Psalms 18:30 "But as for God, His way is Perfect."

Tonight as Kenny was getting Isabella to bed, I was at the computer and opened up the desk drawer. In there, I found a stack of papers that I hadn't looked at in a while. On the top were some letters that I had written to Isabella (this idea was given to me by my friend Becky and I recommend to everyone to write at least one "love" letter to your kids) then underneath that was Isabella's adoption story that I had typed soon after we brought her home. So I just sat here crying reading the story and the letters and once again realizing how good God is to me. And although our family and friends adore both our girls, I still wonder if they ever feel "sorry" for us because we never got pregnant -- if so, I just want to let you know that I am thankful, yes THANKFUL for infertility. Its a discouraging trial to go through, but for me I wouldn't have this beautiful girl if it wasn't for that trial. And no, I'm not forgetting about that second beautiful little blessing that He has recently given us, but for tonight I just wanted to once again thank God for His Will, His timing, His plan in bringing us our precious Isabella.

I'll be posting some pics later, but I had to share a little "conversation" Isabella and I had. One of my many faults and shortcomings is that I have not been careful enough around Isabella and have taught her the word "crap". Not purposely, but still she had started saying it when something bad happened, like she dropped her toy and would say "Oh crap" (Actually Oh cwap - which made it kind of hard not to laugh). As unattractive as it is, it may not seem like the worst word in the world, but its amazing how certain things sound 10 times worse coming out of the mouth of a child. We have since been trying harder to watch what we say knowing she is going to repeat anything she hears. We had also told her that was an ugly word and we didn't want her to say it --- kind of hard scolding her for saying something she learned from us. Anyway - now to the conversation. My mom and I took the girls shopping last night and on the way home, this is how it went. (Isabella must have dropped something, spilled some water on her or something)
Isabella: OH MAN! (quieter:) Ohhh man!
(The second quieter one made me realize her little mind was thinking....)
Isabella: Time out for Oh cwap mommy?
Me: Yes, you get a time out for saying that.
Isabella: Yeah, time out for Oh cwap.
Me: Yes baby, don't say that it's a very ugly word
Isabella: Oh crab!
Me: Isabella....
Isabella: Oh CRAB mommy CRAB!
(By now, my mom was having a very hard time covering her laughter)
Me: Isabella, that's still..... don't say........ (then talking to my mom) How am I supposed to teach a 2 year old about euphemisms?!?!

How does she come up with these things..... she's only 2!!! This can't be normal!

This can't be good

Yes folks, I think we have a little thumb sucker. We try to replace it with the passy, but when she wants the thumb that's the only thing that will do. We had a feeling this was coming, she has always had a tendency of sticking her fingers, thumb, or entire hand in her mouth, but we were hoping it was just an "accident" -- now we know. She also seems to like to hold onto a little blanket too so I made her a little soft taggy blanket. Sure its cute NOW to see her sucking her thumb and holding a little security blanket, but hows this going to work in a couple years. Isabella was a passy girl, but gave it up relatively easy at 18 months. You can take a passy away from them, but I might have a problem now. I guess I'll enjoy its cuteness now and then I'll be asking for advice in another 18 months. :)

Wish we all could wake up this happy

This was Amelia's first full night in the crib --- no not due to her, I've actually been blessed with her sleeping through the night for quite some time now (sorry don't hate me.) She actually sleeps at least 12 hours now, she's a lazy little booger, but it may explain this content little grin on her face when she does wake up. She turned 3 months old yesterday and as much as I've been trying to delay it, I finally had to move her over to her crib instead of in the bassinett. I love having her sleep right next to my bed, but I know it had to happen sooner or later. :( Isabella was such a little baby that I kept her in our room until she was almost 6 months --- but that could explain why she got so used to mommy and daddy's room and still sneaks in right before daddy gets up for work. All I know is Amelia is the only one that doesn't have bedhead in the morning --- at least not yet.

Photo Shoot

We were able to have a little photo shoot with Amelia Saturday morning. My parents had watched both girls on Friday night so we could go out one a date - - hadn't done that without both of the girls in a while!! Then Isabella spent the night with them, so we were able to just spend some time with Amelia having a little photo shoot first thing in the morning. I don't feel like such a terrible mommy anymore, I was starting to hate the fact that I wasn't getting as creative pictures of Amelia as I did Isabella. Kenny says she is going to hate me when she's older for these naked pictures, even Isabella didn't have to suffer through that. :)

Sugar and Spice???

No picture for this one, but I thought little girls were supposed to be all ribbons, curls, dresses, bows...... you know all the girly stuff. Now, my Isabella can be a real girly girl - loves the "toe makeup" as she calls it and going shopping, but I had to share with you the little conversation we just had. She came running into the room yelling "Cucky Bug! Cucky Bug", then she came over to me and stuck her finger in my face and sure enough, there was a squished yucky ant on her finger.
(Bella:)"Want it mommy?!"
(Me:) "No, I don't want it. Yuck! Go throw it away!"
She started running off, turned around to me with one of her silly faces (those of you who know her well probably can picture this in your mind), opens her mouth, puts her finger up and says "Eat it, mommy?!"
(Me:)"NO, don't eat it!"
(Bella:) "Gwoss, mommy, Gwoss?"
(Me:) "Yes, baby, its gross"
........And I thought I wouldn't have to deal with this with little girls.

Happy Anniversary Cousin Heather and Matt

Yesterday was our niece Heather's and her husband Matt's 1st Anniversary. Isabella wanted to make sure to say Happy Anniversary!! It was also Isabella's very first wedding that she was in (yes folks at 16 1/2 months old - she did beautifully running down the aisle in her bare feet). I know they are enjoying married life and hope they continue to do so. Time goes by so fast!! (Just as a side note, this is the only picture I took of the couple on their wedding day - amidst the busyness and trying to get a tiny one ready and down the aisle I had no time to take many pics - thought it was a cut one nonetheless!!) Here's a picture of Isabella all adorable in her dress that Aunt Kathleen made her for the wedding.

A Daddy Moment

A Precious Moment

I watched you today
As you shared a moment
The two I love most
In the whole wide world-
My husband, love of my life
And our precious baby girl!
I pray that you will always
have the bond
That you share today
And the joy you share
in each other
Will never fade away.
May your daddy always be your hero
For he is my hero too
And each day
We thank our Father
For the precious gift of you!

I guess, you've probably noticed by now I like poems, lyrics, etc. Call it the "scrapbooker" in me. I used this poem for a scrapbook page for Isabella with Kenny when she was a baby and I thought it would be cute with this picture too. (Of course, I can no longer say the 2 I love the most since I have 2 precious baby girls) There's something about watching your husband with your kids..... Anyway, this was at the beach and as you can tell its a picture of Kenny and Amelia in the mirror. She was so cute looking at Daddy and grinning at him. My girls are so blessed to have a such a wonderful daddy!!