Daddy's Hands

I remember Daddy's hands, folded silently in prayer. And reaching out to hold me, when I had a nightmare. You could read quite a story, in the callouses and lines. Years of work and worry had left their mark behind.

I remember Daddy's hands, how they held my Mama tight, and patted my back for something done right. There are things that I've forgotten, that I loved about the man, but I'll always remember the love in Daddy's hands.

Daddy's hands were soft and kind when I was cryin'. Daddy's hands were hard as steel when I'd done wrong. Daddy's hands weren't always gentle but I've come to understand. There was always love in Daddy's hands.

I remember Daddy's hands, working 'til they bled. Sacrificed unselfishly, just to keep us all fed. If I could do things over, I'd live my life again. And never take for granted the love in Daddy's hands.

There was always love in Daddy's hands.

Words by Holly Dunn.

Sam's Club Waltz

Baby Bella and Skyler doing the Sam's Club Waltz. What's that, you say?

You take your brother by the hand. Take two steps forward, then turn and run away. Take him by the hand again when he catches up. Take two steps forward, then knock something over and make him pick it up....Take him by the hand yet again. Put your lovie in someone else's cart and make him go get it. Repeat.

Baby Bella has a fondness for holding Skyler's hand as we walk through the store. The new thing is to hold both mine and Skyler's hand at the same time. But today she had a lovie in one hand and wanted to the Sam's Club Waltz.

The normally energized Skyler says on the way out the door: "Daddy, you think we could go home and rest now. Bella was a hand full in there."

Yes, it worked. I bought him Skittles.

There Goes the Neigborhood

Our first warm day in months brought the neighborhood kids outside to play. Things have certainly changed on the Cain cul de sac.

Joining the usual assortment of boys, bikes and skateboards is Baby Bella, her wagon, her car, her yellow ball, her green ball, her soccer ball and anything else she decides to pull out of the garage.

I can see a glimpse of the Summer to come in this unseasonably warm day. I am going to be hauling things in and out the garage - all summer long. But this girl loves being outside. Skyler and I couldn't help but smile and talk about how much fun she will be this spring and summer.

Cousins

The Baby Bella Blog would like to take a moment to celebrate cousin Jacob Rawlings - son of proud parents, Seth & Shina Rawlings. Grandson to proud Grandparents, Tim & Carrie Cain. Great Grandson to proud Great Great-Grandparents, James & Helen Cain.

Wow! That's a lot of pride. And rightly so.

Kids Eat Free

Whoever thought of this promotion should be promoted. Daddy loves kids eat free night.

Mommy was working so that only means one thing - Daddy and the kiddo's were out to terrorize some dining establishment. It was kids eat free night at Applebee's so the choice was an easy one.

Skyler cleaned his plate and earned the free dessert. Baby Bella somehow thought that applied to her and quickly confiscated brother's Sunday. Being a peace keeper, Daddy ordered Baby Bella a cup of ice cream so that she could have her own.

Yes, I know better. No, I didn't tell Mommy of my transgression. Yes, I will get in trouble and promise never to do it again. Yes, it's likely I will do it again.

Isn't love a wonderful thing?

Let's Go Krogering

Eureka! We have found a way to do grocery shopping without carrying out little sack of potatoes through the store.

Baby Bella used to love to ride in the shopping cart but that was short lived. Recently, we have had to carry her through the store. Recently, we have also consumed a lot more Ibuprofen. Hmm, I wonder what those two things might have in common.

The buggy car to the rescue. We have discovered that she enjoys "driving" her way through the store. In fact, she stayed in the car for the entire Krogering trip.

Watch carefully - this is Daddy's very best happy dance.

Stride Rite

We have noticed lately that Baby Bella turns her right foot in when she runs in her tennis shoes. A careful examination of the shoe reveals some strange and unhealthy lumps in the bottom.

Only one thing to do...to Stride Rite we go for some wonderfully and carefully fitted shoes. We are serious about helping her develop well - including her feet.

Baby Bella did really good - either that or my expectations were really low. Turns out the biggest problem wasn't fitting her feet properly but deciding which of the adorable shoes to choose.

And for the record - she wears a 6 wide.

Comic Relief

Have I mentioned that this girl cracks me up. Seems like I've heard that recently.

Baby Bella grabbed her hat and decided to be comic relief on the way to the mall. She had the whole family rolling with laughter.

Am I wrong? She looks a little like Red Skelton in a couple of the pictures. And her comedy is just as good.

Coat of...

...Nana's choosing.

Not what you thought I was going to say was it? You thought, "Many Colors." Well, congratulations on knowing your Bible. But this is Baby Bella's Blog. Always expect the unexpected with this girl.

She wouldn't stand still for me to take a picture of her dress but she posed like a model when she put on her new coat. She was feeling her "princess" in the coat Nana bought her for Christmas.

In-Flight

It was a simple request - "Bella, stand still and let Daddy take a picture of your new dress." It was a simple answer - "no."

And then she threw her arms back and took off like a bird in flight. I was eventually able to capture a respectable picture - thanks to a camera with freeze frame action at three frames per second.

Hint..

...she dressed herself.

Two tone pink hat, hot pink top, purple pants and pale pink satin slippers.

Somedays, you just have to go with it - this was that day.