Spring Forth with the New

Baby Bella and Daddy were up with the birds this morning - and sharing a moment together at the Maple Tree where the birds are building yet another nest.

The theme for the day was change. Mommy and Daddy had an early morning appointment with the new Daycare to make sure everything is prepared for the kids on Monday morning. We are both very excited to see the Baby Bella and Skyler thrive in their new location - but it is change.

I keep telling myself that it's Spring. Spring is about bursting forth, showing your true colors, blooming where your planted, adapting to the new, preparing for the heat, fertilizing, and proper growth. Hmmm, that is exactly where we find our family right now. Spring is the time to do this, right?

The morning went well - Mommy and Daddy are embracing the change. And Baby Bella? She just wants us to know the dog walked by and she isn't too happy about that.

Cat Nap in the Car

Baby Bella had never been one for sleeping in the car -until now. We have friends who know, only too well, that a quick ride around the neighborhood is all it take to induce sleep in their baby wonder. Not ours - until now.

Baby Bella has been more the type to fuss through a car ride than to sleep through one. But in recent days she has become somewhat of a sleeping beauty anytime the car is in motion. And she doesn't necessarily wake up when you get home either.

We are already seeing the benefit and have developed a real fondness for this new trend in transportation. We have begun strategically planning our trips to maximize the nap time and thereby encourage happy baby syndrome.

Daddy is even packing an extra lightweight sheet to cover her when the siesta begins. We call this progress.

Fries With That?

I'll have fries with that! Baby Bella had her first taste of french fries today - stealing one from big brother as she worked her way through a biter biscuit.

She didn't, however, make it completely through the biter biscuit - she fell asleep with the warm sun beaming down on her beautiful face. What a life!

The Paci Question

Yes, we did announce the end of the paci. Yes, Baby Bella did survive / thrive without the paci for a couple of weeks. Yes, we have given it back to her. No, we have not lost out minds.

In fact, the return of the paci was for the express purpose of NOT loosing our minds. Baby Bella was so sick and miserable for a few days that all she could do was scream. Her ears, eyes, and teeth were torturing her. So much so that we thought she needed something to comfort her and help her through this rough patch.

No regrets. It served it's purpose and she really wasn't too difficult when we took it away the first time so we suspect it will be no big deal the second time. The plan is to allow her to keep it until we get through the situation with the ears and then wean her again.

Friends & Family

It was Daddy's turn to catch a virus. Everyone had to pitch in and help today. Thanks Grandma & Grandpa, Thanks Nana, Thanks Brandi.

Baby Bella was none too happy that Daddy was home but had to keep his distance - and neither was Daddy. She made her displeasure known every time she saw me.

Baby Bella and Brandi the Super Nanny went on about their chores - playing and yucking it up.

Thank God it's Sunday

Sometimes you just need a Sunday. The family enjoyed a wonderful day together. A home cooked meal, playing with the munchkins, getting to hold Baby Nayala for the first time, and a movie while Baby Bella played in the floor.

Just what the doctor ordered for this family.

Baby Bella is feeling much better. The virus seems to have run its course and the shot made a remarkable difference in Baby Bella's eyes and ears. If fact, you could just about see it happen - the change occurred at the 24 hour mark after the shot.

Of course, Daddy likes to think it's just that she was missing him. But we do have the nagging ear problem and we are anxious to hear from the E.N.T. tomorrow.

Shirley Temple

It is just us or is Baby Bella channeling Shirley Temple? Deborah and I started talking about it today so I thought I would pose that question to Baby Bella Blog faithful.

Her blonde hair is getting much longer and even more curly by the day. There does seem to be some resemblance.

But wait! Wasn't Shirley Temple a mischievous hand full? Maybe the likeness ends with the blond curly hair and the rosy red cheeks.

Poor Baby (and Mommy)

Baby Bella has had another tough day - and Mommy found herself, yet again, in the pediatricians office. She is struggling with some sort of head/stomach virus, in addition to the worsening ear infection.

The oral antibiotics are not arresting the ear infection, she now has a build up of fluid behind both ears. The pediatrician gave her a shot of antibiotics in the leg and is referring us to an E.N.T. They want to check her hearing to make sure the ear infections are not damaging her ears and to explore the possibility of tubes.

Mommy and I have been hopeful we could avoid tubes but it seems we have reached a point where we have to leave that option open.

I borrowed pictures from earlier in the week since Mommy has had her hands full caring for our unhappy Baby. It is so hard to see them this sick.

Daddy is glad to be back home to help with the care. Mommy has had her hands full this week. Thank you for being a great Mommy, Deborah.

Progress & Trouble

What's old is new again. Baby Bella has graduated from formula - she now takes milk in her morning and bedtime bottles. We have had to bring the bottle warmer out again because she insists on warm milk for these occasions.

That's progress. But there is trouble in Baby Bella land.

Mommy had to leave work early today because Baby Bella was throwing up at Daycare. No fever, but Mommy reports Baby Bella feels so bad she can hardly hold her head up. Prayin' for the critter.

Pointing the Way

Baby Bella has developed yet another cute mannerism. She now points. Where she wants to go, what she wants from table, and at anything that catches her attention.

Mommy and Daddy couldn't be happier that instead of screaming when she wants another bite, she now points to the food. This is a drastic change from just a week ago when we were ready to forgo meals completely to avoid the screaming in between bites.

We seem to have hit another period of rapid development and growth. Everyday she is quicker, smarter, more agile, more vocal, and energetic.

Nayala

Baby Bella and family would like to dedicate today's blog to the Nika's little wonder, Nayala. Welcome to the world and the family, baby girl.

Uncle Terry can't wait to hold you.

This Little Piggy...

The Super Nanny had Baby Bella ready for bed with her favorite piggy pajamas. On days like this, you thank God for friends like Brandi. (And for Ben - he lets us borrow Brandi).

Baby Bella has had a rough 48 hours. Four new teeth and an ear infection. And lungs. Oh, what lungs this little tike has. Screaming is her new favorite pass time. She screams when she's happy, screams when she's sad, and screams when she's mad.

Here a scream, there a scream.....EVERYWHERE a scream. I could just scream! But Baby Bella is sound asleep. I better do the same - one only knows when the silence will give way to a scream.

Thought: This may just save me money on pest control this summer. I think even the creepy crawly things have fled the premises in the last 48 hours.

Bedtime Adventures

This is why parents stop at two kids - three would have us out numbered.

Baby Bella and Skyler share a bedtime wrestle on the floor. This eight year old and eleven month out have figured out that their chances of staying up late improve if they get us tickled. So they, in total collusion, turn their goodnight kiss into a wrestling match that is beyond adorable.

You know it's coming. You expect it . Yet, you are powerless to do anything about it. How do you stop cute?

Remember when you said: "if that were my kid, I would..." Yes, I said it too. We were wrong.

Tailgating

All good southern girls enjoy tailgating. And like all good southern girls, Baby Bella knows the drink of choice is old fashion Coca Cola.

My southern girl was trying to get an early start on the process as she and Daddy left Kroger. We were headed to the ballpark to do some tailgating for big brother's baseball game.

By the way, big brother hit a home run and our Braves won 13 - 7. GO BRAVES!

Doctor, Doctor..

..Give me the news. I got a bad case of loving you. And an ear infection.

Baby Bella became rather impatient waiting on the pediatrician to attend to her needs. She decided to entertain herself my ripping up the paper and throwing it around the room. Daddy, who arrived home just in time to rush her to the doctor, was too amused to stop her.

Things that make you say "Hmmmm": If the doctor is so concerned about germs that he/she puts paper down over the examine room table, why is the paper only half as wide as the table?

Driving

Oh, they grow up fast. Seems like Baby Bella was born just last year - and here she is driving already.

Our little princess started her driving career while standing in Daddy's lap. She really thought she was big stuff.

Private note to Amber Bolton: Notice how Bella looks behind her when she's in reverse. LOL! (I crack myself up)

HAPPY 75TH GRANDMA CAIN

Happy Birthday, Grandma!

Baby Bella and family decided it would be a great time to look back at some special moments with Grandma Cain. These girls have a had a great time together over the last 11 months.

Here's to you Grandma!