B is for Bows, Barbies, and Butterflies

(I wrote this in September, saved as a draft, and all it lacked was the pics....I'm such a slacker!)

We are super excited to announce that Baby Taffy is a GIRL!  We're in for all things pink, frilly, and girly!  I can't contain my excitement!  I had convinced myself it was a boy and was ready to start pulling all the hand-me-downs out of the attic. What would planners like me do without modern medicine?! 

The sonogram (September 21st) showed very clearly that Baby Taffy is a girl and is growing right on schedule.  Her measurements are all within the perfect ranges for our due date.  Of course, I already knew she was perfect!  She is about 13 inches long and weighs right at a pound. 

Here are some pictures of our sweet little angel:

In keeping with our preference to have a unique and individual first name and a family-based middle name, we have decided to name her Kerra Ruth (pronounced care-uh).  Ruth is after my Nanny, Berniece Ruth Hudson Steward.  I hope that Kerra will be proud of the history of her name and namesake.  There's a legacy there that I pray will be shared with her regularly and one she'll embrace with great pride -- such strength, wisdom, hospitality and love.  I wish she had had the opportunity to know Nanny and for Nanny to know her. 

My mom sent me a note after we shared our decision on a name with everyone.  I saved it for Kerra and have read it often since that time. 

o     Hey, its mom....just wanted to let you know how proud that Nanny would be to know that she has a granddaughter with her middle name!  It brought tears to my eyes too!! I have often thought how much I wish she and Papa would have absolutely loved getting to know all their great grandchildren! Many times I feel that they are smiling down on their grandchildren and are so proud of all three of you and your families!! I guess you know that you and I have a lot of things to share with her & Jathan about Papa, Nanny, & Pop! I want to make special time in the kitchen with them as I know that would be exactly what Nanny would be doing if she were here!! I won't ever be the cook or gardener that she & Papa were but I want all of them to know that those were important things that they shared with their grandchildren...Thanks again for making Nanny smile down on her namesake! Love you so much!

I couldn't be more excited to be able to experience being the mommy of a boy and a girl!  How perfect!