Dear Isabella,
I can't believe you're almost three weeks old! (And I can't believe I've been trying to post this for the last week and a half... Seems something, or rather someone, now occupies all of our time.) You came into this world one stubborn little lady, and things haven't changed since.
You refused to come out on your due date (or even a little early as Mom had hoped), and ended up staying in exactly one extra week. Why not, right, when you got lots of Christmas cookies that everyone baked for your pregnant mommy and excited daddy, as well as tons of french toast that Mommy was craving (and Dad so loving prepared). I'd stay in, too! Thankfully, my labor was pretty easy, considering I was induced and it could have taken up to 3-4 days, and only lasted for about 19 hours. Not sure you're going to have any siblings at this point, but we'll explore that option again sometime later (when Mommy starts to forget everything that happened and just sees you).
We figure you stayed in an extra couple of days so you could celebrate Eli's first birthday with him in Heaven, too. I remember the first night I had you at home, I was rocking you to sleep, and you smiled this huge smile... I whispered in your ear and asked if you were playing with Eli in your dreams, and you smiled again. I asked you to tell him hello and that we loved him, and you squeaked your cute little squeak, and then about 5 seconds later, you did it again. Mommy took that as Eli saying hello back, and then proceeded to cry all over you. Sorry about that.
Since then, we've had our ups and downs... lots of sleepless nights, trouble with feeding, tummy issues, and those sorts of things... but the good is outweighing the bad. As soon as you came out, we knew God had saved one of his most precious angels for us. Dad and I couldn't believe that we had made something so beautiful. Not sure where you got your looks from, but baby, you're the most perfect little girl I've seen. We love sitting and watching all the faces you make, listening to all of your new baby noises, and trying to enjoy every moment of parenthood. We know this newborn phase will pass quickly, and we'll miss these moments soon enough. (Maybe not the five hours of crying in the middle of the night, or the endless need to feed during growth spurts, but who knows...)
When Daddy first saw you, he told me that your birth was the most amazing day of his life. (All you had to do was be born, and you easily surpassed the day your dad and I met, our engagement day, our wedding day... pretty much 10 and a half years of just the two of us, out the window. I guess I can take a step aside and let you hold the honor of "best day," sweet girl.) Daddy also proceeded to tell me at some point during your first week, amongst his comments of "Wow, she's so cute," that he definitely had his work cut out for him in the future, keeping all the boys away. He's right! And man, can I just tell you for a minute what an amazing dad you have? He wakes up with us for every feeding during the night to change your diaper and to swaddle you after. He provides extra hands to me during the day when I need a minute, cleans up around the house like I used to do (because all my time is dedicated to you right now), reads stories to you from your children's bible, and just enjoys the quiet moments of holding you. You are so lucky to have him as your daddy. He told me the other day can't wait for you to be big enough to play in our neighborhood park. I'm excited to continue to watch your relationship grow as you grow, little one.
You also have a very loving golden retriever, who couldn't quite figure out what was making those squeaking noises the first day we brought you home (the only thing that squeaks around here are her toys, and you're definitely not a toy). Since then, Lili has become a very protective older sister, making sure to stay close by your. She joins us in your room for each feeding, laying at Mommy's feet, she watches over you when visitors come and hold you, and she even nudged Dad one night when both he and I slept through your whimpering because we were so exhausted. You two are sure to have fun together soon, and potentially cause a lot of trouble. I can't wait!
I've included a few pictures below that I took during your first week home. I made the quilt you're laying on, and hope to take your monthly pictures on that so we can track your growth. There's also a picture of you in your bassinet in our room, and you on your changing table in your room. And, of course, a picture of you with your dad. Melt my heart!
Ella, we can't wait to continue this adventure of parenthood with you. So many people have come to see you and love on you. We can't believe you're finally here, and you're all ours to love on and raise to be a woman who is strong in her faith, who values her family, and who loves herself and life. We can't wait to see all that you'll become.
Our love,
Mom and Dad
