Chocolate Chip

Baby Bella had her very first taste of Chocolate chip cookies. Thanks to friends Mike and Karyn.

The spoon? You guessed it, that is ice cream. Thanks again, Mike and Karyn.

So I ponder...are people who sugar up your kids before the ride home really your friends? Hmmm, I ponder.

Don't Jump...

...on the Bed, Baby Bella.

It seemed like a nice little sit down to slowly wake up. I turned around to find it was really a wake up stand up on Mommy and Daddy's bed - the start of a purely wonderful day.

Tell you a little secret...Baby Bella was still in her PJ's when Mommy returned home at the end of the day - now that, is a sign of a really good day.

Old Glory

The hazards of being an adult is sometimes you just can't turn your mind on idle. Such was the case for me last week as the family enjoyed Nashville Shores.

I found myself reclining in the chaise while Baby Bella napped on my shoulder. Looking up, I couldn't help but see and reflect upon the beauty of Old Glory flying in the wind against the back drop of the blue sky. (This photo is the actual view from where I sat.)

I know patriotism is a bad word these days and much has been said about the concept of American Exceptionalism. And yes, many see the United States as a nation for whom the sun is setting rather than rising.

This I know. There is nothing wrong with loving ones country. And self doubt shouldn't be celebrated above the moral certainties that our country was founded upon.

This I know. America is exceptional not because she is strong but because she prays for strength. Not because she is always just but because she strives for justice. Not because God is on our side but because we try to be on his.

This I know. Whether the sun is rising or setting upon America is a question each generation must answer. While I wish my generation had embraced the self discipline that self government requires - I am not convinced that our best days are behind us.

Baby Bella - your Daddy is very proud that you were blessed to born in America. This is the land of opportunity - it's up to you to make the most of what is available and what is possible.

Repair Work

Daddy is having trouble keeping dry eyes as he blogs today. Baby Bella was totally involved in a little cleaning and repair work on her car seat.

The event sent Daddy scurrying back through the 2,000 pictures we have taken of Baby Bella (literally 2,000) since she arrived. The journey was memorable and I simply can not believe how fast she is growing.

The first three photo's are of Bella "helping" Mommy with the car seat this week. The bottom photo is from the January blog as Mommy put together her very first forward facing car seat.

Sit 'N Stare

Sometimes we sit, sometimes we sit and stare. For the last 15 months we have been doing a whole lot more of the latter.

We have been amazed to watch Baby Bella's sleeping habits evolve. In the last couple of weeks she has started a new phase of wanting to lay down when she gets tired. Less of us walking her and holding her - she wants to lay down, stretch out, fidget and then finally crawl up close to you and sleep.

Monday evening she took her bed time cup of milk in our bed and then crawled up on Mommy's pillow and fell asleep. Last night she fell asleep on top of her blankie with her feet dangling off the sofa.

Either way, she's a sleeping beauty to us. We just sit 'n stare.

Shoe Strings

Uhhhhh, Baby Bella has discovered shoe strings. She grabbed my shoe strings tonight - "don't pull that, I protested." She pulled with delight. Then she grabbed the other one as I protested even more.

Look at her eyes - totally fixed on mine to watch my reaction. It's even more fun if Daddy over reacts.

Monday Mornings

I guess it's just how you look at it that matters. Baby Bella was all smiles this Monday morning and Daddy even managed to get a laugh by tickeling her belly.

Our little giggle box has two spots that are almost always good for a smile and laugh - her belly and the back of her thighs.

Nashville Shores

Baby Bella accompanied the family on an outing to Nashville Shores today. It was a first for our little fish. (Shame on us, the family has been a couple of times without her.)

Baby Bella was anxious to get wet, she started walking toward the pool while the rest of the fam lather up with SPF 50.

She had a great time in the kiddy pool - splashing, sliding with Daddy, and making friends with all of the sea creatures - the whale, the seal, and the Octopus.

A quick nap on Daddy's shoulder after lunch and she was ready to go again.

Rub A Dub Dub...

...the House of Cain is in need of a new laundry tub. So off to Lowe's we go.

Funny how you plan things and how your kids see them. The family headed out for what Mommy and I thought to be an errand - maybe even a chore. Turns out Skyler and Bella thought it was a fun day to hang out together.

It was an us versus them day. We were trying to be deliberative and analytical. They were trying to be funny, loud, and playful. In the end, their lite hearted spirit won the day.

Good times, Good times. Even though we had to make a major appliance purchase. Lord knows we go through enough laundry - heavy duty machines are a must.

Frolicking

The best thing about Friday? It's the day Daddy gets to come home to the family.

Daddy made it home just in time to help tubby the kids and get them in bed. That, however, proved to be no easy feat. The kids were in a frolicking mood as they celebrated Daddy's return. Baby Bella even attempted a back flip (top photo). She was hampered by her Pampers.

Baby Bella tried to lock Mommy in the closet and demonstrated her new pointing skill. She likes to point out the things in the book that catch her attention.

In the end, it took Mommy to finally get the restless wonders to sleep. My, My. Who knew coming home could be so much fun.

This Little Piggy...

...went to sleep.

Now we know how Baby Bella falls asleep when Daddy is on the road. Typically, Daddy walks Baby Bella to sleep but the girls have a routine of their own when Daddy isn't home. Turns out, they fall asleep on the sofa - together.

Slippers

Tooooo cute, Mommy. Baby Bella is a pj loving girl. She loves to put on a good pair of pj's and prance around the house or snuggle up on the sofa. So when Mommy saw these slippers in Bella's size, well, let's just say it had to happen.

I love the shot of Mommy and Bella's slippers. The princes doesn't fall far from the throne, uh?

Flower Child

It's never easy leaving the family for a business trip - especially when I've been home for an extended period and when the trip is long.

Mommy blessed my morning by emailing me a couple of pictures of our little flower child. You can see in her eyes that she just woke up - but what a precious face.

Can't wait to get home and kiss her little dumplin cheeks.

C.A.R.E.F.U.L.

Daddy and Skyler were desperate to enjoy a good lunch, one where we didn't have to eat in shifts. We decided to drive Bella around until she fell asleep, then CAREFULLY pick her up - car seat and all - and take her inside the restaurant.

Daddy sacrificed his napkin to make sure she wasn't cold. At last, the boys had a peaceful lunch.

We're a couple of wise guys if you ask me.

Buttons

Baby Bella's fascination with pushing buttons (including mine) continues. Her latest obsession is the air purifier. She is absolutely delighted with herself that she has learned to start and stop the air flow.

Here a button, there a button, everywhere a button...Baby Bella, you are cute as a button.