Before I was a Mom,
I never tripped over toys
or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not
my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind
and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held down a screaming child
so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night
watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held a sleeping baby just because
I didn't want to put her down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small
could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom,
I didn't know the feeling of
having my heart outside my body..
I didn't know how special it could feel
to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond
between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small
could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night
every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth,
the joy,
the love,
the heartache,
the wonderment
or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much,
before I was a Mom

I have no idea who wrote this or where it came from, but it was sent to me in an e-mail chain and I thought it was a small summary of the many things that you don't think about until you have this NEW WONDERFUL SMALL person in your life. To all the moms, dads, and people who love us like a mom or dad... THANKS!

Easter Sunday

This was a first for Isabella... it was her 2nd of something.
This was Isabella's second Easter Sunday

Shell Houston Open

Some of Robert's long time friends were in town for the Shell Houston Open and we got to get together and let the babies play. Then, with their help, we took Isabella out to watch some golf on Saturday. She did a great job and LOVED walking in the soft green grass. We bought her some shades for the occasion.

Isabella's FIRST Birthday Party

Jill, Desmond and Rachel came to help us celebrate.

Isabella has lots of family.

Left to Right... Weldon Sr. (Pa), Robert(Dad-DY), Beckie, Alexis, Tammy, Omi, Weldon(Pops), Trevor, Tom, Charlene, Janice, Shirley (GGMa), Shirley (Gigi),

Pops and Beckie with the Birthday Girl
Isabella got a phone for her birthday... maybe she'll give you a call :)

Isabella also got some golf clubs. She and Dad practice almost daily.

She got some big girl golf clubs that we will pull out later.

Right now... we're sticking with the plastic kind!!

BIRTHDAY CAKE

Honey (aka Janice) and Isabella

walking...

Hanging out with her GREATGrandParents!!

What a fun mess!

GO TEXAN DAY

Yesterday was GO TEXAN DAY in Houston, Texas. This was a new event for us when we moved to Houston. We had to learn fast because it is serious business in this part of the world. Basically, it is the start of RODEO season (which runs through March). Specifically, well... you can reference the official website.

Isabella had a parade at school and they were encouraged to dress up in western attire. Below are some pictures from the morning parade!Isabella and Fidel watch the Pre-K kids parade by...

He's pulling off bandit more than cowboy!

Isabella thought some of the cowboys and girls were pretty funny!

Here are the babies and toddlers at Bear Blvd.
They were getting ready to make a round in the parade.


And they're off...


By the end of the parade, Isabella was into her new shoes more than the parade or her mom!

She's trying to.... WALK

Please excuse the mom and focus on the adorable almost independently moving baby!

Cousin Playtime Videos

Isabella loved talking to (screaming at) Sam!


Isabella thought the cabinets in Margaret and Leo's house were the coolest. I was just thankful for child saftey locks! Our kid doesn't have an inside voice. As a teacher, I worry about this. As a new parent, I think it's pretty hysterical!


Ethan took his pajama pants off and placed them on Isabella's head. She thought it was crazy funny, until I tried to catch it on video. Oh well... still cousin playtime for posterity!