Here comes Santa Claus

Enjoying my Christmas present from Santa!

Is that a BUMBO!!! OMG!!!!!

SHUTS UP!!!!!

Oh dearest Santa, I would love a Bumbo this year!

And I would also love world peace, an end to war and the universal embrace of biofuels.

(Also part of my developing Miss Universe speech...for the year 2028)

Today, as Isabella and I hung out admiring our Christmas decor, came a knock at the door. It was Jolly Old Saint Nick himself!! He parked the sleigh and reindeer in the driveway, which caused quite the ruckus with the neighbors. Removing his snowy boots (he doesn't wear socks...weird), he climbed the stairs to find a very surprised Isabella. "Yo, old man...you're not my grandpa." "Ho Ho Ho! No, it is I, Santa Claus! And I am here to see if you've been a good little girl this year," said Santa. Isabella responded, "Do the few months in Mommy's belly count? If so, I vote not fair." "Ho Ho HO! What a clever child..."

It turns out, Isabella has been a good girl and will be awarded all the spoils of this Christmas. However, she reminded all of us as Santa sped away into the sky, "Remember the reason for the season! Happy BDay J!"

Professional Photo Shoots

Maternity Photo.

8 months pregnant.

Newborn Photo.

4 days old.

3 month photo.

Not sure about this...

3 month photo.

That's a wrap.

Here are some of Isabella's professional photos taken by her favorite photographer: Jim Kueffner. If you like what you see, I can send you his contact information. I will post more (our favorites!!) in a few weeks.

BTW: He also did our engagement pictures.

Style is Everything.

Please note my cowboy boots and "I Rock" rocking horse shirt.

I truly do rock.

Oh this old thing...just something I threw together.

(Thanks to Ms. Katie and Mr. Paul)

I call this "Pretty in Pink"

Please note my ruffled socks and perfectly matching cardigan.

Yeah, I wear cardigans. What?

Isabella asked that I post some pictures highlighting her unbelievable ability to wear any color she chooses and carry off incredible style. "It's not my fault I have such a neutral, even skin tone," she said as she stared in the lion shaped floor mirror.

She has entered captions for her avid followers.

Snow Day!!!!

In one of my 5 snow suits. Excessive? Never for fashion.

Mom, I can't put my arms down!

Super snow. Approx 9 inches.

Blizzard! Not the DQ kind.

Check out my snow shoes.

As you locals may know, it is snowing outside. It has pretty much been snowing nonstop since last night. Everything on the news is SNOW SNOW SNOW. Isabella, being a clever little one, woke this morning to a weak cough, "ahh, ahh! Mommy, I'm sick. I think I'm getting the Black Lung." I kindly informed her that her lack of coal mining experience disqualifies her from a diagnosis of 'Black Lung' and that both her father and I were 3 month once (we know all those tricks...in fact, we invented them). Lucky for her, she was able stay home with Daddy while Mommy slid to work.

However, while watching the news this evening, Isabella was able to experience that exhilaration that comes with seeing your school on the CLOSED/CANCELLED list. "Whoop, whoop!" she exclaimed through her pacifier. Now if only they would close the state offices....fat chance.

"I claim this in the name of Isabella!"

Isabella has officially discovered her hands are useful. She is purposely grabbing her candy corn toy (yes, we know it is out of season). She also enjoys grabbing shirts, jewelry and anything dangling near her. Next conquest...that grey furry think they call 'Maisie.'

Fun times!

Trying out my highchair for the first time.

It is actually an early Christmas gift....don't tell Santa.

Hanging with Abuelo and Tio Carlos.

I think he is starting to love me even though I cry!

My sister/dog Maisie in a tutu.

Enjoying one of three Christmas trees in my house.

Trying out my jumper!

Turkey Tom and a Turkey Mom

Isabella in Thanksgiving outfit number 2.

Cutting the yummy fried turkey.

Isabella and Mommy.

Abuelo and Daddy with the masterpiece turkey!

So happy it is Turkey Day!

Outfit number one and stuffed turkey.

This year, Isabella requested we (her mommy and daddy) host Thanksgiving. As she put it, she received far too many invitations to please everyone. So, she created a little menu and request we whip it up for out guests: Abuelo, Abuela, Grandpa, Grandma, Aunt Meredith, Uncle Justin, Aunt Annie and Tio Carlos. She is turing out to be quite an event planner (like her Auntie Lindi)! Also, liking a tradition from Ms. Lindsay, she asked us to pass the Cup of Blessing. In this tradition, everyone receives a chance to toast to the blessings and thanksgivings of the year. However, some things tells me she plotted this as a way to gain compliments as so many were thankful for The Diva herself. Ironic? Please enjoy some snap shots from her first Thanksgiving feast.

Maisie.

Isabella at Baby School.

Baby School.

Isabella's First Day of Baby School

English Definition:

Day Care (n): a supervised daytime care for preschool children usually provided at a center outside the home.

Mommy Definition:

Day Care (n): a stranger whom I pay an arm and leg to raise my baby because I need to/want to/chose to work outside the home. commonly thought of as partial abandonment.

Yeah, so going back to work and sending Isabella to day care was a most horrible experience. No, don't worry...she was totally fine. I was not so fine. I cried for days leading up the the dreaded day. I battled an internal turmoil wondering if I should return to work. Prior to motherhood, I thought I would be bored at home. As it turns out, watching Dr. Oz, Maury, Ellen and Oprah with Baby wasn't so bad and definitely not boring. In order to help myself feel better, I convinced myself it was not daycare but Baby School. Everyone goes to school, right? Why not start early? So, Day Care became Baby School. Then, the day came...

I left Isabella with a capable teacher. She didn't fuss or cry. I was in complete hysterics. The center director walked me out and gave me a hug, ensuring they would care for Isabella. I drove to work, in tears. I walked into work, in tears. I sat at work (not working), in tears. By about 830 or 9 (I start at 730), I finally gained composure. I called the center. Isabella was fine, sleeping like she typically did at that time. Later, I went for a lunchtime visit. She was still fine, though happy to see Mommy (or the boob milk). I returned to work and before I knew it, I was home with baby. Each day thereafter was a little bit easier.

Now, Isabella is into her 4th week of baby school. She has yet to be expelled or start any fights. In fact, I am told she is a model student (I am sure they tell every Mom that).

Socializing Baby.

With Mr. Damir.

With Mrs. Stupar, learning Croatian.

With Jorgito discussing winter fashion.

This week Isabella enjoyed socializing with many friends. She dined on traditional Croatian dishes (intra-milk) while practicing a new language. Her goal is to be quarta-lingual by mastering English, Spanish, German and Croatian. I suggested a one or two at time, but she believes in immersion. Another night, she compared winter gearing and fashion rumblings with other small people. All the rage this season: hats hat HATS!

Isabella, ella, ella....

This week, while driving around, Isabella shouts from her car seat, "Hey Ma! Use that celly and get me Rhianna." Confused, I ask why my infant daughter needs to speak with pop star turn domestic violence spokeswoman. Isabella says, "I want her to remix 'Umbrella' to 'Isabella.' Rather than singing about a lame-o umbrella, she can sign about me! Here is what I have so far: With my Isabella, ella, ella...aye, aye, aye, Isabella...What ya think?" Impressed at her lyrical charm, I tell her that a song about her may not universally connect to millions and second that although I am the all powerful Mommy, I do not have Rhianna's contact info. "Not universal!" she cries. "Have you seen my blog followers, my facebook friends? Come on!"

Touche Isabella, touche. So, Rhianna, if you're reading this...

Updated.

Sorry we have not updated the blog in long while. Things have been rather busy! We will try to be more diligent in the future. Enjoy the photo entries.

Happy Halloween!

My dog/big sister Maisie. She loves to eat bananas.

I feel it is ironic she is dressed as a banana. She is crazy enough to eat herself.

I think I may be over Halloween. But I still look cute.

With Grandpa, Grandma and Auntie Meredith.

I am the monkey. Maisie is the banana.

As you can see, we are thrilled.

Why mom and dad are exempt from costumes, we have no idea.

The Henry Doorly Zoo.

I call this the Pumpkin Vogue.

"Yo, we both red hair. Holla!"

Here I am in my throne.

Please note my Keds.

Geez, I'm cute.

Grinning like a Jack-0-lantern.

"You talking to me?"

Auntie Lindi, my candy corn cat and I.

Moments from My Second Month.

"Who me?"

"Abuelo and I pondering the mysteries of life."

Lady in Red!

My swing is much like a recliner.

Sound asleep.

Pretty in Purple.

"Heeeeyyyyy!"

Hanging with Abuelo.

I greatly enjoy my floor gym. It is AMAZING.

We both have flowers in our hair.

With my Auntie Lindi and The Godfather.

My baptism.

At my baptism.

"Mommy! I have hay in my pants!"

My first snow.

"Yum!"

Hanging with Aunt M at Chipotle.

"I can't believe I missed The Office."

"Whatev's."

I can't forget my hat.

"Really Daddy?"

Graphics are totally in this season.

A hat for every occasion.

Thanks Grandmama J.