Did Someone Just Say Kitty Cat?

Tonight we went to dinner at Joe's parents' house. After Mimi was finished eating, she held Izzie and they had a deep conversation about Milo, one of Mimi and Paw Paw's cats. Izzie has been particularly interested in Lulu, since Lulu let Izzie pet her the other day. Izzie was clearly enthralled with Milo and was watching his every move, turning her head back and forth, following him with her little eyes. During dessert, Izzie was sitting with Paw Paw and we heard Milo let out a cry. Joe then said, "Where is that kitty cat?" And not two seconds later did the words "kitty cat" come out of Izzie's mouth! She has refused to say "Hi Dada" for a few days now, and Joe and I both swear we heard Izzie say Lucky the other day. But I started doubting myself and began believing hearing her speak was just wishful thinking. But there was no mistaking this. Clear as day she said "kitty cat". Paw Paw and I just looked at each other, mouths open. He turned to me and said, "Did you hear that!" and I said "Yea! She just said 'kitty cat'; how creepy!" That may have been a strange response, but honestly it was kind of creepy because it wasn't like she said something that only I can understand. Anyone listening could have understood her perfectly. Of course Joe missed it, and of course she wouldn't say it again, no matter how much we said it (which was probably a hundred times). Who knows, maybe it was just that once, but at least this time I was certain of what I heard because I had back up. And hopefully she will say it again sometime soon :)

Isabella at 8 months

Isabella is 8 months old today. I used to wonder what it took to be considered a firecracker, but now I know. In a word, Isabella is a firecracker. Okay since she is only 8 months old, maybe she is more like a party popper. You know those little plastic ones with the tiny little string attached. They look nice and simple, but once you pull that string, there is no way to anticipate just how much is inside. Isabella is the same way. There is so much more to her than you would ever expect. She can't sit still; she is always on the move and really wearing me out. She thinks she is much bigger than she actually is. She even thinks she can walk, which she is far from doing! Don't get me wrong, she can cruise on the couch a little bit and walk a few steps when I hold her hands, but the girl thinks she can out and out walk. Just yesterday she was standing at the corner of the couch holding on and decided she would "walk" over to her activity table. It's a good thing I was sitting there because her version of walking was just letting go of the couch and falling forward like a tree being cut down. Thank goodness I was sitting right there and caught her.

She officially has four teeth, and as of now has a pretty big gap in between the top 2. (Just like Mommy did!) You can't help but love that smile. She is also really loving food and has turned into quite the garbage disposal! So far she has only really rejected one food- beef vegetable dinner. We aren't giving up on beef-we will try again maybe in a few days. Who knows, maybe she will be like Mommy and not like beef after all. I guess it truly was her first taste of beef since I never ate it while I was pregnant. Do you suppose that would actually have anything to do with it? She is even working on feeding herself and gets so excited when I praise her. It's pretty darn cute! She is also doing great with the sippy cup. I used to have to demonstrate to her how to drink out of it before giving it to her-which she just thought was funny- but now, she's got it down. I just hand it to her and she drinks away. She thinks she is pretty cool.

She is becoming more social, but only in small groups. Large groups still intimidate her; I guess she thinks I am going to leave her or something. But I love how friendly she is becoming. I really hope that it isn't just a phase. I love that she is finally letting other people see the silly, giggly, smiley, happy Isabella. The sweet Isabella that Joe and I know and love. She still loves when I sing to her, which is pretty much all day. We have a few songs that we sing on a regular basis, but sometimes I will slip in a new one. Her current favorite is Duffy's "Mercy". Thank goodness she can't catch on to the fact that I only know the chorus. And even if she could, I don't think she would care. She thinks her Mommy has the voice of an angel :)

Isabella is kind of waving. But mainly she only does it for Lucky and Lulu. Now that I think about it, it could just be crazy "excited arms". But she looks like she is waving nonetheless! We are working on saying "Hi Dada" and "Hi Mama". She will say "Hi Dada" but I'm not sure she really knows what she is saying. The other morning when I brought her down and into our bed, she crawled toward Joe saying "Hi Dada, hi Dada" over and over. So who knows. I expect this should take some time and serious practice.

She has learned so much so quickly. I still have moments where I can't believe I have an 8 month old, that I was pregnant and already did that whole song and dance. Before I know it she will be turning 1, but I can't think about that now or I will cry. So until next time, check out the awesome pictures that Theresa took this past Sunday. It is so great having a sister-in-law who is also a great photographer. She is so good to us by taking Isabella's picture so often. Oh, and Isabella is also one of the stars on Theresa's website- check her out at http://www.theresabass.com/

Isabella and Aunt TT

Isabella and Daddy

Isabella and Paw Paw

Silly Isabella and Mommy

Thinking about eating the flower...

Cutie Pie

What a big girl!

Mommy's sweet girl

And finally eating the flower! (Don't worry, I was there in 1.5 nanoseconds!)

Friends and Family

We had a great weekend seeing lots of people and keeping busy. Joe was out of town for part of the weekend so Izzie and I tried to get out as much as we could. On Friday night we met up with the girls and Baby Alex, but of course, I forgot my camera :( We had a great time though, catching up and laughing. On Saturday night we met my parents for a quick dinner and Izzie was so happy to see them. It was pretty cute; she just kept smiling and laughing at my parents from her high chair and it was just too much for my mom to take. She had to get her out and kiss on her! Then on Sunday afternoon, after Joe was home, we went to his parents house for a nice Sunday lunch. Theresa was in town and took some great pics of Izzie. (I'll post them soon.) Izzie had so much fun playing with everyone-Mimi, Paw Paw, Theresa and Vickie- on the floor. She just loves being the center of attention and is always watching them to make sure they are watching her.

After Joe's parents house, we went by the Champions for a quick visit. Joe's friend Mark was in town this weekend from New York and hadn't yet met Isabella. She was great with them as well, making me so proud. She went with all of them and of course was hamming it up! Mark, who is also a photographer, took some pictures of us. Izzie was like a little supermodel with oh so many photo shoots today! But really, she was so good. Mrs. Champion kept telling me how good Izzie was and how great it was that she was going with everyone. She has become more and more social and friendly (when there aren't too many people around) which is great. I hope she keeps getting better about it and that it isn't just a phase.

Girl Time!

Ashley and Jenny came over for some lunch and a little girl time today. Isabella was so great, especially considering she gave herself a fat lip right before they got here. She had so much fun playing with them on her blanket. She just kept looking at them and smiling and laughing. I haven't seen her have that much fun in a long time. It was a great time and hopefully we will do it again soon!

So Many Toys, So Little Time!

Our Beach Weekend

Mommy and Izzie on the Beach

Precious girl in her precious bikini

Wiped out!

Of all things to fight over- a water bottle! Look at Jack's foot on Izzie's head- she didn't even seem to notice!

Daddy and Izzie on the balcony

Family Photo

Look at that face

Seriously, could those eyes be anymore puppy dog if they tried?

Izzie's first time to touch the sand- sorry it's so far away (due to a lazy Daddy!)



We had an amazing time at the beach this past weekend with Lisa, Jason, Brandon and Jack. It was great to get away and have some time to do nothing but swim and play, and be stress free for a few days. I had a lot more pictures but I'm having issues getting them on here! So here are just a few memorable ones. Everyone had so much fun and we are already counting down for next year. The babies were great and had so much fun playing together and Brandon was great as well. He is so sweet to Isabella, it makes my heart melt :) And the big boys, Jason and Joe, were good too! They even let Lisa and I have some sisterly bonding time for a while at the pool with no babies. (Of course we started missing our babies after an hour and a half and came it, but we still had fun :) It was a fabulous trip with fabulous people that I love.

Our "Dating" Anniversary

Nine years ago today Joe took me out on our first date. We went to dinner and then to see The Blair Witch Project. How funny is that! He also brought me two roses. One he tucked in behind his belt so that I would find it when I hugged him, and the other he had sitting on the car seat for me. He is as sweet to me now as he was then. I can't believe it's been NINE years! Thanks for loving me for so long Joe!!

Rainbows to Follow the Rain

We had a great weekend considering what a horrible week we had. Izzie is feeling a little better everyday. She is smiling and laughing a lot more than a few days ago, and that right there is a relief in itself. I still wouldn't say that she is at 100% but she is very close. She is cutting a 4th tooth and hopefully we will see it soon and she will feel even better. Friday I got to go to the Optometrist and get contacts! Very exciting since I haven't been able to wear them for two months now. Lisa watched Izzie for me, and I'm sure she had a great time because she absolutely loves Brandon and Jack. I'm pretty sure she wants a brother some day :) Saturday I went to my cousin's baby shower and it was great to see cousins I haven't seen in a long time. But since Izzie still had a runny nose and a cough, she stayed at home with Joe. Which was just fine with her. She has discovered her obsession with Joe this past week or so. She has already got him wrapped around her little finger. She knows that if she starts crying, he will pick her up immediately. So, what do you think she does every time she sees him? That's right, even if she is happy and playing, the minute Joe walks in the room she starts crying. He picks her up because he is such a softy, and she is happy to be in her Daddy's arms. It's actually pretty darn sweet and I know he must love how badly she wants him all the time now. She is for sure going to be a Daddy's girl. While I was at the baby shower, Mimi and Paw Paw (Joe's dad and stepmom) came to visit. But I guess they didn't get enough sugar because they invited us over today as well! Joe finished his summer school project and we are both feeling better. Izzie is upstairs basking in her very well air conditioned room- a relief to us all. All in all, a good end to a bad week. Hopefully this next week will be better!