President...

of the Skyler Fan Club.

You know it's coming. You expect it. You are prepared for the moment when you child reaches past you to find someone else they want to hold onto. You don't expect it at 13 months.

We are so very blessed that our children adore each other the way that Skyler and Bella do. We take enormous pride and comfort in their relationship. It is a subject of much conversation in Mommy and Daddies private time - how do we nurture that relationship as they grow.

Truthfully, Sky and Baby Bella seem to be doing very well on their own. They are President of each other's fan club.

Cleanliness...

...is next to Godliness. And we are very fortunate to have two kids that love tubbie time.

Baby Bella now spends most of her time playing under the water fall while the tub fills up. Tubbie time is very much a Mommy and Baby Bella moment but she has become pretty good at enjoying a solo tubbie.

Road Trip

Mommy and Baby Bella drove three hours together to join Daddy at the KY Convention. Boo did great - both in the car and at the convention.

Of course, we knew she would be the star of the convention. It was the drive we were concerned about. And the hotel - she did great. Call it a test run for vacation - I'm encouraged.

Don't try this at home, leave it to the professionals - Baby Bella has a habit of biting her toes when she gets bored in the car.

Safe Cracker

Oh, the joys of DNA. Our Baby Bella seems to have inherited one of Daddy's childhood habits. She positively loves to punch buttons and turn knobs.

The microwave is a morning ritual - she helps punch the time required to warm her milk. Then off to the bedroom where she punches the numbers on the safe while Mommy and Daddy get ready.

Sit her in the front seat of the car and watch her light up with endless possibilities. The fun part - I was notorious for playing with the knobs in the car. I can't tell you the number of times my parents turned on the car and just to be blown backwards by a maxed out radio volume - flashers blinking - fan on high.

Yep, that was me. This is Baby Bella. Oh, the joys of DNA.

Two Seater

This is why you leave the kids at home when you shop. Skyler and Bella wanted to clown around in the two seat stroller.

Yes - Bella knows better. Yes - Skyler is too old. Yes - Daddy was in a hurry. No - the kids didn't care.

Paybacks are tough. Sorry, Mom. I know I did this to you a thousand times.

Pop Quiz

Alright Baby Bella Blog nation. Let's see how well you've been paying attention.

What's missing? What haven't you seen for a week now?

You got it! Baby Bella has not had a paci since last Saturday morning at 10:00 AM. - not even for nap time. We have successfully concluded the paci phase of Baby Bella's life.

Mommy puckered up a little over the loss of the paci and the passing of the paci stage. I understand, Bella Boo is growing up fast and this is just another reminder of that fact.

Paci - RIP.

Bella Kiss?

It's a game they play. Mommy says "gimme kisses, Isabella." Baby Bella responds with a hefty laugh as she turns her head one direction and then the other. The tease continues for five or six minutes before Isabella Reagan decides she will reward Mommy with kisses.

A kiss, a hug, a pat, a nudge...the touch of a cold nose. These are precious moments. It's just human nature to recall "the good ole' days" or to day dream about an amazing future. I for one think the present is underrated.

What's wrong with taking a little time to celebrate the miracle of the present? Yesterday is gone and tomorrow isn't promised. The present is just that...a present. A gift. I refuse to diminish my gift by sulking about yesterday or fearing tomorrow.

One touch from Deborah, one mischievous smile from Skyler, one precious hug from Isabella....I for one think the present is underrated. Yesterday and tomorrow don't have a monopoly on good times - these are precious moments. Here's to the present!

Cindy Loo Hoo

Skyler comes down to breakfast, observes Baby Bella with her pigtail on top and announces: "she looks like Cindy Loo Hoo."

In case your wondering, Cindy Loo Hoo is a character from the movie The Grinch Who Stole Christmas." Ms. Cindy is pictured in case you wan to make your own comparison. In any event, Mommy was tickled at Baby Bella's cute toes in her new flip flops.

Exclusive Club

Baby Bella continues to work on her exclusive girls club that meets under the table. To date, she is the only member - the club limits membership to individuals who have attained Princess status and who have met the requirments to be named "Daddy's Diva."

Father's Day 2010 - The Blythe's

A celebration for Dads...you can tell by their smiles that Skyler and Bella have some clue as to how much they are loved. And that is the way it should be.

Father's Day 2010 - The Cain's

Days like this shouldn't have to end. I am rich with all of the things money cannot buy - 48 straight hours with my kids, and hours with other family. Happy doesn't quite say it all but it's a start...Happy Father's Day!

There are so many pictures that I decided to break Father's Day into two post.

Father's Day Eve

Daddy was 24/7 with the kids today - not a bad way to start to the day, not a bad way to spend the day, and not a bad way to end the day.

Heartbroken over the poor quality of pictures (shot with 35mm rather than the digital) but a great times nonetheless. A little PJ play before putting the kids down.

Peak a Boo

Where's Bella? Wheeeeeeere's Bella? THERE SHE IS!

History repeats itself once again, Baby Bella has acquired a fondness the Peek a Boo game we all played as toddlers. Baby Bella was glad to see Daddy come home and decided to instigate a little Peek a Boo with her Olive Garden napkin.

I know that we have said this every month since she was born - but really, this is a fun age.