Introducing Isabelle

 Born August 22, 2011 at 10:35am in Marbella, Spain. She was 6 lbs, 14 oz and 19 inches long. The name "Isabelle" is the Spanish form of Elizabeth and means "God's Promise". Already she has blessed our lives and found a place in her brothers hearts.

The delivery went well. After having 4 c-secions in 4 different countries I have fun comparing the similarities and differences between each experience. This experience was great and although a bit harder than past, I can't complain regarding the care and "service" at the hospital. Our room was beautiful and the view something people would want for their living rooms. I think my anesthesiologist this time around was my favorite so far. He was always there to pat my cheeks and say something in Spanish, followed by a word or two of English, all meant to keep me calm and happy. He made sure that Joey got to see Isabelle right away and that they didn't take her to the nursery too quickly.

We are now back at the home of a friend where we will stay until we get the passport for little "Izzy". It is crazy to think that we are now a family of 6! And even crazier that God has blessed us with a little girl!! Now its time to recover and figure out what to do with all that pink :-)

The Past Few Weeks

Here are a few pictures from our past few weeks of vacation:

 This picture of my guys is one of my favorites. One of the fun parts of Ramadan is we get to watch satellite TV and catch up on some fun English shows.

 We got some swords that are also squirt guns that are great for the beach. Joey likes the way they make me look like a ninja sticking out of my backpack. Actually I am a ninja, but that's top secret.

 Lunch on the beach.

 One of our trips to the beach we ran into these special guys. A few kids got stung, but survived. Joey started going jellyfish hunting with the kids. They had a blast throwing rocks at them later so they wouldn't attack any more innocent children. boys.

 Breakfast of Champions: Petit Pans with Chocolate.

 Aren't they the cutest?! If this was a video you could hear Josiah making stuff up about bugs and animals. He's so good at making stuff up you want to believe whatever he tells you. Reminds me of someone else I know :-)

This is a shirt I made with the Silhouette SD Joey got me for my birthday. I love this machine, I'll have to write a real post about it someday, right now I'm still trying to figure out what all it does and having lots of fun doing it. My husband seriously is the best.

So that's a bit of what we've been up to on vacation. That and getting ready for #4. Its hard to believe that in a week we'll be sitting in a Spanish hospital holding our newest blessing - Lord willing. I'm feeling good, getting anxious from time to time, but mostly looking forward to meeting this little one. Thankfully this week should fly by :-)

Rama-cation

The beginning of the Muslim holy month, Ramadan, begins a month long vacation for us from construction and volunteer teams. There are still little things we do, lots of friends to visit with and opportunities to break the fast each night with neighbors and others. Mostly though we stay home and enjoy family time. It is one of my favorite times of year. 

To kick off the month we started with, breakfast in our man dresses.

Practicing letters on the internet. www.starfall.com is where its at.

I started cleaning and organizing various rooms that have been neglected over the past months. In the process I found this. A whole loaf of bread, hard and crusty. Notice the top has been eaten off of. Only one little person could be the culprit. William, the bread thief. He is always going into the kitchen (there are three to choose from around here) and grabbing any bread type item he can then proceeding to walk through the house eating what he wants and finally depositing said bread item wherever he is when he finishes. Like say the craft/toy room :-S

After making a big dent on the craft/toy room yesterday, I decided that today I should probably get ready for #4 who is set to arrive in less than 20 days!

A couple months ago I had turned one of our suitcases into a bassinet. I was able to use old foam we had lying around, some old sheets and then one of the many suitcases you collect when you travel. It turned out great and will be perfect for heading to Spain to actually have this kid. Everything folds inside with room for clothes and baby stuff. Who says you have to spend money on things for babies? Our garages and storage spaces are FULL of stuff for kids!

So now #4 has a spot all set out. Once we know what this kiddo is we can add the appropriate color scheme. 20 days, wow! Hard to believe. I am so thankful to have this Rama-cation to get ready for all the changes coming in about a month!