First Halloween

Baby Bella was Buzzing!!!!! She really seemed to sense this was a special day - especially when Mommy was getting her dressed.

Papa and Nana came over for our annual Halloween celebration. It was so much fun watching Skyler and Bella enjoy themselves. On days like this, it really is hard to tell the kids from the adults - can't wait for Christmas.

Apple Sauce

You guessed it, another first for Baby Bella. Having conquered sweet peas, sweet potatoes, and carrots - Baby Bella set her sights on fruit. The smile says it all - the fruit is as tasty as the veggies. Should we be concerned that we haven't found anything this girl doesn't like?

The successful introduction of baby food has allowed us to cut the cereal content in half - finally. So far, Baby Bella is adjusting very well with little reflux. And her smile of gratitude makes feeding really fun. She has started opening her mouth when she seeing the spoon getting close.

First Tennis Shoes

Awwwwwww! Is it just me or have we entered a new phase of daily firsts for my first daughter? (Don't read anything into that comment)

Baby Bella was as enamored with her first tennis shoes as Mommy and Daddy were. The girl has it all worked out. Let the aerobics begin.

One Potato, Two Potato....

...Sweet Potatoes, GIVE ME MORE!

Baby Bella graduated from sweet peas and has now added sweet potato's to her diet. It was love at first bite. Of course, it wouldn't be fun if she didn't try to help with her hands and end up with sweet potatoes everywhere.

Notice how excited Baby Bella is at the beginning and how sleepy she looks at the conclusion. I anticipate her falling face first into her plate one day.

Nana had the great pleasure of feeding her Baby Bella from the jar - let's just say we didn't have to twist her arm. We really appreciate Papa and Nana helping out while Daddy is in Boston.

Shopping Cart

Blogging from Boston.......

Daddy is away.......the girls took the opportunity to get some Christmas shopping done at Target. And yet another first for Baby Bella - she took her first ride in a shopping cart while sitting up. This girl is getting way too big, way too young, and breaking Daddy's heart way too much.

And check out the smile....she loves shopping waaaaaaayyyyyyyyy tooooooo much!

Airport

Another day, another new experience for Baby Bella. She and the fam took Daddy to the airport to see him off to Boston. It was her first time in an airport.

And she has a new trick that is, dare I say it, just precious. We stretch out our arms to hold her and she extends her arms while leaning in towards us - our Baby Bella is coming to us when we ask. My heart melts. (Mommy and Daddy did it repeatedly last evening......just to watch her reach out for us) The last two pictures don't do it justice but you can see her reaching for me.

Take That!

Baby Bella has discovered her tongue. Her new fascination is sticking it out at you after she laughs. And , she has gotten pretty good at it - I told her she was stinky girl and she stuck her tongue out at me. Wow! Attitude at 5 1/2 months.

So let's review: she talks back (jabbers at me), sticks her tongue out at me, cries to get her way, demands attention 24/7, and kicks in her sleep. Hmmmm - me thinks there is a little Deborah in my house. :-)

Spoiling

Baby Bella welcomed some more spoiling from Grandma and Grandpa Cain today. She and big brother camped out with the grandparents while Daddy played in a charity golf tournament.

(charity is the only reason one would play golf on a cold and windy morning)

Not sure who had the most fun - the Grandparents or the Grandkids - both seemed to enjoy themselves and both required a nap at the conclusion of the visit. Grandpa and Baby Bella continued to expand their new found friendship. Baby Bella is a big fan of Grandpa.

The Whole Jar

Yep, Baby Bella emptied the whole jar of green peas - in one sitting. Our little girl has developed a considerable appetite. There were peas in her hair, peas on her nose, peas around her mouth - here a pea, there a pea, everywhere a pea..........And she loved it!

Baby Bella Bumboo & Baby Doll

Baby Bella continued to improve on her sitting up and playing skills. She would sit up 24/7 if it were up to her. I think the days of her mostly laying down are quickly vanishing. She is very observant - especially around color or movement - and loves to have active hands and feet.

Her new favorite thing to do is to touch your face when you talk to her. Just precious! And her Baby doll, of course, is a big friend these days.

Daddy's Funny

Baby Bella got a kick out of Daddy talking about his eventful day. Apparently, everything Daddy says is funny these days - what a special moment in time. Who needs a journal when you have this wonderful character to share your stories with?

Celebrating Nana

Baby Bella joined the family in celebrating Nana on the occasion of her.......60th Birthday. Shhhh! The exact number is a state secret.

The pediatrician gave the all clear on Bella's congestion and ears - she discovered that Baby Bella has two teeth about to break through - she attributes the other symptoms to this stage of teething.

While the pediatrician all clear did little to improve the Baby Bella disposition, she did manage a few more smiles today - clearly resting better last evening and in naps through out the day.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NANA!

Fall Break

Big Brother was out of school for Fall Break today. That could only mean one thing - to the farm we go. Daddy took the day off to take the kids to see Grandpa and Grandma Cain. Grandma was all too happy to watch a fussy Baby Bella while Skyler and Daddy worked hard to clear the brush from around the pond. (Skyler found time to take a roll down the hill)

Baby Bella continued to fight teething and congestion. And today she started pulling at her right ear. So to the pediatrician we go tomorrow morning.

Grandpa Cain held Baby Bella more today than he has in all five months combined. And Baby Bella has a new BFF. She fell hard for Grandpa - even fell asleep in his arms. A major accomplishment on a fussy day like today.