So very grateful!

Charlotte,

I just wanted to write you this little note to tell you that you are the most precious gift the Lord has ever given me. You are such a good baby. I can't believe how well you sleep through the night. Your eating issues have also improved. I write this little note today because I realize that one day you'll begin to cause me some real grief and I just want you to know and always remember that because you were so good--I've decided I most definitely want more kids and if they are like you---I'd want a dozen (but not really)--maybe 2 more. Thank you for that Charlotte. I pray you continue to keep up the good work. I love you very much sweetie!

Thank you Lord for my very good baby and for the joy she brings mommy and daddy!

Visits from cousins

Here are some photos of Charlotte's cousins. The only 2 missing are Kyle and Ryan. Uncle Adrian got some great shots of them holding Charlotte the other day. I'll have to add those pictures later. For now here are some older and newer pictures for you to enjoy.

Here is Auntie Raluca, Landon, and Luke (Landon is so funny when he says Charlotte is so cute. I love his little voice.)

Here is Addisen, Spencer and Charlotte. (Charlotte is apparently too delicate to be straight on the carpet--ha ha)

Here is Luke holding Charlotte's hand.

Spencer is so cooperative. He turned his head to pose just like Charlotte. He's so cute! Our little blue-eyed sweetheart!

Amanda and Charlotte. Amanda holds her fists together and shows me that is how small Charlotte's head is. It's hysterical.
Here is Ezra, Addisen, and Charlotte. Ezra officially called Charlotte -CJ first.
Here is Vivian. She is my cousin, Viorela's daughter and she came to visit, too.

For Auntie Rachel

Dear Auntie Rachel,

When I grow up---can I play Scrabble with you and mommy?

Love,

Charlotte

Dear Best Mija,

Don't worry--her little fist is in no way meant to scare you into saying yes! ha ha

Love,

Mama Ana (Oh my gaaaaaaaa I made a rhyme! Ayeeee)

Little Bunny Foo Foo

Bathtime is no longer a nightmare for little Charlotte. She has come quite a long way from her first bath experience. Now she loves her baths. Looks like we're going to have another swimmer in the Isai family.



I love her little bunny robe. Too cute!

Grandparents Day

I have totally been neglecting the world of blogging lately. I know many of you say that it's expected now that I have other priorities but the truth is...little Charlotte is such a good baby that I can easily make the time to add photos and updates. I just get lazy. In addition to laziness--I have to admit that I have been soaking up sun and enjoying the pool. I'm trying to enjoy every last moment I have left of being at home before I have to go back to work. (boo hoo) So here are some photos of last weekend when the grandparents came over to spend the day with Charlotte. We all had a wonderful time. Thank you for the visit. We love you!

Buna Susy

Bunu Vlad or Tiki

Mamaie

Tataie

Thoughts on motherhood 6 weeks in...

6 weeks ago today a very pregnant and anxious Linda became Mama Linda at 1:20am! What a wonderful day that was for us Isais. Since that day life gets only better and better. Everyone tells you---having kids changes everything but it's a good change---well you know what...they were all right! I wouldn't trade my new life and my new little baby for anything in the world. Daddy and I are just nuts about you! Some of my favorite things about motherhood are holding your tiny little body and seeing your big eyes look up at me. I have so many wonderful dreams for you little Charlotte. I imagine you crawling, walking, talking, going to school, driving, getting your first job, falling in love, getting married and having your own kids. It's amazing how quickly time will fly but I am trying to enjoy every moment that I have with you. I can't wait to hear your little voice and the very funny things you will say one day. In fact, the other day it was about 4am and I was feeding you and then I got this thought of how in that very moment you were perfectly happy and content in my arms. You felt safe and protected and you wanted to be there--(mostly cause you were hungry) but one day--you'll be all grown up and you won't even remember to call me. Oh how my heart breaks just thinking of it---but that's how life goes. You're my responsibility right now but one day I'll have to let you go. The beauty of this life is that although---I'll have to let you go and live your own life we can still be close and I hope with all my heart that we will be.

Now on to some of the things I never thought I'd do before I became a mom--(these are in no particular order)

1. Smile with excitement when I see you've pooped! (Hey it's my only way of knowing you're eating enough)

2. Ride in the back seat while Raresh chaufers us around.

3. Go days and weeks without polishing my finger nails.

4. Pump my breastmilk while checking emails. (Guess what I'm doing as I write this entry???)

I'm sure there are many other things I've changed that I don't even realize at the moment but all of it has been the best adventure of my life. I can't wait to see how my life continues to change for the better with each day that passes. Love you little Charlo!

My little Minny Mouse Sound asleep and oh so precious!
I caught you smiling while you're dreaming. (What could you possibly be dreaming about?)
Alert as ever...

Little CJ is ready to hit the beach!

Our little 30's flapper (This entry is for Luanne)

Luanne--Charlotte wanted to thank you for holding her and taking such good care of her at Lori's shower. Also, since that head decor was a group favorite...I thought it would be most appropriate to include the pictures that feature Charlotte with her flapper head band.

Okay and this kid has got some Betty Davis eyes.

The Breast Pro Fishing Shop Nightmare!

I was itching to get out of the house today. Soooo my little family got all ready to run some errands which included a stop at Babies R Us, lunch, and then a visit to Victoria Gardens. The Babies R Us visit was typical–we bought more items with our butt load of gift cards–thank you all for that—GIFT CARDS RULE!–Anyway—I digress—after that we stopped for lunch and then Raresh and I decide that it’s too hot to walk around at Victoria Gardens but not to hot to visit the ever famous Bass Pro Shop in Rancho Cucamonga.—Believe it or not I was actually interested in going because I knew there was no possible way I would be tempted to buy anything there and the idea of an air conditioned store and lots of taxidermy seemed like good times. ( I really need to get out more!) Truth is—I’ve been to the Bass Pro Shop in Texas and it’s truly a sight to be seen (it’s like you’re in the wilderness) DISCLAIMER—if you’re a huge fan of live animals...this is not the place for you–dead stuffed animals everywhere! Okay so we finally get there and lo and behold it’s time for Charlotte to eat. I was thrilled to have pumped out a good 4 ounces of breast milk (liquid gold) for her so I could rest assured she’d be fed and I would enjoy my outing. (Even an outing at Bass Pro—what’s next??? An adventure at Home Depot.) Anyway— I find a cool bench in the store by the huge aquarium and I’m enjoying not only the sights but the sound of the near by water fall and I’m thrilled at how well Charlotte is eating and then what to I notice—her whole chest is drenched...in what you ask...MY LIQUID GOLD! The freaking cap on the stinking bottle was not put on correctly and my hard work of pumping was gone–(sure she got some of it) but I don’t think anyone truly understands the travesty of this occurrence—unless of course you’re a breast feeder currently or once were. I figured after such a horrible "surprise" the only thing that could make me feel better was a trip to the fudge shop they have in the store (go figure...dead stuffed animals, guns, camping gear, boats, furniture, and fudge—all in one place!) Any man’s heaven!

Oh and I’ve included the photo below because it shows Charlotte doing something I wish I could have yelled when I realized half my hard work was on Charlotte’s onesie!