Daddy's Hands

Daddy drove home at the speed of sound so that he could get back in time to put Baby Bella to bed. Parenting has it's rewards.

Fashion Statement

This is what happens when you allow Baby Bella to pick out her shoes for the day. Yes, I let her go out in public like this. No, the world didn't come to an end.

I used to think I would be one of those parents who laid out the kids clothes every morning and they would dutifully put them on with a smile. I have since learned that you have to pick your battles. Shoes is not one of them.

You have to admit - this is quite a fashion statement.

Verdict: Guilty

"Baby Bella have you been eating the Cheetos?"

"Who me, Dad? Not me!"

"Baby Bella? What is all of that yellow stuff on your hands and mouth? BUSTED!"

Buffet

Baby Bella's eating preferences have evolved yet again. No longer will she tolerate a single serving at a time. Now she politely requests (read demands) two or more items at once.

She will no longer allow us to put her food on the tray - she prefers to eat 90% out of the cup and then pour it out herself. The good news is that she's still a big fan of fruit and veggies.

The cereal bar phase has come to an end, she now prefers Nilla Wafers. And that is a good change because Daddy can sit down with her and pig out on some Wafers.

Monday Morning

Every Monday morning should look like this...

Sunday Football

Church, Mexican and Sunday football. The family enjoyed week 2 of the NFL season. Lounging around in our PJ's while watching the Colts win - added bonus: the Patriots loose.

The ottoman serves as a gate at the top of the stairs. Baby Bella is still trying to pick it up or move it - never mind that it is ten times her size and weight. She is certainly not lacking in the confidence or determination department. One failure doesn't deter her in the least - she'll go back and try again and again.

Little Monkey

Nothing like watching our little monkey frolicking around on our bed. Baby Bella was in the mood to entertain on this Saturday evening. And we were in the mood to be entertained. Pure delight, these little ones.

Morning

Aw, morning are not what they used to be. Baby Bella now enjoys playing in the cabinet drawers - more so than with her toys. What's a little make-up between a mother and daughter?

And if Daddy wakes up - oh, by all means. We have to make faces at each other in the mirror. It's a law.

We call this picture of Daddy and Bella "Beauty and the Beast." A happy beast - but a beast none the less.

Silly Girls

Mommy and Bella trying on Baby Bella's favorite pair of shoes. She always goes to the pair of shoes in Mommy's closet.

It's a girl thang - and these are my girls.

D*A*D*D*Y

Just sittin' and waiting on Daddy to come home. It's a long week when Daddy is gone.

Young Mozart

Don't laugh. Baby Bella Mozart is fascinated by the keyboard - and is very serious about playing it regularly. She comes from a long line of piano players - Grandma Cain, Nana, and Aunt Bessie.

Speaking of inherited traits - she sticks her tongue out when she concentrates - just like Mommy, Daddy and big brother.

Tennis Shoes

Baby Bella was showing off her new shoes. Such a girl! She gets so excited about shoes. Her very first lace up tennis shoes.

Aw..

...the welcome smell of a clean Baby - the aroma of Johnson's Baby Lotion.

No two ways about it - this is the essences of Baby.

I found myself sitting on the sofa watching Sunday night football and wondering what that delightful smell might be. Suddenly it hit me. It was the smell of the Johnson's Baby Lotion on my hands.

We find ourselves having to put lotion on Baby Bella's chapped cheeks several times a day. The reward is a happy baby - and the smell of Johnson's Baby Lotion.

Count Your Blessings...

...Name them one by one.

Deborah, Skyler, Bella...