Isla Tremewan

For almost an entire year, our lives were filled with more joy, love, and laughter than we ever could have imagined. Isla was born on August 27, 2022 and gave us many of the happiest days we could imagine until she passed away on August 25, 2023, following unexpected complications arising from surgery to repair a congenital heart defect.

While many of you did not have the opportunity to meet her or spend much time with her, we hope that through this page you are able to experience some of the joy she brought to us and see what a bright light she was. She truly was the happiest, easiest baby we could have asked for, despite some of her additional medical needs that no parent expects. We wish she could have spent more time with everyone but had to be cautious to keep her healthy while waiting for heart surgery. Our only solace is that we were able to have that much more 1:1 time with her.

Isla was born at the Mother Baby Center of Abbott Northwestern in Minneapolis. She spent almost her entire first month of life in the Special Care Unit at Children's Minneapolis, initially admitted for a planned observation related to her known heart defect but staying longer due to swallowing problems. We spent every day with her until she was able to come home. Special thanks especially to nurses Margaret and Shiloh for taking care of all three of us during Isla's stay- they truly were extended family by the end of it.

After being in the hospital longer than planned, every part of daily life after bringing Isla home seemed more precious. We loved doing simple things like spending time outdoors, going for walks, running errands, and really anything we could have Isla join us for. Everything just seemed that much better with her with us. Our dogs, Walter and Hazel, welcomed her aboard with plenty of sniffs and kisses. Hazel quickly took on the best friend role, wanting to join Isla in anything that was happening- snuggles, tummy time, giving kisses, etc. Christa was able to enjoy a six-month maternity leave that she wouldn't have traded for the world. You would be hard-pressed to find a happier little family.

As Isla grew, her personality began to shine through. Always full of smiles and giggles, curious, determined, wanting to be as independent as possible but always within reach of a hug or kiss. You could see the pride and excitement in her face whenever she accomplished something she was learning to do, whether it was sitting up on her own, crawling, standing, taking steps, or getting a new word out. She was never afraid to clap for herself when accomplishing these things either. She had a goofy side as well and loved to be silly. During those times, she quickly changed from our Peanut to "Pea-nutty." Recent favorite hijinks were standing up and then "trust falling" back into Christa or Paul's lap with no warning- but laughing the whole way down, making a growling face until she couldn't hold back her giggles, and playing peek-a-boo with anyone in sight. She loved waving at people and saying "Hi!" whenever we were out and about, making friends wherever she went.

Another highlight of her year was her time spent at Children's Discovery Academy. They welcomed us without reservation, made us feel at ease quickly, and their love and care for Isla was obvious. The love was clearly mutual, as Isla always was excited to see her teachers in the morning with no difficulty at hand-off. The pictures they sent us every day showed how much she was enjoying herself. Maybe they are so good at their jobs that all families feel this way, but they made it easy for us to believe Isla was the favorite.

Some of Isla's favorite things were her lovies Sid the Sloth and Aggie the Dragon, her dogs, her teddy bears, playing peek-a-boo, blowing kisses, dancing, hugs and kisses, booping people and putting heads together, practicing walking, music- especially Snoop Dogg and Blink 182, practicing her sippy cup with a dramatic "Aaaaahhhh" following each sip, picking out her own favorite outfits, exploring outside, and anything purple, but especially purple foods and purple toys. She loved snuggles with her mom and dad and time with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and her cousin. First words included hi, Mama, Dada, doggy, Aggie, this, and up. She was quick to learn and loved books, especially "Little Blue Truck."

We would like to extend a special thank you to Isla's pediatrician, Dr. Cornea, for all of her advocacy and truly loving care in the time we have known her. Thank you also to the staff at Children's Hospital for the care they provided to Isla over the last year, and especially in her final days with us. They treated her, and us, with dignity and compassion.

To our family and friends, we would not be making it through this incredibly difficult time without you. Your support and love is so appreciated. If you have any memories or photos of Isla, we would be honored if you would share them in the Memories section. Please scroll through and enjoy the photos we have posted in the Memories section to share in some of our favorite times with her.

In lieu of a memorial service, we request that you take the time to do something special with your loved ones, spend time in nature, or find something purple that brings you joy.