There is a song from the nineties called " I Knew I Loved You Before I Met You." While the song itself was meant to be between two lovers, it perfectly describes how I have felt with both of my girls. I knew before their first breaths that I loved them. It didn't matter that I hadn't seen their faces or touched their soft baby skin-it didn't matter if they looked like me, or if we didn't relate on any level-I knew that I loved them and that just like I knew and loved them, that they knew me.

The day Isla was born, I remember being exhausted both physically and emotionally. Yet there was this excitement that electrified that room and kept me awake when I entertained the thought that today might be the day I'd actually get to hold her for the first time. When they said that I was on the verge, but not quite there yet, and they'd monitor me to see if I progressed, I waited till they left the room. I probably should have slept or cried, but instead I resorted to jumping jacks because my desire to meet her outweighed how tired and uncomfortable I was.

Hours later, when the moment arrived for them to put her on my chest and for me to hold her in my arms, I had trouble catching my breath. The shaking ensued, as it normally does, but even then-all I could see-all I could think-was of her. Finally. But it wasn't like meeting her for the first time-it was that engulfing feeling of familiarity; of reassuring, comforting, soft love. With Addy, it was a burst-like she was accessing a part of my heart I never had before, with so many new and beautiful possibilities. But with Isla, it was like their was a chamber of that part that had always existed and belonged to her-like it had her name on it. It was soft and gentle and powerful and full and filled every part of me, just in a different way.

To this day, I remember the baited breath, and the shaking body-and yet the instant steadiness and reassurance that overtook those when I held her. Over and over again, all I kept saying was "I missed you.: People say welcome to the world, and other beautiful true sentiments-but with Isla, it was like she was always there. Like she was never not with me.

I suppose I am writing this right now because she is growing so fast. She is now 9 months, and like her sister, she is doing everything either right on time or early. She has been laughing, engaging and sitting for a few months now-and the crawling, and the cruising around furniture and perimeters started about two weeks ago-at this point I think she will be walking alone another two weeks from now. She is adventurous and [also like her sister] she likes to test her boundaries. But she also definitely has a comfort zone and likes to be cuddled, and kissed and loved on. She takes a while to warm up to people, but when she does, she is very generous with the smiles and other fun. Her sister is easily her best friend, and she loves Luke, Sam, Gma and Gpa and Lolo and Lola [and the rest of her family and friends.] She loves to play and cuddle with her Daddy, above all is still a Momma's girl, which I don't hate if I'm being honest haha. She is my sweetheart and I love her.

Sometimes I feel like all parents probably do-like time is slipping through my fingers, and I want it to slow down. But then I look at how much we all enjoy each new stage that she and her sister enter, and all the good and bad things that come with it and I know that it is as it should be. Still, I hope that this post will serve as another way to freeze the baby she is now and the life we have together in time. I knew I loved her before I met her, like the song says-and I know no matter how the years pass and where they take us, I will love her still. I'm glad I don't have to miss her anymore.

Here is a quick update on whats been going on with us lately! On St. Patrick's Day we made the traditional corned beef with veggies, and a mint chocolate pie [Derby Pie] for dessert. Both were delicious and fun to make. We also read some books from the library and did a fun art project where we learned about rainbows and made shamrocks and played our super green backyard.








On a side note, I've seen a lot lately about other parents feeling annoyed when other parents do things on smaller holidays or other things like this-like they feel like a person is bragging or something by posting pictures and talking about the fun things they've been doing. I find that a little silly to be honest. When I do things with my kids that we all enjoy, I do not do them thinking 'Oh I can't wait to show everyone how much of a better parent I am than them!' or other nonsense. Honestly, I'm thinking about my kids and my family-other parents and how they might be feeling have not even crossed my mind. So, no-I will not stop enjoying myself and doing things, big or small, with my kids for the sake of other peoples feelings. And I also will not feel bad if a holiday or occasion comes and I feel too tired or busy to do something for it, and everyone else has nailed it. I know that sounds petty, but it isn't supposed to-I am just happy with the people I am with and the things I am doing, and I would like others to feel the same instead of worrying about how they compare to everyone else. You are awesome, and we all trust that you are doing the best you can-and even if we didn't-who cares? You know you are! And that all that matters! Anyways-rant over.

We also have gotten a new amazing double jogging stroller. I had been thinking about it for a while, but after walking Milagra Ridge with a friend recently and seeing how much easier it was with hers, I decided to take the plunge. This coupled with a visit/walk around Lake Merced made me sure. Lester helped me research it and ended up picking out one that I love, that we can take anywhere-camping, beaches, dirt trails, and of course pavement. Since then, we have been going on long runs/walks daily, including a little 3k with out ward. Its great because the kids are getting some outside time, and seeing the beautiful world around them and I am getting some daily exercise which makes me feel better in body and spirit! Plus, we really do live in one of the most beautiful places. I am in awe of this daily, especially with the great weather.




We also had a fun little pie day activity with some of our friends. We made some pies [savory and sweet!] and the kids got to do some home made play dough pies. It was a lot of fun, and I love that we can hang out so often!

We also got a sweet new little niece about a week ago. She made her debut early, and she is just beautiful-she is so sweet and small and cuddly and I want to hold her so bad! But I will have to wait my turn and live vicariously through my Mom and Luke when they visit them soon. We love you Hannah, welcome to the world!



After this we went on our long anticipated Disneyland Trip, which was literally the stuff of dreams, and we can't wait to go back in a few years. Since coming back, it has been a little hard to adjust-but now that it has been a little bit, we are getting there, with fun stuff and busy stuff as well. We've been getting back to our letters for example, are in the middle of M. Also, walks and exercise with the stroller. Play group especially has been a nice little break and fun to look forward to for the girls.


We've also been doing a lot of Easter related activities with our usual gang. Earlier this week we had fun dying Easter eggs and sharing lunch. Then today for play group we got to do an Easter egg hunt at a park with a bunch of friends. It was a lot of fun and no matter how carefully I watched Ms. Addy she still managed to stuff her face full of candy haha. But it was nice to spend some time running, climbing and talking with our friends. I'm looking forward to the actual day itself.












So that is some of our happenings on this end-both before and after our trip.