Our Family & Our Life

Dear Diary, I guess the correct heading of this post should be week 6 of Isla's young life, shouldn't it? Anyways, which ever week it is, she is doing well. Last week Thursday was a memorable day for us as she gave her mom and dad her first smile (if you speak to her Oma, she'll say she had one at week 2 but that is just her wishful thinking!). It was a half smile but she has since figured out how to move her entire mouth when she wants too. They are still few and far between and the best time to possibly see one is when she is about half way through her bottle. She is becoming more and more alert with longer awake periods when we have some very interesting "conversations" as was happening in the photo below. She loves to hold hands with her mom.... Colin was off work yesterday and we decided to go for a short drive because Isla likes to get out and see the spring lambs. This is not a happy face -- her lamb was just born and she was being very protective Ahhh, ba...

Dear Diary, We came across this old picture, who do you think it is?... Same dress, different generation...

Dear Diary, Here she is, all 7 lbs 9.5 ozs of Isla!!! Growing like a weed as they say but her growth has slowed down ever so slightly off her 2 ozs. a day rate she was on... Nevertheless, we are very pleased she is doing so well... Heather, Colin and Isla

Dear Diary, I just had to share a few photos of Isla taken this morning. As you can see from the dribble in the corner of her mouth, she just had her breakfast.... Isla wanted to show off some of her pretty new clothes that she is finally beginning to fit into. She has loads of lovely dresses to try on but most are still a bit big. Tomorrow the health visitor comes to the house for the big weigh in - I'm guessing 8 lbs 2 ozs but we'll have to wait and see!!

Dear Diary, The beginning of week four of our darling daughter's life saw her being baptized! Our own minister has been off ill for quite some time so we were concerned that we wouldn't be able to have her baptized at Gardenmore but in Colorado. The minister from 1st Larne Presbyterian was assigned to be in our church yesterday so the opportunity was available for which we are very thankful. We had a lovely day however Nanny Black couldn't attend as she is ill and had to be hospitalized yesterday. We pray that soon she may be well enough to come home to her family. Isla Jennifer Black wearing her daddy's baptismal gown My cousin Marie Vandenberg is back in N. Irleand for a few days and was able to join us for this happy occasion. We wish Marie well as she moves to Scotland later this week. Jenna Black with Isla Erin couldn't wait to hold her little cousin! Amy also did a great job of holding Isla and perhaps a future babysitter for her! Today is also a bi...

Dear Diary, By now most people know of our plans to move to Denver, Colorado. We we're told by Colin's boss to be in Denver for the first week in April and so we thought we would be leaving Northern Ireland probably the 1st of April for Toronto where we will stay with my family for a few days together. After that the plan is for Colin to fly by himself to Denver to organize the company and find us a place to live followed by myself, Isla and the cats a few weeks later. However, things have since changed as Colin's mom is seriously ill in hospital and it's best if we stay in Northern Ireland a bit longer. Colin will be in Manchester on Wednesday to discuss the move and our departure date with his boss on Wednesday.

Dear Diary, I have been wanting to update the blog for quite some time but just never got to it so tonight I have put Isla (pronounced EYE'la) to sleep in our bedroom and I have her bedroom (and computer room) to do work on the computer. Isla is a good baby but she is easily woken up so I figure this is the best way for both of us. Let me tell you about her first 3 weeks of life..... Well, as many of you probably know, I had pregnancy induced hypertension from about 34 weeks onwards. Even with five weeks off work before her expected due date, not much changed and it continued to go and up and down right to the end and even after her birth! At 39 weeks a midwife was at the house and my BP was well over 100 so she was obligated to call the hospital to see what they wanted to do with me. I was told to come in with an overnight bag as they wanted to monitor me for the next 24 hours. That was Valentines day and by Saturday, I was going stir crazy in the maternity ward so I asked the doc...

Dear Diary, Oma arrived safely this morning at 10am and already has taken over feeding. She spent a good hour unloading so many gifts of clothes and things from her suitcase. We are so thankful for them all and would just like to say a big THANKS to everyone who sent us a gift by post or by Oma... Colin, Heather and Isla (Somewhere under all her new outfits)...

Dear Diary, Isla has been home for a week now and is settling in very well. Here are some new photo's for you all.. Aunty Marg was on the phone with Heather just in the last 1/2 hour, so these are the pictures promised. Heather on the phone. Isla in her cot. We have also received many flowers from people, even some tulips, heather's favourites.. That's all for now folks, thankyou for all the prayers and best wishes for us. Colin, Heather and Isla..

Dear Diary, Isla and mummy came home at last on thursday night. It is now saturday and the little one seems to be settling in just fine. The midwives have been to visit, both called Ann, and are happy with the progress they are both making. It has been interesting how the cats have responded, very gently they come on over to see the new arrival, maybe they smell the milk. Pearl has been making strange faces when Isla cries, but we're keeping a close eye on them both. But judging from these two pictures they're not too upset. Heather will be back to adding more notes to our blog shortly, so for now that's all. She always did say I was a man of few words.. May Yahweh יהוה bless you all... Colin, Heather and Isla..