Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Isabella Grace

Ah sweet Bella! My baby is officially two! Now, I am really not prone to saying,"my how time flies." Most of the time, I feel like it has gone exactly as fast as I needed it to. Slow enough to really enjoy each stage with my kids and fast enough to make me really appreciate it. For some reason, on Bella's birthday, I had a "my how time flies" kind of day. It's just that, I have been thinking a lot about what we were doing on that day, two years ago, (mostly sitting by the phone and waiting for updates about Bella and about her birthmom who had a very difficult post-pregnancy hospital stay...and then...counting the minutes until we could hold her.) and it just doesn't seem that long ago. It feels like...dare I say it...yesterday.

And then, I look at Bella and she is so big, able to communicate all she needs to, so opinionated, so independent in the ways that a two year old can be. And I can hardly believe it. My how time flies.
What a sweetness she has added to our lives. It's funny to think about what life was like before and, even though, at the time, it was full and rich with our precious Hope, it is now fuller and richer with Bella. She captured our hearts in her own special way and has delighted us with her own take on life. A quieter, more introspective, observant take...although no less distinct or captivating. She is a lover of shoes, her blanket, bananas, baths, puzzles, purses, and dollies…in that order. She's a sucker for slapstick humor and the only child I've ever known who throws a fit in a tasteful and dignified way. Her sparkly eyes and easy smile light up a room and her sweet disposition gets her showered with more kisses and squeezes than any child should be required to tolerate.

It has been so fun, in the last few months, to watch her language increase exponentially every day. She is still really quiet but we have started to figure out that it isn't because she doesn't know words. She surprises us often by identifying something that we had no clue she knew how to say. Her nature is just to be quiet and observe. And she has taught my overly articulate self about the value of that. Bella reminds me that to be passionate about something doesn't mean you have to be loud (who knew?!?) and that a quiet spirit can draw people in, in a different kind of way...in a way that puts you at eye level with people and causes them to rest for a bit and settle into the moment.

So there you have it. I am smitten with this little girl. This one who came charging into our lives two years ago and instantly settled herself in our hearts, as if she had been there all along. And I am overcome with gratefulness for the gift of Bella...cause she is just that.





4 comments:

Melodie said...

i am guilty of being one to smother her with kisses and squeezes and she accepts them all with a grin . . . always. i also can't imagine your family without Miss Bella. so sweet. so cute. and i love her to pieces!

Coloradosnowbaby said...

Happy Birthday little Bella!! Oh, I can't wait to meet her! ;) I love how you expressed what she's taught you, through what sounds like her quite grace... It's a lesson I could use as well! I love birthdays- what a wonderful day to celebrate this little life who makes such an amazing impact on the lives around her! Happy Birthday Isabella GRACE! *ms

Amy said...

You are right...the time has flown. I love how you so appreciate every moment and how well you know both of your daughters. We love that little Bella and the joy she has brought your family and all who know her. And Happy New Year!!

The Coopers said...

oh my sweet Bella! how time does fly right before our eyes! We love you sweet girl.