Isla

When I was pregnant with Isla, I sometimes wondered how I could share the love that I have for Mikaella with this new little baby. I worried that I might not have the same bond or connection that I have with her older sister but everyone reassured me that it was possible and that I would have the same crazy love for her as I do for M and they were totally right.

Isla just melts my heart. There is something about her that is so wonderful. Maybe it was the bond that we built while I sat beside her incubator at the NICU day after day while she fought to be here or maybe it has something to do with the fact that she was born months after my Nana and there's something about her spirit that reminds me of my Nana, but either way - she is so incredibly special to me. There are moments when I look at her and she just smiles at me and for some reason she makes me feel like I am the only one in the world that can make her feel that way. She resembles me too and maybe I feel so much of myself when I look at her and I daydream about what kind of a person she will be. Will she enjoy sports as much as I do? Will she be a fussy eater like I was? Will she excel in subjects like English over Math and Science? Maybe I project so much of what I was like on her just simply because she looks like me so much and she will turn out to be the exact opposite! Either way, I will love her just the same.

Right now, she is starting to laugh and giggle and I'm trying every silly little way I can to make her crack up because it makes my day. I love that I get to enjoy the way that Mikaella is growing and changing as a 2 year old and yet simultaneously I get to re-enjoy the baby phase. M's vocabulary is expanding exponentially and it is so great to hear her express herself and I can't wait for Isla to be able to converse with her and play together but for now I am totally enjoying the simple giggles and smiles that she is giving these days as a playful 4 month old.

Our days are simple, we eat, sleep and play. We usually finish our days with a walk to the beach and wait for Daddy to come home from work but we have a lot of fun. Some days are more difficult than others especially when teething is involved but it has been so stellar having the girls together and for me to be able to take care of them.

This is a pic from this week on our daily stroll to the beach at the end of our street. Mikaella couldn't wait to knock on our friend Cruz's door and Isla was quite content with looking all around now that she is big enough to face out in the Baby Bjorn.

Happy 30th Wedding Anniversary Mom & Dad!

July 4th

July 4th was so much fun this year! The fireworks returned to Marina del Rey [MDR] and we had a roof top party to watch them. We love living by the beach and July 4th is one of our favoutire holidays [this is the day Jim & I met :)]

 

Watching Mikaella's face as the fireworks went off was priceless. I love watching her reaction to people, places and things as she is now at an age where she is taking everything in and learning so much. She has so much spunk and we just love her energy [we hope she never changes!]

Sisters

I grew up with 2 brothers so I have no idea what it is like to have a sister. My hope is that they always know how special they both are to Jim and I and that they hopefully share a bond that will be incredibly special. So far they are off to a great start and I am curious to see how their relationship will grow and blossom over the years.

My Girls

I have this warm feeling in my heart every time I get to talk about my daughters. I still can't believe that I have 2 beautiful girls now and feel beyond blessed that they are as amazing as they are. So far Isla looks a little bit like me and Mikaella is looking a little bit more like her Daddy.
My Mom took this picture of Mikaella, Isla & I and I have a feeling it will be one of my personal favourites forever.

Amazing Big Sister Mikaella

Jim and I could not believe how incredible Mikaella was when we brought Isla home. She was [and still is!] a great big sister. She hasn't been jealous or anything and we are so proud of her. She always wants to hold her, change her diaper, and kiss her. It is so stinkin' cute.

It is really incredible to see your family grow and to see how everyone adapts and transitions. This time Honey was even stellar!

Cuddles

The first week we brought home Isla we cuddled her 24/7! We were so excited to have her home that we couldn't put her down ;)