A Princess And A Prince

A PRINCESS


Our Princess, 7 days old, off all the ventilators and no more oxygen. (The stickers on her face were to hold the oxygen tube in place.)


Mommy and Daddy praising God for this precious reward from God after 4 days of not being able to touch her or talk to her. (Note the difference in skin color.. she is going to be a fair skinned princess.)


Isabella at 7 days old, Daddy trying to get her to take the bottle for the first time, but she was still too tired from all the sedatives. She just needed to rest, and so rest she did, on the seventh day.


Isabella Grace, our daughter, our 7th arrow, our hearts desire come to life.

Isabella on day 5: Off all ventilators.

Isabella on day 6: Able to finally touch her, talk to her, and hold her again.

Isabella on day 7: Attempted to nurse her. Attempted to bottle feed, she was just too tired.

Isabella on day 8: She did take a little bit of bottle, but would not nurse. She is still very sleepy and tired. They take her off the IV's, so no more fluids. She should start to get hungry and be more alert now, we hope. I am able to dress and change her diaper for the first time.

Isabella on day 9 (today): Isabella is wide awake when I get to the hospital. I have never seen her this alert. She takes 70cc's from a bottle of breast milk. She then nurses, for the first time like a champ. I cry and laugh, and cry some more from the emotion of being able to finally share this moment with my daughter. It is 'bonding' in the truest sense.

Daddy burping her, but she is such a lady, she waited until Daddy left for work to let it out.




A special thanks to Gramita for being there, at our beck and call, to watch our other arrows. Thanks to my Dad for working so hard on the house at the bottom of the mountain. Thanks to Tia Elisa for comedic relief. I love you guys and I believe that I am just surrounded by angels when it comes to our family.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A PRINCE

Walker turned 6 this past Sunday. He really wanted Isabella home for his birthday. When we told him it would still be a little while before she could come home, he asked if we could have a joint 'welcome home/birthday party' for when she was able to come home. He said we had to have a Cold Stone ice cream cake for the occasion and he was going to make her a banner. He did not know we had asked Grandmom to set up a surprise party for him at her house with our family.

Tim and I really wanted him to know he is so special to us, so we took him on a date. First out to lunch at a chinese restaurant. (His choice.) Then we took him to see Isabella at the hospital. He was able to finally touch her and he must have held her hand for 15 minutes straight.



After his bonding time with his little sister, we took him to the Railroad Museum in Balboa Park. (Also, his choice.) He looks so grown up now!

Here is Walker 3 years ago. What a baby face he had then. (Wearing his favorite hat.)


When we got to Grandmom and Grandad's house, and Walker walked down the driveway to a SURPRISE yell from everyone, he was blown away. My sweet MIL and FIL went above and beyond, as usual, and put the whole thing together. I did not do a single thing besides bring the guest of honor. Honestly, they are angels on earth.


Walker loved all his gifts. He seemed touched that Isabella remembered his birthday, too. She got him a kit to make his own puppets, so he could put a show on for her once she got home. He got a big boy watch, and some cool toys and clothes. He had been really wanting a checker board, and Mom and Dad got that for him. Remember, "don't take it easy" on him. But, he was the most grateful for all the time, effort, and love Grandmom and Grandad put into his party. Thanks so much!!






"Thanks to everyone for praying for me. I look forward to coming home soon. You all come back, ya' hear!"
XOXO, Isabella Grace