Back from paradise

Vacation was wonderful, think 'Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous'. We are missing our noon rum punch but otherwise getting right back into the swing of things. We were both excited to return and see our baby girl. Bella was SO HAPPY to see us, giddy would be the adjective I would use to describe her reaction.

Jason is headed out east to Washington D.C. this week, he is contracting with a company to help with the firearms training for Amtrak's tactical/SWAT team. Should be an interesting week for him. As for me, I'm keeping very busy at work managing some market research programs and online marketing initiatives.

Isabella is learning new things everyday, I'm amazed at how much she understands. She runs now - actually she runs away from us is more accurate. I imagine her thought process is something like this "Want to put my shirt on? You'll have to catch me first!" It definitely keeps us on our toes!

I knew it was coming...

Jason and I leave on vacation this week. I'm excited...sailing around the Caribbean is going to be an adventure...leaving my sweet baby for 12-days however...hopefully I won't cry everyday! I'm sure we will have a great time on vacation but I will miss my little girl's smiles and big hugs that I get when I come home everyday. (Have I mentioned lately how much I love her?)

We spent the weekend running errands, we brought Isabella in for her 1-year pictures. I have to say it was the best session we've had in terms of getting Isabella to smile. Picking pictures was a challenge...I think they are all so cute! I think we did pretty well only spending $100. Jason thinks we only need pictures once a year from this point on...but don't we want 18-month pictures?? I THINK SO!

We packed our bags, picked up a few last things (beach towel, motion-sickness pills, tanning lotion) and I went in for pedicure yesterday. At the very least my feet are ready for vacation!

Golden Girl!

Happy Golden Birthday to our favorite goddaughter Hillarie! Happy 6th Birthday, we love you!

A ONEderful time was had by all...

Isabella celebrated the big "1" over the weekend. It was wonderful to have such a large group of family and friends there to celebrate with us. Isabella seemed unaffected by all the activity and attention. We were all exhausted by the days end.

I learned that we should save any exciting presents and open only after the majority of other gifts have been opened...opening exciting gifts first leaves a girl not interested in anything else and mom ends up opening many presents on her behalf. Live and learn. Isabella received an entire summer wardrobe by my measure and some great toys and books. What was the exciting present you ask? A tricycle...even though her feet don't quite touch the pedals, it did not stop Isabella from climbing on and enjoy being "driven" all around the house.

It is hard to believe I've been a mommy for a full year...what a life changing experience this has been. Motherhood has unequivicolly exceeded my expectations in every way. Isabella is such a sweet and fun little girl...I love her more than I can say.

Isabella's 1-year stats:

22-lbs (60th percentile)

31-inches tall (85th percentile)