Too Old

Yes, Baby Bella is too old for the ExcerSaucer but you couldn't convince her of that fact.  We had taken it down from the attic to rearrange storage but Bella was sure we did it for fun.

We did manage to get it back upstairs - after she went to sleep.  Shhhhh.  I won't tell.

Dog Days of Summer

Mommy and Bella look less than enthused about the 100+ temps sweeping through Spring Hill.  At least, they had a muffin and each other.

The good news?  Only four days til vacation.

Where Are My Babies?

Mommy and Daddy are struggling through day two without the babies.  This is the first time we have been away from Baby Bella for two straight nights.  We know Nana is taking good care but we sure do miss them and can't wait to go home tomorrow.

Shina was kind enough to drive down to let us love on Baby Jacob - and her too, of course.  He is growing like a weed and loves my glasses.   Grandpa had a good time showing him off to his long time friends.

Grandma was lucky enough to get to hold him for a couple of hours - finally giving way to Mommy's lap.

Window Dressing

Baby Bella climbed up and sat on top of the toy chest with her baby.  She placed the baby on the window seal below her.  They sat and looked out the window - Bella took the time to explain it all to the baby. She pointed out the trees, the flowers, the cars and the passing airplane. 

I guess I didn't really need to be there.  She and the baby had a wonderful conversation.  But still, glad to be a witness.

Pedi, Please

Baby Bella's fascination with feet and shoes continues.  Her latest obsession is scrubbing her feet - pedicure style.  And be sure to keep your shoes on around her - you might just find that your getting a pedi from Bella whether you want it or not.

Shape Up or Ship Out

I told the kids to either shape up or ship out.  Looks like they chose the latter.

Turns out it's not just boxes.  The kids are having a blast with all of the shipping cartons and pallets that arrived for Daddy's convention.  This large pallet has become a stage upon which they jump and entertain both themselves and us.

Boxed In

Baby Bella managed to get two days of entertainment out of the empty box Daddy left near the trash can.  Turns out boxes have not lost their value since I was kid.  Dollar for dollar - a cardboard box may well give you the best return on your entertainment dollar.

Now if I could find a way to make kids put boxes on their wish list rather than all of the hi-tech stuff that costs so much and delivers so little.

Caught on Tape

Daddy arrived home to find photographic evidence of an ice cream stop.   Oh, the many faces of Baby Bella when she is eating ice cream.  There was no denying it this time.  (notice she is feeding herself.)

Motherly Virtue or Distraction?

Baby Bella was supposed to be going to bed herself.  Instead, she insisted on putting her baby dolls to bed.  She had one on each side of her and she was patting their back saying "nite, nite."

Cute? Undoubtedly, yes.   A motherly virtue on display?  Surely.  A distraction to keep her from going to bed?   Oh, you bed your bottom dollar.  And it worked.

Potty Break

Mommy took  a mid-day potty break - for Baby Bella.  The learning process continues but at Bella's leisure.   We have decided not start formal training until we get back from vacation.

And no, we aren't procrastinating.  Just that we have so much travel ahead in the next three weeks that it seems counter productive to start now.   So we humor her when she wants to pretend, we just aren't pushing it.

Admittedly, Bella seems ready to potty train.  She can tell you when she's wet and she can tell you when she's about to be wet.  That sounds ready to me.

And believe me - the check book is ready for this one to be potty trained.  They go through so many diapers at this age. 

Tied Up

Baby Bella greeted Daddy with her usual set of commands.  "No my ear" means she doesn't want the head set in my ear.  "No this, No this!" means take your tie off.  

This little girl wants all of Daddy and with no distractions.  And yes, I took out the ear piece and she took off my tie.   Could you say "no" to a face like this?

Father's Day 2011

Blessed beyond measure.

Father's Day 2011 - Grandpa Cain

Baby Bella was demanding of Grandpa today. She insisted he tie her dress and put in the bow in her hair.  That's a tall order for a man who didn't raise little girls.  But Grandpa was a good sport and tried to help her out.

I think the hugs more than made up for it in Grandpa's eyes.

Father's Day 2011 - Papa

No time for sleeping at this family celebration - Papa was being entertained by the grand kids. 

Father's Day 2011 - Chocolate Cake

And so, I ask - why does Daddy have to share his chocolate cake on Father's Day?

Fathers's Day 2011 - Nana & Grandma

Thanks to Deborah, Nana & Grandma for making this a special Father's Day for us.

Father's Day 2011 - Morning Worship

I have never felt so sorry for a young man in all my days.  Baby Bella spotted this young man sitting in the window seal of the church.  He was happily texting in his own little world - until Bella spotted him.

It was love at first site for Baby Bella.  She went over and smiled at him.  She touched his leg, sat down beside him, reached out for his arm and tried to hold his hand.

I didn't realize there were so many different shades of red.  His face displayed them all.  Poor guy.  I finally intervened  but I had to pick her up to keep her away from him.   I bet that's the last time he walks out of the service to send a text.

Father's Day 2011 - Photo Journalist

Are you sure Barbara Walters started out this way?  Baby Bella displaying her new fondness for photography.