A Day in the Park

Dear Isadora,

Sometimes the plans you have in life don't always work out the way you plan.  Sometimes it's a bad thing.  Sometimes it's a good thing.  Today, mommy's plans got cancelled.  But it worked out because your mommy decided to take this lemon and make lemonade.

When mommy's plans got cancelled, I looked at your daddy and said, "Let's take Izzy somewhere."  At first, we contemplated taking you to a museum, but then mommy had the brilliant idea of taking you to a park.  And I found the perfect one to take you to - Pullen Park in Raleigh.  It had everything your little heart could want - a train, a carousel, a cafe, a lake, and age-appropriate playgrounds.

After lunch, we packed up your diaper bag and headed out to the park.  It was a beautiful day.  The sun was shining and the weather was perfect.

You enjoyed playing in the sand.  (And in the mulch for that matter.)



You enjoyed swinging with daddy. (Sometimes you would even venture to let go of the swing with your hands in the air.  You're so brave.)





You enjoyed exploring the park's train car. (Daddy held you the whole time so that you would stay safe.)



And you enjoyed your very first carousel ride.  (The only time you cried was when the carousel slowed down to stop.)



We didn't get to ride the train, but we promise to take you to the park again one day soon so that you can.   I have a feeling that Pullen Park is going to become "our" place.

Thank you for a wonderful day.

Love,

Mommy

One Year Photos

Dear Isadora,

Today, we went to our favorite place, Portrait Innovations, to get your one year photos done.  We've taken you there twice before: once to get your 6 week photos and once to get your 6 month photos.  And just like today, they didn't disappoint.

We brought three outfits for you to change into today: a Japanese yukata, an Okinawan yukata, and one of your new birthday outfits.  You didn't enjoy changing your clothes or having mommy try to do your hair between takes, but you did enjoy all of the attention.  The photographer tried to get shots of you sitting down, but, for the most part, you refused to sit and wanted to stand as much as possible.  (We're starting to see more of this strong will of yours.  I think you get it from daddy, but daddy thinks you get it from mommy.)

Here are some of mommy and daddy's favorite shots from the shoot:










Aren't you a doll?  I think we're due for another family photo with you soon... I think we should all where our yukatas for it!  (Even Daddy!)  What do you think about that?  Yeah, I thought it was a brilliant idea, too.

Love,

Mommy