Pictures

When I was pregnant with Isabelle, we had some great pictures taken by my friend, Robin. (Check her out on facebook ...Robin Tutwiler photography).  

We never claimed to be a models but I think they turned out great!!

Ryan and I have matching tummies!!  I think he gained some sympathy weight (wasn't that sweet of him?!?).  However, now that Isabelle has arrived, we are working on getting these tummies to disappear.  

Robin also took some pictures of our little princess.  Here are some preview pictures.  I can't wait to see the rest. 

Isabelle finally fell asleep and Robin was able to get this great shot.  I love it!!

My mind has been wondering a lot lately and mostly focusing on Isabelle's up coming heart surgery.  The worrying about her surgery combined with the lack of sleep is beginning to take its toll.  Isabelle is by far my best sleeper out of all the kids.  She has slept through the night most every night since she came home from the hospital (thank you NICU for getting her on a sleep schedule!).  So, my lack of sleep has more to do with me not being able to get my mind to stop racing long enough to fall asleep.  I end up staying awake until midnight every night catching up on some shows and wondering if Isabelle might want to wake up one more time for one last feeding.  Then throughout the night, I strain to hear her breathing so I don't feel the need to get out of bed and lay my hand over her chest.  Even with her heart monitor, I still need that reassurance that she is ok.  We will find out in a few short weeks when Isabelle will have her surgery.  I am nervous and afraid but I know that she will feel so much better after the surgery. 

Sleeping beauty!

We are beginning to get into our routine of therapy and doctor's appointments but most importantly- everyday life with our new little girl.  She had therapy again yesterday and she is doing great.  I found myself smiling throughout the session especially when Isabelle was lying on her tummy and held her head up nice and strong.  She reminded me of a baby turtle with her neck stretched out and looking around requesting praise for her accomplishments.  I enjoy watching the therapist and I try to soak up everything she is doing with Isabelle so we can practice our "homework" every night.  She is such a strong little girl and doesn't complain at all during her session.  She makes me proud!!  

This is how Isabelle likes to sleep.  I think she is spending too much time around the boys!

Last night, we were in the living room and I watched as Ryan was lying beside Isabelle, holding her hand and watching her sleep and after about 10 minutes, I asked him what he was doing and he replied "I am just looking at our beautiful daughter."  It took a lot to hold back the tears.  Isabelle definitely has her Daddy (and brothers) wrapped around her little finger.   Isabelle has blessed us so much already and we are lucky to have her in our lives.  I am learning very quickly that all of my worrying and sleepless nights are worth it.    

The kids early morning routine- cartoons.  Ethan is starting her early.



We made it!!

Isabelle and I made it through our first week apart.  I was definitely more lonely than she was.  She has a lot of ladies loving on her all day.  She might end up extra spoiled but at least I know she is getting lots of love while I am at work.

Who couldn't love this sweet face?!?

 It took a few days and a few alarms but daycare is getting used to the heart monitor although we broke the connecting wire on Friday so she has been without the monitor for the last day. 
Thankfully, I have been extra busy at work trying to catch up so the days have gone by fast. 
I sure do miss my little ones during the day but it is back to reality.  Maternity leave has officially come to an end.

4th of July

The kids and I went to the beach on the 4th and we ended up staying all day.  We had a nice, relaxing day and then chilled for the night.  We decided not to go to the fireworks since I was starting back to work the next morning and we needed to get our beauty sleep. 

It is that time of the year again... seaweed everywhere!

Isabelle relaxing in the shade

Ethan and Isabelle

This has become Ethan's morning ritual.  Can you feel the love??

Isabelle is one lucky girl!!

Early Mornings

I am sitting in a very quiet house wondering why I am the only one still not sleeping.  Isabelle woke up about 6:30 to eat but then went right back to sleep.  She is currently laying in my spot so I had to move over to Ryan's. 

 The boys are tucked away under their beds sound asleep. 

They have been enjoying their summer nights of staying up way too late and then we have to wake them up in the mornings.  Our boys are smart and they are playing the "we are not used to the new house" card so they request every night to sleep under their beds instead of in their beds.  Not sure what the comfort is for them, but we are going with it for now.  Had I known that they would enjoy sleeping on the floor rather than in a nice comfortable bed, I would have saved a little money when purchasing their new comfortable beds.
I haven't learned the concept of sleep when your baby is sleeping.  I have tried but then my mind races with things that I could be getting done and the nap is over.  I think I lasted about 5 minutes yesterday before I was in the kitchen doing some organizing.  Then, when I really could use a nap and feel like I am going to fall asleep standing up... Isabelle is wide awake.  Thankfully, Isabelle is a great sleeper at night so I am not waking up ever 2 hours like I did with the boys.  Although, I will hopefully get smart one of these nights and actually go to bed when she does so I can get a full nights sleep.  I am returning to work next week so I need to get everyone back on a regular schedule since the early mornings are coming fast.
But right now... I am enjoying being lazy and waking up slowly listening to Isabelle make all of her noises.  The fast pace of my world can wait a few more days.
And now, that I am just finishing my peaceful blog post, I have one little boy that just woke up and is asking to eat a twinkie for breakfast.  I already let my kids sleep on the floor, would allowing them to eat a twinkie for breakfast make me sound any worse??
My few minutes of peace and quiet have now come to an end and the day has begun. 

First therapy session

Isabelle had her first physical therapy session this morning.  She was a real trooper.  I love that her therapy will take place in our home.  It is much more comfortable and I think as Isabelle gets a little older, she will enjoy being in her own environment while getting a work out.  Mrs. T is great with Isabelle.  She is very loving while making sure Isabelle doesn't cheat during her exercising.  I made sure to make some mental notes during the session so we can start doing some of the exercises at home to help build up her strength.

Since Isabelle is so young, she will begin having sessions every 2 weeks.  I am excited to see the progress she will make and the milestones she will reach.

Isabelle having some tummy time before her session.  Please forgive her hand gesture.  We had a little talk about how inappropriate that was.

This is Isabelle after her session.  Mrs. T wore her out.