Isabelle, our firstborn.
When I found out that I was expecting Isaac, I was warned that being a mother of two would be a huge step, one that would present me with many challenges. Although I was scared, I was also excited to see what life had in store for me. Isaac is finally here and I see now that I was not fully prepared for what was to come... but how could I have been? The funny part about it is that Isaac himself is not the challenge. Isaac is my calm baby. He is loving and cuddly but he also needs his space. He sleeps better when he is in his swing and wakes up in a good mood to get a snack or a change. God knew what he was doing when he gave me this calm baby... I needed an Isaac because I already have an Isabelle.
Oh Isabelle, my baby girl. When Isabelle was born she gave David and I a sharp slap of reality. She was the most adorable thing we had ever seen but boy was she thick-headed!! She was colicky for the two months of life and would only quiet down if we bounced her. Even after she got older she still had some colicky symptoms and my nursing moms diet was slowly whittled away. She slept in short bursts, only when she wanted to and only if I was there with her. If a pin dropped she would be sitting up, awake and ready to go. She always wanted to be held, my little koala bear, God help me if I walked across the room without her. She hated the car seat and would scream until blue in the face when I put her in there. It took me a long time to voluntarily leave the house. I was so happy to be her mom but everyday was a constant challenge to stay calm and patient and not end the night in hopeless tears.
Isabelle is almost 2 now and David and I have learned during that time that we must look at her in a different light. This little girl has spunk!! She has molded my heart into a mothers heart. I can't think of one day where she hasn't taught me a lesson in patience and love. Before, we just wanted to survive the day, but as she has grown we have begun to see the gravity of the situation. God has entrusted us with this vibrant young soul, hungry for life and waiting to be guided and loved. I am a better person because she is here. Daily I am challenged to "put on Christ" as I respond to her and it is through Him that I find peace in the chaos.
Isabelle has been particularly "spunky" lately as she deals with the new experiences and feelings of being a big sister and I am beginning to understand why having two children is challenging. I know that I have much more to learn from my children, Isaac will have his own lessons to teach me, but I also know that my heart will continue to expand as my love grows.
I love you Isabelle... I love you Isaac. Love, your Mom