Happy 1/2 Birthday to my sweet Isla Rae!
The months have flown by and I can't believe how much you have grown and developed. You are such a smart little girl, yes little girl... I'm beginning to admit you are not a baby anymore, but you will ALWAYS be my little baby no matter how old you get.
You love to read books now, and your daddy and I love to read to you. You have your favorite ones and The Hungry Caterpillar continues to rank high on your list.
You are talking.... A LOT! You can pretty much say anything you want and love to repeat me.
You love to sing your cousins names, and you especially love to say Harleigh's name!
I love to hear you say, "meeeeer Bella, meeeer."
It's so cute to watch you play with her. You love to play nite nite....but you hate to go nite nite... ironic.
You tell Bella, Elmo, your babies and me to go nite nite and cover us all up. You have a great imagination. You love to pretend.
We have so much fun together and I can't wait to see what the next year holds for us my sweet sweet girl. I love you so much!
xo,
Mommy
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Big Girl!
On November 4th, the big 17 month milestone, Isla decided she was going to use the potty for the very first time!
We had been practicing for a while on her Elmo potty that her Aunt Heidi and Kamm cousins had given her as a gift. She loves to sit on it and pretend to potty so she can then flush and hear Elmo shout, "Hooray!"
I recently gave her a book about going on the potty too. She loves to hit the button on the book and hear the potty flush. Every time she hits the button and hears the flush she claps and cheers.
I was cooking dinner on Monday when Isla ran in the kitchen, shouted and signed, "potty!"
I didn't really think she was going to do anything because normally when she tells us she needs to potty, she has already gone, but we ran to the bathroom anyways.
When we got there, she hadn't done anything yet. I stripped her down and set her up on the potty. She sit there knocking her knees together and smiled at me. It had only been a minute when she reached back, flushed the potty and stood up.
I asked her if she was all done, thinking she didn't really need to go and then to my surprise... I saw the smallest little poo ever! I got so excited clapping, cheering and exclaiming what she had done. She was excited too... so excited she reached down and picked it up!!!
I knew at that moment, I couldn't freak out, so I kept on cheering and told her to put it back. I told her good job, but next time... let's not pick it up.
Since then she has gone three times. She mostly tells us when she needs to poo. She hasn't gone at school yet, but we're continuing to work with her and I think our Elmo potty at home is helping a lot, because she is crazy about Elmo.
We're looking forward to many more hilarious potty stories and hoping that this is the last time we have to ask her to put it back.
We had been practicing for a while on her Elmo potty that her Aunt Heidi and Kamm cousins had given her as a gift. She loves to sit on it and pretend to potty so she can then flush and hear Elmo shout, "Hooray!"
I recently gave her a book about going on the potty too. She loves to hit the button on the book and hear the potty flush. Every time she hits the button and hears the flush she claps and cheers.
I was cooking dinner on Monday when Isla ran in the kitchen, shouted and signed, "potty!"
I didn't really think she was going to do anything because normally when she tells us she needs to potty, she has already gone, but we ran to the bathroom anyways.
When we got there, she hadn't done anything yet. I stripped her down and set her up on the potty. She sit there knocking her knees together and smiled at me. It had only been a minute when she reached back, flushed the potty and stood up.
I asked her if she was all done, thinking she didn't really need to go and then to my surprise... I saw the smallest little poo ever! I got so excited clapping, cheering and exclaiming what she had done. She was excited too... so excited she reached down and picked it up!!!
I knew at that moment, I couldn't freak out, so I kept on cheering and told her to put it back. I told her good job, but next time... let's not pick it up.
Since then she has gone three times. She mostly tells us when she needs to poo. She hasn't gone at school yet, but we're continuing to work with her and I think our Elmo potty at home is helping a lot, because she is crazy about Elmo.
We're looking forward to many more hilarious potty stories and hoping that this is the last time we have to ask her to put it back.
Monday, November 4, 2013
Letters to Isla Rae - 17 months
Dear Isla Rae,
You are 17 months today and wow - how you have changed - in just the last week! I can tell such a difference in your little, or big rather, personality since you moved up to the Toddler 2 class at school.
You are talking more. You pretty much repeat everything I say...especially the last word in my sentences. You are very happy. In fact, "happy" is your favorite word. You are super curious. You love to read books and you will even sit down and pretend to read on your own now. Its so cute to see you pointing to the pages and humming little words...especially when you are holding the book upside down! You are obsessed with your pink kitty pajamas. They have cats on the feet of them and you cry every time we change your diaper or have to take them off for any reason... I'm not sure if I would even call it a cry, you actually scream and have a total melt down. You absolutely LOVE those PJs. We're going to need to find a back-up pair!
You are super loving and love to hug (which I especially love!). You're starting to get more into girly things, even more than before. You love hair bows, sparkly shoes and clothes and to put dresses on. Your favorite food is pasta and cheese of course. Your still somewhat of a picky eater, but I believe it's only because you currently have 4 molars popping their way through on the top and bottom of your gums! They are actually cut through so I think it's safe to say you now have 12 teeth! Your favorite character is Elmo, but you still love Barney and you love to sing the Barney theme song. It's adorable to hear your little voice singing. You are playing on your own more and more and very content these days. You love to play with your little wooden dollhouse and dolls. It's cute to watch you put the baby to bed and pretend like the dolls are kissing one another. You have the sweetest heart and I can tell you are going to be a very loving girl.
You amaze me everyday and make me excited for each and every day. Can't wait to see what you will accomplish this month!
Love,
Mommy
You are 17 months today and wow - how you have changed - in just the last week! I can tell such a difference in your little, or big rather, personality since you moved up to the Toddler 2 class at school.
You are talking more. You pretty much repeat everything I say...especially the last word in my sentences. You are very happy. In fact, "happy" is your favorite word. You are super curious. You love to read books and you will even sit down and pretend to read on your own now. Its so cute to see you pointing to the pages and humming little words...especially when you are holding the book upside down! You are obsessed with your pink kitty pajamas. They have cats on the feet of them and you cry every time we change your diaper or have to take them off for any reason... I'm not sure if I would even call it a cry, you actually scream and have a total melt down. You absolutely LOVE those PJs. We're going to need to find a back-up pair!
You are super loving and love to hug (which I especially love!). You're starting to get more into girly things, even more than before. You love hair bows, sparkly shoes and clothes and to put dresses on. Your favorite food is pasta and cheese of course. Your still somewhat of a picky eater, but I believe it's only because you currently have 4 molars popping their way through on the top and bottom of your gums! They are actually cut through so I think it's safe to say you now have 12 teeth! Your favorite character is Elmo, but you still love Barney and you love to sing the Barney theme song. It's adorable to hear your little voice singing. You are playing on your own more and more and very content these days. You love to play with your little wooden dollhouse and dolls. It's cute to watch you put the baby to bed and pretend like the dolls are kissing one another. You have the sweetest heart and I can tell you are going to be a very loving girl.
You amaze me everyday and make me excited for each and every day. Can't wait to see what you will accomplish this month!
Love,
Mommy
Friday, October 25, 2013
My Arrow
On Monday, my sweet girl will hit yet another milestone. She will be graduating from Toddler I class to Toddler II.
Every day I'm amazed at her growth and advancement. The new words she says, the songs she sings, the signs she learns and all her new activities like jumping and dancing. As I peruse pictures in my Facebook feed, I see pictures of babies at 1 week, 3 months, 5 months, 9 months, etc. and with every image of these sweet babes, I find myself reminiscing of Isla at those stages. Her chunky rolls and cheeks. The sweet dimples in her tiny hands. Her high pitch cries. The tiny clothes and all the sweet memories that come along with every stage.
The images remind me how quickly time goes by and how precious each day is that we are blessed with. Since having Isla, I find myself more thankful to God and I'm constantly reminded that I should have always been this thankful.
The saying, "We aren't promised tomorrow" is a common phrase I've heard all my life. After He blessed us with Isla, this saying really became a stronger statement to me. Now everyday, I find myself making sure she knows how much I love her and love her daddy... and not just by the love I have for them in my heart, but really showing them love through my actions and words. I say, "I love you" if I am ever leaving them for the day. I make it a point, no matter how busy, to stop what I'm doing give multiple hugs and kisses and share smiles and laughs with one another before departing.
This practice has also helped my marriage. I love on my husband more now, I am more patient with him for the little daily nuances we may encounter, I forgive quicker and I find myself appreciating him more.
Having Isla has been a blessing in so many ways. Through God's gift of her, I love deeper (both her and my husband), appreciate more and live in a constant mind-frame of gratitude.
She is my blessing, my arrow and the Lord has strengthened me through the gift of motherhood.
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. Psalms 127: 3-5
Every day I'm amazed at her growth and advancement. The new words she says, the songs she sings, the signs she learns and all her new activities like jumping and dancing. As I peruse pictures in my Facebook feed, I see pictures of babies at 1 week, 3 months, 5 months, 9 months, etc. and with every image of these sweet babes, I find myself reminiscing of Isla at those stages. Her chunky rolls and cheeks. The sweet dimples in her tiny hands. Her high pitch cries. The tiny clothes and all the sweet memories that come along with every stage.
The images remind me how quickly time goes by and how precious each day is that we are blessed with. Since having Isla, I find myself more thankful to God and I'm constantly reminded that I should have always been this thankful.
The saying, "We aren't promised tomorrow" is a common phrase I've heard all my life. After He blessed us with Isla, this saying really became a stronger statement to me. Now everyday, I find myself making sure she knows how much I love her and love her daddy... and not just by the love I have for them in my heart, but really showing them love through my actions and words. I say, "I love you" if I am ever leaving them for the day. I make it a point, no matter how busy, to stop what I'm doing give multiple hugs and kisses and share smiles and laughs with one another before departing.
This practice has also helped my marriage. I love on my husband more now, I am more patient with him for the little daily nuances we may encounter, I forgive quicker and I find myself appreciating him more.
Having Isla has been a blessing in so many ways. Through God's gift of her, I love deeper (both her and my husband), appreciate more and live in a constant mind-frame of gratitude.
She is my blessing, my arrow and the Lord has strengthened me through the gift of motherhood.
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. Psalms 127: 3-5
Monday, October 21, 2013
Precious Stage
Isla is nearly 17 months old now, and this has proven to be one of my favorite stages. While this stage has come with a new set of challenges, she has become so loving, snuggly and FUNNY!
I love how loving she is. She gives out hugs and kisses so freely. One of our favorite games is the hugging game where she just goes back and forth from Joel and I giving us hugs and kisses... over and over again. Her MMMMWAH's get bigger and bigger with each kiss. I love this! I reflected on Friday night after we played this game how short this stage really is. I know there will come a day where she grows more stingy with her hugs and kisses.
She has also become a cuddlebug. She has always loved for me to hold her, which I never minded at all, but lately she holds me as I hold her too. She wraps her arms around me, clinches on to my shirt and lays her head over on my shoulder. In those moments, I feel so at peace. For brief moments she also lies still on my chest or in my arms as we read books or watch one of her favorite shows.
She keeps us laughing all the time at this age. She LOVES to dance... and we love it too! Her dance moves are so funny and cute. Each night before bed, we've been having a dance party and every night gets funnier than the last as she learns to wiggle and move.
I'm so thankful God has trusted me to be her mom and experience such an amazing stage in her life!
You are so very special Isla Rae!
I love how loving she is. She gives out hugs and kisses so freely. One of our favorite games is the hugging game where she just goes back and forth from Joel and I giving us hugs and kisses... over and over again. Her MMMMWAH's get bigger and bigger with each kiss. I love this! I reflected on Friday night after we played this game how short this stage really is. I know there will come a day where she grows more stingy with her hugs and kisses.
She has also become a cuddlebug. She has always loved for me to hold her, which I never minded at all, but lately she holds me as I hold her too. She wraps her arms around me, clinches on to my shirt and lays her head over on my shoulder. In those moments, I feel so at peace. For brief moments she also lies still on my chest or in my arms as we read books or watch one of her favorite shows.
She keeps us laughing all the time at this age. She LOVES to dance... and we love it too! Her dance moves are so funny and cute. Each night before bed, we've been having a dance party and every night gets funnier than the last as she learns to wiggle and move.
I'm so thankful God has trusted me to be her mom and experience such an amazing stage in her life!
You are so very special Isla Rae!
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Loving the unexpected
To my daughter,
You are growing up so quickly that I can hardly keep up. Each day you do, say or sing something new. Yes, you are singing and humming little tunes now. The newest one is "Ring around the roses." You love the part at the end where we fall down to the floor. It's so cute to see you developing into such a big smart girl. I'm beginning to envision you as a little girl... what you'll look like in a few years, your tiny voice and all the new experiences you will bring to us. It has been an unbelievable journey since we first found out God blessed us with you. Everyday brings something new whether its in the form of a new found laughter or challenge we didn't expect - you have made me love the unexpected.
You bring more joy to our lives than I ever thought was imaginable. I hope you always know how much I love you, how special you are, how big of a difference you make and how important you are.
Looking forward to all the adventures to come as we progress in your toddler II years.
xo,
Mommy
You are growing up so quickly that I can hardly keep up. Each day you do, say or sing something new. Yes, you are singing and humming little tunes now. The newest one is "Ring around the roses." You love the part at the end where we fall down to the floor. It's so cute to see you developing into such a big smart girl. I'm beginning to envision you as a little girl... what you'll look like in a few years, your tiny voice and all the new experiences you will bring to us. It has been an unbelievable journey since we first found out God blessed us with you. Everyday brings something new whether its in the form of a new found laughter or challenge we didn't expect - you have made me love the unexpected.
You bring more joy to our lives than I ever thought was imaginable. I hope you always know how much I love you, how special you are, how big of a difference you make and how important you are.
Looking forward to all the adventures to come as we progress in your toddler II years.
xo,
Mommy
Friday, October 4, 2013
Peeeas and ank eww...
We've really been working a lot with Isla to sign and say her manners - please and thank you.
She has been doing such an amazing job with both saying and signing, please. When she says please it sounds more like - peas..it's so cute and irresistible.
Her thank yous are cute as well and sound more like - ank ewww.
She's also signing shoes, cracker and fish very well. Our little girl is growing up so fast and she amazes me everyday.
She has been doing such an amazing job with both saying and signing, please. When she says please it sounds more like - peas..it's so cute and irresistible.
Her thank yous are cute as well and sound more like - ank ewww.
She's also signing shoes, cracker and fish very well. Our little girl is growing up so fast and she amazes me everyday.
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