a year in review: 2011

Wow! It seriously seems as though I was just creating a post like this not very long ago. Another year has gone by. A year that made me stronger and wiser. A year that I will never forget. A year that I grew further in my faith, in my relationship with my husband, and in my experience as a mother. I learned way more than I ever could have expected about God's love and how He's truly in control. Another wonderful year and a year that was a blessing. I'm looking forward to what 2012 has in store for our family. I know there will be a few wonderful changes. In the meantime, here's our year in review...

January: Julianna started eating table food at 10 months. We also got iced in for a few days! We enjoyed the quality family time. One of Josh's favorite parts of January was the brand new TV that we purchased!

February: Julianna got her 2 front teeth! Josh also traveled to El Salvador on a business trip. We missed him very much!

March: Julianna turned 1! She had a big, birthday celebration with friends and family at our church. We also found out this month that Julianna didn't need tear duct surgery. Two weeks after I took her to the doctor and two weeks of prayers, her eye was completely better and has been ever since. Praise the Lord!

April: Julianna discovered her love for climbing on things. She surprised us by climbing up our stairs way faster than I thought possible. Julianna also enjoyed her very first Easter egg hunts. She had one at daycare and then we went to one at my brother's house. We also planted a new tree in our front yard. I'm hoping for some large, pink blossoms this spring!

May: Julianna became the proud owner of a Little Tikes Cozy Coupe... one of my Mother's Day presents.

June: Josh and I celebrated our 3 year anniversary! Julianna also started walking this month! Very exciting month!

July: We had a blast during our 4th of July celebrations and we also celebrated Josh's 27th birthday. Julianna cut all 4 of her molars--which led to Julianna enjoying her first popsicle! It was also one of the hardest months of all. I learned I was pregnant and then just a week later, I had a miscarriage. I never knew what kind of pain a miscarriage could bring. Some physical, mostly emotional. God was with us through this and turned pain and sorrow to hope and joy. My story of my miscarriage has helped me reach out to so many other women who have gone through the same thing. I know I have another child in Heaven and I'm excited to meet them one day!

August: My addiction to thrifting really got crazy. Julianna had a blast the last few weeks of summer checking out the local thrift stores. I need to get back into it! I also started back school so Julianna did too. I met my wonderful class of 22 third graders.

September: This month held a HUGE surprise! But we kept it a secret til October. Josh's sister got married so we traveled to South Carolina to be apart of the big day.

October: The big surprise was revealed! Another baby Soto is on the way! Our family and friends were thrilled to learn our big news. This pregnancy is such an amazing miracle straight from God! Julianna also enjoyed her 2nd Halloween, dressed as a precious ladybug.

November: I celebrated my 26th birthday and Julianna started brushing her teeth on her own (which she has decided isn't as cool anymore). Julianna also enjoyed her 2nd Thanksgiving-- complete with 2 Thanksgiving meals.

December: Julianna rode in her first Christmas parade and on the very best float of all--Santa's float! She enjoyed her 2nd Christmas and was very excited to open gifts. She also drove through her first holiday light show in South Carolina.

From our family to yours, we wish you a blessed New Year--full of happiness and love! Happy 2012!



hello, 2011!

Finally, my first post of 2011. This year has gotten off to a great start. There is so much to look forward to this year. New adventures and new experiences! I love how God made it possible for us to have a fresh start on the first day of January each year. A fresh start is refreshing; it's as simple as that. I feel so motivated!

In 2011, my beautiful daughter will turn one. In 66 days to be exact. It feels like just yesterday that I found out I was pregnant, filled with anxiety and anticipation. Now today, I have my Julianna. I have watched this precious child grow from a tiny 5 lb. newborn to a energetic, silly, beautiful, and curious nearly 10 month old. 2011 will definitely be an adventure as Julianna continues to develop in a mobile and even more curious little lady! Tonight before bath time, Julianna pulled up to standing all by herself. She was standing by her crib, reached up, and pulled her little naked body up and then wiggled her hips to the music that was playing in her room. It was too cute!

2011 will also be the year to further develop or begin friendships. Everyone needs friends. Our life has changed so much since getting married and having our first child. Many of our friendships have changed. We aren't as close to some of our friends because our life is just different than it used to be. I miss them. Having friendships is really important to me. I haven't had much time to work on friendships with a new baby and work. This year is the year that I want to further develop or begin new friendships. I'd love to have a best friend (other than my Joshua).

Here's to 2011, the best year yet!