Little Pumpkin

Ever since I was a little girl I have loved the fall. The season for me represents a new beginning, a fresh start, and very exciting possibilities. The school year always provided a chance to hang out with old friends you haven't seen much over the summer and a reason to get what else...school supplies! I got to pick out a new school bag, folders, and trapper keeper each year. I never forgot my planner either! Yes...I have had a planner since the 4th grade. One time a found a stack of them and it was hilarious what I wrote down for my daily grind, "Math: (Y)" which means "Yes, you have math homework" proceeded by "Ballet at 5:30 p.m."

One of the main reasons fall is off the charts for me is what else...the holidays. Each month has something fun to look forward to! September was a fun birthday, followed by deciding what to be for Halloween, then yummy turkey and dressing. Fa la la la la...the Holidays were right around the corner!

Now I have a whole new reason to love fall...my sweet little pumpkin! Izzy was born in August which is going to make the fall have a great beginning with back to school birthday parties, followed by ghost, goblins, and pumpkin patches. Not to mention yummy hot chocolate and pumpkin custard dates.

Each day I continue to look forward to the next! I know Izzy will love this year's Halloween being a flower, her first time to gather round the Thanksgiving table, and will love listening to Christmas carols and lighting Advent candles. Boy I love my little pumpkin!

Something The Lord Made

Today is the day...following tradition, I have always wanted a little baby girl "someday." My someday is here. Sometimes I feel like I am in the movie "Baby Boom" with Dianne Keaton...you know the part when she embraces motherhood and makes homemade baby applesauce? Well I'm not baking anything homemade quite yet, but have to admit...I love being a mom!

Someday I will want to look back and think what in the world did we do when Izzy was 2 months old? Well...Miss Izzy, you are finally sleeping through the night for a week and a half now. So when you wake up around 7:00 a.m. you eat, then head right back to bed for your morning nap. We watch "The Today Show" and "The View" together while you are feeding. Then I give you a bath and pick out your outfit. Then it's time to eat again. We take walks, play with your under the sea adventure, swing, and you take little tiny cat naps. When dad gets home you love hanging out with him. We take Bernie to the park, go on drives, listen to music, and sometime sit outside and swing. You eat each hour at night until your 9:30 p.m. bedtime. Then guess what? Dad and I watch our favorite shows...Modern Family, Dateline, and The Real World to name a few. Before we know it...the Disney channel will be on full time!

I am treasuring these little moments with my sweet girl. They are a true gift from our Father. We love you Izzy!

Kissing Cousins

 Izzy has adored getting to meet all her family and friends recently. She has really enjoyed meeting all 5 of her cousins Reese, Julie, Lucia, Carter, and Cole.

We got together for Reeser Pie's birthday last week. He loved his GiGi cupcakes Izzy got for him! We are looking forward to him being the star of the Deer Creek musical at the end of this month.

Eight Weeks With Milky Face

My sweet "milky face" is eight weeks old today. It has gone by so fast. My mommy friends warned me that time would fly by...and they are right! The main purpose of our blog is to write things down for our family remember years down the road. I want to make sure to kep track of little moments that mean so much. This way Izzy can read this years from now and comment "I did that!"

Izzy you are 8 weeks old today. You love milk. Hince the name "milky face" or "milky milky." I am sure we will have a new name for you soon. Your daddy and I love little nick names.

When I ask "do you want more milky?" you slowly nod your head back and forth like you are saying "yes!" It makes me laugh so hard.

You are sleeping so well. Right now you wake up at 4:00 a.m. and eat, then sleep until 9:00 a.m.!

You like your under the sea adventure toy, swing, and bird mobile in your bed.

You love to smile and the sound of your daddy's voice. Your head turns the moment you hear him walk in the door.

Of course you love to cuddle and be held all day long. You still like when we sing to you and tell you stories. 

In the morning is your favorite time of day. You smile, laugh, and "talk."

You really enjoy your bubble baths.

You adore your chicco backpack walker we strap on the front of us so you can walk with us around the house, run errands, or just stroll around.

I think you are the best baby. You are always well behaved and only cry when you want to be held or are a little hungry.

You are holding your head up really well and your legs are starting to get so strong.

Right before you begin to eat, you breathe really hard because you are so excited to get your milky. You typically eat 4-5 oz at a time.

I can't imagine in another month loving you more than I do right now in this moment...but I know I will. I love you more each day. You make the happiest I have ever been. We thank God for you each night. Before I put you in bed we pray..."Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep, keep me safe throughout the night, and wak me up at mornings light...amen!"

We love you sweet Izabelle...Izzy Bell Bell....

One Month Old

Izabelle is one month old.

She loves her sweet elephant pajamas, the sound of running water, and when we sing to her.

Her favorite song is the "Izzy Song" Scott made up..."Today is the day, Izzy's Day." He started singing it to her the day she was born. Her other likes include the theme song from the Walt Disney Movie "Tangled" that Mandy Moore sings. Before I even knew I was pregnant I went to see that movie with some work friends. There was a mother and daughter there watching it together. I thought "someday I want to take my little girl to the movies!" Little did I know, you were already being created!

You love to eat, sleep, and be held. You are starting to notice Bernie! I think it's because he is black and white and those are your favorite colors right now!

We continue to watch you grow...you are truly our bundle of joy. "Today is the day..."

The Stork Brought Pink

 Sweet Izzy was brought to us by Stork Bishop! Dr. Nancy Bishop at Lakeside was incredible. We are so thankful for her love, support, and ever present sweet nature.

 Right after Izzy was born, she had some special guests in the waiting room including my brother and Sara, my mom and dad, Scott's parents David and Linda. Izzy was glad to meet everyone.

 This door sign was made by some of my sweet Norman girlfriends. It had the whole "bird" theme that matches her nursery at home.

 Izzy wanted to thank everyone that came to the hospital. She prepared cookies with her initials and a little thank you card...oh and a bottle of water since she couldn't figure out how to keep milk cold in the hospital room!

We had a great day on "Izzy's Day!" Happy birthday to you sweet girl.

Today Is The Day...Let Us Rejoice and Be Glad In It

 At week 37 I felt something a little different. Izzy started kicking in a different place than usual. It seemed like a shift had happened. At that weeks doctor's appointment, I mentioned it to Dr. Bishop. After an ultra sound we discovered our little baby was breach. Indeed she hadn't turned at week 39, so we decided a c-section was the safest route.

 Wednesday, August 3rd, the day before Izzy's birthday, I worked almost all day. However, had to treat myself to a mani/pedi and a trip to OKC with my dear friend Becky. The night before Scott and I could hardly sleep. We felt like Christmas Eve and Santa was on his way.

 Thursday, August 4th we woke up bright and early and headed to OKC around 6:30 a.m. On our way we danced and sang to fun songs. Upon arrival, we checked in and were assigned to room 18. I headed directly into a room to be prepped for surgery. The time went by super fast. Our first nurse Kaylee couldn't have been more sweet. Before I knew it we headed to the surgery room to meet our sweet Iz.

 When they went to get Scott after they had me fully prepped, he entered the room and asked "Who paged Dr. McDreamy." He set the stage for everyone to get a giggle, especially me! Around 9:48 a.m. they started the procedure, and at 10:08 a.m. our sweet angel entered the world, all 7 pounds 7 ounces of her.

 I saw her face and said "hi baby," she stopped crying when she heard Scott and my voice. It is remarkable how they truly know who mom and dad are right away. Sandra was Izzy's nursery nurse pictured above. She was terrific.

 This is the first picture of Izabelle. She is too precious! I was thrilled when I finally got to see and hold her.

The first 24 hours were sort of a blur. I was a little out of it from all the meds, not to mention very sleepy. I was so thankful for all our friends and family who kept us in their thoughts and prayers. I loved seeing everyone at the hospital too.
Happy birthday to you IJD! We are so lucky to call you ours. Cheers to the "good life!"