you must think I live at the beach

what I am grateful for today:

-baby girl sleeping in until 10:20! a solid 7 hours of sleep without interruption for this mama = heaven.

-nice weather for a trip to the beach

-my little ladybug who I love so much

-parents who are so supportive and loving to me and my girl

-an amazing 3 course home cooked meal

a look back...

I can't believe Isabelle will be 1 in just 5 days!!

Here is a look back on the past year. She has changed so much!

 1 day old

 1 month old

2 months old

3 months old

4 months old

5 months old

6 months old

7 months old

 

8 months old

9 months old

10 months old

11 months old

my free little bird

Isabelle had such a big day! First, my parents and I took her to a little place in Boca Raton called Playtown Cafe where she got to explore, play, and observe other kids. In the second photo you can see her sharing a ball with another baby she met, so sweet! Then later we stopped by the beach. It was Isabelle's first time ever, and she loved it! She wasn't afraid of the water at all and was just running across the sand enjoying herself. She would raise her arms up excitedly and I would just think, She's my free, brave little bird. I can't wait to take her back!

a surprise party!

A few hours before our flight to Florida, some of my family decided to throw Isabelle an early surprise birthday party since they wouldn't be seeing her on her actual big day! I thought we were just coming over to my aunt's house for dinner, but instead we were greeted with balloons, presents, cake, food, and a lot of birthday love for my little one. It was such a sweet thing for my aunts to plan!

florida

Last night Isabelle and I arrived in Ft. Lauderdale, FL to spend some time with my parents this summer. I was terrified the whole day before we boarded the plane as I imagined myself being the mom with the screaming baby on board, but to my surprise Isabelle did really good on the 2 hour flight! She fell asleep on my shoulder before we took off and only had a crying fit for about 3 minutes before we landed. I was so relieved! I'm hoping the return flight will go just as smoothly. 

Our first day here consisted of exploring the area, my mom loving on her grand baby, and of course my mom trying to put some meat on my bones :) The rain kept us away from spending time at the beach, but I did snap a photo as we passed by.

Even though part of me is missing home already, I can't deny there are many perks that come with being under the same roof as my parents again. For one, I haven't had to wash any bottles or dishes so far! Also, it's been nice having my own personal chauffeur (mom). And of course it's always nice having eager hands to help out with Isabelle. She has really taken to her grandma and grandpa, which warms my heart :)

at the pool

this one just cracks me up. "ugh, no more hugs mom!"

Isabelle had her first experience at the pool today! Last summer she was too young for us to take her in, so I was excited to finally put a bathing suit on her and let her have her first feel for the pool. I know she looks pretty grumpy in some of these pictures, but she actually really enjoyed herself in the water. She was splashing and even tried to swim away from me a few times! Afterwards, she was eying the playground so we spent some time there too. I have no idea where this baby gets all of her energy from. This mama is pretty exhausted!

sweet baby niece

 

Already missing this cutie and her parents...too bad Hawaii is so far away!

this week, according to my iPhone

 

 

This week, my mom and step dad came in from Palm Beach, my little brother from Pensacola, and my big brother and his family from Honolulu (yeah we are all spread out)! It has been so nice getting to spend time with them all, as well as have a few extra hands to help out with Isabelle :) 

My niece Madison is just about 6 weeks old and SO adorable, as you can see! Strangely, holding this little newborn kind of scared me! It's crazy, but it seems like I already forgot what is was like to hold Isabelle when she was that young! Time really does just fly by...

I am going to be so sad when they all go back home to their FAR away cities, but I am so very thankful for the time I've been able to spend with my family.