Welcome to the World Sweet Julian!

It is hard to believe that five years ago, I started an internship for that would forever change my life. Yes, I got experience that I cannot trade for any of the EXPENSIVE college textbooks that I poured hours into. But more than that, I made friendships with some incredible women that have continually blessed my life in more ways that I can count.

I have always said I'd rather have a few friends that I could trust with anything, than a million "friends" who are when the times get tough merely acquaintances. These women definitely fall into that first category ~ because truly, not only would I trust them with my life, but more telling, I would trust them with my daughter's. And that alone says more than words ever could!

So all that said, over the past five years we have all changed in so many ways. While none of us are still currently with the original company, we have continued to make time for each other and our relationships. We have welcomed two husbands, two new houses, two stepkiddos, and now...NOW THREE BABIES! (Soon to be four when our precious Alexis (Lexi) makes her arrival in a few months)!

Anyway, all that to say...God is really pretty cool and when you think things are going WAY downhill, He actually knows what He is doing...who would have thought right?! I remember when Amber and Traci both announced that they were leaving to take new jobs ~ I think all of the rest of us girls were not only in shock but quite depressed too! We had no idea how our normal lives at work would be after that. And yet, not only did we keep those relationships strong, we formed even stronger ones amongst ourselves.

I never imagined that Debbie would be one of my dearest friends in the entire world several years ago, but now I can't imagine my life without her! She and I are so similar in so many ways and often think and say the same things at exactly the same time! You should see our chats ~ it's like we are copying each others posts :) "GET OUT OF MY HEAD DEBBIE!" (That's pretty much an inside joke!)

And not only did I never foresee how close the two of us would become, but I never thought we would actually have the opportunity to share the amazing journey of pregnancy together. When I broke the news to Debbie about our pregnancy, she specifically said..."wouldn't it be fun if we could be pregnant together?" But, they had been trying for a while and we didn't actually think it would happen...but didn't God laugh at us!

So with only a mere 8 weeks separating our two precious babies...welcome to the world Julian Cade Hinojosa! We have waited so long for you to arrive and could not be happier :) You are 8.14 lbs of precious, perfect and amazing little boy and we love you more than you could know! Happy Birthday sweet boy! Prepare to be spoiled rotten!!! It's my job as your "aunt"!

First Road Trip

This past Friday evening we took our very first road trip! Big step I know :) It was only about 3 hours so we fed her before we left and THANKFULLY she slept all the way to my Mom's ~ can we all breathe a sigh of relief?! AND, we made it into the subdivision on Saturday afternoon before we started fussing ~ how did I get that lucky???

Since Mimi (my Mom) dislocated her elbow the weekend before Sophie was born, she hadn't been able to come and stay with us as originally planned. Now that she is on her way to recovery (YEA!), we wanted to take Sophie back to our roots for a visit and as part of our Mother's Day gifts to the grandmothers. I am so glad that we were able to make this trip and allow my Mom that special time with her newest granddaughter...they are only so tiny for a such a short time and I certainly didn't want her to miss out.

In addition to getting some serious Mimi loving, Sophie also got to meet her two great-grandmothers and great-grandfather. I am so blessed that Sophie still has so many wonderful grandparents and great-grandparents to share in her life. She even has a great-great-grandmother who turns 100 this year! I sure do hope that Sophie and Mawmaw are able to meet soon ~ 5 generations is certainly something not everyone gets to be a part of!!!

Here are a few pictures from our trip :)

Mimi and Sophie Rocking

Still Rocking - But Toby Man has joined the party ;)

Mema Gilley (Maternal Great-Grandmother)

Mimi Canty (Paternal Great-Grandmother)

Papa Canty (Paternal Great-Grandfather) ~ Pa made great friends with George and Annie! Pa just laughed and smiled at George the whole time and George loves anyone who offers up rubs :) A great group they made!

The time is flying :(

Four weeks ago today, we welcomed our precious angel into this world. I cannot believe she is one-month old today. I've always heard they grow up too fast but this is ridiculous ~ PLEASE SLOW DOWN :(

I am so proud of her as only a Mommy can be...cause it's not like she does all that much ;) Every day though is something new ~ a new facial expression, a realization of a new part of her world, a new coo. She has already changed so much in the last month ~ the miracle of her life is so amazing to me. Even on the roughest day of nonstop fussiness, when I haven't had a shower, am covered in baby spit-up and am totally exhausted ~ one look into those big blue trusting eyes so filled with unconditional love and my heart melts. She truly has the power to right everything in my world in a single moment...the love of a child is one that you simply cannot explain...

At one month ~

• We have now officially been diagnosed with acid reflux after a trip to the pediatrician, followed by an ultrasound at Texas Children's to eliminate an anatomical issue with her pylorus, take Prevacid twice a day and Mylanta every four to six hours.
• Weighed 7 lbs 11 ozs at above said appointment (with clothes so more like 7 lbs 9 ozs) = 25th percentile
• Still wear newborn clothes and diapers
• Eat about 3 oz per feeding ~ and spit-up a LOT (see above acid reflux diagnosis)
• Are now sleeping about 4 hours at a time :)
• Make the cutest mouse sounds ever!
• Enjoy baths
• Still love being swaddled, held, patted and rocked
• Think ceiling fans are super cool
• Have decided the swing is so much more fun than the bouncy seat
• Rarely find your playmat entertaining and more often than not get annoyed by tummy time
• Officially rolled over on one side today ~ Happy One-Month Birthday! (Time will tell if this was a random fluke since she was inclined in her pack-and-play, but she did it more than once so I'm thinking milestone partially accomplished??)
• And finally...GET CUTER BY THE MINUTE!!!

Mommy and Daddy love you more than life Boo-Bear!

Four Weeks and Growing

Four Week Close-Up

Rolled Over on Her Side :)

3 Weeks!

Sophie had a wonderful 3-week birthday today :)

She and Mommy took the giant leap of faith and ran errands together! After a quick trip to work for her to meet a few special people, we did a Target trip and then met her wonderful Daddy for lunch :) There was a minimal meltdown towards the end of lunch over a dirty diaper, but who can blame her for that?! Once that was resolved, she was her happy, bright-eyed self for Kevin's office and slept right through PetsMart, where we picked up some special things for Brother and Sissy. She's been napping peacefully since getting home, and Mommy is beyond proud of her for behaving so well! She is certainly a trooper to have tolerated all that activity :)

At 3 weeks, Sophie is eating 3-ozs per feeding which happens about every 3 to 3.5 hours, is still wearing newborn clothes and diapers, is staying awake a little longer between naps, and continues to steal my heart with every second of her life.

Every day I say I couldn't love her more, but somehow I always do!!!

Three Weeks

Three Week Close-Up

Mobile Me = Updated (Yes again!)

Mobile Me has been updated with additional pictures...

http://gallery.me.com/heathertaliaferro#100332

Even at 1:30am...

Even at 1:30am, she steals my heart :)

Grandma & Papa John!

I love my Grandma and Papa John! I slept so well on their chests and they absolutely adore me (but then who doesn't) :)

Also, a special thank you for taking the 5:00am feeding so Mommy and Daddy could sleep in!!!

Hanging with my Papa John!

Yummy dinner with Grandma!

This is peaceful sleeping if I ever saw it!

She was so good for them and then the real Sophie came out :) Just kidding, she really is a good baby 98% of the time! The other 2% she is just gassy which is not her fault...and that is what I tell myself a million times in the middle of the night ~ it is not her fault, it is not her fault, it is noone's fault, just keep rocking and patting, just keep rocking, it will be over soon...lol :)

Happy Family ;)

Love you both very much! Can't wait to see you again REALLY soon!!!

Your newest granddaughter,

Sophia Grace

Two Week Update

Sophie is growing up so fast. It is hard to believe that she is already two weeks old :( I have no idea where the time went. It seems like yesterday when I saw her for the first time in an operating room ~ and yet, it also seems like she has been a part of our family forever. Maybe this is just how it works??? God knows what He's doing and prepares your heart so far in advance that you just become a family. Looking at her brings me peace and makes me complete. The only way I know how to explain it, is this.

I had a hole in my heart. Honestly, one I didn't know I had. But, the day she was born, I realized the hole was there, and my precious daughter is the only one who can fill it ~ she is the perfect fit.

My life is more joyful with Sophie in it. I am a better person for being her mother. And I will strive every day of my life, to make her proud, to raise her right, and to love her more than anyone could ever think possible.

At two weeks, Sophie weighs 6 lbs 15 ozs, sleeps about 2 1/2 hours at a time, eats between 2 and 2 1/2 ozs per feeding, loves being held and is melting my heart more every second of the day.

Sophie was such a trooper at her two week appointment (4/28/10). Thankfully, she didn't have to have shots this time ~ we only had to have blood drawn for her second PKU test for the state. Neither Daddy or I cried, but I sure wanted to :( On a positive note and one deserving much praise and thanksgiving to our Heavenly Father, Sophie is still showing NO SIGNS of hip dysplasia! Because she was breech in the womb for so long, this is something that will have to be continually monitored...but for now, she is absolutely perfect! We also got a prescription for some eye ointment for the clogged tear ducts and are anxious for this to clear up the "goop" that is hiding my baby's big blue (but getting darker) eyes.

Here are a few more pics of my angel! It's a good thing this is my blog and I have rights as the sole editor because I sure do take a lot of pictures :)

Two Weeks and Still Tiny!

Two Week Close- Up

Two Week PKU Test :(

My 1st Time at a Restaurant! Mommy and Daddy went to Gringo's after my appointment :)

More Pictures

Mobile Me has been updated with additional pictures...

http://gallery.me.com/heathertaliaferro#100332

Updates :)

As full disclosure, I'm running on fumes so I am hoping that this post is coherent :)

Well, to say we've been a bit busy would be an understatement! Our lives have certainly changed forever and we wouldn't change a minute of it :) Ok, well...if we could get more sleep, get Sophie to breastfeed consistently, and take away the mastitis that I have developed, then maybe I would change a FEW things if given the chance :) But overall, she is precious and the love of our lives!

Being a mother is by far the hardest thing I have ever done in my entire life, but I also know it is going to be the most rewarding thing I will ever get the opportunity to do. I don't take the fact that the Lord chose us to be Sophie's parents for granted even for one second. We are so, so blessed!

Thankfully, the dogs adore their new sister...sometimes a little too much adoration (aka licking) is involved. Annie loves to sniff (especially her diapers which is somewhat weird and gross) and is said licker mentioned above. She also wants to share all of Sophie's toys and blankets...this one will require some more work :) George comes running anytime she cries ~ poor thing looks as exhausted as Mommy and Daddy!!! And the cutest thing is that every time she cries, George brings her his ball. If you know our dog at all, the ball is his FAVORITE thing in the entire world (though the sprinkler runs a close second). For him to offer his ball is so sweet of him and he makes me a proud Mommy. One day I know Sophie and George will have a great fetching relationship!

Sophie will have her two week appointment this Wednesday morning. Mommy and Daddy are dreading those shots ~ I know it is going to break my heart and probably her Daddy's more :( I keep telling myself she is too little to hate me forever and that it's for her own good...still dreading that visit though!

I go back to the doctor on Friday morning and am hoping to be officially released to drive. Not that I necessarily want to pack mule a baby around just yet, but just for the sake of being able to :)

And now, since I'm sure this is really all you wanted to see...pictures!

Home Sweet Home!

Family of Five!

3 Generations (Mommy, Sophie and Mimi)

Sophie, Aunt Jaime and Lily Pie

Uncle Daniel, Aunt Debbie, Sophie (+ Julian ~ can't wait for you to join us!)

Uncle Joe, Sophie and Sarai

Nana and Sophie

Daddy and His Princess

Daddy Makes Me Smile ~ We sent this to Daddy when he had to leave to go back to work :(

So Tiny!

She DID NOT get her Mommy's stubby feet :)

Wide-Eyed Girl

What does that face mean I wonder??? I'm pretty certain I changed a diaper slightly thereafter :)

Slightly annoyed by Mommy's constant picture taking!

And on that note, Sophie is waking up and duty calls! More to come :) Stay Tuned!

1 Week Old! ~ April 20, 2010

Happy 1 week birthday sweet girl! I'm not sure we will get the birthday song in every week, but I do plan on taking a weekly picture to track how fast our sweet baby is growing. I know it will be faster thank I like :(

Yes, I do...

Yes, I do videotape EVERYTHING! How can you not when my sweet baby is the most precious thing in my life. So here's an apology ahead of time...

Sophie -

Yes, I video tape everything. Some day it will annoy you. Some day it will embarrass you. Perhaps some day it will be used as blackmail. But hopefully, some day, you will realize that life is short, unpredictable ~ that tomorrow is not guaranteed. And then, I hope you take these memories with you, that you cherish them and realize more than anything, you are loved more than you could possibly know. *Plus, I'm the Mom and I said so :)

I love you Sophia Grace ~ more than words can say!

Always and forever,

Mommy

First Car Ride

Just a Swingin'

Love My Bouncer

Napping in My Pack-n-Play

April 13, 2010...

The day our lives changed forever!

My precious husband took these videos of our sweet Sophia Grace while I was in recovery. I am so glad he did because I don't want to miss out on a minute of her life!

I love you Honey! Thanks for being a wonderful husband and a fantastic Daddy :)

Pediatrician Update

Sophia Grace Taliaferro is a FREE WOMAN! She should be up to our room in the next couple of hours :) Here's hoping she continues to be stable!!!

Sophia Grace Taliaferro

As most of you know by now, our sweet Sophia officially joined the outside world on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at 8:07 am. And even if I do say so myself, we think she is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! I cannot even begin to explain the amount of love that we have for this tiny 6 lbs 13 oz bundle of joy!

There are so many things I wish I could say ~ but be forewarned, I am on a drug that has twice the impact of Vicodin so if this post is a little scattered, just blame it on the meds!

First of all, Kevin and I want to let everyone know that we are so grateful for all the prayers we have received throughout this pregnancy and especially over the last couple of days. It is so very hard for Kevin and I not to be able to hold our precious daughter, to change her diapers, to feed her when she is hungry...just to be Mommy and Daddy the way we want to be. Please know your prayers are working and not only helping Sophie, but also providing us with peace and understanding when we need it most.

Sophie has developed respiratory complications from the c-section. While she is healthy in every other way (for which we are eternally grateful), our little Boo Bear can't regulate her own breathing due to the fluid that has accumulated in her lungs. The approved Compressions Per Minute (CPM) range is between 30-60. Sophie is a tiny bit stubborn ~and for some reason, people have been saying "just like her Momma" ~ what does that mean exactly :). Anyway, I digress. Sophie is determined (sounds better than stubborn!) to do things in her own timing and her own way. Right now her CPMs will be great for a few minutes and then she will spike somewhere way above 60 ~ we've seen her go from 35 to 70 in the blink of an eye or just stay in the 70s or 80s for a few seconds. Just that alone means she does not qualify to be admitted to the General Nursery and is therefore, in the Level 2 NICU. The NICU nurses have been super sweet and we are able to visit as often as we like. This morning we are anxiously awaiting an update from the pediatrician! Here's hoping for good news :)

On another note, I officially have the greatest husband in the entire world. Kevin has split his time between the NICU and my room like a pro. Despite being totally exhausted, he has been there every baby step of the way while I recover...and when I say baby steps ~ they are literally baby steps! Today I am officially IV and epidural free...though that whole epidural free part is sort of a downer at the same time. Thank the Lord for good drugs! Hopefully, my recovery will continue to progress each day as I hate being unable to take care of myself like a normal person. Which is why I am so very, very blessed to have a wonderful husband who loves me and his daughter more than anything in this world. He has truly given me the greatest gift anyone could have ever imagined.

He gave me this...

and for that gift, our lives are forever changed in the most amazing and beautiful way. We love you Sophie Grace.

Always and forever,

Mommy and Daddy

P.S. All the videos and pictures can be accessed through this link. In at attempt at full disclosure, there are operating pics too but nothing bloody! Hope you enjoy as much as we do!!!

http://gallery.me.com/heathertaliaferro#100332&bgcolor=black&view=grid

38 Weeks :)

This is the last pregnant belly post :) We welcomed our baby girl just hours after this photo was taken!

Sleep ~ Hmmm...

I am technically still supposed to be sleeping! Yeah, right!

Tell a person they are having a child the next morning and think they will sleep...I think not :) So we are up (well Kevin and the pups are still asleep) but Sophie and I are awake!

Today, I feel like I should have some major heart touching post and to be honest, I've got NOTHING! Well, nothing like I thought I would. But given the journey we are about to embark on, I guess being a little short of words makes all the sense in the world. So for now, this is all I've got ~ my randomness spit out...

Sophie,

Today is your birthday. For 38 weeks (well almost ~ you have to deduct for when we didn't know about you yet!) we have wished you a Happy Birthday every Tuesday. And today, today we are wishing you a Happy Birthday in a whole different way ~ in person. It is surreal, and scary, and perfect, and wonderful, and strange, and life-altering, and a million other words I wish I knew right now. But for now, Mommy has no words really. All I know is that in approximately FOUR hours, I will see your face for the very first time. And I will love you with a love that goes beyond words. For as much as Daddy and I love you now, I know it will not even come close to the love that will fill our hearts at seeing your precious face. So, for now baby, know that you are loved and covered in prayers by so many people. But most of all, always remember, Mommy and Daddy love you more than words can say ~ and we always will!

For now sweet girl, stay safe and warm and happy in there because you are about to meet the WORLD!

Always and forever,

Mommy (and Daddy but he's sleeping!)

Finally Updating...

I am finally getting around to updating the belly pics. It's been INSANELY crazy around our house lately finishing up all the preparation for Sophie. It's been fun but I am so, so happy that we are done!

33 Weeks:

34 Weeks:

35 Weeks:

36 Weeks (9 MONTHS PREGNANT!!!)

37 Weeks (The final countdown has begun!!!)

At the absolute maximum, we will have only TWO, (did you get that, TWO) belly pictures left. Is that not absolutely crazy? I can't believe we are so close to meeting our precious girl! We are already so in love with her, I can't even imagine how holding her for the first time is going to feel...