Our Beautiful Bella and Sweet Ian

We LOVE our little girl! She is one week today, and she's already smiling at us. She is a sleeper! I almost don't know what to do. Ian was always so busy and didn't sleep for long stretches. Isabella slept 6 straight hours last night. We love it. We love her.

We LOVE our little boy! He is adjusting to the change. Sometimes he is loving and sweet to her--other times he's a little jealous. Just a few minutes ago he lifted her out of her swing and held her by the ankles (I about had a heart attack). He really does love her, though. He calls her "Abella." We love our little guy. He's so fun and busy, and he lights up our days.

How blessed to have such wonderful children!

It's a Girl!

Isabella Jane Billings was born at 11:08 p.m. last night! She was 7 lbs exactly, and 20 inches long. She is beautiful! We posted a lot of pictures because grandmas and grandpas are far away. We had a little bit of a scare with heart rates--Becky's and Isabella's kept dropping--so we're grateful we didn't have to have a c-section. Things went well, and we were SO delighted to see a little girl! We sure were wrong on our guess as a boy! We're so happy!

Sharing Daddy

Probably the toughest thing for Ian will be sharing his daddy. Daddy and Ian are really close. We'll see how it affects both of them.

Tomorrow is the big day! We're inducing the baby at 7:30 in the morning. We have a plethora of names picked out for boys and girls. I guess we'll know hopefully this time tomorrow what the baby is and what its name will be. We'll keep you posted.

Papa

We had quite a scare a couple of weekends ago when my dad nearly had a heart attack. Thanks to modern technology, he's doing great. So glad you're still with us, Papa. We sure love you!

Due in a Week

Ummm . . . could I get any bigger? Come on, Baby, time to come.

President Hinckley

How strange and sad that he is gone. We're so glad he is with his dear wife now, but how we'll miss him! We're so grateful we have prophets on the earth again.

For those of you who do not know who President Hinckley was, visit http://www.lds.org/. For more information about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (or the "mormon" religion), visit http://www.mormon.org/, or--of course--ask me! :)

Super Women

Talking and emailing friends lately and reading their blogs has reminded me how amazing the women I know truly are. So many of you are struggling with various things--health problems, kid problems, loss . . . Many of you are moms. Some of you are single moms. Some of you are new moms. Some of you want to be moms. Some of you are pregnant. Some of you are sick. Some of you are pregnant and sick. Some of you have lost children. Some of you have sick children or hard children or not enough money or not enough time (especially for yourself). Some of you are going through divorces.

Many of you deal with a lot of the above all at once. And these are just things I can see or pick up on. I'm sure there are so many hidden things that never come to my, or anyone else's, attention. You all deal with these things so beautifully. Yes, you do.

I'm lucky to know you.

New Year's

Seth and Keeli and the kids came for New Year's. We had a great time playing in the snow. Seth and Keeli went to see the ball drop in New York City--a long, but once-in-a-lifetime experience. Adam, the kids, and I made yummy New Year's dishes, watched movies, and played. The kids went to bed at 7:30, and Adam and I watched movies--my kind of New Year's. We loved having them here. They're all so adorable.

Christmas

Shelly, Kendall and the kids came over Christmas day. We had a wonderful dinner and a great time being lazy.

Cute kids, eh?

Baby coming soon

Not long before our little king has to make room on his throne for a littler sibling. Feb. 10 is coming up fast!

Our Friends in Rhode Island

In just 6 months in Rhode Island, we met some of the most wonderful people. We wanted to tell you all how much we love and miss you. We'll be back to visit after the baby's born so we can show him/her off. Thank you for being such wonderful, giving, welcoming friends! We miss you!