Pulling Hair

Baby Bella dressed warm for her evening excursion to Cracker-Barrel - a surprise opportunity to see Grandma and Grandpa Cain again. She was pure delight and took seriously her role to entertain the table.

We did experience another first - Baby Bella grabbed a hand full of hair as big brother came within arms reach. The first - but, surely, not the last time she will be found guilty of pulling his hair. This time Big Brother didn't mind at all - hmmm, I wonder how long will that last?

Fall Yall

Baby Bella was ready for a brisk fall morning - long pants and socks helped my little cupcake get ready for on cooler tempts.

Baby Bella is struggling with torticollis in the her neck again. Mommy has had to resume the stretching and neck massages. The pediatrician warned us it may resurface during rapid growth periods - duh, that could be everyday for this little girl. LOL!

Going to Grandma's

An exciting day for Daddy and Baby Bella. They were able to spend half of the day with Grandma Cain. (Yes, many people say they look alike - you be the judge) They laughed together, giggled together, ate together....and yes, Grandma rocked her to sleep a couple of times.

In the end, Rachel and I couldn't tell who had the most fun - Grandma or Baby Bella.

Sunday Best

Aw, another Sunday in paradise. Baby Bella enjoyed wearing her Sunday best and spending quality time with the fam.

Sweet Dreams

Baby Bella cherished a day of nothing but time.....time with Daddy and Big Brother while the monsoon season continued in Spring Hill. In the end, a nice nap in the swing was in order.

Daddy and Big Brother napped also - shhhh!

Celebrate Good Times....

...come on! (courtesy of Kool & The Gang)

It was party time as Daddy made it home in time for dinner with the fam. Hugs, kisses, and a large smile from Baby Bella, who was doing her best "so you think you can dance" routine on the carpet. A little break dancing, actually.

Big Girl

Blogging from Kentucky.......

Baby Bella was all smiles as she sported her new, Size 3, diapers. Yes, indeed, the Princess is growing up fast. She was so proud she launched into her signature, celebratory, kicking routine.

(The same one she does when Daddy comes home....can't wait to see that again)

Hold 'em Close

Blogging from Kentucky.......

Daddy sat and cried with a client today as the gentleman discussed the recent death of his 3 mo. old grandson - a victim of SIDS. So very sad and so very frightening. I just can not imagine loosing one of my kids. Wishing I could hold them close tonight - but I know Mommy is loving them up for me.

Praying...."Lord, watch over my babies tonight - and every night. And may they love the Lord their God with all of their heart, all of their soul, and all of their mind." (and might)

All Hearts

Blogging from Kentucky......

Baby Bella stealing hearts in her Valentines PJ's. Yes, we do know that Valentines Day is February 14. But little Ms. will be too big for these pj's by then. Daddy is having heart trouble of his own - a broken heart from missing the fam.

Show Off

Baby Bella was dressed to the nines to meet some of Mommy's old friends. Mommy and Bella Boo are spending the day on the Nashville social scene.

Lil' Panda

Our little Panda was so sweet as she lounged around with the fam - a magnificent day of rest and football. Mommy and Baby Bella napped together for the second straight Sunday afternoon - I think we have a new tradition in the House of Cain.

Baby Bella is on a new feeding schedule that allows her to be put to bed at the same time as big brother - uh, yeah! We have renamed that first hour after kids down: The Mommy and Daddy Sanity Hour.

Fishy

Something was a little fishy around here today.....maybe it was Baby Bella's dress....or maybe it was all of the fish swimming by our house on day six of monsoon rain.

Baby Bella was extremely talkative today - one might even say she jabbered non-stop. But, undoubtedly, the cutest line of the day came from Skyler. He looked at Baby Bella during one of her more articulate periods and said: "are you preaching to the cross, girl?"

OK, so the theology needs a little revision. But not bad for a seven year old. I couldn't help but be amused.

4 Months Old

Baby Bella turned 4 months old today!!!! She celebrated by rocking by and forth in a futile attempt to turn herself over. But it can't be long now, she'll be turning herself over. Followed closely, I'm sure, by crawling and turning things over.

So what have we learned after 4 months with our little wonder?

1. Just when you think you can't love any deeper, you pick her up at the end of a long day and find she possess the ability to erase all of the stress and anything bad that occurred.

2. A red face can only mean one thing....green poopy.

3. Forget American Express! Don't leave home without a bottle!

4. Baby Bella is definitely showing some Mommy traits - blonde hair, blue eyes, love of a hot bath, appreciation for soft blankets, a devastating smile and the ability to make Daddy's heart melt.

5. No one is eating until Baby Bella eats.

6. Maternity leave should be 18 months.

7. My 4 month old is wearing 6 month clothes. Can you say "chunky monkey"?

8. Babies have a wicked sense of humor - ever notice how giddy they get after throwing up on your favorite suit?

9. Pacifier are passe. Thumbs are all the rage.

10. Nothing is cuter than a thumb sucker.

Dress Up

Mommy playing dress up with her Baby.....Baby Bella playing with her hands. A little girl time for my favorite two girls.

Mermaid

Did you hear the one about the little mermaid who.....?

Baby Bella telling stories while Mommy and Daddy prepare dinner. High chair time has become talking time for our little mermaid. She loves to watch us scurry about the kitchen cooking and cleaning up dishes.

These pictures really show off the blooming blonde hair we have been blogging about. And you can just see the mischievousness.

To the Sound of Rain

Baby Bella had her daily 5:30 fit today - as scheduled. Daddy decided to pace back and forth on the front porch so his little princess could hear the delightful sound of falling rain. Ten minutes later she was in a deep sleep on Daddy's shoulder.

What a life for a little girl. (And Daddy's isn't bad either)

Mirror Mommy

Baby Bella watching Mommy get dressed. This is part of the daily routine, Baby Bella lays in the bouncy seat to watch Mommy dress, style her hair, and apply make-up. It won't be long 'til we'll be watching Baby Bella get dressed. And not much longer 'till she gets to watch her little girl mirror her.

My little girl gets to mirror Mommy - I can't think of a better role model for my princess.

NFL Sunday Kickoff

Baby Bella enjoyed her very first NFL Sunday game today. She and the fam broke out the Manning jerseys to cheer the Colts to a 14 -12 victory.

It was all a little much for Baby Bella. She was fast asleep on top of Mommy by the start of the 2nd quarter. In fact, Baby Bella and Momma have spent most of the day asleep on the sofa. The are the cutest pair of snuggle bugs in the NFL.

Baby Bella Does Baseball

Baby Bella and Daddy took Big Brother to his first game of the Fall season. (Yes, things have changed since Daddy was a little tike - we now have a Spring AND a Fall season for the true baseball enthusiast.)

Skyler was great - he struck out and hit a triple. He is really bummed about the triple because it should have been a home run. He ripped a ball down the third base line that rolled to the fence. Sky out ran his teammate that was on 2nd base when he hit the ball and the delay cost him the extra base.

Then again, there is always next game right? Daddy was also impressed with his defense. He didn't allow any balls to get past him.

All Dressed Up - Revisited

Mommy requested I post a photo of Baby Bella "without that rediculious hat." LOL!

All Dressed Up

Sometimes you look so silly that you just have to laugh at yourself. Baby Bella will pay Mommy back for the outfit - Daddy is guilty of making her wear the hat.

Clingy

Yes, the reference is to Daddy, not Baby Bella. Daddy has been rather clingy with Baby Bella tonight. Can't explain it - sometimes you just want to hold them and never let go.

Really, how do you put down a wonderful little girl who is looking at you this way? Or one who is resting her head on your shoulder while sucking her thumb? Come on now - it's not possible.

Yes, Ms. Vanessa, this is why she likes to be held all the time. And no, it's not likely that I will toughen up. Battle over, Baby Bella has won.

Tim - you were right. I didn't stand a chance against a baby girl. It's just not a fair fight.

Charles - I take back everything I have said about you spoiling your girls. I realize now that that is the way of the world with a Daddy and his little girl(s).

Thumb Sucker

It's official - we have a thumb sucker. Baby Bella has been trying for weeks to find her thumb, and tonight, she found it!!!! She finally got all of her fingers in the right spot - and with the grin of success, started sucking her thumb in earnest.

While it's no surprise, it was a glorious moment to see her achieve such a lofty goal - especially after so much hard work. It's also no surprise that my baby girl would choose to hit the big league on the very day the NFL kicks off the 2010 season. No slacker, my baby girl. She is ready to rumble.

Morning Routine

Baby Bella accompanied Daddy and Big Brother on the walk to the bus stop - a first for Baby Bella. She loves to jabber when other people are around and talking, the kids at the bus stop were a pure delight for my baby bug.