Oh my precious Isabella. In the wake of her first day of school as a big Blue Bird, it is my duty to share with the world the wonderful (and not-so-wonderful) ways Isabella has changed lately. I haven't written about only her in a while. She has turned in to quite the character. She's incredibly sweet and loving, but sometimes forgets she's only 3 and takes on the attitude of a 13 year old. She's become quite the negotiator as well. If you tell her she has 5 minutes left until nap time, she says, "How about 10 minutes." When you ask her how long she wants you to lay in bed with her at night, she says "All the minutes" and when asked how many minutes is "all the minutes" she replies "10 and 5." She's still pretending to be other people. Who she is depends on the day. Sometimes she's Justin Bieber and other times she's Melanie from So You Think You Can Dance. Most recently she's been Mama Mia (can you guess which soundtrack we've been listening to?!) For some odd reason though, she's always Isabella when she has to go to the bathroom. If she walks up to you and says "I'm Isabella now" you know to ask her if she has to go potty. It's so strange, but REALLY funny and surprisingly helpful! Within the last couple of days she's started "mapping out" her identities for the foreseeable future. For example, last night she told me "When I go to the bathroom, I'm going to be Isabella. I'm still going to be Isabella when I wash my hands, but when I'm done I'm going to be Melanie. Then, when I get in my bed, I'm going to be Mama Mia, ok Mommy?" You can't help but laugh when she lays it out for you. It's too cute.
When it comes to wonderful big sisters, Isabella has made a case for best in the world. She is the most loving, caring big sister. She helps me with Madeline all the time and loves to show her how to do things. She always wants to kiss her and hug her and I'll even hear her whisper to Maddie how much she loves her. It melts my heart. Her only downfall is she tends to take over Madeline's toys. She starts off innocently showing her how to play something and Madeline ends up losing interest, moving on and Isabella keeps playing. I have to remind her that she has the "Big Girl" versions of these toys. The grass is always greener...
She's recently taken over my phone and iPad. She learned my passcode and figured out how to operate the iPod on the devices. She also figured out how to turn on "repeat" thus torturing us with Justin Bieber OVER AND OVER AND OVER again. It got so out of hand that the use of the devices is limited to running errand (for my own sanity) and some longer car rides. That's it. Use at home has been prohibited for now. She's asked a couple of times, but seems to be ok without playing "DJ" all day. She also has grown quite fond of the 1985 USA for Africa music video as well as the remake last year. It cracks me up, but she liked them so much she'd leave them on while she was playing with other toys and reading books. One can only listen to We Are the World so many times. She's also discovered the wonders of photography and videography. Ever since she figured out how to flip the camera so she can see herself, she has inundated my phone with self-portraits and random photos of the floor or my arm, sometimes even half my face if she has any luck. (I've included one of her self-portraits in the photos at the end of this post). I'll also find short little videos of her looking into the camera breathing. I think she just likes pressing the record button - who knows! Of the 883 photos on my phone, 800 of them were taken by her...
Sometimes I look at her and can't believe how grown up she is. I love being able to have real conversations with her and I'm always amused at the number of things she can remember. She can remember where we were when we heard a song. If she hears a person's name on the radio or in listening to David and my conversations that she's met before, she'll chime in and let you know. For example, we were eating lunch and David and I were talking about Phil (Mickelson) and Isabella interjected with "You mean Phil like the Phil we ate lunch with in Kansas City (Phil Rogoff)?" You'd think after this happening over and over I'd stop being surprised, but each time she makes the connection I'm bursting with pride.
Isabella started a ballet class at a studio a couple of miles from our house and her preschool. She absolutely loves it (a girl after my own heart). I wasn't sure how she'd do since she's so shy and only likes to "perform" when she's very comfortable with her audience. She spent the first class kind of just "existing" and not really participating. Fortunately by the second class, she was joining right along (she's one of the youngest in the class). She's great about showing David and I all of her moves and telling us what she learned in class. It's so awesome how much she thinks about it. She insists on wearing her leotard and ballet shoes around the house. She'd wear her tutu if I'd let her, but tulle isn't the world's strongest fabric...
Recently, Isabella has started "fine-tuning" her fine motor skills. She's become very good at lacing things, she's mastered stringing beads, and has even learned to use scissors (child-friendly, of course). She's started writing letters. So far, she can write an "I," a "T," an "E," and an "A."
She has memorized all of her Shabbat blessings and even likes to say the Sh'ma before bed. It confirms my decision to send her to a Jewish Preschool. It's so nice to see her express an interest in all of the holidays. I'd love for her to grow up embracing her religion and hopefully she will not be the only Jew in her elementary school (I was until Meagan joined me) :).
I hope you've enjoyed this glimpse into the life of my beautiful 3 1/2 year old. Here are some funny Isabella quotes as well as some pictures (even some of her first day of school) and videos to top it off:
"No Cuddles, it's not Cyndi Lobster, it's Cyndi LAUPER - LAUPER!"
"Mom, stop turning off the iPad, it will shut off by itself!"
"I'm going to go to the hospital real fast so the doctor can take the baby out of my tummy and I'll be right back."
"WHAAAAAT UUUUUUUUUP!"
"Word to your mother!"
"I want to listen to the REAL version of Total Eclipse of the Heart."
Friday, August 26, 2011
Friday, August 12, 2011
Our Vacation Destin-ation
FINALLY, for the first time since before Isabella was born, we took a vacation for more than a weekend. We took the girls to Destin, FL for a week (7 days, 6 nights). I will admit I was extremely nervous heading in to the trip as we weren't sure how the girls would handle sleeping in a hotel for a week. We were blown away with how smoothly they transitioned from home to the hotel (and back, for that matter). The room was set up in a way that Isabella had her own "room" with a bunkbed (it was a little cove in the front of the room and was separated from the rest of the hotel room by the bathroom). It worked out really well. Also, because of a helpful hint from my friend Kim, we rented a stroller, exersaucer and booster seat from a fantastic company called Babies 'N' Town. They delivered it to our hotel and it was already there when we arrived. The exersaucer alone was worth the price. Madeline actually had somewhere to sit and play instead of having to hang out in her infant carrier. Nice.
The first day was mostly spent traveling, but after a recommendation from the concierge, we headed to the Village at Baytown Wharf. It was a neat little village with tons of stuff for kids (mostly older kids, though) and great restaurants. We decided to eat at this italian restaurant called Graffiti's. Isabella was an angel, but Madeline was unusually fussy. We chalked it up to a long day of travel.
Day two (Saturday) we spent at the beach and pool for most of the day. We went in the morning after breakfast, took a break for lunch/naps and headed back out in the afternoon. We went back to the village for dinner. This meal was probably our favorite of the trip. We ate at a place called Bistro Bijou. It was a Louisiana-style restaurant and felt as if you were in New Orleans. The food was amazing. Isabella was an angel again and based on how Madeline started dinner, we feared she would be a handful, but much to our delight, the real Madeline appeared and she slept the entire dinner. Atta girl! We treated Isabella, and ourselves of course, to some gelato for dessert which made her night!
Day three (Sunday) we, again, spent the morning at the beach/pool as well as the afternoon. For dinner we changed it up and went to an area called Grand Boulevard where we ate at a Tommy Bahama restaurant. The food was surprisingly good. Both girls were fantastic. They were so good, in fact, that we decided to go take them (ok, Maddie didn't fully participate) to play miniature golf. We were so excited, but when we started to play we realized it was a Putting Course, not miniature golf. Unfortunately, there is an enormous difference. This was hard for David, the golfer, so you can imagine how impossible it was for Isabella. We let her put the ball wherever she wanted and hit it from there. She didn't know the difference, so she had a great time. I must say, I held my own for the first 8 or so holes. I even had a one stroke lead at one point, but then my lack of golf experience kicked in (ok, I just sucked at it). We had to leave after 12 holes because it was time to feed Madeline, but we had a great time.
Day four (Monday) we decided to switch things up a bit. We went to the beach/pool in the morning, but opted to try something different in the afternoon. I'd read about a place called The Gulfarium (a cross between an aquarium and Sea World) in Fort Walton Beach, about 20 miles west of our hotel. We thought Isabella would really enjoy seeing all of the fish and alligators. We found it easily, but it looked a little sketchy when we pulled in to the parking lot. David decided to run in and check it out to see if it was worth the visit. I must mention, RIGHT before we left the hotel, I asked the concierge how late they were open and if our timing was ok (it was 3pm). She assured me our timing was great and they did "shows" until 6pm. When David came back to the car, he had a puzzled look on his face. Apparently, they stopped admitting people at 2pm and closed at 3pm. Needless to say I was a little upset. We decided to go to the village instead and just walk around there. It ended up worked out alright as we got to go in a candy-making store. They made all different types of fudge. OMG - it was decadent. We ate at a 50's Diner for dinner and walked around afterwards a little longer. I happened to read just prior to dinner that a magician was performing at 8pm. We decided to take Isabella to the show. It was geared more for older kids and adults, but she had a good time nonetheless. While we were waiting for the shuttle (big mistake, by the way) to pick us up, Isabella made friends with one fo the female security guards. It started when the woman was gushing over Madeline and asked how old she was. Immediately after we told her Maddie's age, Isabella chimed in and said, "And I'm 3!" She'd had enough with the focus on Maddie.
Day five (Tuesday) was spent at the beach/pool in the morning and again in the afternoon. We'd just gotten to the beach in the afternoon when we experienced something we in San Antonio have not seen in MONTHS. RAIN!!!!!! It figures we had to go on vacation to get rain. Everyone on the beach started packing up their belongings and making a mad dash towards to the hotel. Everyone went inside, but we opted to wait under a covered part of the pool deck and wait it out. Isabella was so excited she did a rain dance. Fortunately, it only lasted about 20 minutes. Good thing we didn't go inside because once the rain stopped, we had first dips on the chairs at the pool :) We went back to the village again for dinner and ate at an overrated restaurant called Marlin Grill. It looked like it was going to be really nice and their sign and menu boasted "Fine Dining." Not so much. It wasn't a dump by any means, but the food wasn't as "fine" as we expected. A little disappointing and NOT worth the money. Oh well, every other meal was fantastic, so no complaints. Before dinner we'd promised Isabella she could ride the carousel afterwards. Well, about 30 minutes in to dinner, it started POURING rain. Unfortunately, they shut down the ride and she was a little disappointed, but we told her we'd try it again the next day. There was a girl on stilts making balloon animals, so Isabella happily waited in line for a pink poodle. The same security guard was working and Isabella was no longer concerned the attention would be on Madeline. She earned the woman's FULL attention. It was adorable.
Day six (Wednesday). We spent our usual times at the pool/beach and talked about going to the village for dinner. Around 5pm a hellacious storm rolled in and brought torrential downpours with it. We decided we'd give it an hour to stop and then we'd head to the village so Isabella could ride the carousel (it was our last night). When the rain hadn't let up and we saw the wind flip over a lounge chair by the pool, we decided the village was no longer an option. Isabella was really disappointed, but she recovered quickly. She only reminded us we didn't take her to the carousel 50 or 60 times. It continued to pour, so we ended up going back to the Grand Boulevard area and ate at a place called Mitchell's Fish Market. It turned out to be a chain, but the food was fantastic. We even had dessert (a rarity for us) to celebrate a great vacation. All night Isabella kept telling me how she didn't want to go home, she wanted to stay in her new bed at the hotel forever. I agreed with the wanting to stay in Destin, but not so much on the hotel. I missed my bed...
We flew back home on Thursday. With a delay in Houston, it turned in to an all-day traveling experience. We were exhausted when we got back. Now I need a vacation from my vacation :)
Here are the photos and videos from the trip:
The first day was mostly spent traveling, but after a recommendation from the concierge, we headed to the Village at Baytown Wharf. It was a neat little village with tons of stuff for kids (mostly older kids, though) and great restaurants. We decided to eat at this italian restaurant called Graffiti's. Isabella was an angel, but Madeline was unusually fussy. We chalked it up to a long day of travel.
Day two (Saturday) we spent at the beach and pool for most of the day. We went in the morning after breakfast, took a break for lunch/naps and headed back out in the afternoon. We went back to the village for dinner. This meal was probably our favorite of the trip. We ate at a place called Bistro Bijou. It was a Louisiana-style restaurant and felt as if you were in New Orleans. The food was amazing. Isabella was an angel again and based on how Madeline started dinner, we feared she would be a handful, but much to our delight, the real Madeline appeared and she slept the entire dinner. Atta girl! We treated Isabella, and ourselves of course, to some gelato for dessert which made her night!
Day three (Sunday) we, again, spent the morning at the beach/pool as well as the afternoon. For dinner we changed it up and went to an area called Grand Boulevard where we ate at a Tommy Bahama restaurant. The food was surprisingly good. Both girls were fantastic. They were so good, in fact, that we decided to go take them (ok, Maddie didn't fully participate) to play miniature golf. We were so excited, but when we started to play we realized it was a Putting Course, not miniature golf. Unfortunately, there is an enormous difference. This was hard for David, the golfer, so you can imagine how impossible it was for Isabella. We let her put the ball wherever she wanted and hit it from there. She didn't know the difference, so she had a great time. I must say, I held my own for the first 8 or so holes. I even had a one stroke lead at one point, but then my lack of golf experience kicked in (ok, I just sucked at it). We had to leave after 12 holes because it was time to feed Madeline, but we had a great time.
Day four (Monday) we decided to switch things up a bit. We went to the beach/pool in the morning, but opted to try something different in the afternoon. I'd read about a place called The Gulfarium (a cross between an aquarium and Sea World) in Fort Walton Beach, about 20 miles west of our hotel. We thought Isabella would really enjoy seeing all of the fish and alligators. We found it easily, but it looked a little sketchy when we pulled in to the parking lot. David decided to run in and check it out to see if it was worth the visit. I must mention, RIGHT before we left the hotel, I asked the concierge how late they were open and if our timing was ok (it was 3pm). She assured me our timing was great and they did "shows" until 6pm. When David came back to the car, he had a puzzled look on his face. Apparently, they stopped admitting people at 2pm and closed at 3pm. Needless to say I was a little upset. We decided to go to the village instead and just walk around there. It ended up worked out alright as we got to go in a candy-making store. They made all different types of fudge. OMG - it was decadent. We ate at a 50's Diner for dinner and walked around afterwards a little longer. I happened to read just prior to dinner that a magician was performing at 8pm. We decided to take Isabella to the show. It was geared more for older kids and adults, but she had a good time nonetheless. While we were waiting for the shuttle (big mistake, by the way) to pick us up, Isabella made friends with one fo the female security guards. It started when the woman was gushing over Madeline and asked how old she was. Immediately after we told her Maddie's age, Isabella chimed in and said, "And I'm 3!" She'd had enough with the focus on Maddie.
Day five (Tuesday) was spent at the beach/pool in the morning and again in the afternoon. We'd just gotten to the beach in the afternoon when we experienced something we in San Antonio have not seen in MONTHS. RAIN!!!!!! It figures we had to go on vacation to get rain. Everyone on the beach started packing up their belongings and making a mad dash towards to the hotel. Everyone went inside, but we opted to wait under a covered part of the pool deck and wait it out. Isabella was so excited she did a rain dance. Fortunately, it only lasted about 20 minutes. Good thing we didn't go inside because once the rain stopped, we had first dips on the chairs at the pool :) We went back to the village again for dinner and ate at an overrated restaurant called Marlin Grill. It looked like it was going to be really nice and their sign and menu boasted "Fine Dining." Not so much. It wasn't a dump by any means, but the food wasn't as "fine" as we expected. A little disappointing and NOT worth the money. Oh well, every other meal was fantastic, so no complaints. Before dinner we'd promised Isabella she could ride the carousel afterwards. Well, about 30 minutes in to dinner, it started POURING rain. Unfortunately, they shut down the ride and she was a little disappointed, but we told her we'd try it again the next day. There was a girl on stilts making balloon animals, so Isabella happily waited in line for a pink poodle. The same security guard was working and Isabella was no longer concerned the attention would be on Madeline. She earned the woman's FULL attention. It was adorable.
Day six (Wednesday). We spent our usual times at the pool/beach and talked about going to the village for dinner. Around 5pm a hellacious storm rolled in and brought torrential downpours with it. We decided we'd give it an hour to stop and then we'd head to the village so Isabella could ride the carousel (it was our last night). When the rain hadn't let up and we saw the wind flip over a lounge chair by the pool, we decided the village was no longer an option. Isabella was really disappointed, but she recovered quickly. She only reminded us we didn't take her to the carousel 50 or 60 times. It continued to pour, so we ended up going back to the Grand Boulevard area and ate at a place called Mitchell's Fish Market. It turned out to be a chain, but the food was fantastic. We even had dessert (a rarity for us) to celebrate a great vacation. All night Isabella kept telling me how she didn't want to go home, she wanted to stay in her new bed at the hotel forever. I agreed with the wanting to stay in Destin, but not so much on the hotel. I missed my bed...
We flew back home on Thursday. With a delay in Houston, it turned in to an all-day traveling experience. We were exhausted when we got back. Now I need a vacation from my vacation :)
Here are the photos and videos from the trip:
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