The kiddos....

Isabella
Isabella is now 3 1/2 years old and such a little firecracker! She is incredibly intelligent, hysterically funny, entertaining, and very independent. She's stubborn like both her parents, and knows exactly what she wants. She is a very loving little girl, and is the best big sister we could have asked for. She is always wanting to help little brother Owen, and when he is upset, she will sing "don't worry baby, big sister is here." She is the first to get diapers, to help give him baths, and to be on hand for anything and everything. I don't know how I survived our first child without having a little "mother's helper!" Luckily, she has shown almost no signs of jealousy, and has really enjoyed having Owen around. Isabella is also very kind, caring, and nurturing, and is the type of child to offer help to other kids. Recently at school, she made a balance beam and then helped all of the children across and offered them praise when they were successful. She attends pre-k, and very much enjoys learning. Daddy is teaching her to read with a Hooked on Phonics Pre-K edition computer program, and now she even asks "can we go do our learning now?" Isabella goes to gymnastics every Saturday, and up until recently, swimming on Sundays. We are currently on hiatus from swimming and are looking into dance lessons instead. She enjoys these activities with her best friend Nina. I always say that they are 3 going on 15. The two of them are so cute together! Isabella easily entertains herself and enjoys playing with her toys, reading books, and being outside. Unfortunately, she is also a big fan of cartoons! Most people say that Isabella looks like her daddy, with the exception of her eyes which are just like mommy's. She's a nice blend of both of our personalities, and I just have a nagging suspicion that she will be a handful and a half when she's a teenager. Because it was just the 3 of us for over 3 years, Isabella, Jamie, and I are a very close-knit family, and we will make every effort to ensure that we stay that way. When I was pregnant with baby number 2, part of me felt a little sad that it would no longer be just the 3 of us, but once Owen was born I realized that we grew even closer and that life was even sweeter. I think I have the most wonderful family in the world, and I feel blessed every single day.
To see pictures of when Isabella was born, click here: http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AaNnLJo1ZOGHb

Owen
Owen has been a fabulous addition to the family. I can't imagine my life without him, and it's hard to picture a time when he wasn't here, even though he's barely 3 months old. He has grown to become a laid-back, sweet-natured little boy. I was a little worried at first, but the first few weeks of having a newborn are just complete chaos, and I am happy to say that he has totally mellowed out. Owen smiles all the time, and it's the most wonderful thing in the world. His coos and noises are music to my ears. He loves facing outward and observing the world. He's a big fan of his Baby Bjorn carrier and never gets upset when he's in it, which is fabulous for mommy. He doesn't like to stay in his car seat or stroller, and prefers to be held and involved with what's going on. He's quickly getting frustrated with laying down and wants to be sitting up now. He loves to sit propped up and will probably be sitting on his own shortly. He recently starting holding on to toys, and he's beginning to find them very interesting. He thinks it's fun to look in mirrors, and I can't help but wonder what he thinks he's looking at! Owen has been a great sleeper, and lets mommy and daddy get plenty of rest. The only real struggle we have had is that he refuses to take a bottle. We've tried unsuccessfully for almost a month and a half! Our pediatrician informed me that there are some children, including 2 of her own kids, who will never take a bottle....ahhh! We will keep working on it, and hopefully once he's in daycare, he will learn to take one. But I've also prepared myself just in case he won't. Owen is thriving physically, and was in the top 75% for both height and weight. Most people say Owen looks like me, and I believe that he is a spitting image of my father, who passed away in February from cancer. I don't think it's a coincidence that they look alike, and every time I look at Owen, I see my dad smiling back at me. God works in funny ways. Owen and Isabella don't look very much alike, and although I always thought I wanted 2 kids who looked similar, I am enjoying the fact that they are different. I look forward to observing both the similarities and differences between having a girl and a boy. Owen has completed our family, and brought so much joy and happiness in such a short time. It's so great to be able to do this all over again, and relive all the "firsts" that we had with Isabella. I wouldn't trade a day in this life for anything else.
To see more pictures of Owen, click here: http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AaNnLJo1ZOGHK