Splish Splash

 

We spent a great afternoon at the pool last week. Natalie was a little unsure of the water at first. It has been a whole year since the last time she went swimming, so it was understandable, but she was jumping off the side into Russ' arms in no time. I do love her sweet little hand on Russ' back right when they first got in. It's so nice to have a strong, safe Daddy to hold you when you're getting used to something new.  

 

 Isla spent most of her time at the pool asleep in her car seat. Fine by me, though she does have a few cute suits she'll have to try out before summer's end.

Daddy

We sure love our Daddy around here. Natalie and Isla are so lucky to have him and boy, do they know it. I think the best part of Natalie's day is when Russ comes in the door after work. Also, every single time the phone rings during the day, Natalie is convinced it's Daddy calling to say hi.
I asked Natalie a few questions about her Daddy and she actually gave me relevant answers for two of them. :-)

Q: "Where does Daddy go during the day?"
Natalie: "work" and "golf"

Q: "What do you like to do with Daddy?"
Natalie: "peek-o seek-o"
(Peek-o seek-o is Natalie's word for hide-and-seek)

Thank You

A huge thank you to my sister, Rebecca, and my Grandma Stansel for coming to help out when Isla was born. Rebecca, or "Rebec" as Natalie called her, arrived three days before Isla was born. She was Natalie's best buddy while I was in the hospital, particularly the day Isla was born, as well as our whole first week as a family of four. She made us delicious dinners and even stayed a night with me in the hospital. Talk about nice...those pull-out chairs in the hospital don't look particularly comfortable!

Sadly I didn't get a single picture with Rebecca. How did I let that happen?! Luckily she'll be back here in a few months when Gerrit starts law school at GWU! We can't wait to have you back!

My Grandma was also so kind to come out and help. To my knowledge she has been there to help after the births of every one of her 27 grandchildren (of which I'm the first!), which makes her an expert in the "helping out with a new baby" field. She was wonderful. She played with Natalie, fixed breakfast, lunch and dinner, cleaned my house and talked with me while I nursed and nursed.

I was spoiled rotten to have these wonderful women in my home spending time with me and my family. Thank you for all you did to help and for being such a support to us. I don't think I would have made it through the first couple weeks without you both!

Isla Lillian

Our precious baby Isla arrived last Friday afternoon. We are so in love with her.

Isla Lillian
June 1, 2012 at 1:34pm
8 pounds, 3 ounces
20 1/2 inches long

 First picture with mommy and daddy

 Our family of four!

 Grandma and Grandpa

 Aunt Rebecca

 Natalie getting a closer look at her new sister

 When we came home from the hospital Isla gave Natalie a present for being such a good big sister. It was a baby doll for Natalie to take care of. We told Natalie it was her very own baby and now she calls the doll "Own".

 Isla and "Own" relaxing together during dinner our first night home from the hospital.

 Great-grandma Stansel

 

 Natalie asked to hold Isla for the first time and I was so glad my camera was right there. 

Best moment of my day.

 Sisters