3 months old

We can't believe how fast Isabelle is growing and how strong she is getting. We started using her Bumbo chair about two or three weeks ago and ever since then she has really developed her upper body strength. She loves sitting in her chair. She surprised all of us last week when she sat up on her own. She stayed upright for probably 30 seconds or so. She doesn't have sitting up completely mastered...she usually starts falling forward after a little bit, but she is doing a great job. Isabelle also loves standing up...of course with our help, but it is her favorite thing to do and she will often push herself up into the standing position. Every day we are eager to see what she will do next to surprise us.

Isabelle's first day sitting up

Who needs to suck on a thumb when you could stick your whole fist in your mouth?



Isabelle and mommy matching in purple



Dining out with mommy and Daddy, Isabelle likes having her own seat.


Isabelle and mommy


Every morning Isabelle calls her dad at work. She can be quite the chatter box. Getting Isabelle's phone call is Charles' favorite part of the day.



Isabelle loves hanging out with her best friend Kayla. Ruth, Adam and their three kids moved here from Atlanta in August. We love having them around.

In January Isabelle and I went to Atlanta for a week to spend time with Carol and her family. It was Isabelle's first plane trip and she slept through it all, both on the way there and on the way back. We had a great time with Carol, Brian and the twins, although I was sick most of the trip. Charles flew there for the weekend and we all went to Carol's friends lake house. It was gorgeous and it snowed most of the time we were there.

Isabelle's first plane trip


Isabelle with her Aunt Carol and cousin Chloe on the Marta


Becca and Cassidy on the Marta

Aren't I cute?

Isabelle with her cousins in their matching hats Nana got them.

One of Isabelle's classic sleeping positions

Isabelle's First Christmas

Isabelle had a great first Christmas. Charles' mom was still with us here in Florida and his Dad and sister Elise joined us as well. It was a full house. As tradition goes, the Saturday before Christmas we went down to Vero Beach for Ma's Christmas party. It was Isabelle's first time to Vero and first time to the beach. Like all of us, she loved it there. Isabelle finally got to meet most of my family. Christmas day we got up and had a nice big breakfast. We opened presents and then headed over to my mom's house and joined the rest of the family. Ma also drove up, which is a tradition she started a couple years ago. We love having her there with us at Christmas. Of course we played lots of games and enjoyed each others company. I think Isabelle enjoyed her first Christmas, but I am excited for next year when she will be able to open her presents herself and really have fun!

Isabelle's first trip to the beach...she slept through it all.

Isabelle loves her cousins Chloe and Cassidy. Carol and her family were able to come and spend a week with us here in Florida over the girls' Christmas break.

Isabelle with Grammy and Pappy

Isabelle has a special connection with her Great Uncle Kenny

Isabelle and mommy love to match their clothes!

Can you kiss a baby too much?

4 generations on Christmas day

We had family pictures done while everyone was in town. Isabelle slept through most of the day.

We had Isabelle's baby blessing on December 30th. Isabelle wore the same dress that Chloe and Cassidy wore for their blessing. Brian's mom made it. It was beautiful and a perfect fit. Charles gave her a beautiful blessing. It was a special day. Thank you to everyone who came!

Mommy, Grandpa and Isabelle after Isabelle's blessing

Mommy, Daddy and Isabelle Marie


My dad came over for the blessing and he had bought Carolina shirts and jerseys for everyone.

I had to go back to work at the first of the year. So we had to practice having Isabelle take a bottle. She did amazingly well. Charles gave her her first bottle. She seemed a little confused at first that Charles was able to feed her, but took it without a problem. Fortunately I am only working part time. My mom watches Isabelle for me when I work. The first couple days my mom had her, Isabelle didn't want to take the bottle. After a while my mom turned on the Price is Right and right away Isabelle took the bottle. The next day she did the same thing and sure enough the Price is Right did the job again. I guess I watch a little too much tv when I am home with her.Isabelle's first bottle