5 Weeks Old

Dear Elle,

Today you are five weeks old.  I can't believe how fast time is going.  In some ways I can't wait for you to smile, giggle, hold your head up, sit up, and lots of other big girl things.  But at the same time I love to snuggle you to my chest and hear your little snorty sound as you breathe.  I am cherishing my time with you as a newborn.  I could sit and rock you all day.

You are so sweet little girl.  You barely cry except when you are cold or tired.  Last night you broke out of your swaddle and were making the saddest little whimpering cries.  I went to check on you and wrapped you up tight and off you went to sleep again.  You are so easy.

You are already recognizing night from day, at least most nights you are.  In the beginning you were ready to party in the middle of the night, but you've gotten better and are sleeping really well now.  Your longest stretch of sleep was five hours and you did that back to back in one night!  I was so proud.  And you are already sleeping in your crib.  Your room is pretty special and I think you know that too.

Daddy and Brendan love you so much too.  Brendan is such a proud big brother and is already making plans for you to join him on the bottom bunk in his bedroom.  He may even let you bring along a princess blanket to sleep with he says.  He's rocked you to sleep a few times and loves to talk to you.  You look so intently at his face when he does that.  I think it won't be long before he's your favorite person.  Daddy loves to play with you too.  I heard him telling you that you are daddy's girl and I secretly hope that it's true.  Yes, little girl, you are pretty special to the men of in our house.

We call you baby sister a lot.  In fact, you may answer to that before Isabelle or Elle.  I guess we are so used to calling you that when you were in my tummy that it's hard to stop.  Brendan and Daddy like to kid and call you "Izzy" just to spite me.  You are, though, the most beautiful Isabelle.

Your hair is reddish brown right now and in certain lights, the red comes through.  Your eyes are blue.  I am curious to see if they will stay that way and think how cute you would be with strawberry blond hair and blue eyes.  

Happy 5 Weeks little girl!

Love,
Mommy

Your Birthday

Dear Elle,

In just a few short hours, we will be meeting for the first time.  I am overwhelmed with anticipation and joy.  I was thinking back to one year ago from today and how you were just a prayer in my heart.  I so longed to have you and prayed that God would deliver.  I know God had a plan for us and you were worth the wait. 

Please know how much you are loved.  You are so special and it is surreal to think our little family of three will now be four.  Your brother has been asking for a baby sister for a while now and how amazing it is that his wish is coming true.  I feel so blessed to experience being a mom to both a boy and a girl. 

My prayer for you is to be strong in character, confident in who you are, and a follower of Christ.  I already know you are beautiful. 

Isabelle Faye, I cannot wait to hold you for the first time tomorrow.  Seeing you will be one of the best moments of my life.  I love you baby girl. 

Mommy