Presenting Your Highness: Princess Isabella Grace

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well. (Psalm 139:14)









I know I need to share my birth story (I LOVE reading those myself), but I figured I might be able to pacify you all with some pictures, at least. The first batch are from when we first got to the hospital just after she was born, then the second batch are from her NICU stay these last few days.

I know I look horrified, but the oxygen mask and the straps on the gurney had me strapped down pretty tight. I was trying to get a good look at my newest arrow. I fell instantly in love with this little girl.

Although the paramedics said she was born at 6:48am, I know it was more like 6:38am, because we arrived at the hospital at 6:45am and it took us about 10 minutes to get to the hospital from the time she was born on the freeway.

One of the comments the paramedic made about Isabella when she was born, as he poked her cheeks, was how 'pretty and pink' she was. I love her skin!

I remember thinking, as we pulled into the fire station to have the ambulance transport me to the hospital, "Oh, no, a bunch of guys!" I started to cry. But, don't judge a book by its cover. These men were so kind to me and I am so grateful. The fireman on the right is the one that comforted me on our trip to the hospital, and when I told him, "She's coming!!!" He sweetly checked, said, "No, she's not. You aren't even crowning." I thought to myself, I will show you...and about 5 seconds later with one push the head popped out. You should have seen his face... PRICELESS!

I am overjoyed to be the mommy to these 6 arrows! Can you tell that I am beaming with pride?!

Tim finally gets to hold his princess. I felt so horrible that he had to miss the birth, but he kept telling me how proud he was of me and that meant so much.

Karizma has been waiting for a little sister as long as she can remember. She was waiting this whole pregnancy to be there to watch Isabella come into the world. Well, at least she got one of those wishes come true. She was the first to hold Isabella after Daddy.


My Mom has been present at each of my kiddos births, so I was disappointed that she didn't get to witness Isabella's, but does she look disappointed to you? I think she is absolutely glowing!

Christian was the first of the 'big brothers' to hold her. He had been asking about her for months now. He was so gentle with her.

Walker is an old pro... he has done the big brother thing twice before.

Zack was so curious about his baby sister. He kept inspecting her and couldn't stop smiling.


I remember a few months back Miguel saying, "Once Isabella is born her feet will never touch the ground because I will always be holding her." After missing out on being able to hold her these past few days, this little girl may not learn how to walk until she is in her 20's!!!


Couldn't you just gobble up those cheeks and smooch those lips off? She is so squishy and I am aching to hold her so much right now. I am learning the art of patience, BIG TIME, this week!


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NICU: 6/18/09, admitted at 15 hours old



What started off as low oxygen levels and putting her under an oxygen hood, soon turned into needing to be attached to the high frequency ventilator (She is pretty swollen from all the IV fluid).




I loved seeing when they flipped her onto her tummy. She looked more relaxed and you could really see how chubby her arms and neck are. I can't wait to take a big bite out of her!






The kids, except for Zack, have all come to see her a couple of times now. They pray over her each time, too. Here is Walker and his Daddy.


Christian with Mommy.






Thank you all for your words of comfort, your prayers, your constant encouragement. I am in awe of how many people are praying for our little girl! My SIL, Susan was saying that there are even people in Costa Rica praying. How cool is that?! I will update you on her progress soon. She has been improving and we hope to see her off the high frequency ventilator and onto the conventional one tomorrow. God bless you all!

XOXO,
Veronica and Family