby Girl ~ Forever and Always,

Mommy

23 Weeks :)

Our dear sweet Sophie is growing bigger and thus, so is Mommy's belly! Kevin and I are so, so in love with her. I have no idea how, but I know when she gets here we will love her even more! She is such a blessing to our lives and we don't take one day of this pregnancy for granted.

We love you more than life Sophie Grace! Keep baking in there :)

Christmas

I love Christmas...but this year, I am glad the festivities have ended! It was a whirlwind of a holiday season trying to make the rounds and get all the family time distributed.

Despite the juggling act, and might I say, we did one heck of a juggling routine, Christmas was fun and the kids all seemed to have a wonderful time with their new Santa goodies! Even our sweet Sophie Grace racked up! Who knew one could get so many presents prior to exiting the womb?! We love everything though and can't wait to get her nursery setup with her new goodies!!!

There are way too many pictures to post but I wanted to share a couple of my very favorites! Hope you all had a very blessed and happy holiday!

Our Family!

Sophie's First Kiss :)

A Prediction of Approximately 3 Years from Now! Kevin and our niece Alice Kate (who looks very much like me at that age!).

22 Weeks (+ George)

Here is the 22 week baby bump picture! George was wanting Mommy time :)

21 Weeks...

Here is the less exciting post for today :) The baby bump at 21 weeks!

What You've All Been Waiting For...

So, I know you all just love my weekly updates of the growing belly, and I will post the 21 week picture later this evening. Kevin's family is in town and the camera is in their room so I can't very well wake them up just to get one picture :) Ok, well I could do that, but I think I would then earn the worst sister-in-law in the world award!!! So I'll refrain :)

Anyway, in order to give you something even more exciting on this rainy Thursday. Drum roll please...

I am finally giving you a formal introduction to Sophia (Sophie) Grace Taliaferro!!!

In the Beginning...

At 18 Weeks...

Close-Up of Face...

Hello World :)

It's a Girl!!!

Future Rockette

I have come to the conclusion over the course of today that you my dear Sophie fully intend to be a Rockette when you are older! You little girl are quite a Jumping Bean and you know what, KICK ALL YOU WANT!!!

I love every bump, every kick, every turn :) I even love when you use my bladder as your own personal trampoline! (Though for the sake of being honest with you, it is a BIT uncomfortable!)

I told Daddy today that you are celebrating your 21 week gestational age birthday! What a birthday name, huh? He is so jealous that I can feel you so much more than he can. But if only you could see the way his eyes light up every time he feels you kick ~ it is truly priceless! He is completely in love with you and is already calling you his little princess. My sweet girl, you are in for one spoiled life as a Daddy's girl :)

Keep baking and playing in there! You are the light of our lives and we could spend all day just waiting for you to move!!!

All our love,

Mommy & Daddy

Baby Likes to Eat!

Not that I didn't always love eating, but it is now my favorite event of the day! It seems that you my dear Sophie, love to eat too! I am sitting at my desk feeling you kick as I type this entry and it is truly the most wonderful experience EVER! Well, at least for right now...your birthday will certainly beat the kicking, but for now...

Kick away sweet girl! Mommy loves you!!!

20 Weeks...

Well, technically 20 weeks and 1 day but I wasn't feeling well yesterday, so this will have to do :)

Snow in Houston (12/4/09)!

Two years in a row ~ who would have thought! The snow was absolutely beautiful (and miserable to be out in but hey, maybe I was just being a scrooge!) I thoroughly enjoyed watching it through the window while laying by the fire :) Doesn't get much better than that!

19 Weeks!!!!!

I cannot believe we are almost halfway through this pregnancy! That to me is absolutely crazy!!! I love you more than life sweet girl! Keep baking :)