Riddle

How many Cain's does it take to lower a mattress platform?

Answer: Two adults, 1 child, and an infant.

It was project day for both Skyler and Bella's room. They were way over due an upgrade - especially the crib. We did manage to lower crib mattress and Baby Bella was quick to demonstrate the wisdom of our decision.

Mommy, Daddy, and Skyler were even more impressed when Baby Bella took a two hour nap in her crib. To recap - Baby Bella has slept a full night, a half night, and a full nap in her crib in the last three days. Not be be political, but that is more progress than the Congress has made in the last ten years. Whoop! Whoop!

Skyler remarked that the house seemed a little bigger at the end of the day. We took the opportunity to retire a few pieces of Baby Bella Bounty that she has outgrown. You just don't realize how much baby stuff you have squeezed into each room. It's sort of like taking down the Christmas decorations and suddenly the house looks empty.

I use the word "retire" because Mommy is saving some things for the next one. She is starting to have that "I need a Caroline McKenzie" feeling, again.

Houston...

...We Have A Problem! (or Every Rose has a Thorn)

Baby Bella thrilled us last evening by sleeping (mostly) through the night - in her crib. Today, she scared us by demonstrating that she can stand up in the crib and swing on the rails. (A talent she inherited from her Mother's childhood - but that is another story for another blog.)

And so, Skyler and I have a Sunday project: lowering the mattress frame on the crib. How is it that she is just now spending the night in her crib but she is big enough to climb out? Ok, no one answer that question.

Whoop! Whoop!

Surprise! Surprise! Mommy came home from a girls night out to find Baby Bella sleeping in her crib. Yep! Daddy summoned up the courage to put Baby Bella in her own room for another test run. Much to our surprise, she slept in her crib until 4:00 AM.

Why the sudden change? Well, truth be known, she has out grown her bassinet AND pack 'n play. And even more alarming, she has single handily pushed Mommy and I out of our king bed. I suspect that it's time to move her to the nursery when she's old enough to pull herself up and stare at you while you sleep.

Private note to Brandi: See, I can put her down.

Project Day

Project Day has taken on a whole new meaning since Baby Bella blessed us with her presence. Materials, tools, and toys are required items to complete any household project.

Baby Bella insisted on helping Daddy read the instructions for his cabinet assembly. And she patiently supervised the whole process. The basket? Well, she ended up in the basket after repeatedly trying to eat my screws. Add basket to the list of required tools.

All is well that ends well. The cabinet is assembled, in place, and performing it's required duties.

Yes, Mommy. The cabinet is still standing. Thanks for your vote of confidence in the kids and I.

Home Depot

Daddy was proud to take Baby Bella on her very first excursion to Home Depot. She loved the view and had a great time roaming around the store for an hour or so. I was sure to point out all of the things we needed for projects around the house and she endeared herself to me by agreeing totally.

In the end, we made it out of Home Depot for less than a $100. A feat that is hard to accomplish on any given day.

Rosey Red Cheeks

Baby Bella wasn't exactly jumping for joy as Mommy rubbed Vaseline on her rosy red cheeks. The cold and wind have taken their tole on Bella's lovey little baby face. She isn't fond of the lotion or the Vaseline....but you just gotta do what you gotta do.

I guess nine months is as good a time as any to learn that lesson. Schools in session, Baby Bella Boo Britches.

Belts & Bows

Baby Bella spent the morning bouncing around in her belts and bows outfit. She was starting the week off in her happy place.

Her nine month check up went very well. She even stayed in her happy place through another vaccination - she didn't even whimper. The ears are clearing up nicely and Baby Bella is the picture of health.

The pediatrician is encouraging us to move to stage 3 baby food and to start introducing things like bread, mashed potatoes, and smashed up table food. Like we haven't already been doing that!

Hard to believe the bottle will only be around a couple of more months. I guess the experts suggest you start eliminating the bottle at the one year mark. But what do the experts know?

What I know - my little princess is growing up fast. Every day is a new adventure.

Best of Intentions

Daddy exited the shower and picked up Baby Bella for a goodnight kiss - Baby Bella had other ideas. She decided it was time play tackle Daddy and show him who is boss of the house.

I had a great time defending myself against such brute force - Mommy decided to snap a few candid photo's. Baby Bella finally settled down for her night time bottle and (hopefully) a long winter's nap.

The family has enjoyed the most amazing day together. Sleeping, shopping, baseball, eating dessert, tackling Daddy, biting Mommy....fun for all.

Boot Scootin' Boogie

A little viewing patience will earn you a glimpse of Baby Bella scootin' across the floor on her very own. Click play and sit back with a cup of coffee - it will take a couple of minutes to unfold but you will see her scoot across the floor in an effort to confiscate Skyler's cars.

This has been a very exciting day - Baby Bella has been happy, playful, smiley, and hungry. You might say "she is back to normal." So much so that she decided to impress the family with a nice move across the floor.

Roger Rabbit

Not the most flattering pose for Baby Bella but I wanted to capture her top two teeth. The House of Cain has it's very own Roger Rabbit impersonator.

Baby Bella is feeling more like herself - a day or two more and she should be back to normal. We notice that she is still tugging at the right ear so we know that one continues to haunt her a little.

"Lean on Me....

...when you're not strong. I'll be a friend. I'll help you carry on. For it won't be long, 'til I'm going' to need, somebody to lean on."

Mommy the nurse, Mommy the maid, Mommy the fashion designer, Mommy the boss, Mommy the friend - with a should to lean on. You are blessed, Baby Bella.

Better

Baby Bella was showing improvement after two days of antibiotics. Mommy was once again proving her genius by thinking of propping Baby Bella up on the boppy pillow to avert the night coughs.

Baby Bella has enjoyed precious little sleep in the last few days. We are hoping this is the answer to a good night's rest for our sick little angel.

God Love Her

RSV - Respiratory Syncytial Virus. Words most feared by parents and uttered by Baby Bella's pediatrician. That, coupled with double ear infections (both ears) and as you might suspect, Baby Bella had a tough day.

Here's hoping she has a restful night. God knows she and Mommy desperately need one.

If You Can Stand...

...then it's time to bring out some Christmas gifts that were a little beyond Baby Bella's development just two short months ago. Mommy was anxious to put together the TN Walking Horse and the Walk Behind Doll Stroller.

Baby Bella had a blast with the horse - she is really good in reverse. Private note to Amber: you should take a lesson. :-)

Baby Bella really liked the stroller but she couldn't figure out how to engage her feet so she pushed it forward, leaned forward, and fell on her face. Oops! We are off to Target tomorrow to buy a helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads - for a walking stroller no less.

Apparently, everything is a contact sport when your 8 months old.

Valentine's Day Faces

Our littlest Valentine had plenty of facial expressions to share with us on her very first Valentine's Day.

Standing O!

Baby Bella chose Valentine's Day 2010 to show us she knows how to stand. All she needed was one hand in Mommy's or one hand on the chair - then suddenly she didn't need a hand anywhere.

Wow - what a moment. She instantly received a standing ovation from the family as we starred in amazement. When did she learn how to stand? Where? Does she lay awake at night figuring up ways to blow our minds? Maybe it was the shoes that made the difference and helped her steady herself.

This was truly out of nowhere and very exciting. I am extremely grateful that we were all here as a family to share the accomplishment with her. You go, Baby Girl.