A Week to Remember

What a week to be me.  On Monday, Mommy asked Bella who was her best friend at school.  Bella replied, "Daddy is my best friend."

On Wednesday, Bella informed me she wanted to get married - to her Daddy.

And then yesterday, I picked her up and held her as we walked into the mall.  She says, "you my sweety heart."

What a week to be me.  I can't imagine anyone with whom I would like to trade places this week. I am Baby Bella's best friend, fiancee and sweety heart.

A Pair of Dreams

It seems Mommy caught me asleep while I was supposed to be putting Bella to sleep.  Long week? Tough week? Big week ahead?  They all mean nothing when she climbs in my lap to snuggle and fall asleep.  ZZZZZZ!

Daddy's Bib

Bella got a kick out of seeing Daddy in a bib at Montgomery Inn.  Ridiculous?  Yes.  But the ribs are very much worth the indignity.

Game Face

Bella showing her game face while playing with her cupcake decorating set. (A gift from Amber that keeps on giving and giving.)

I started snapping away and she was quick to show her displeasure.  I continued to snap and earned a "I'm sticking my tongue out at you" look.

Bella's game face - game on, girl. Daddy loves all of your looks.

Shapes of all Sizes

Most mornings I awake to the soft whispers of a three year old princess saying "Do puzzles? Do puzzles?"

For a couple of months now, puzzles have been a sunrise Daddy/Daughter date on Bella's floor. We sit together and work puzzle after puzzle - princess, animals, castle, shapes, etc. 

So proud to report that Bella can now do the shape puzzle all by herself.  I call out the shape, she can locate the correct shape and place it in it's slot.

Who knew learning could be so fun. And who knew it started so early in the morning? Notice her sleepy eyes.  Yep, that's a 6:30am puzzle.

Spooks Are Welcome

Looks like Mom and Baby Bella have been decorating for Halloween.   Fun to watch Bella fully embrace the seasons now that she has hit the three year mark.  She is all about decorating her room to match whatever theme Mom is working through out the house.

Girls will be girls.

Emma Renea

Baby  Bella Blog Nation would like to welcome Baby Emma Renea Rawlings.  Bella just can't wait to love Baby Emma.

Congrats Seth, Shina & Jacob.  Welcome Baby Emma.

First Fall Sunday

Oh, how beautiful is Fall - and Isabella on the first Sunday of Fall.

Workday at the Farm

Workday at the farm proved a great opportunity for Bella to entertain Grandma and Grandpa.

And the blonde with a machete?  Wow, oh Wow.  Isn't she something to see.

And yes, those are stickers on Grandma's shirt.  I inquired with Bella about the cause and she said, "Grandpa did it."  "Grandpa?" I said.   "Yes," she assured me.

Workday with Grandpa

After comparing boots with Grandpa, Bella decided to see how many ways she could wear his hat. These two didn't get a lot of work done, but they sure did bond on workday at the farm.

Porch Time with Grandma

Bella was giddy about sharing the front porch swing with Grandma.  Oh, and putting stickers on a board?  Grandma even makes that fun.

Too much fun for a three year old.  Bella fell asleep on the way home.

Bubbles on My Head

I have to assume Elmo was her inspiration. She has an Elmo book that begins "bubbles, bubbles on my head.

Hmm.  We have to start editing her reading selections.

Push Ups

Only a year out of pull ups, Baby Bella is learning how to do push ups from big brother.  Not sure what is more enjoyable, Bella doing her version of a push up or Mommy's laughter.

Both were a welcome delight for a travelling Dad.

Young Love

Bella enjoyed a Sunday drive with neighbor Graham.  Mommy and I watched carefully with an eye on the future.  One day soon that will be Bella driving off with a boyfriend.

But for now, thankfully, they just drive around the neighborhood making funny faces and laughing at silly jokes.

Parade

Bella needed a crowd to watch her parade, so she created one.  Two lawn chairs, two dolls  - parade crowd.  Is it a bad sign when your three year old insists on a parade crowd to watch her drive her Princess car?   Nahhhh! 

Dirty Jobs

Got a dirty job?  Bella is not afraid to get her hands dirty.  She was all to happy to help Daddy raise the dirt level in the front yard.  Very lucky to always hear this from my kids: "Daddy, can I help?"

Big Nut to Crack

Daddy's girl has found a new way to Daddy's heart.  Bella has learned to crack open the peanuts and hand them to Daddy.

The equation?  Daddy loves Bella + Bella loves Daddy + Daddy loves peanuts + Bella loves to crack open peanuts = Happy Daddy & Bella.

Just got to love the math - and the time with Bella.

Chariot

Aw, I love the imagination.  I love the spirit.  I love the ingenuity.  Bella felt sure she was entitled, as a Princess, to ride in a chariot - so she created one by putting her lawn chair in her wagon and making big brother pull her down the street.

Did I mention that I love the spirit?