2010 in the books!

Happy New Year!  We enjoyed an amazing 2010 and have finally caught out breath to update the baby blog.  We just returned from a month of travel (for business and pleasure) spending our holidays in Canada with my (Steph's) family.

The trip home was long overdue and baby handled it well.  We really enjoyed the home cooking and the white Christmas BUT not the cold!

We made some lasting memories and it's crazy to think that the next time we see the same friends and family members...well...Carlo and I will be parents!!!  We also thank God for the time we had to enjoy with everyone up north and feeling our baby kick!  It was actually a mix of emotions: amazement, joy, fear, love....but I am so glad Carlo and I experienced it the exact same moment.  Very special.

Carlo got Mommy a "Toronto Maple Leafs" maternity shirt (who even knew they made those?!?) and also a baby "Toronto Maple Leafs" jersey.   Now that we are decked out in all TML gear...I think it is more for Daddy's amusement than anything.  He is a true hard core fan - born and raised.  =)

We wish everyone we love a joyful, peaceful new year filled with love, laughs and plenty of blessings.  Thank you for keeping in touch. xox

                                              Big cousin Ethan posing in Baby's First Jersey!

The luckiest girl in the world

For this year in particular, we have SO much to be thankful for.   The things we are most thankful for are those things money could never buy:

Health, life, love, faith, laughs, enduring friendships, family and the ability to capitalize on opportunities.  We are so blessed.

I feel like the luckiest girl in the world!  =)

Happy Birthday Dad & Happy 35th Anniversary Papa and Mama & Au Revoir Pogs!

***A Note to Our Baby***

Everyone is excited you are on the way!   You are the BEST gift according to the grandparents.  =)   You aren't giving us any trouble so we hope you are happy in mom's tummy.  We hope you get a chance to meet your big brother Pogi one day.  He can tell (and show) you how spoiled you are truly going to be! Keep growing baby...we are over the moon with love & joy for you.  XOX

Hope

There's nothing like the love you have for a child and it's true...I LOVE babies & children (at one point even wanting to teach), but I never realized how much love would overflow for my own.  It's instantaneous!  You want to be the best, give the best....of anything and everything.  A pretty tall order!  Carlo and I are extremely grateful and committed that we are at a point where we can provide for this baby to the best of our abilities.  We already know our baby is pretty smart since he/she knew when the opportune time was to enter into our lives.  The parental pride has kicked in!  =)

We know what important qualities our families and friends possess that have helped see us all through times of sun and times of rain.  We hope our child embraces these throughout life, most importantly:

A Faith in God - there's only One who has always been there to provide and guide the way.  Looking back, we witness His graceful and forgiving works within us.  We hope our child knows God and that we can live up to our responsibility as parents to raise and support our child with his/her life in Christ.  Sometimes people may say parents lead children to God, but for me in this particular time in my life, I feel my child has led me back to the glory of God.  Thank you for giving us this miracle.

                                                     ***A note to our baby***

You're growing and strong.  We wonder what you'll be like and joke/hope that you don't inherit the other parent's quirks.  Unfortunately, we have many baby.  =P

We want you to know how much you are loved.  We promise to do our best and provide for your dreams.  You give us the motivation to work hard and follow our own so that you see hard work, dedication and passion always pays off.  Like all your ancestors before you (we have so many stories to tell), always try, never give up baby, it IS all possible!  Enjoy life, love, learning.  We will always be here and proud of you.