Shout for Joy

Woooo Hoooo!!!!!!!!

This is a long over due and extremely exciting first for Mommy, Daddy, and Baby Bella Bellowing Britches. Mommy laid Baby Bella down for a nap and she went to sleep in ten minutes - no fight, no driving, no yelling, no Armageddon.

I would love to know just how much fossil fuel I've consumed driving this girl around to get her to fall asleep. Time, money and fossil fuel down the drain - but no more. We can simply lay her down in the crib and say "nap time."

Aw, life should be this good.

Trim the Tree(s)

This was tree trimming day for our resident tree guru - Mommy. Mommy successfully completed two of the five trees we traditional place in the House of Cain.

Baby Bella was all excited to see the ornaments come out - "BALL" she kept screaming. And repeatedly tried to take them off the tree and throw them. We had to move her white and pink tree to the top of her chest of drawers to keep her precious and mischievous hands away.

Although we have several high tech and quality toys in the house, the kids enjoyed playing in the tree box while the decorations went up. The day was capped with Daddy's Hot Chocolate.

Santa Hat

Feeling a little better, Daddy thought it might be a good idea to start the process of retrieving the Christmas decorations from storage. Baby Bella got a kick out of Daddy's Santa hat and decided to try it out herself.

Such a little ham! She was really in a festive mood today. I think she can feel the Holiday spirit in the family. What a great little Santa Elf.

Tonka Tough

Black Friday meant shopping to some. It a meant sinus infection and a massive headache for Daddy. With Daddy pretty much stuck on sofa and Mommy at work, the kids entertained themselves on the floor under Daddy's watchful eye.

These are the moment that kids get really creative. Baby Bella and Big Brother had hours of fun with his Tonka equipment. In fact, I would say that the Tonka toys saw more action today than they have in their entire years in our house.

Baby Bella pushed the truck, then Skyler pushed while Bella sat in the truck. Not to be out done - Baby Bella insisted on pushing while Skyler sat in the truck. Then they decided to work on the truck - not that anything was wrong - they just turned it over and worked on the under carriage.

Thank goodness Tonka is tough.

Tonka Video

Enjoy watching the kids play with the Tonka dump truck. Wooo Hooo!

Thanksgiving 2010

With much to give thanks for. The prayer was not just about giving thanks on this day. But a prayer to be more thankful through out the year.

As always, I was amazed at what a beautiful table my wife sets. The meal was wonderfully delightful for everyone.

Family Time

Something else for which we give thanks.

Jello Salad

Eureka! Baby Bella has her very first taste of Nana's infamous Jello Salad. And she loved it! This is Nana's signature dish at all family gatherings - I think she was a little proud to get Baby Bella's blessings.

Entertainment

Baby Bella was the pre and post dinner entertainment for the Thanksgiving dinner. She took the lid (hat to her) off of the metal pumpkin and tried to wear it herself.

I think a comedy tour may be in her future.

Favorite Winter Coat

Baby Bella insisted on wearing her winter coat and showing it off to Grandpa and Papa. She took Papa's shoes off while he was sleeping. In fact, she woke Papa up twice. This is not a girl you want to fall asleep on - you'll pay the price.

Mommy hit a home run with this coat. Baby Bella loves it so much we have to hide it from he because she insists on wearing it if she spots it hanging on the coat rack.

Strawberry Cupcakes

Grandma surprised us by bringing Daddy's favorite strawberry cupcakes. Turns out Baby Bella is a fan as well. (And I had to fight Skyler off of my cupcakes as well.)

What is it about food that Grandparents prepare? Not that Mommy and I are great cooks but Bella seems to prefer food from Grandparent's and God parents. Hmmm. I ponder.

Window Dreams

Baby Bella sat on her toy box to watch the neighbor kids ride their bikes up and down the street. It was fun watching her interest and expression. As her eyes glazed over, it was as if I had a front row seat to her dream - she was dreaming of one day riding her bike on the street in front of the house.

One day soon, my little dreamer.

Cheese Stick

Baby Bella enjoys her very first cheese stick with fellow cheese head, Mommy.

Cheese is not just a part of the diary category for Mommy and big brother, for them it's a passion. The look on Baby Bella's face tells me we may well have another cheese head in the family.