‘Twas the night before New Year’s and heard in our house,
A baby was stirring; she woke me and my spouse.
Her diapers were stacked by the bedside with care,
And onsies were draped across our rocking chair.
She was nestled between us; she was snug in our bed,
While visions of fireworks danced in her head.
With us in our jammies, and she in her wrap,
We had just settled in for another night’s nap.
And out from our baby, a sigh – quiet clatter,
And we opened our eyes to see what was the matter.
A smile from her lips appeared in a flash,
As her eyes twinkled softly, shone bright through each lash.
The sight of her smiling in the light, cast a glow,
And I marveled at how much my heart could still grow.
With my lightly shut eyes, many visions appeared,
And I replayed the moments of this life-changing year:
Last New Year’s in Kansas with best friends, the Regehrs,
Would kick off our journey through this wonderful year.
Then forward to March when we’d learn of GREAT news,
That in nine rapid months, our child’s name we must choose!
From April and onward, my belly was growing.
And I waited and waited for my skin to start glowing.
Though the ride was quite rough, through night and through day,
In June we would relish our ‘One Year’ in Monterey.
As August drew closer for Mick’s special day,
We flew south to our families, on the beach we would lay.
And October was wondrous, at a bed and breakfast close by,
We rang in my thirtieth – it brought tears to my eyes.
Our little girl’s shower mid-October would be,
A joyous occasion with friends and family.
And then finally came the twentieth day of November!
That would bring on a memory we’d always remember.
She was born to us healthy with much blessing and grace,
And we couldn’t stop from marveling at her beautiful face.
And so much to give thanks for on Thanksgiving Day,
With Grandma and Grandpa, Uncles Ran and Jose.
Then I thought about Christmas, so quiet and calm.
Just the baby and us – the new dad and new mom.
All the year’s memories, a year in rewind,
And I smiled as I played them all back in my mind.
From the start to the finish, ‘08 flew by so quick!
Olivienne in our family, joined with me and Mick.
Then slowly, I opened my eyes just to see,
My wonderful husband and sleeping baby.
From two grew to three, this family we became.
This year was amazing, nothing ever the same.
So from our little trio, we whisper to say,
‘We wish you and your family the happiest holidays!’