It's a Wrap

After a long day at the beach, there is only one thing to do. Put on your wrap, watch the sunset, and head to dinner.

First in Flight - The Terminal

The family set out for a week of beach vacation at Amelia Island. Baby Bella seemed a little anxious for her very first flight - she insisted on holding Daddy's hand as we made our way to the gate.

First in Flight - The Ride

Baby Bella did great on her very first flight. Our pre-flight jitters proved to be unfounded. She seemed to enjoy the motion, noise, and the view. Most of all, she enjoyed being able to walk over our laps - one right after the other.

Oh, and pooping. She saved her best poopy of the day for the plane ride. We laid her down in Mommy's lap and let Mommy do the tricky part while Skyler held her hands and Daddy held her feet. Did I mention this was a family vacation? The family learned team work.

First in Flight - Playpen

Mommy penned her in while Big Brother entertained Baby Bella. That was great until she discovered the vacationing kindergartner teachers in the row in front of ours. She planned and executed an escape to make new friends.

Then & Now

Can you believe it????? Tears and laughter as I look back at Baby Bella last 4th of July. Almost, almost, too much to believe.

This is the reason for the Baby Bella blog. I love the look back. It just so hard to believe that was only one year ago. And look how much she has changed. What will year two bring?

July 4, 2010

And what a celebration. Papa and Nana invited us to be their guest at the First Assembly picnic - all I can say is: Good times!

This was a first for Baby Bella. When asked "where is Bella's nose?" she promptly pointed and then grab her nose.

Grand Kids

Papa and Nana were all about the Grand kids. It was a wonderful opportunity for them to focus on the fun.

Swingin' with Papa

Papa tried to teach Baby Bella to swing on her own but wisely moved her to the bucket swing. Good times...

Nana Time

It was musical laps for Baby Bella. She tried to share time equally but it was tough with so many loved ones.

Socializing with Papa

And competing for his attention. Hidden message: "Don't forget, Papa. I am a lot like my Mommy. It is all about me where you're concerned."

Anatomy of a Heist

First, act like you're kneeling to pray.

Second, step over to the chair.

Next, reach for the watch with one hand.

Then pick it up and act like you're staring at the ground.

Next, put it on and act like nothing is happening.

At last, you can start smiling - almost home free.

Finally, cheer for Daddy while he is playing volleyball - he won't notice the watch dangling from your arm.

4th Friends

Among the many...

Yellow Pages

Baby Bella wasn't getting her way, so she did what any good Grand kid would do. She sprung for the yellow pages and looked up Grandma's number. Then went to the window to wait for her rescue.

Maybe it's the parents that need to be rescued.

Price of Independence

Gone are the days when you feed Isabella. These days our little independent girl prefers to feed herself - no, correction - demands that she feed herself.

On the face of it, that seems like a time saver. You simply place the food on the tray and she takes care of the rest. HOWEVER, you have to factor clean-up into this time equation.

Ten minutes to clean-up the tray, ten minutes to clean-up the floor, and another ten minutes to stick Baby Bella in the sink to clean her hands, legs, and feet.

PLEASE, PRAY TELL ME, HOW DOES A CHILD GET STICKY PEACH JUICE ALL OVER THEIR FEET WHEN THEY ARE UNDER THE TRAY OF THE HIGH CHAIR?

Sorry, I was channeling my Mother for a moment. At least Baby Bella enjoys playing in the water during clean-up.

Lean on Me

Still our most favorite moments...when our kids surrender to the security, love, and comfort of Mommy and Daddy's shoulder.

Remember it well, my children. These shoulders are always available - no matter how old you get or how far you travel.