Brody's Big Brother Hospital Celebration & Meeting Isla

There are a few days that will forever hold a special spot in my heart. High school proms with my husband, Auburn football games with some of my best friends, our wedding vows, snorkeling in Belize, sleeping in the Sahara desert under the stars, and the day Brody met Isla. The latter being a day that will be at the top of my list for a long time.

Isla’s arrival shook me to my core. I felt my heart grow immediately and the excitement and anticipation to share Isla with Brody kept me awake our entire first night together.

I had long planned to make Isla’s arrival a celebration about Brody as well. Brody’s 2-year old love language is treats and surprises. Whether birthday parties or slices of cake, this little guy adores any opportunity to party. Isla’s arrival was certainly a reason to rejoice.

Inspired by this post, we decided to throw a Big Brother party in the hospital room to celebrate Brody’s new role. You probably remember the sneak peek at the party gear from my hospital bag packing guide.

We were so lucky to have my sweet friend, Dana, come back to the hospital after the birth to capture Brody meeting Isla. My husband met Brody downstairs and brought him up to the delivery floor. JD said the nurses were smiling ear to ear as the proud big brother walked down the hallway with a pink gift bag and the stuffed dog he picked out for his new little sister.

The set-up was simple--A little banner, a few gifts, donuts, his favorite chocolate ripple milk, and Isla wrapped up like a little present. When he walked into the room, his eyes lit up.

After a quick peek at Isla, he quickly moved over to the donuts and chocolate Ripple milk. He’s a foodie, so none of us were the least bit surprised. As time went on he became so curious and interested in Isla.

As the smiles started to come across his face, my heart completely melted. In this moment, I knew there was no sweeter gift we could have given Brody than a little sister.

We’re still in the newlywed phase over here where Brody adores every move and noise Isla makes. He tells me a million times a day that he “lubs baby girl”, something he rarely says about JD or I. When she’s awake, he sits on the couch and they both just stare and stare at each other. I was so worried about the transition from one to two. What I wasn’t expecting was how beautiful it would be.

And this little video? I can't even watch it without a box of tissues nearby. 

A lot of you have been asking about Brody’s big brother gifts. Below are the sweet little gifts we wrapped up for him. The Snuggle the Baby might be my favorite thing ever.