I was contemplating what to post since I clearly have been absent from my little blog for far too long. I wanted to sum up these past 6 months...Share our newest family member- Isabella Grace- with you. How in love we all are with having this new addition. How I am constantly in awe over each and every new thing she does. Tell you that every time she sets her baby blues on me and greets me with her smile, I momentarily feel the need to pinch myself because I still can't believe I have a daughter. I want to talk about how Brayden has exceeded every expectation I had for him as a big brother. The overwhelming pride I have every time I see my first born bend down to shower his sissy with kisses. It is without a doubt one of the most beautiful things I have ever witnessed. I want to say that I am an incredibly lucky lady to be able to witness the love that has grown between Brett and Brayden...not to mention watching Brett turn to complete putty the minute his baby girl coos. We are in big trouble as soon as she is able to ask for things.  I just know Daddy will forget the word no when it comes to his princess.  I want to tell you all about the daycare that I have started. How honored I am to be entrusted with these two little souls...to help teach them, nurture them, watch them grow. I want to shout it from the rooftops that I LOVE watching a child learn something new, and I am praying for more children to fill our home during the day. I need to let you know how excited my little man is to finally have a "buddy" to play with. I want to share all of the crafts, silly songs, and crazy things that have filled my days. And if I am being honest, I also want to admit that there are days when I have a running count down to nap time. I tend to feel like I am being pulled in more directions than I can turn to. I want to confess that I struggle. I am not nearly as good at this as I wish I was. I have found that the days are never long enough to accomplish all that lies on my to do list. I am constantly searching to find balance in my life...trying to evenly juggle all of my roles and duties.  There are moments when I feel sure I can't change another diaper, answer another question from my inquisitive little man, pick up another toy, wipe another bit of spit up off of my chest,  wake for yet another feeding at dawn, but then I glance at my two (some days four) sweet little mess makers, and I find...

Strength. 

Patience. 

Compassion.

More love than I knew one heart could hold. 

And I take a deep breath, thank God for these blessings, and take it all one step at a time.

And last but not least- some pictures for you...

 A special thanks to our friend and photographer Courtney for capturing the above family shots. 

Our summer was full of parks, beaches, zoos...just the way it should be :) 

 Our last shot as a family of three!

 Introducing Isabella Grace LaMacchia.

6 lbs 10 oz

18 in 

Perfect. In. Every. Way.

 Daddy thinks so, too. <3

 First car ride

A very proud big brother.

Some holiday shots:

Bella and our daycare baby, Landyn, always seem to find one another's hands. So sweet.

My how fast my babies have grown...

There is nothing in this world I'd rather be than a Mama.

Hope you are doing exactly what you've always wanted, too.  Love to all.

~KP