Tuesday, January 31, 2012

The Bug: Day Two



Mommy had to stay home with Bella for a second day in a row.  She isn't feeling well at all but did find a little energy late in the day to play dress up.

Poor thing, makes you just want to snuggle her up.

Monday, January 30, 2012

Uh, Oh. The Bug


Look who woke up not feeling very well this morning.  Not a good sign...

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Worship Zone









There is nothing like the tranquility of a Sunday Morning.  The family was still basking in the worship zone as we gathered for lunch.

"I was glad when they said unto me, "Let us go into the House of the Lord."  Psalms 122:1.

Skyler adds, "I was glad when they said unto me, let us go to Chili's for lunch."  Sometimes it's really hard to have a moment of reverence around here.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Jump Zone










Father/Daughter date to the Jump Zone.  This was Bella's first visit to The Zone - let's just say she got the hang of it right away. Except for the part where she did the head first slide and face planted at the bottom.

Who knew you could get rubber burns on your nose and still giggle on your way back up the slide?

Friday, January 27, 2012

OCD

You can always spot the OCD child from across the room.  She's the one arranging the product in the Cracker Barrel store.  You can always spot the OCD Dad.  He's the one straightening the table of ties while he shops.

I guess you can say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

50 Rules...

50 Rules for Dads with Daughters - by Michael Mitchell

1. Love her mom. Treat her mother with respect, honor, and a big heaping spoonful of public displays of affection. When she grows up, the odds are good she’ll fall in love with and marry someone who treats her much like you treated her mother. Good or bad, that’s just the way it is. I’d prefer good.

2. Always be there. Quality time doesn’t happen without quantity time. Hang out together for no other reason than just to be in each other’s presence. Be genuinely interested in the things that interest her. She needs her dad to be involved in her life at every stage. Don’t just sit idly by while she add years to her… add life to her years.

3. Save the day. She’ll grow up looking for a hero. It might as well be you. She’ll need you to come through for her over and over again throughout her life. Rise to the occasion. Red cape and blue tights optional.

4. Savor every moment you have together. Today she’s crawling around the house in diapers, tomorrow you’re handing her the keys to the car, and before you know it, you’re walking her down the aisle. Some day soon, hanging out with her old man won’t be the bees knees anymore. Life happens pretty fast. You better cherish it while you can.

5. Pray for her. Regularly. Passionately. Continually.

6. Buy her a glove and teach her to throw a baseball. Make her proud to throw like a girl… a girl with a wicked slider.

7. She will fight with her mother. Choose sides wisely.

8. Go ahead. Buy her those pearls.

9. Of course you look silly playing peek-a-boo. You should play anyway.

10. Enjoy the wonder of bath time.

11. There will come a day when she asks for a puppy. Don’t over think it. At least one time in her life, just say, “Yes.”

12. It’s never too early to start teaching her about money. She will still probably suck you dry as a teenager… and on her wedding day.

13. Make pancakes in the shape of her age for breakfast on her birthday. In a pinch, donuts with pink sprinkles and a candle will suffice.

14. Buy her a pair of Chucks as soon as she starts walking. She won’t always want to wear matching shoes with her old man.

15. Dance with her. Start when she’s a little girl or even when she’s a baby. Don’t wait ‘til her wedding day.

16. Take her fishing. She will probably squirm more than the worm on your hook. That’s OK.

17. Learn to say no. She may pitch a fit today, but someday you’ll both be glad you stuck to your guns.

18. Tell her she’s beautiful. Say it over and over again. Someday an animated movie or “beauty” magazine will try to convince her otherwise.

19. Teach her to change a flat. A tire without air need not be a major panic inducing event in her life. She’ll still call you crying the first time it happens.

20. Take her camping. Immerse her in the great outdoors. Watch her eyes fill with wonder the first time she sees the beauty of wide open spaces. Leave the iPod at home.

21. Let her hold the wheel. She will always remember when daddy let her drive.

22. She’s as smart as any boy. Make sure she knows that.

23. When she learns to give kisses, she will want to plant them all over your face. Encourage this practice.

24. Knowing how to eat sunflower seeds correctly will not help her get into a good college. Teach her anyway.

25. Letting her ride on your shoulders is pure magic. Do it now while you have a strong back and she’s still tiny.

26. It is in her nature to make music. It’s up to you to introduce her to the joy of socks on a wooden floor.

27. If there’s a splash park near your home, take her there often. She will be drawn to the water like a duck to a puddle.

28. She will eagerly await your return home from work in the evenings. Don’t be late.

29. If her mom enrolls her in swim lessons, make sure you get in the pool too. Don’t be intimidated if there are no other dads there. It’s their loss.

30. Never miss her birthday. In ten years she won’t remember the present you gave her. She will remember if you weren’t there.

31. Teach her to roller skate. Watch her confidence soar.

32. Let her roll around in the grass. It’s good for her soul. It’s not bad for yours either.

33. Take her swimsuit shopping. Don’t be afraid to veto some of her choices, but resist the urge to buy her full-body beach pajamas.

34. Somewhere between the time she turns three and her sixth birthday, the odds are good that she will ask you to marry her. Let her down gently.

35. She’ll probably want to crawl in bed with you after a nightmare. This is a good thing.

36. Few things in life are more comforting to a crying little girl than her father’s hand. Never forget this.

37. Introduce her to the swings at your local park. She’ll squeal for you to push her higher and faster. Her definition of “higher and faster” is probably not the same as yours. Keep that in mind.

38. When she’s a bit older, your definition of higher and faster will be a lot closer to hers. When that day comes, go ahead… give it all you’ve got.

39. Holding her upside down by the legs while she giggles and screams uncontrollably is great for your biceps. WARNING: She has no concept of muscle fatigue.

40. She might ask you to buy her a pony on her birthday. Unless you live on a farm, do not buy her a pony on her birthday. It’s OK to rent one though.

41. Take it easy on the presents for her birthday and Christmas. Instead, give her the gift of experiences you can share together.

42. Let her know she can always come home. No matter what.

43. Remember, just like a butterfly, she too will spread her wings and fly some day. Enjoy her caterpillar years.

44. Write her a handwritten letter every year on her birthday. Give them to her when she goes off to college, becomes a mother herself, or when you think she needs them most.

45. Learn to trust her. Gradually give her more freedom as she gets older. She will rise to the expectations you set for her.

46. When in doubt, trust your heart. She already does.

47. When your teenage daughter is upset, learning when to engage and when to back off will add years to YOUR life. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.

48. Ice cream covers over a multitude of sins. Know her favorite flavor.

49. This day is coming soon. There’s nothing you can do to be ready for it. The sooner you accept this fact, the easier it will be.

50. Today she’s walking down the driveway to get on the school bus. Tomorrow she’s going off to college. Don’t blink.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

I Believe I Can Fly




Daddy helping Bella fly like a bird.  Then like a bird falling out of the sky.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

My American Idol



No contest.  Game over. I have found my American Idol.

Monday, January 23, 2012

A Welcome Sign

Talking to other parents, sleep isn't that big of a deal.  Their kids sleep through the night at 10 weeks and life rolls on. 

It hasn't been that way for Bella Boo.  Sleep has been an issue for her since she was born. We have gone months at a time on three and four hours sleep a night.  And thus, sleep is a REALLY big deal in the House of Cain.  

We are celebrating sleep today.  Bella's ability to sleep has really improved over the last couple of weeks.  And, she has slept through the night five of the last six nights.  Woot, Woot!

So here's to you sleeping beauty!  Dream on!  Even if you are snuggling with your Mommy's snowman blanket.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Pampered Playoffs


Daddy sat down for a Sunday afternoon of NFL playoffs.  Little did I know I was also going to have a hair make over during the process.

It seems Bella thought my hair lacked a little and she used her Christmas Makeover Set to curl, straiten, blow dry, brush and gel my hair.  Hmm. 

Now, I know that I'm going to take a little grief from my rough and tumble, die-hard, football friends.  But hey, at least I have hair.  Right, Terry Bradshaw?

Giants win in overtime and are Super Bowl bound.  Daddy wins the heart of his little girl and is Heaven bound.  Does it get any better?

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Partners in Crime

Grandpa and Baby Bella were busted while trying to look really innocent.  Their crime?  We don't know yet.  But we know they were up to no good.

Friday, January 20, 2012

Minnie Pearl?



No, Minnie Bella.

Baby Bella decided to play with her Easter hat from days gone by.  It didn't exactly fit but it made for a cute look anyway.  Bella didn't share my enthusiasm for documenting the moment on film.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Future Librarian?

Have I mentioned that she loves her books? 

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Princess by Day




It's not every day that a Princess walks into my office a pair of glass slippers on her feet.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Junior Elf Books







Daddy found some of the books he had as a little tike and shared them with Baby Bella.  Back in the day, we won't say exactly when the day was but think 40 years ago, they were called Junior Elf Books.

Bella has fallen in love with what she calls "Daddy's little books."   PJ's - check. Blanket - check. Lovie- check.  Milk - Check.   Bella was waiting for me when I stepped out of the shower.  She was ready for Daddy to read her a little book.