My First Christmas

Little Bella, this was your first Christmas. Although, you may not remember the Christmas tree, your gifts, the busy travels to and from family and friends, or meeting Santa Claus, we hope that we can capture some of the special memories for you here...

Before we headed out to Iowa to visit Great Grandma and the family, we had a Christmas celebration of our own and started some new Christmas traditions. We especially had a nice time just watching you and your big sister interact together through out this special time. It is really sweet to watch how you reach out and touch your sister's face when she gets close to you, or when you begin cooing like you want to tell her something. When Kenzie starts talking to you, you break out into little giggles and get so excited. Bella, someday soon, you will be running about with your sister and playing with trains, and laughing as you get dizzy playing ring-around-the-rosy, Sweetie.

The day we traveled to Iowa, we unfortunately had some trouble with our outbound flight which caused our connection to get missed. We pretty much ended up on three total flights just to get to Des Moines. Once we got to our destination, our luggage ended up in Nebraska! We will never forget how through out the whole ordeal your Daddy and I were just so exhausted and wanted to pull our hair out, and we would look down at you in my arms (you spent a lot of time in the Baby Bjorn, sweetie), and you would just look up at us and give us a BIG smile... You didn't know what was going on, you were just so happy to be with us, my love. You and your big sister were such good girls through out the whole ordeal. Your beautiful angel spirits really kept us together through out a very difficult day! Once we got to Great Grandma's it was so nice to catch up and visit with family and friends and remember why it's so special to go back to Iowa for Christmas.

The memories we remember of our holiday season are those in which we witnessed the gifts of the season: the spirit of love, giving, kindness and generosity. Mommy and Daddy have much to be grateful for, little one.

Merry Christmas, My Darling.

Hi Daddy!

Little Bella, you light up when your Daddy is in the room. In these pictures you are cooing away, trying to have a little conversation with him.

Being Grateful

Bella, your first Thanksgiving. A day to be thankful for our blessings, Sweetie. You and your sister are our little blessings.

The Gift of Life

First Halloween

Bella, on your first Halloween you were pretty much happy just to watch your sister enjoy her events. From your favorite seat (the Baby Bjorn) and in Mommy's arms you were quite content. If you became tired you'd nod off for a little cat nap.

Finding My Voice

Bella, you are now cooing. At times when you hear yourself or come to realize you are the source of the sound, you shriek with excitement and your little arms and legs flail about like you are riding a bike. Sometimes we catch you softly cooing to yourself in a sing-song voice. We can't help but want to squeeze you tight and shower you with kissses, sweetie. We can't wait to witness all the new phases you go through as you get older, little one!

Bella, I'm Home!

Bella, when your big sister gets home from school she says, "Where's Bella?" And then yells, "BELLA? BELLA?" and runs to find where you may be propped up or laying. Once found, she softly whispers, "...hi, Bella, hi (big hug)... I give you kisses... (big smooch)!" You may still be too young to know what may be happpening but you do give her a BIG smile when you see her approaching or when you hear her voice. It's quite sweet to watch.

Mommy and Daddy hope to continue to encourage this loving affection between you both.

My First Play Date

Bella, this is your little friend, Luke. His big brother is Xander, who is a dear friend to your sister. Someday you both will be running around playing just like your siblings do!

Out Like a Light

It takes a little bit for you to go into deep sleep mode for your naps, little Bella... but once you do, you break into this cute little snore. Listen carefully:

My First Month

Favorite Pastime

Napping!

My First...

Pediatrician Visit

Bath. With help from my Big Sister.

Dolly. (Great Grandma and Grandpa H.)

Little Blankie (Great Grandma W.)

Your Birthday!

You arrived at 4:02 pm on August 19, 2008 and you weighed 8lb's and 1 oz! It is so wonderful to finally get to see you little Isabella. We are looking forward to loving you and sharing you with your beautiful big sister, Mackenzie.

Here you are!

Meeting your Big Sister for the first time! She brought you a teddy bear that is almost bigger than you are.

















Daddy holding you... and then finally getting ready to bring you home!

9 Months...

... and not slowing down quite yet. Here is Mommy holding your big Sis five days before your due date. Kenzie enjoys firetrucks so we took her to view them up close at a nearby festival.

Celebrating...

A Brunch celebration in my honor was coordinated by my dear friends. It was a nice surprise! It was very special to be able to spend quality time together and catch up with our busy lives. Little one, your Mommy is a little over 8 months in this picture.

Almost 8 Months...

... and feeling fine besides a little shortness of breath. On the 4th we spent the day at my Brother's annual BBQ. It was a fun filled day with friends and family. It was also a good opportunity to catch up with my dear friend M.E. who is due 7/14/2008 and another girlfriend, Sarah and her little girl, Ellie, who I have not seen in months.

Your Big Sister

Kenzie is going to be a big sister and we are trying to help her understand that a new little brother or sister will be joining the family soon. We are not sure how much she understands but we are trying to prepare her as best we can. In this picture she is amazed at how big Mommy's tummy is and is saying hello to you little baby...
Little one, you are very lucky to have a big sister like Kenzie. She is fun loving and has a very big heart. At first she may not be sure what to think of you or for that matter how to feel towards you, but we are sure that eventually she will love you so very much.