The girl who has changed our lives forever is finally in our arms, in our house and forever in our hearts. Little by little each day, we are getting to know each other and things get easier as we adjust to this new life. Nothing could have prepared us for the emotions we felt seeing her for the first time or how we keep staring at her now and think, OMG are you really ours?! It really is a joyous time, along with exhaustion, nerves and smiles. Lots and lots of smiles!

Many told us this would be one of the hardest, most rewarding experiences in one. Man, were they right! We are so grateful to our family and friends who have helped us out. All who came by, who checked in and to my dear friend Letty, who set up Take them a Meal for us. All of you who bought us food, what a big help! Thank you again and again for your generosity (to anyone who is expecting I recommend this). I was really overwhelmed by it all. Call it hormones or whatever, but I cried each time because I feel extremely lucky to have such good people not only in my life but now in Ayla’s life.

I’m so thankful to God for this little blessing, this experience and everything I know that is in store. She is ours for a reason and whatever she is meant to be on this earth Ivan and I welcome it. The ups and the downs, all of it.

Time to share pictures!! First, a week after our baby girl was born, Ala Cortez, who took my maternity pictures came back to photograph our new little family.

My two best girls are becoming BFF’s.

Second, because I’m so proud of my hubby, we finished the nursery right before Ayla arrived. I love her little space. Right now lots of diaper changing happens in this room ;).