Before becoming first time parents, we often heard from people who had "really good babies" but not many talked about how difficult the newborn stage could be! The honest truth? We struggled to even function those first four months. It took me three weeks to just get the hospital bags unpacked. 

On top of the "normal" challenges that so many face in the newborn stage, our baby girl Isla was born with a large tumor in her mouth which made feeding - and basically every other behavior linked to feeding - all the more difficult! (Thankfully, the tumor eventually resolved on its own!) Through it all, we started giving her animal nicknames to capture both the cute and the challenging daily activities of being a baby. They kept us smiling through all the ups and downs.

For her first Christmas, Isla's dad designed and printed a book to help us always remember the nicknames that captured her huge personality.

Thanks to everyone who shared positive feedback and support, we're so excited to publish the book and share with you!