Isabella's first Christmas

This is our townhouse all decked out with lights. Most of our neighbors put up lights. We try and make it feel as festive as possible in Miami even thought it was 80 degress outside. We were soon going to get our white christmas we were heading to Alberta for the holiday.

Thanksgiving

We decided to go cross country with our dog, and Isabella. It was quite an ambitious endevour but we made it safely and without any problems. Well except that we go a flat tire about 1 hour from our house. Isabella loved the trip and Shamrock was just happy to be with us and now at the kennel. This would be the first time Isabella felt the cold.

My dad was so proud of Isabella. He came 2 weeks after she was born with Cheryl, Levi, and Julissa. I was so happy to see everyone. I meant a lot to me that they came. I wish that we could be closer so that they could see her growing.

Just a few days after Isabella arrived Chad's mom and sister came for a small visit. It was so wonderful to have them here. They couldn't have come at a better time. I really needed some mothers around to help out with questions and just being supportive. They prepared wonderful meals every night and much more food that we could prepare ourselves after they left. I loved to see them with Isabella and she loved them too. Thank you for taking the time to come down and see your little grandaughter and niece.

It was absolutely amazing when Isabella was born. I was speechless for awhile and just sat there looking at her little body as the color began to flow into her fingers and toes. It was incredible to have another life in the room with us. We came home about 4 hours after she was born and have been enjoying spending time with her. My Mom and Sister came down to visit from Alberta to meet Isabella. It was so nice to have them around, they are very helpful and made a lot of food for us. We cannot thank them enough. We are thankful for our new daughter and pray for her everyday.

Isabella's Birthday

At 7:00 am on 08/04/08 I felt the first signs of labor my water broke. A few minutes later the small pains of contractions started. I still wasn't for sure if I was really in labor because I was two weeks early. By the time I took a shower and dressed the contractions had increased in frequency and intensity. We still had a 45 minute drive through Miami morning traffic and my contractions were getting closer. We finally arrive at the Maternity Center at around 10:00 am and the contractions were 5 minutes apart. I was checked and I was dilated 7 cm. I was shocked everything happened so fast. I hopped in the tub which was calming for a few minutes and then the pain really started. I kept thinking to myself I will not be able to take this much longer the pain is too overwhelming. What seemed like hours was only minutes till I was fully dialated and was ready to push. Riding out each contraction I asked the midwife how long from now does it take to push the baby out. She said it can take 15 minutes or 2 hours depends on how much and how hard I push. I made up my mind that no matter how much it hurt I would push till she came out. I pushed through the burning with all my strength and the most amazing and life changing experience happened Isabella was born. It took 4 hours 45 min. She was placed on my stomach, and Chad and I just looked at her with amazement and awe. What a miracle life is. There was a peacefulness in that room and I know that God was there looking down on us. This is true love!

My niece Brooke was a big help at the shower and at home. She stayed with us for about a month. She kept me entertained the entire time she was here it really made the last month go by quicker. She can't wait to have another girl in the family and Isabella (this is the name we have picked) will adore her too. Tomorrow is Brooke's birthday I don't think Isabella is coming by then. She hopefully will be here in a few weeks.