Fishy

Something was a little fishy around here today.....maybe it was Baby Bella's dress....or maybe it was all of the fish swimming by our house on day six of monsoon rain.

Baby Bella was extremely talkative today - one might even say she jabbered non-stop. But, undoubtedly, the cutest line of the day came from Skyler. He looked at Baby Bella during one of her more articulate periods and said: "are you preaching to the cross, girl?"

OK, so the theology needs a little revision. But not bad for a seven year old. I couldn't help but be amused.

4 Months Old

Baby Bella turned 4 months old today!!!! She celebrated by rocking by and forth in a futile attempt to turn herself over. But it can't be long now, she'll be turning herself over. Followed closely, I'm sure, by crawling and turning things over.

So what have we learned after 4 months with our little wonder?

1. Just when you think you can't love any deeper, you pick her up at the end of a long day and find she possess the ability to erase all of the stress and anything bad that occurred.

2. A red face can only mean one thing....green poopy.

3. Forget American Express! Don't leave home without a bottle!

4. Baby Bella is definitely showing some Mommy traits - blonde hair, blue eyes, love of a hot bath, appreciation for soft blankets, a devastating smile and the ability to make Daddy's heart melt.

5. No one is eating until Baby Bella eats.

6. Maternity leave should be 18 months.

7. My 4 month old is wearing 6 month clothes. Can you say "chunky monkey"?

8. Babies have a wicked sense of humor - ever notice how giddy they get after throwing up on your favorite suit?

9. Pacifier are passe. Thumbs are all the rage.

10. Nothing is cuter than a thumb sucker.

Dress Up

Mommy playing dress up with her Baby.....Baby Bella playing with her hands. A little girl time for my favorite two girls.

Mermaid

Did you hear the one about the little mermaid who.....?

Baby Bella telling stories while Mommy and Daddy prepare dinner. High chair time has become talking time for our little mermaid. She loves to watch us scurry about the kitchen cooking and cleaning up dishes.

These pictures really show off the blooming blonde hair we have been blogging about. And you can just see the mischievousness.

To the Sound of Rain

Baby Bella had her daily 5:30 fit today - as scheduled. Daddy decided to pace back and forth on the front porch so his little princess could hear the delightful sound of falling rain. Ten minutes later she was in a deep sleep on Daddy's shoulder.

What a life for a little girl. (And Daddy's isn't bad either)

Mirror Mommy

Baby Bella watching Mommy get dressed. This is part of the daily routine, Baby Bella lays in the bouncy seat to watch Mommy dress, style her hair, and apply make-up. It won't be long 'til we'll be watching Baby Bella get dressed. And not much longer 'till she gets to watch her little girl mirror her.

My little girl gets to mirror Mommy - I can't think of a better role model for my princess.

NFL Sunday Kickoff

Baby Bella enjoyed her very first NFL Sunday game today. She and the fam broke out the Manning jerseys to cheer the Colts to a 14 -12 victory.

It was all a little much for Baby Bella. She was fast asleep on top of Mommy by the start of the 2nd quarter. In fact, Baby Bella and Momma have spent most of the day asleep on the sofa. The are the cutest pair of snuggle bugs in the NFL.

Baby Bella Does Baseball

Baby Bella and Daddy took Big Brother to his first game of the Fall season. (Yes, things have changed since Daddy was a little tike - we now have a Spring AND a Fall season for the true baseball enthusiast.)

Skyler was great - he struck out and hit a triple. He is really bummed about the triple because it should have been a home run. He ripped a ball down the third base line that rolled to the fence. Sky out ran his teammate that was on 2nd base when he hit the ball and the delay cost him the extra base.

Then again, there is always next game right? Daddy was also impressed with his defense. He didn't allow any balls to get past him.

All Dressed Up - Revisited

Mommy requested I post a photo of Baby Bella "without that rediculious hat." LOL!

All Dressed Up

Sometimes you look so silly that you just have to laugh at yourself. Baby Bella will pay Mommy back for the outfit - Daddy is guilty of making her wear the hat.

Clingy

Yes, the reference is to Daddy, not Baby Bella. Daddy has been rather clingy with Baby Bella tonight. Can't explain it - sometimes you just want to hold them and never let go.

Really, how do you put down a wonderful little girl who is looking at you this way? Or one who is resting her head on your shoulder while sucking her thumb? Come on now - it's not possible.

Yes, Ms. Vanessa, this is why she likes to be held all the time. And no, it's not likely that I will toughen up. Battle over, Baby Bella has won.

Tim - you were right. I didn't stand a chance against a baby girl. It's just not a fair fight.

Charles - I take back everything I have said about you spoiling your girls. I realize now that that is the way of the world with a Daddy and his little girl(s).

Thumb Sucker

It's official - we have a thumb sucker. Baby Bella has been trying for weeks to find her thumb, and tonight, she found it!!!! She finally got all of her fingers in the right spot - and with the grin of success, started sucking her thumb in earnest.

While it's no surprise, it was a glorious moment to see her achieve such a lofty goal - especially after so much hard work. It's also no surprise that my baby girl would choose to hit the big league on the very day the NFL kicks off the 2010 season. No slacker, my baby girl. She is ready to rumble.

Morning Routine

Baby Bella accompanied Daddy and Big Brother on the walk to the bus stop - a first for Baby Bella. She loves to jabber when other people are around and talking, the kids at the bus stop were a pure delight for my baby bug.

Love That Hammy

Baby Bella has a good time loving and snuggling with her Hammy. Some people see bacon and pork chops.....Baby Bella sees a wonderfully fluffy playmate.

Priceless

My girls.

ExerSaucer

Tooooo cute!!!!! Mommy decided it was a good day to put together the ExerSaucer. Yes, Baby Bella is still a little young - but she will be ready for it in about a month. Look closely and you can see that she is already putting her weight down on one foot. (second photo)

SHE LOVED IT! We could see that she was instantly stimulated by all of the opportunities to make things move and create noise. I think the ExcerSaucer will be to Baby Bella what Wii is to Skyler. Good times in the house of Cain!

Labor Day 2009

Baby Bella slept for 12 hours after being awake for much of Sunday. A glorious sleep-in for the whole family. She then proceeded to the changing pad for her morning stretching and exercises.

Daddy put her in the bumbo seat after breakfast to let her practice sitting up. She was enjoying our conversation for a while and but soon became tired. (you can see it in her eyes in the last picture)

R&R

The Baby Bella family took some much needed R&R time. No travel, no plans, no clock - just a weekend to enjoy each other. Baby Bella clearly loved the idea. She woke up in a great mood and stayed awake for seven hours. This is a Baby Bella record.

But all good things but come to an end. Baby Bella became very fussy in early evening and stayed that way until bedtime. I think she just became so tired to she couldn't rest. But what a lovely day.

Laugh Out Loud

AAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!! Baby Bella has a new laugh. Mommy was tickling her little chubby fat rolls today and Baby Bella burst out with laughter. Not only a first, but the cutest and loudest laugh you have ever heard. We aspire to making a video and posting it on the blog - stay tuned.

Little Noses

Baby Bella would like to become the official spokes-baby for a wonderful product called Little Noses. Ms. Vanessa turned us onto this product to help Baby Bella get rid of the congestion that is making her so uncomfortable. Wow! Does it work or what?

I hate to turn the Baby Bella Blog into a commercial but this stuff has been a God-send for our little bundle of joy. The saline solution did wonders for her congestion and breathing. Baby Bella felt so relaxed tonight that she and Daddy fell asleep on the sofa while watching TV - a far cry from her fussiness of last evening. The much anticipated long weekend is here!

UH OH!

Or as Scooby Doo would say - "RUH ROH'! Mommy is reporting an all out fight to keep a congested Baby Bella happy. Coughing, sneezing, and a head full of mush - tough on a little creature who can't cough it up like the rest us.

It presents with no detectable fever so we are confident it is nothing more than a cold. Well, nervously confident - but confident none the less. It breaks my heart to see her this way - Daddy is prescribing Vick's Vapor Rub, Tylenol, and a good nights rest. (too bad she's not old enough for Chicken Soup - maybe I should eat some for her.)

We Go Round in Circles

The last 10 days remind me of the Billy Preston song "Will it Go Round in Circles?" Obviously, the Cain family answered "yes".

Baby Bella and Mommy were the first tribe members to present symptoms of the common cold virus. Then Daddy took on a serious case, followed closely by Skyler. So it would stand to reason that it is once again Baby Bella's turn.

Mommy is reporting that Baby Bella is starting to sound somewhat congested. Apparently, sneezing and coughing as well. OK family! Enough charity. Stop sharing - NOW!

Laid to Rest

Baby Bella attended the graveside service for Great Granddaddy Blythe. She is pictured here with family - mostly with Aunt B and Great Grandma Jane.