Deep in Thought

Isabella was in deep in thought today after she tricked mommy into picking her up. She's probably plotting out her next move.

Lounging Around

Isabella and Riley needed more bonding time together so they decided to chill out on the couch together. The calm lasted for about 1 minute before Riley started grooming Isabella.

Manicures and Cheerleading?

Isabella had her first manicure today. She really only had her nails filed down but a girl has to start somewhere.


Isabella was so excited to actually be conscious for more than 2 hours that she busted out some cheerleading moves. Who knew? Guess we'll have to go buy her a few short pleated skirts (dad had another heart attack) to set her down the correct path.

First Father's Day

James' first father's day started out with a home made breakfast and a pair of birth announcement cufflinks from Isabella. The day progressed to playtime on the play mat, a cry-fest, a quick photo shoot and then a nice dinner at home.

Playtime with Riley keeping watch (aka licking Isabella's hair). The beginning of Cryfest on Father's Day 2010 and Riley trying to soothe everyone. Cryfest 2010 continued with a tantrum thrown in for good measure. James and Isabella posing for Father's Day out on the deck. Isabella was in her fancy dress for a whole 5 minutes. She's either shrugging cause she doesn't know or someone just yelled "freeze!". Either way - dad is glowing in fatherhood and Isabella is definitely wrapping him around her finger.

Time on the Play Mat

Daddy went back to work today so Isabella spent some time on the play mat that mommy's co-workers bought for her. It has lots of bright colors and tons of things to look at and touch. When she can actually move and not play turtle on her back we're sure she's going to love the play mat.

First Outdoor Excursion

The whole family went on their first stroll outside together. Everyone had something new to try out. Dad had a new shirt, mom the stroller and Isabella had her too big hat. Unfortunately Riley didn't have anything new except the experience.

Oh Canada!

Isabella didn't last more than a week before she donned the maple leaf. Beautiful gift from Aunt Michele... wait until you see what is in store for Canada Day! Stay tuned for July 1st.

Isabella's First Dance Move

Isabella showed off her first dance move for Aunt Michele - it was the Sprinkler! Now all she needs is a date for the prom (dad just had a heart attack).

Tummy Time

Isabella had her first official tummy time session which turned into a paparazzi frenzy. She's already able to lift her head and move it from one side to the other. Sounds trivial but it's apparently quite important for development blah blah blah. Even Riley had to get in on the action.

Making the Family Rounds

4 generations together at Great Grandparents Murray's house

Colleen getting some quiet time with Isabella

Isabella with cousin Kate

Aunt Michele

Grandma Mickey

Grandpa Howard

Uncle Russell

Isabella has been very busy meeting the whole family. So far she's met aunts, uncles, cousins, great aunts and uncles and great grand parents. She's been very well behaved so she's left a nice first impression for everyone. She met Uncle Packy and Aunt Janet while at the great grandparents but didn't get a picture with them. The same goes with Uncle Mike and Aunt Mary. Guess we'll have to do pictures the next time around

Daddy's Little Girl

Daddy is quite smitten with Isabella. She already has him wrapped around her week old finger. If she's really mommy's daughter you can guess which finger it is.
The mitts aren't part of the outfit - we had to put the mitts on her because her really long fingers have really sharp nails which she's already managed to scratch with. She does have fun smacking you in the face with her mittened hand when she's throwing a fit - which thankfully isn't too often.

Riley is in love

We made an attempt at tummy time today. Clearly we were ambitious as she fell asleep 20 seconds in.

Riley has fallen in love with Isabella. If she's accessible to him he's not far away. I have to say he is quite devoted to his little sister.

Gone Home

After a short stay in the hospital, our little Isabella is slowly becoming accustomed to her new surroundings! She's even got Riley in on the act... he's loving having the new baby around:)

Check out the nursery pics and some of our bundle of joy at home.

She's Here!!!

Isabella Lee Shears
Date: June 3, 2010
Time: 7:15 pm
Weight: 8 lbs and 2 oz
Length: 20.5 inches
Where: St. Luke's Roosevelt in NYC



5 hours of labor and one vacuum later Isabella joined our family. Riley is very curious about her and we're still in awe that she's finally here. We can't wait for everyone to meet her.

Baby Shears Nursery

The nursery is almost done but not quite in these pictures. Definitely a work in progress. This is after the major demo that was supposed to take only 1 day but instead took about 3 weeks to complete. Better late than never I suppose. James, his parents, Russell and Uncle Mike all did an awesome job on the room.