On Thursday, March 4th at 7:51pm, our lives changed in the most amazing way! We welcomed our sweet little girl, Sophie Rae Strickland, into the world. We were surrounded by our family and the room was filled with such happiness, excitement and love. Second to our wedding day, it was the warmest, most joyous day of our lives! She is truly incredible and the greatest blessing that Mark and I have ever been graced with. We are overwhelmed with joy and love for her…and we would like for you to meet her!

photo credit: Mark Strickland & Jenny Burger

Click on the image below to play the show (be patient, it may take a minute to load!) or click here: http://www.jessicastrickland.com/albumdesigns/sophie/

I seriously have the most wonderful family and friends! I don’t know what I did to deserve them but GOSH, they treat me like a queen!! My mom and sister threw this INCREDIBLE shower for me at the facility that they own and run, the Palomino Ballroom….along with help from my mother in law, sister in law and several great friends! They went overboard and created the most amazing shower ever!! It was just awesome and I felt sooo special! It was complete with incredible decor, butler passed hors d’oeuvres, custom martini’s (non-alcoholic, of course!), an awesome pasta bar for lunch, games, loads of great gifts and MUCH more!!! Soo many of my dearest friends and family came to be with me and made it truly mean soo much! I am soo grateful to have such incredible people in my life!! THANK YOU Mom, Jenny, Linda, Hannah, Lindsay, Erika & Kelly!! I love you all and I truly can’t thank you enough for EVERYTHING that you have done for me and little little baby girl!!!! (photo credit to my wonderful friend & studio manager, Erika!!)

OH…and a quick baby update! Even though she isn’t due until March 13th, my Doctor discovered that this baby might be making an early appearance because I’m “ready” (dilated, effaced, contractions, etc) a bit earlier than they expected! Although, it’s anyone’s guess when she will actually arrive (knowing my luck, she will make me deal with this for several more weeks, show up late and have fooled us all!), everything is in place for it to be any time! So, wish me luck!! I’ll certainly do a baby update when the little one arrives!!

Mark made an appearance which was FUN and special! And my Momma and I!

One of my dearest and oldest friends, Lindsay, who did soo much to help make the shower possible! And my awesome Mom and Sis…the hosts who pulled the whole thing off!

My niece, Charli!! Can you believe how big she is getting!!! 20 Months already!!

My Mom, Sis and I with Mark’s wonderful Mom and Sister, Linda & Hannah..

We made a BIG announcement that my SISTER IS EXPECTING AGAIN!!!!!! YAY!!!!! She is due in September with her 2nd child and we are SOO excited!!

This was NOT my idea and no, i’m not telling you how big I measured!!!!

Generations…My sis and I, Mom, Grandma and my niece Charli!

My college roommates, who all came from out of city, state or country to be with me! Thanks girls!!! You are the best and I love you!

And Erika…my awesome studio manager! THANK YOU for taking the pictures, E! You are the best!:)