The Laurence Family

Mad Baby is 4 Months Old

2011-08-05T11:33:00.005-04:00

This week Mad baby turned 4 months old. It's been a quick 4 months!

What you NEED to know:

Mad Baby really isn't mad anymore! She's a happy happy girl now!

Her favorite things are milk, rolling over, "standing up", her big sister, and SLEEPING! (Thank you baby Jesus!)

Her hair is definitely going to be dark, maybe even darker than Isabella's.

Her eyes are still kind of a bluish color, but they are changing for sure.

My best guess is that she weighs in the ballpark of 11.5 - 12 lbs. Officially the teeniest baby I've ever know that was born fullterm.

She is still rocking the newborn and some 0-3 month clothes.

She is in size 1 diapers.

And she still loves to be swaddled.

There really isn't that much to tell about a 4 month old! Her well child check is Monday and I will have more stats then. I'm not looking forward to her having to get shots, but thats how it goes.

Planking: Everyone Is Doing It

2011-07-24T11:05:00.003-04:00

Just this week I found out about this new craze called planking. Well today I came out of the bathroom and found Isabella like this....

Even my two year old is cooler than me!

A Little Awkward, A Little Awesome

2011-07-12T14:13:00.004-04:00

So, Im in a blogging mood. Rare, I know. Here is a little insight into out life as of late A&A style.

A little awkward...

Having a beautiful amazing baby who I've only mentioned maybe twice on this blog. :(

Realizing that you have befriended a crazy person, and that person lives right across the street from you.

Having your 2 year old tell everyone in sight excitedly "I PEED" every time she goes to the restroom.

Finding a dead squirrel in your kiddie pool. How.very.tragic.

Having people come over regularly and seeing what my house looks like on a daily basis. Yikes!

Finding ONE grey hair while fixing your hair on you 29th birthday. :(

A little awesome...

Having two sweet baby girls!

Being 23 lbs under my pre pregnancy weight!

My new friends...love love love them. (not the crazy ones mentioned above)

Jonathan getting a raise this year that is exactlly enough to cover the cost of Isabella's preschool and gymnastics. Woot woot!

Having someone to go walking with every night, it keeps me accountable. I've lost weight and the adult time is amazing!

Summer....pools, sunshine, popsicles, long days, and late nights on the back porch.

Going on a date with my husband for our birthdays and seeing the funniest movie ever.

Shopping at Ikea with a fellow shopaholic.

Finding good sushi in Sumter!

3 Month Comparison

2011-07-12T14:04:00.003-04:00

Isabella 3 months

Madelyn 3 months

Sometimes I think they look alike, others not so much.

Get Real

2011-07-12T13:28:00.002-04:00

(Madelyn is in her swing asleep and she toots.)

Isa: Excuse you, Mama!

Me: That wasn't me, that was your sister.

Isa: Get real, Mama, you can't toot in your sleep!

Me: Yes you can.

Isa: It's okay, it's okay, you tooted.

Can't win with that kid!

Birthday Pictures

2011-01-20T15:53:00.003-05:00

You birthday party in GA:

Your actual birthday, a small party at home with friends:

Your official 2 year old photo:

25 Months and Counting

2011-01-20T15:03:00.004-05:00

As you all know I have my ups and down with this blog. I try to be better and I am, then I slack again. Vicious cycle. So, there are many things I don't blog about and I can easily shrug it off. Today I realized I never blogged about Isabella turning two. Sad mommy, bad mommy.

So here is everything you need to know about a 2 year old Isabella.

What can I say about you, sweet Isabella? My little noodle turned toddler in the blink of an eye. I guess I will start out by telling you that you are truly loved by everyone who meets you. You're sweet, outgoing, and funnier than I knew any kid could be. People are just drawn to you, you're that girl. I guess you are like your mother in that you never meet a stranger and for some reason your mouth never, ever, stops moving.

At your two year well check up you really impressed the doctor. You talked her ear off and told her that you loved her watch. You even told here that you would like to have it. (I would have liked to have it too, so shiney and diamond-y!) Although she declined your request you were still an exemplary patient as always. (By the way, keep that up, seriously!) At two you are a towering 35 1/4" tall and and 23.2 pounds. Is it obvious that you have your daddy's body and not mine? I think by the time you are 5 you'll be taller than me. Everything checked out as above average to exceptional, you are one special girl!

The things you love very best are Dora, playing outside, your big girl bed, books, and your daddy! The things you love the very least are sleeping, wearing clothes, messes, and Santa Claus. It's so fun to watch you every day as you explore and learn new things. As you are getting older the way you interact with everything around you is changing. Some things in the past that you have completely shunned are now your favorite and things you once loved aren't your "thing" anymore. Hey, by the way, welcome back to the meat eating world.

You say the funniest things and always keep my laughing. You're big heart and sweet soul are even more beautiful to me than your perfect little face. These are the things I think of when I think of you. Your compassion for other people and other things amazes me every day. I am proud to be your mommy, and I wouldn't trade you for anything. You are going to be an amazing big sister. Even if you are a little jealous at first, I know that you will be good to her, because that's who you are. (Oh yeah, I'm pregnant, but that's another post!)

Oh and before I forget, thank you for being awesome and making potty training a breeze. We started on Dec 30, a Thursday, and by the end of the weekend you were going all day accident free. You are a super star, my dear. It's been 3 weeks and there is no looking back, diapers, as are most baby things, are a part of your past!

Most importantly remember that at 2 I love you, as I did when you were a tiny embryo in my tummy, and as I will when you are a teenage girl making my hair grey. You are now and will always be my Isa!

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-19T22:26:00.001-05:00

Here is my girl, sick again, deeply involved in an episode of Dora!

Holy Deja Vu

2011-01-14T16:14:00.002-05:00

Today at lunch Isabella was doing her usual terrorizing of the refrigerator and I was shocked at how tall she looked standing there. All of the sudden I remembered taking some pictures of her doing this exact same thing when she was much smaller. I whipped out my camera and grabbed a few shots while I had the chance. While she was napping I started looking through my pictures and found the "original". What a coincidence that they were taken almost exactly a year apart. Look how she has grown! I can't even think about it, it makes my head hurt.

January 14, 2011

and just a short 369 days before....

January 10, 2010.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-12T13:04:00.001-05:00

What Do I See?

2011-01-04T11:00:00.002-05:00

I was noticing this morning that there are a few sights that have become somewhat permenant fixtures in our home. To give you an insiders view I thought I would share a few things you might see in our house...

ME, in my sweats!
Shoes all around the shoe rack in the front hall.
All my beautiful throw pillows, on the floor.
Isabella in various states of undressed.
Babydolls everywhere.
Something camo in ever room (things my husband hasn't put away!)
Little People all standing in a perfectly straight line, because that's the way Isabella INSIST that they live.
Dora Dora everywhere!
More and more pictures of Isabella, because all her pictures turn out great!
Food on the floor because no matter how much I sweep my child can junk up the floor.
A glass of water sitting on the table by "my" chair. I can't get enough to drink!
Baby gear starting to creep it's way back out of the closets.

It's not exciting, and sometimes it sure isn't pretty, but I've started accepting this as my new norm. This house, and all its sights, they are our home!

This is my life...

2010-11-10T07:29:00.006-05:00

A blog that I read regularly did a posted yesterday called "A little bit awkward, a little big awesome". When I read the title I thought to myself that I HAD to make a blog post like this. It's a perfect description of my life!

A little bit awkward:

Showing up for my OB appointment a week before my actual appointment. The right day and right time, just a week early!

Having my daughter YELL "toot toot" in the middle of a store because someone else on the isle passed gas.

Calling my husband at work and instead of asking for SSgt Laurence I said Jonathan, then hung up from embarrassment.

Having to cross your legs when you sneeze, then looking up to see 3 other moms looking at you sympathetically. I guess I wasn't as discreet as I thought.

Having an elderly lady tell you that your daughter needs a jacket on because it's cool outside. But she DOES have a jacket on and you don't know what to say.

Tearing up and then crying during a college football game because one of the players went down.

Having a friend ask you a question that you really don't want to answer because they really don't want to know the truth.

A little awesome:

My husband getting up at 4:30 with our wide awake daughter because I tossed and turned all night.

My daughter - enough said.

Feeling a little life moving inside of me, which is, by the way, the most amazing thing ever.

Having a clean house AND being caught up on laundry. It's amazing the things that make you happy when you get older and become a mom.

Getting the exact gift we wanted for Isabella's birthday and spending $20 less than we expected! SWEET!

The fact that the hair on my legs virtually stops growing when I'm pregnant. Nothing better than that.

Putting up my Christmas tree in another 10 days! I know Thanksgiving comes first, but why can't we celebrate Thanksgiving with a beautiful Christmas tree in the background?

Having awesome friends and family, near and far, who love and support you. The life we live because of Jonathan's career is hard at times, but we have met some awesome people who have changed our lives, and that's what it's all about! And family is family! :)

So that's my awkward and awesome. Is it weird for me to blog about things other than Isabella?

To finish it off, a little awkward and a little awesome photo style.

AWKWARD!

AWESOME!

A Mental Picture

2010-10-24T20:41:00.002-04:00

I've been a horrible picture taker. I haven't pulled out my camera nearly as much as I would like for months. I have some great pictures of Isabella in my head though and I would like to share them with you. Here they are, in no particular order:

Picture 1: The look on her face when an acorn she dropped was stolen by a squirrel. "Hey, I wanted that 'sgirl'".

Picture 2: The big smile she gets on her face when we talk about the baby. I love my mental picture of her hugging and kissing my belly.

Picture 3: Isabella standing in front of the GIANT aquarium in Atlanta staring at all the fishes with amazement.

Picture 4: My little dragon trick or treating for the first time at Boo At The Zoo.

Picture 5: Her face this morning when her Nana gave her a stoller for her babies. You would have thought someone had put a table full of cake and cookies in front of her, she was THAT happy.

There is so much I wish I could share. We're loving life right now and just enjoy our time together. It won't be too much longer and we'll have another baby to love.

Barn Owl Promitives Giveaway

2010-07-28T13:07:00.002-04:00

I'd love this sign. It's cute, and it's British, and as you all know Isabella was born in England!

Check it out!

Do You Still Love Me?

2010-07-25T20:34:00.005-04:00

Of course you do! I may be the world's worst blogger, but I'm the only person in the world blogging about something you all love - ISABELLA! So let's get to it.

Almost 2 months ago Isabella turned 18 months old. We took her for her well check up and everything was great! She weighed 21 lbs 7 oz, and was 31.5 inches long. Can you believe she it? She had a huge growth spurt and grew an inch in one month. Um, that's crazy! She has a fat head, that we already knew. When the doctor measured her head she said "Well, we know she has a big brain!". Love it.

She is running around, talking, singing, dancing, causing chaos, and most of all, leaving a trail of toys everywhere she goes.

She has big brown eyes that could charm the pants off of anyone. And unfortunately I think she already knows that.

She's smart.

She's independent.

Oh, yes, and she is STUBBORN!

She can say anything she wants to say, but 99% of the time she doesn't want to say ANYTHING when we want her too. Stinker.

We love the little person she is becoming, it's a miracle every day watching her grown and learn.

I love her guts.

**This pictures is from almost exactly a year ago (Jul 21, 2009 to be exact). Look how much my baby has grown!

Love Love Love

2010-06-15T20:46:00.003-04:00

Here are a few things I love about my daughter:

The way she smiles SO BIG when you come to get her out of bed in the morning.
How her eyelashes seem to go on forever.
The fact that she loves animals of all sorts.
Her big yummy chocolate eyes.
The way she gets sad when she sees someone cry.
Her laugh.
The way she sits and "reads" her books with such enthusiasm.
How she says "sorry" by gently rubbing your face and then giving you a kiss.
Her adorable baby curls.
The way her lips pucker up when she is falling asleep so that you have to steal one last kiss before putting her in bed.
Her "elbow dance".
Her neverending willingness to share.
The way she studies everything.
That she is FEARLESS.

Of course I could go on and on forever! I'm so glad that I'm her mommy, I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Time Is Taking My Baby Away

2010-05-19T07:25:00.007-04:00

Two nights ago we converted Isabella's crib to a toddler bed. Personally, I wasn't ready for the change, but Jonathan's upcoming shift change made it necessary. It may seem like a really small thing, but for me it's just another reminder of how my baby is a baby no more. Although I've spent almost every day of her life with her and watched her every move she turned into a big girl without me even knowing. The days came and went, and now my baby is almost a year and a half old. Time, it seems, is not my friend. On the bright side my beautiful baby is now a smart, funny, loving little girl. Still beautiful, but so much more too! By the way, she loves her new bed.

Her Mother's Daughter

2010-05-16T19:32:00.004-04:00

We went to The Children's Place today to get Isabella a swimsuit. Because we weren't going to be very long Jonathan carried her in, we didn't bother with a stroller. When we got to the section that has the clothes for her size she wanted down. The first thing she did was ran over to some shoes and said "cute"! That's my girl!

This picture has nothing to do with the shopping, but it was taken today and it's CUTE! See, I really am trying to be a better blogger.

Isabella Is 17 Months

2010-05-04T10:22:00.005-04:00

Isabella never had a 15 month appointment because she was sick and on antibiotics for most of March which pushed her 15 month appointment to yesterday, the day before she turned 17 months old. The appointment went well despite having to wait forever because there was only one doctor and one RN working! Isabella is 30.5 inches tall (I don't think she was standing up straight, but who knows?) 25th percentile, they said she is falling to the short side which is weird because she has always been kind of tall. No worries though, because I'm short and Jonathan is no giant. She weighs 21 lbs, between 10th - 25th percentile, which is where she has always been. And her head is 18 1/4" which is the 50th percentile, again, kind of where it has always been. If you are wondering, she gets that melon from her Daddy.

The nurse was wowed by how good a patient Isabella was, and the doctor too. When they stuck her finger she didn't even flinch. She was amazed by the blood and loved watching it flow from her finger. She even smiled as she watched it travel up the little tube that they use to test for lead. She was so well behaved while she was being examined. The doctor was impressed and said we have a very laid back little girl. She was in and out in a flash, she said it usually takes her twice as long because the kids fight and won't be still. That's our good girl! Everything was fine with Isabella, she is perfectly health! The only concern was that Isabella hasn't been on vitamins and she should have been for the past 5 months. We didn't know this, of course, and the doctor who saw her at her 12 month appointment didn't mention it at all. So glad we decided to switch doctors. She had to get 2 shots, and although she did cry a little, it didn't last long, not even a minute. Because she was such a good patient the nurse gave her two "treasures" which pleased Isabella so much she blew the nurse a kiss.

I meant to talk to the doctor about potty training but forgot. Isabella is showing a lot of signs that she is ready to start, so we are going to take a very laid back approach and see what happens. I would love to have her potty trained before the next baby arrives (no, I'm not pregnant, yet!), but we aren't pushing it. She is a smart girl, she will let me know when its REALLY time. I cant remember if I posted it here or not, but one time last week Isabella asked to sit on the potty and she actually used it as soon as she was on it! I'm so proud of my big girl!

This picture has nothing to do with the appointment, it's just here for your viewing pleasure!

A Conversation With Isabella

2010-05-03T11:10:00.005-04:00

Me: Isabella do you like your new shirt?

Isabella: No

Me: It's pretty!

I: NO

Me: You're wearing it.

I: No thanks.

Me: Don't tell your mama no.

I: fake crying

Me: You're wearing the shirt Isabella.

I: Okay.

We Went On An Edventure

2010-04-25T21:17:00.003-04:00

Yesterday we took Isabella to the Edventure Children's Museum in Columbia. We had a great time! I was a little worried that Isabella would be too young, but she was really into it. She got to do all kinds of things, like play music, learn about Africa, go grocery shopping, drive a firetruck, learn about building homes, and so much more! She even got to "ride" on a John Deere tractor which made her screech in delight. It was a very busy day, so busy she slept through the night. I think we'll go there more often if it can get her to sleep that well! ;)

Isa's New Shoes

2010-04-21T09:50:00.000-04:00

Isabella recently got new shoes, they were on sale!

My Daughter The Fish

2010-04-17T21:08:00.004-04:00

Isabella is IN LOVE with water. In June we are taking swimming lessons, and I'm sure she will do great. She isn't afraid of the water at all, a natural swimmer. Here she is playing in a pool when we were in GA for Easter.

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

2010-04-17T20:53:00.004-04:00

I'm a slacker, I have neglected my blog and for that I apologize. (Blame Facebook, seriously, I'm always on there.) There is no way I can recap everything that has happened in the past, we'll say "few", months. I don't even know where to start so I here is the Cliff's Notes of December - now.

We spent Christmas in Florida with Jonathan's family, something we had never done. We had a great time seeing everyone and Isa got to meet a lot of her extended family. Isabella really enjoyed her gifts and got way too spoiled. A special THANK YOU to Aunt Rhonda and Uncle David for sharing their rented vacation home with us. We had a late Christmas with my side of the family after. Again, SPOILED!
In January I had a chance to reconnect with one of my friends that I hadn't seen in 8 or 9 years! Jenny, her son and her boyfriend moved to SC about the same time we did, how cool! It was great to see Jenny again and to meet her baby and boyfriend. We had a great time playing. Isabella LOVES baby Alex and he loves her too. My Jonathan and Your Jonathan, as we have named them, have a lot in common, they have had a few good video game sessions since then. They have a lot in common, its almost scary.
In February Jonathan had a lot going on at work so Isabella and I went to visit my family for a week. We had a good time visiting, I especially loved the naps! It snowed while we were gone and Jonathan didnt get to enjoy it because of work. Sore subject...moving on. In Febuary we also took Isabella to the zoo for the first time. She really loves the animals and being outside. She gets it honestly.
March, oh March. Isabella was sick and on medication most of March. RSV followed by an ear infection. Two courses of antibiotics and 2 weeks of breathing treatments and we all somehow came out of it with our sanity. Isabella did not get her shots or have her 15 month check up because she was sick. And finally in March we were very happy to hear that Jonathan's colonoscopy showed no signs of Colitis! Everything went fine with the procedure, there were no polyps, and the labs all came back normal. Great news! I've taken on yet another crafty hobby...sewing. So far I've made three adorable pillows. If I ever get a free second I'm going to start working on a little dress for Isabella. I have always wanted to learn how to sew, and I am finally working to make it happen. I'm teaching myself so I'm probably doing it all wrong, but I am determined to learn.
Now it's April and Spring is definitely here even though it feels so much like British Summer. Isabella and I are spending time outside every day! We're in heaven! We are considering planting some strawberries or herbs, but I'd hate to get attached just to watch them die.We spent Easter in GA and out little eagle eye found 4 eggs that were hidden for the big kids and all the eggs that were for her.We don't have a lot of plans for the rest of this month, but we definitely have a busy summer ahead of us.

Since my last post Isabella started walking and promptly started running. She is always on the go and most of the time it's so much fun. She is a great "helper", and loves doing anything we're doing. She is talking now and always has something to say. She still babbles a lot, but she can say almost anything when she wants to. It's amazing when your child promptly repeats something that just came out of your mouth. Time to be careful with what we say! She'll be telling all our secrets soon. All in all Isabella is a sweet, energetic, social butterfly.

We have finally settled in here in Sumter, and into our home. ALL BOXES UNPACKED! We are loving life and feel so blessed to back in the states and so close to our families. I promise that I will do my best to keep this blog updated with stories, pictures and videos. I won't be here every day, but I promise it won't be months again.

First Birthday Videos

2009-12-14T23:19:00.002-05:00

Isabella Is One Year Old

2009-12-14T10:53:00.008-05:00

Where to begin? (I'm crying already!)

As you all know Isabella turned a year old on December 4th. It has been a long and beautiful year. A little over a year ago Isabella came into our lives a teeny 6lbs 12.8 oz and 20" long. Today she is 18 lbs 8 oz and 29 " long! There is no doubt that she takes after her Daddy in that department. She has a long thin body with supermodel legs and monkey arms. She is still slowly working on some curly brown hair which will be just adorable when it gets here. Her eyes have decided on brown, they are so big and "yummy chocolaty", she can definitely melt you with those eyes. Those eyes combines with her adorable toothy little smile (6 teeth!) are deadly.

She has such a little personality and we can see a lot of Jonathan and me in her. She is very very independent and strong willed as well. Once she gets something into her head there is no stopping her! This has led to epic tantrums which we have to completely ignore. She is quite smart and if she ever thought that screaming, crying, or wallowing on the floor would get her attention or whatever it was she wanted we would be in trouble. BIG TROUBLE! She is also very sweet and something of a comedian as well. When she wants attention she will say "Heyyyyyyyy" and then laugh and laugh. And how could I forget how fearless she is? She is afraid of nothing! Bugs, lizards, crabs, swans, geese, heights, thunderstorms, her Uncle Keith constantly yelling at her trying to scare her...nothing can shake her.

Isa loves music as much as anything. She has several different pianos and there isn't a day that goes by that she doesn't play with each and every one of them them. Sometimes she even sings us beautiful songs while playing the piano or playing a drum. Isn't it amazing how a baby can turn anything into a drum? When she isn't busy making music she is busy dancing to it. She can really shake it, and she must have gotten that from someone else because she didn't get it from me or Jonathan. She is starting to play more with her baby dolls and other toys now. Her favorite thing by far are books and going outside. We read to her several times a day, and sometimes she even reads to us. She will hold her books and turn through the pages examining every page very carefully before continuing to the next. Doing anything outside makes her happy, whether it be playing on the porch, a wagon or stroller ride, or a walk around the yard...she is in heaven!

She isn't walking yet, but I honestly think its just laziness on her part. She has taken a step or two once or twice, but anytime she starts to walk she will just fall to her bottom and then crawl the rest of the way. She can crawl at the speed of light, it's crazy. As far as eating goes, we have no problems there! HOORAY! She is finally eating like a champ, she doesn't have problems with anything anymore. She is so good about trying and eating new things, it's almost too easy. She is so not weird about food, who does she take after? Surely not me or Jonathan, we are food freaks. She is talking and signing like a champ. She says Mama, Mommy, Dada, Daddy, Bad Dad, Nana, Hey, Bye, baby, all done, Mumu (sometimes), and she is trying to say Isa. I don't think I left anything out. Her signing is making great progress as well. She is finally signing on a regular basis and we couldn't be happier.

She is our baby, our Isabella, and she is perfect to us just the way she is.

Isa's One Year Check Up

2009-12-07T14:16:00.002-05:00

Isabella had her appointment today, she is 100% healthy! My big girl (baby) is 18 lbs 8 oz, 29" long, and her head is 18". The doctor said she is long and thin just like her Daddy. He even commented on her long arms and legs. Her hemangioma is almost completely gone and he didn't even notice it without us bringing it to his attention.

One year update coming soon!

Swan Lake

2009-11-16T12:20:00.002-05:00

Yesterday we took a much needed break from packing to get outside. I had found information about this lake online and we thought it would be cool to check out. The reason it's called Swan Lake is because it's the only lake in the States that has all 8 breeds of swans. The weather was nice, about 77 and sunny. We had a really good time getting outside and seeing this beautiful lake. Isabella loved everything about the trip, but especially the birds! She was fearless feeding the geese, but we kept her away from the swans (evil birds). She even got to play on the playground a little before we left. I have a video of her laughing on the slides that I will post later today.

The Sweetest Thing

2009-11-12T09:53:00.003-05:00

Night before last Isabella and Jonathan fell asleep on our bed reading. How adorable is this?

Bye Bye Bottle

2009-11-12T09:43:00.004-05:00

Today makes five days since Isabella had her last bottle! She had been showing very little interest in her bottles for some time so we decided to go ahead and see if we could ween her off, and it worked. Right now she is still taking formula in her sippy cup, but next week we are going to start working in cow's milk. No bottles...no formula...praise the Lord! This is going to make our lives so much easier. While it is very exciting it is also very sad because this really is big girl territory. What happened to my baby?

Next we are going to start trying to take the paci. Now that's terrifying! We are going to start off slowly, only allowing her to have it at naps and at bedtime,then work towards no paci at all. She loves her paci a lot more then she ever loved her bottle so I don't expect it will be as easy to get away from her.

Happy Halloween

2009-11-05T21:52:00.004-05:00

We drove down to Georgia for Halloween, it was HOT, but we had a great time. Isabella was a chicken, a very cute chicken.

Itsy Bitsy Spider

2009-10-26T11:14:00.002-04:00

Isabella is tryng to make an "Itsy Bitsy Spider" now when we sing the song. This isnt the best video, but I wanted to go ahead and get it posted. Please excuse my horrible singing!

More food, Daddy!

2009-10-23T06:48:00.002-04:00

** After quite a long hiatus I'm back, and I'm just going to get right back in here like nothing ever happened***

Jonathan was feeding Isabella last night and she seemed to be particularly hungry. After she finished her food she was sitting in her chair while we finished our food. Without complaining she sat for a while and played with her toy. Jonathan noticed that she was clapping, we said "YAY" and clapped with her. (This of course is a favorite game of hers.) This time she didn't smile, she didn't laugh, she just stopped. She sat quietly and we started eating again, mentioning that "that was weird". All of the sudden she yelled and when Jonathan looked at her she did the sign for food! She wasn't clapping at all, she was asking for MORE! More food, Daddy.

We are so happy with the progress Isabella is making with her signing. She is learning the signs faster than she is using them, she would much rather screech than use non verbal communication (oh joy). We aren't giving up, though.

Isa's First Tooth

2009-07-08T03:08:00.002-04:00

Yesterday morning "Tooth Watch 09" finally found something, a tiny little edge of a tooth in Isabella's mouth! An early present for me or a late one for Jonathan? Either way it was super exciting! She isn't making it easy to look around there or, God forbid, get a picture. If only her tongue would go away for a minute or two!

Monkey See Monkey Do

2009-07-06T15:53:00.004-04:00

For Jonathan's birthday I surprised him with a trip to Go Ape! Go Ape is a set up in a local forest here. You go up in the trees, like apes, and basically navigate an obstacle course in the air. It was crazy, but great fun. There are 5 "stations" in all, each more extreme than the next. Each ended with a zip line which was great fun...great until you had to land. Boo for crash landing! Did I mention I crash landed a lot? When we got home I not only had to clean mulch out of my shoes but also out of my BRA! Jonathan, of course, was a pro. He could have ripped through that course in an hour I'm sure, but I was there slowing him down. We finished in a respectable 3 hours. hehe I almost broke my ankle on the tarzan swing, I lost my very expensive sunglasses, and parking cost us about $12. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat! Not for a while though, my muscles need a very long time to heal. Who knew monkeying around would make you so sore?

To learn more about Go Ape go here: http://www.goape.co.uk/

To see more pictures go here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=105746&id=518621883&l=cd9c5463e8

Birthday Cake

2009-07-06T15:45:00.004-04:00

I have had a lot of fun making and experimenting with cakes lately. Keeping with the monkey/ape theme of Jonathan birthday (more to come on that in the next blog) I made him a cake shaped like a monkey's head! It could use some work, but I still thought it was cute. Jonathan loved it and thats all that matters. I LOVE seeing him smile. This cake was a joke made from a leftover piece of cake. Its supposed to be a baboon's butt!

Happy Birthday J!

2009-07-06T08:49:00.003-04:00

Happy Birthday to the best husband, father, and friend I have ever know. Isa and I love you so much! xoxo

Creepy

2009-07-04T14:00:00.002-04:00

233 Years for America, 7 Months for Isa

2009-07-04T13:47:00.007-04:00

Happy 4th of July everyone!

Picture Update Part II

2009-06-29T06:56:00.003-04:00

She was playing and fell asleep on top of her turtle.

This is why Mommy has to keep the curtains pulled back.
It didnt even phase her, she was still playing with it wrapped
around here.

Must be a good nap.

Just cute!

Picture Update

2009-06-29T06:51:00.004-04:00

She is trying to crawl, she is already a master scooter!

What a silly hat.

Sleeping like an angel. (Not in Mommy's arms!)

Sharing is caring.

My Little Fish

2009-06-29T06:47:00.004-04:00

We took our first trip to the pool in Bury on Saturday. It was a blast! There are three pools, one with a pirate ship, and two big flumes to enjoy. Isabella took to the water really well, she was like a baby fish! As soon as Jonathan put her in the water she started kicking, it was awesome. I didn't know I wasn't supposed to take picture or videos (it wasn't posted) but I did get this when we first got there!

Playdate At The Park

2009-06-29T06:37:00.003-04:00

Rachel and I took Isabella and Riley to the park for the first time last week. They had alot of fun playing and watching the other kids. We tried the swings and the slides. Isabella enjoyed the swings more than the slide. It was a fun time getting out and doing something different with the babies.

I Hold My Bottle

2009-06-29T06:32:00.003-04:00

Special Ops Baby

2009-06-29T06:24:00.002-04:00

We were trying to do laundry and Isabella was playing! Isa got Daddy's hat and tried to eat it, we thought we would show her what it really was. I think she liked it.

Rubber Ducky

2009-06-29T05:55:00.007-04:00

My friend Keisha sent us many very cool things for Isabella when she was born. One of our favorite gifts was an inflatable rubber ducky tub. We waited ever so patiently for her to be big enough to use it.

She absolutely loves her rubber ducky tub. Thanks so much Auntie Keisha!

Six (and a half) Months Old

2009-06-29T05:37:00.003-04:00

It's so hard to believe that our little Isabella is already so big. Every day I look at her and I think of what a blessing she is in our lives. The happiness and joy she bring us is beyond words. These pictures were taken by yours truly at the park on Father's Day. To see more pictures click here http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=102509&id=518621883&l=712785862b.

Carrots

2009-06-24T16:46:00.005-04:00

Isabella is teething so she puts everything in her mouth. I cut a carrot in half for her and Riley to share. She liked it a lot. Don't worry she doesn't have any teeth and it was VERY thick so there was no danger of her breaking a piece off and choking on it.

Beach Bums

2009-06-14T08:54:00.005-04:00

Yesterday we had a really rare beautiful summer day in England. We packed up and took Isabella to the beach for the first time ever! Jonathan and I both love the beach so much we couldn't wait to take her and see what she thought. In the beginning she wasn't so sure about it, but after a nice nap and a diaper change she was ready to play. Watching her discover new things is amazing. It's so much fun helping her discover and explore new things. You never know how much joy a child can bring you until you have one. We had a great time!

Bubble Fun Time

2009-06-14T08:47:00.002-04:00

Bubble glasses!

Picture Update

2009-06-14T07:38:00.003-04:00

Napping with Daddy. She is so dang sweet when she is asleep.

Are you a baby or a billy goat?

I like this hat!

Daddy's glasses scare me!

She wants to eat that banana puff so badly.

Weekend Videos

2009-06-14T06:36:00.004-04:00

Pool Time

2009-06-14T06:12:00.005-04:00

Friday it was finally warm enough to let the kids (Isabell and Riley) get in the pool that Aunt Rachel had bought for them. Rachel and I had to wait all week for a day that was warm enough. We got it all set up and let it sit for hours in the sun so the water could heat up. Neither of the babies were too impressed in the beginning but eventually everyone was smiling and having fun! Babies are weird, even if you tell them it's just like taking a bath (which they love) they still cry. What's up with that?

Sitting by the pool. Look at my long legs!

She didn't like this so much.

Oh there are toys, that's better!

Getting squirted with a toy.

Being silly.

Besties

2009-06-14T05:57:00.005-04:00

I'm sure most of you know that my neighbor Rachel and I were pregnant at the same time. Her little boy Riley was due just four days after Isabella. (Because of Isabella's early appearance she is actually two and half weeks earlier.) They have become the best of friends and it's so much fun watching them together. Riley is extremely fond of Isabella, he loves to touch her and even more than that he loves to lick her. Her head, her hand, her foot, anything he can get ahold of he will get to his mouth. It's great practice for Isabella because she is learning to fight the boys off already! Moving has become so bittersweet for us because leaving our friends behind is going to be so hard. So in honor of it all I made this post with some pictures of baby best friends.

Veggie Tales

2009-06-14T05:50:00.004-04:00

Last Thursday we started giving Isabella vegetables and so far she loves them! We started with peas, then green beans, and then squash. She hasn't rejected anything so we are very excited. Sweet potatoes are next followed by carrots. Yes, I have it all planned out. I don't know why, it just seems right. Last night Isabella had green beans and squash, it was her first time having a meal (solids) without cereal. The vegetables don't seem to be bothering her at all, no rashes, no gas, and no major changed in the diaper. Jonathan and I are very relieved that she is doing better with eating. Our eating problems all seem to be behind us and now our baby girl can just grow and be healthy!

I Ate A Pea And I Liked It

2009-06-04T15:59:00.004-04:00

Isabella had peas for dinner, she loved them. I couldn't feed them to her fast enough! Forget silly ole cereal, my girl likes veggies.

Isabella's Half Birthday

2009-06-04T15:54:00.003-04:00

Isabella is 6 months old today. She had her appointment this morning for her well baby check up. She weights 14 lbs 7 oz, she is 25 inches long, and her noggin is 16.5 inches around. I promise to update more tomorrow when I'm not so tired.

Played Out

2009-06-03T07:20:00.005-04:00

Isabella never goes down for a nap without a fight unless she is in the swing or in my arms. Yesterday we were out of the house at the park and visiting friends. When we came home she had a bottle and then had some time in her exersacuer. I noticed she had gotten really quiet and when I looked over at her I noticed she had fallen asleep in the exersaucer. I was shocked! She just laid her head down and went to sleep. She even woke up, repositioned and went back to sleep!

Yum Yums

2009-06-01T13:55:00.004-04:00

Isabella had her first taste of real food (non cereal) last night. We let her taste some of our avacado and she did pretty well. She ate the avacado much better than she usually eats her cereal.

Sitting Like A Big Girl

2009-05-28T08:51:00.003-04:00

Here is a video of Isabella sitting up for a few minutes! She is doing great, she can sit for long periods now. What happened to my little baby?

One More Picture Update!

2009-05-25T07:05:00.002-04:00

Daddy made this for me. Mommy has a matching one.

I love my Daddy!

Look how I was sleeping, it made Mommy and Daddy laugh and laugh. This was the best night of sleep I've ever had!

Practicing sitting up.

I love to stand up and drool. I'm doing both in this picture! ; )

Highchair

2009-05-25T06:35:00.003-04:00

I swear my house looks like a daycare center! It was small to begin with, but with the recent addiction of a swing, exersaucer, jumper, pack n play, and now a highchair, we definitely need a house upgrade! We were going to wait until we were back in the states to get a highchair but yesterday we found one we really liked and the price was right. Isabella seems to like it, she isn't doing well with eating though. She was doing so good, and now not so much. Practice practice practice!

Rendezvous With Nature

2009-05-25T06:21:00.003-04:00

On Saturday the weather was so nice we just had to get out of the house. There is a little park here on base that everyone calls "The Duck Pond"... very original. There are actually a lot of ducks and some geese, and they love people, very friendly. We decided to take Isabella there so she could spend some time outdoors, feel the grass on her feet and all that. We all had a great time. Isabella even used the occassion to perfect sitting up on her own! She can now sit up for about 10 minutes at a time without assistance.

**This is one of my new favorite pictures! Love my noodles!

A Big Weekend of Firsts

2009-05-25T06:13:00.002-04:00

My first time sitting in a high chair!

The first picture of my in a shopping cart!

(It's actually my third time)

My first time in the stroller without my carseat! I LOVED IT!

Jump Jump!

2009-05-25T05:47:00.006-04:00

Isabella got a new jumper toy on Thursday, she loves it. Now if she would just jump!

They're Brown!

2009-05-19T09:56:00.004-04:00

Picture Update

2009-05-19T09:45:00.003-04:00

I was playing with Daddy and my toys when I decided to take a nap. Mommy just had to get a picture before they moved me to my crib.

I love helping Mommy cook breakfast!

I love my feet, they are so much fun to play with and stick in my mouth.

Man do I look like my Daddy or what?

I actually slept on my belly, dont worry, I would never do this at night so that Mommy could sleep!

Tag -- I'M IT!

2009-05-19T06:43:00.009-04:00

My friend Lauren tagged me on her blog as awesome . (Are you sure?) This is what she posted on her blog, for the whole world to see, that made me cry.

"I think first I’d like to tag Nickie. She’s only been a mom for 5 1/2 months, but you’d think she’s been doing it all of her life - she’s just that natural. She handles each challenge with ease and grace, but still takes time to marvel at all the tiny miracles of motherhood."

This really means a lot to me, especially coming from a Mom that I respect so much. I especially love that Lauren knows what she want for their kids and makes no apologies for it. We are crunchy granola Mama sisters at heart!

Now I have to figure out 7 things that makes me an "Awesome Mom", we might be here a while. I know I have an awesome baby, but I don't usually think of myself as awesome. I'm sure there is no one in the world who is harder on me than me. But lets try....

1. First and foremost I think I am awesome because I married an amazing man who I knew would be a great father. Jonathan is the most amazing father I have ever seen. His relationship with Isabella warms my heart, there is nothing more beautiful to me than seeing them together.

2. Even though I hate feet I somehow manage to touch, and even on occassion, kiss Isabella's feet because I know she loves it. I can assure you there is no one else on this Earth who would get this treatment from me.

3. I make choices for my daughter and I don't let anyone make me feel guilty about them. I will not be guilted into making choices that fit the "norm" or comply to what other people think I should be doing. I respect the opinions of some people, but that doesn't mean that its right for my family. That's right, Isabella has never been to a babysitter (except when I was in surgery), and you can say what you want about me being attached I don't care!

4. I take lots of pictures! LOTS! And I document everthing! When Isabella is an adult she will know everything about her childhood. Her life will be archived in words and pictures that I hope will mean so much to her.

5. I'm not afraid to be myself, not anymore. I cry at movies (and TV shows, and songs, and......), I laugh too loud, I love to hug people, and I'm very close to my family. I have learned that if someone if going to love you, it has to be the real you. Pretending will get you nowhere! I hope that what Isabella learns from me is that there is no shame being who you are, faults and all. When she is a teenager I hope she can be proud of who she is and not feel pressure to be like anyone else. Don't conform to be popular baby girl, its not worth losing yourself.

6. I love to craft and do projects, some of it even turns out really cute. I know that when Isabella is older we will have so much fun making things together. I'd much rather spend time with her than send her away to watch TV or find something else to do to occupy her time.

7. And finally...I am easily excited and I get giddy over the little things. This is proof that you never have to grow up AND that sometimes the smallest things mean the most. This is a small fact that has been lost on so many materialistic people in today's society! I know Isabella has to get older, and bigger, but I hope she always has a little room in her heart to be a kid with us, always.

Now I get to tag some awesome moms that I know. This will be SO much easier than trying to figure out why I am awesome. First, I would like to tag my friend Tracie. Tracie is an amazing mom of 3 kids to which she dedicates all her time. She homeschools her kids, which is a job I could never do myself, all the while volunteering for everything under the sun. Her kids are adorable, well mannered, and a true joy to be around. They are all so different and she manages to give each of them exactlly what they need. Next I'm tagging my friend Suzanne. Suzanne has two beautiful girls and they are her world. Suzanne would never read a parenting book or be caught dead uttering the words "Well research shows that.....". She goes on her feelings because her "Mommy Heart" never lets her down, she knows what her girls need. While I'm sure she secretly laughs at me for my hippy parenting style she would never say so! She has gone through so much and in the past few years and she has kept everything together for the thing that matters most, Shelby and Cheyanne. And finally I'm going to tag Rachel. Rachel has a little boy that is just a little younger than Isabella. It was so fun being pregnant together, and being new moms has been even more fun. Through all the ups and down since the birth of her baby the one thing that has stayed constant is her love for that little boy. I love watching her be silly with him, sometimes I think I laugh harder than he does. One thing that I really think makes Rachel an awesome mom is that she is never afraid to say "I dont know". She asks questions, even if they seem outrageous, because she wants whats best for Riley. (Yes Rachel, that is hair on his balls!)

More Cereal

2009-05-13T04:59:00.005-04:00

Silly me, I forgot to post the video of Isabella eating cereal again. This was Monday, and it was her second time eating cereal. She ate the WHOLE tablespoon that I fixed for her. She did much better, but as you saw from the other video she was really more in love with her cup than anything!

Isa's New Love

2009-05-12T12:18:00.003-04:00

Isabella is IN LOVE with her Nuk sippy cups. I don't think we are going to have any problem at all weaning her from the bottle. She was cracking me up how agressive she was being. If she had teeth I might have lost a finger!

What's In My Mouth?

2009-05-12T11:50:00.007-04:00

It's your tongue silly girl!

Isabella has never been one to stick her tongue out, the only time she would even do anything that looked like sticking her tongue out was when she still had the tongue thrust reflex. We have had some worry over her being tongue tied and having other issues with moving her mouth. Well out of nowhere yesterday she started sticking her tongue out at us AND blowing raspberries! I was so happy I almost cried, this is really big for her. I called her doctor even, he said its good news medically and that we should encourage her to stick her tongue out as often as possible. So, here is the video! =)

Mother's Day

2009-05-12T11:39:00.004-04:00

Sunday was my very first official Mother's Day. I will take any chance I can get to say "I'm Isabella's Mom!". There has never been anything in my life that has made me feel so proud as being her Mom. She is smart, and pretty, and funny (already), I just cannot wait to see what the future has in store. Amazingly this blog is harder for me to write than I had imagined because there is just so much I could say on the subject. I wont write a novel, but I could. I'll just say that we had a great day and I feel so grateful to have my wonderful little family.

Pierced Ears

2009-05-09T12:50:00.003-04:00

We finally got Isabella's ears pierced today! She did great, she didn't even cry. She let out a little yelp each time the earrings went in, but she didn't cry. NO TEARS! I was really grateful for that. She was obviously more upset over being held still than the piercings!

(I know people have very strong opions on this, and I respect their right to choose for their kids. I hope that everyone will respect our right to choose for Isabella. In other words, if you dont have anything nice to say, dont say anything at all! Thanks =) )

)

Eating Cereal

2009-05-05T06:36:00.003-04:00

Isabella ate cereal for the first time last night. It was our "big deal" for her 5 month birthday. It started out nicely, but it didn't last. I edited out the end where she really freaked out!

Weekend Photos

2009-05-04T07:27:00.002-04:00

I love playing with my feet, especially when its diaper change time.

Is it just me or do these glasses make me look like Elton John?

PJ Photo Shoot

2009-04-30T04:17:00.003-04:00

I love my new PJs.

Standing up like a big girl is my favorite thing to do. (My Butt is against the couch but my back is not!) Look how tall I am!

Mommy loves this, when I want her to hold me I reach out for her.

Isabella's Game

2009-04-30T04:06:00.002-04:00

Isabella has a new game, its called "Take My Toy (or paci) And Throw It As Far Away As I Can Then Cry Because I Cant Reach It". Hey, I didnt say it was a fun game!

Recent Pictures

2009-04-24T12:27:00.003-04:00

This is the very first time Isabella ever fell asleep while playing. She was on he mat with her "friends" and rolled over and went to sleep. I was amazed!

Isabella fell asleep on he Daddy's lap at the hospital. Hey, why are they on MY bed?

Enjoying the nice weather outside.

I look good in hats!

4 Month Appointment

2009-04-24T12:12:00.003-04:00

In all the chaos of the past few weeks I forgot to mention Isabella's well baby check up. On April 6, 2009 Isabella was 12lbs 2 oz and 24 1/4" long. Everything was perfect, and she is still being hailed as "The strongest baby he (her doctor) has ever seen". Here are some pictures of Isa right at 4 months and us when we had our famildayin Bury.

Playing With Daddy

2009-04-23T05:25:00.004-04:00

Sleepy Much?

2009-04-23T05:16:00.004-04:00

I just love these pictures and thought I would share. This is how sleepy a baby can get when they fight their sleep. She would not give in until eventually she feel asleep sitting up!

More Rolling

2009-04-23T05:14:00.001-04:00

Tuesday, April 21, Isabella started rolling from her back to her belly. Way to go Isabella!

Assignment

2009-04-23T05:10:00.003-04:00

I know these blogs are all out of order, sorry about that, just trying to get caught up!

On Monday, April 13, we finally got an assignment. As you all know we are going to....Minot, ND. It's the one place in the world I feared going the most. Well, Japan then Minot, but I knew we werent going to Japan. I was really upset about it at first but now Im trying to be more positive about it. I've actually done some research and it seems like it wont be nearly as bad as I had feared. I joined a yahoo group for people stationed at Minot and everyone loves it there. Every base is what you make it! Im still hoping we wont be there long, its 30 hours from home. Boo for that.

Nickie's Surgery

2009-04-23T05:05:00.002-04:00

Monday afternoon Jonathan came home and told me about our assignment to Minot. I was devistated. I spent most of the afternoon/evening on the phone with my Nana crying and complaining. When it was time for dinner I didnt really want to eat and didnt eat much. Soon after dinner I began to feel very ill, it was horrible. Jonathan and I both agreeded that it was probably just my stomach upset from all the stress. I have had several bout of this kind of pain since Isabella has been born, but it has been a very stressful time. In the past I have always taken something for upset stomach and felt better in a few hours. Well I took some medicine and almost immediately began throwing up. When I was doing a little better Jonathan put me to bed. I couldnt sleep, I was dying from the pain. At 3:30 I got up to feed Isabella and I couldnt stand it anymore. I knew something was WRONG. I was puking again, my abdomen was swollen and tender, I felt confused and dizzy. Jonathan rushed me to the ER and MAGICALLY I was the only one there. I got in immediately, Thank God. I was there about 30 minutes and they had me hooked up to IV pain medication. That was the beggining of my first day of sedation. I found out later that I was going to be admitted to the hospital with severe acute pancreatitis. I had an ultrasound and they found a huge gallstone blocking my duct and gallbladder full of stones. When my labs came back my enzyme numbers were off the chart, so high in fact they sent my blood off to another facility because they thought there machine was broken. They even called a tech in to work on the machine and have it recalibrated. Turns out the machine wasnt broken, I was just that sick! My lipase reading was 79,000! (We later learned that this is a number commonly found when people are already dead or beyond repair). Later Tuesday afternoon jujst for fun I started my period, thanks for that cruel joke. Wednesday came and I was sedated again most of the day, again my Lipase was so high (21,000) that my blood had to be sent to another facility to be tested. Wednesday was when they made the decision for sure to take my gallbladder when I was well enough. Wednesday came and went, I dont remember much. Thursday morning my bloodwork was much better, my lipase was down to 500! But I didnt get surgery because I was on "supportive care" and a bunch of emergency surgeries kicked me off the schedule. Friday I FINALLY got my surgery and 1 pm. The surgery went well but they had a hard time getting me to wake up. I dont remember much from Friday night except Jonathan holding Isabella close to me so I could kiss be before he left to take her home, it was well past her bedtime. Friday night my oxygen sat was low so I had to be put back on oxygen all night which worried the nurses. Saturday morning I was working three different kind of pain meds and walking the halls because I wanted to come home. They had me doing breathing treatments and exercises before the doctor got there in hopes that I would be able to go home. The doctor came and I got the all clear and I couldnt get out of there fast enough! Being so sick sucked for a number of reasons, but the thing that was the hardest was being away from Isabella. I know that Jonathan is a wonderful competent father, but I hated not being there for her! I cried every day because I missed her so much. Nights were especially hard. It really had got me thinking about how important life is. I was really sick, way sicker than we originally thought, and it has scared the hell out of me. I'm not going to take another second for granted! This has had a lot to do with my big shift in attitude about our assignment to Minot. Im so glad to be home now and on the road to recovery. I can't wait until I can hold Isabella again and love her to death! YAY Hug your kids, you never know what tomorrow is going to bring.

Its been almost a week since my surgery and I am doing really well. I thought I would feel better than this by now, but Im not complaining. The doctor said they were inside of me twice as long as it should have taken so some lingering pain was to be expected. Im just happy to be alive and healthy. Some wonderful friends have been making us dinner every night and that was such a blessing. Tonight we're on our own and I think we are going to be just fine. =)

Easter 2009

2009-04-23T04:57:00.004-04:00

This was our first year spending Easter as a family. Last year Isabella may or may not have been living in my belly on Easter. We got all dressed up in our new pretty clothes and went to church. After church we had a nice lunch and then played together and gave Isabella her Easter basket. It was very low key, but we had fun!

I Feel Lucky

2009-04-21T21:19:00.002-04:00

As you all have noticed I am way behind on my blog. Last week I was in the hospital and had to have surgery, the week before that Jonathan and Isabella had the flu. Its been less than fun. But as I sit here in my quite house at 2 in the morning I think about my precious baby and my wonderful husband and I know I couldnt ask to be any more blessed than I already am. Sometimes I'm too busy living my life to blog about it, and thats fine by me. =)

** I do plan to try to update my blog tomorrow!

Even More...

2009-04-02T15:06:00.001-04:00

BFF's

More Professional Pictures

2009-04-02T14:37:00.002-04:00

My favorite picture ever!

Baby Ballerina

2009-03-31T07:44:00.003-04:00

Here is our pretty girl in her new tutu that her Mom made for her with love! <3 (I'm getting crafty in my old age. Now if I could only learn to sew.)

In The Exersaucer

2009-03-29T14:42:00.004-04:00

I had Jonathan bring the exersacuer back downstairs today. Isabella LOVES it and she is very good at playing with the toys already. She was smiling as soon as I put her down. When she was little I never wanted her to get bigger or older, now that she is bigger and older I love it. I love watching her play, explore, and learn! We have so much fun now and every day she does something that amazes me. I love being Isabella's Mommy. I really have the life, I am so blessed!

Practice Makes Perfect

2009-03-29T13:23:00.002-04:00

I'm teaching Isabella to hold her bottle. Practice practice practice!

Park Pictures

2009-03-23T09:50:00.003-04:00

Here are some pictures from the park. We tried to get pictures of Riley and Isabella together but he was sleepy and prefered a nap.

This tree was the perfect place for pictures. We'll definitely be back for more.

She loves making faces!

More pictures?

All wrapped up and ready to leave.

**Thanks Sean for the awesome pictures.

Weekend Update

2009-03-23T09:22:00.003-04:00

Even though we had a miserable week with Jonathan going into work almost every day of his vacation we had a great weekend. The weather was beautiful and we took full advantage. Friday afternoon we went bowling and then to the park with our friends, and Saturday we went to a BBQ. Here are a few pictures from the Bowling Alley for you to enjoy.

Isabella's first time at the bowling alley.

We sat her in the jet just to be cute, we didnt turn it on!

Isabella loves to "walk"! She does this all the time now.

Riley is so sweet, he held her hand for the picture. <3

Isa's First Photo Shoot

2009-03-20T05:19:00.005-04:00

We took Isabella to have her pictures made yesterday. I was worried that she wouldnt cooperate, but after a bottle she did great! A local man who has a studio set up in his home did the pictures and we were very impressed. The pictures look amazing and he was very patient with our crying, drooling, non smiling for the camera baby. Every picture is so cute I dont know how we will ever choose which ones to buy!

www.thissettlesthat.com/laurence

Oh yeah, the pictures of Isabella and Jonathan were my idea. I was so proud of how they turned out, and that the photographer liked the idea and said he would use it in the future!

Maybe I am biased, but I think we have a future model on our hands!

The Crib, A Great Place to Sleep

2009-03-20T05:06:00.005-04:00

So, we did it, we moved Isabella to her crib at night! I was so worried that it was going to go badly, but like Jonathan said, I wasn't worried as much as I was hoping. If it was a disaster I could put her back in her bassinet and say we tried! hehe I know that we need to get her used to sleeping in her crib before the move because at 6 or 7 months she is going to be set in her ways. Getting her out of our room would be too hardat that point. But at only 3 months, and as tiny as she is, the crib seems like a big scary place. Plus she is all alone! I can't imagine how some people have put there kids in the crib from the beginning. I don't think its wrong or that they are bad parents, its just not for me. She feels so far away and I hate it, but I must admit that I sleep much better with her in the other room. I don't wake up every time she coughs or makes the slightest noise. AND Im less likely to fall asleep holding her because I have to get up and go to her room. The first night Jonathan had to make me leave the room after we put her in the crib. I was devistated that she liked it so much. Her crib vibrates and she has a rainforest soother, what's not to like? The ONLY thing that has made this all possible is that we have a video monitor and I can see her all throughout the night when I wake up. So far she has spent FIVE nights in her crib, I think we are past the point of no return. My baby as moved on to her big girl bed! Being a Mom is heartbreaking...but I love it.

Here is a picture of Isabella sleeping in her crib for the first time. It looks really bright but that was just the flash.

They Grow Like Weeds

2009-03-20T04:50:00.005-04:00

Isabella is growing like you all couldn't imagine. I'm not sure how much she weighs, but she looks SO long. Everyone comments on her long legs and arms. That's so forgein to me as that is something no one would ever need to comment about me. Of course one glance at her Daddy and you know exactlly how it happened.

She is so strong and active, no calm sleepy baby here. She can roll over from her tummy to her back, she can sit up (when propped), and her favorite thing to do lately is "stand up". She is trying to roll from her back to stomach already and it scares the daylights out of me. You cannot take your eye off of her for one second. Her newest thing is that she wants to see everything. Everyone we see comments on how alert she is. She wants to be held facing out at all times, or if she is facing you she has to be high enough over your shoulder to see everything. She is starting to get super frustrated with her stroller because she is still riding in her carseat which reclines her (which she hates) and she can't look around (which she hates). I dont think she is big enough to ride in the stroller without the carseat attached though.

Other new things are "talking", laughing, and drooling. She loves to stand up and look at you face to face and just talk away. Its funny because I pretend I know what she is saying and we have conversations! We talk about our family members that we miss, we talk about colors and the alphabet, and most of all we talk about moving home to America! She laughs at all of this! Its not a full on laugh yet, but its still cute as can be. And finally the drooling, oh my does she drool. All of the sudden her fingers are always in her mouth, and anything else she can get in there. She doesnt suck on them so much as she just slobbers and moves whatever is in her mouth all around. Teething? I'm not sure.

Reenlistment

2009-03-20T04:41:00.007-04:00

**I'm really behind on posts because Jonathan is on leave this week!**

Last Friday, 13 March 09, Jonathan FINALLY reenlisted. He raised his right hand and sold his soul to the Air Force for another 4 years. Im kidding, he raised his right hand and vowed to defend his country and serve PROUDLY for another 4 years. When this enlistment is over we will have 12 years in, looks like we are in it for the long haul. Being semi retired at 39 wont be so bad, right? hehe I was really happy that my neighbor was able to give me and Isabella a ride over to Jonathan's shop so that we could see his reenlistment. There has to be a flag for reenlistment and Jonathan got to use the HUGE flag in their hanger (see picture). The Officer who did his reenlistment announced that this was a "big one" since it would put him at 12 years. She made the guys in the shop who were standing around come and stand at attention for the 2 minute ceremony. It all made Jonathan very nervous and embarrassed, but I thought it was great.

Remember, no matter how you feel about Bush or the war in Iraq, support your troops. Jonathan and his colleagues are out there every day working hard to defend your rights, and to give our kids a safe tomorrow because they are so blessed to be American.

Just funny

2009-03-12T05:56:00.002-04:00

Isabella was sitting in her Bumbo playing with this little monkey. She got excited, as babies tend to do, and she accidently knocked it on the floor. I picked it up and when I showed it to her I went "Peek A Boo" really loud and it scared her. I felt terrible because she started crying. When I got her calmed down I tried to give her the monkey back and she would have nothing to do with it. This is the face she kept giving the monkey.

I love laughing at my daugher. Kids are so much fun!

Bath Time

2009-03-11T12:56:00.003-04:00

Today Isabella had her first bath without the infant sling in her tub and she loved it! She was able to really get in the water for the first time. She had fun kicking her legs and playing with her water toys. She was definitely ready for this transition.

Nakey Baby

2009-03-07T14:17:00.004-05:00

Look how much Ive grown!

2 Weeks old

3 Months Old