question number three/*happy mother's day!:o)*

Bethany

What are the top three ways Sofia has changed you?

Stacey

Sofia has been such a blessing to me, I can't even begin to tell you how much I love her and how much I thank the Lord for her every day. She has changed me in so many wonderful ways! :o) Here are just a few:

(1.) She has taught me to slow down, enjoy the moment and make the most of each day. I'm learning to see the world through her eyes. She wakes up each morning with a beautiful, beaming smile on her face- full of excitement and wonder at the world around her....When I watch her, I can't help but feel that excitement and wonder all over again. When we get older, we take the beautiful things of this world for granted and tend to focus more on the negative. With Sofia, I'm slowing down and recognizing how GOOD God has been to us. We have SO much to be thankful for!

(2.) Sofia has taught me patience. I thought I was patient before I had her, but I realize now that I still had a long way to go! For example, for the first few months of her life, I used to get frustrated and quite stressed out when it came to putting her down for a nap or to bed at night. It seemed to take so long (especially at nighttime). Now, I don't even care if it takes over an hour to get her to sleep at night! I feel much more relaxed as a mom, and thoroughly enjoy the time we spend together at bedtime. We read books, play, sing, nurse....it relaxes the both of us, and is very comforting. I'm going to miss these moments when she gets older! :o)

(3.) She has made me realize how much I love and value my family. I think I took my family for granted before (not just my immediate family of Hugh and Sofia, but my extended family as well). Having a child of your own makes you realize how important and precious family really is. Having said that, I want to also stress how important it is for us as a family to keep Jesus Christ as the center of our lives. He has shown me such forgiveness, kindness, and love since I became a Christian almost three years ago....I want Sofia to grow up knowing Him and for her Daddy and I to continue our walk with Him. I want us to be a strong family, and I know now, through experience, that we cannot do it without the Lord in our lives.

I love you, Hugh and Sofia!

:o)

P.S. And for all the moms out there today (including my own, of course! :o)....

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

:o)

Love,

Stacey.