Move Over Merky

It must be hard being a 15 month old and having to divide your love evenly among your furry friends. Merky has been temporary replaced by Doggie. Now, Doggie was also added to our family in Tucson because of Bella's love of dogs. He was a gift from Nana and picked out by Bella from several other kinds of dogs. But, he came two days AFTER the Merkster and yet seems to have taken over as top dog. Now, you may be wondering why Doggie doesn't have a proper name like Maggie (suggested by Nana) or Mizer(suggested by Daddy) Well, it's simply because we wanted Bella to add "doggie" to her vocabulary. You may think I sound a little upset that Doggie is getting all this attention, but actually I'm just keeping you all posted on the very important issues going on in Bella's life----like which stuffed animal to take to church. As you will see below, Merky didn't make the cut for anywhere these last two weeks. Poor Merky!


Don't touch my dog



Reaching for Doggie




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Learning As I Go

The adventure with a first born is learning everything as you go. Each day brings new challenges, blessings, and a-ha moments! This week I had the opportunity to finally learn some tips about taking care of Bella's hair. I first learned that I was overwashing it and therefore stripping it of its natural oils...oops! Since then, I have corrected my ways. Here are some great pics of Bella enjoying her conditioning treatment. I would love to say that she sat still with just a kind request, but we actually had to put in her favorite DVD. Whatever works, right?

New Creative Outlets

Over break I got this fabulous idea to take on bowmaking and photography as my two new creative outlets......because I have soooooo much extra time on my hands. Anyway, most of the pictures on here are with my new camera but these are a specific "photoshoot" aimed at catching Bella's personality. I need tons of practice with lighting, shadows, etc.,etc., but it sure is fun practicing on my favorite little model.

You Know Your Daughter's Gifted When.....

.....She finds innovative uses for everyday objects!! Ha-ha. Bella has had a fascination with clean (disclaimer)clothes in the laundry basket for quite some time now. However, lately she has found delight in mommy's silky undergarments. I just know she is a creative genius in the making. I know you will agree as you peruse her portfolio below:


Innovative Use 1: Designer Pirate Eye Patch



Innovative Use 2: Exercise Band



Innovative Use 3: Beginner's Toddler Blindfold




Innovative Use 4: Beret



Innovative Use 5: Elasticity Testing


Innovative Use 6: H1N1 Mask

ChristmasDay Continues

After eating, the present opening resumed. Arabella started again with the stocking that Aunty Sissy made her. It was full of lots of neat books, treats and CDs. Then, we all went on a long walk around Nana's gorgeous neighborhood. We stopped along the way to practice with the new camera mommy got for Christmas. Bella opened her last gift at 9pm that evening. It was a beautiful day full of sunshine, laughter and love.

The Doggies are Here!!!!

On Christmas Day, Arabella's cousins Penny and Milo finally arrived with Aunty Sissy and Uncle Tom. Bella gets so excited around them, but gets really scared when they get close. She'll pet them but jump back. She'll also do a little dance around them like she is ready to flee at any moment. He squeals with delight when they are around but cries when they bark. If she ever wants a puppy, we will send her to Aunty's house!

Christmas Morning

Arabella woke up at 6:15 am on Christmas morning which was just normal. We all got up and got ready for the magical morning. I got positioned with the camera out by the tree and then Curtis let Bella come out. She ran right by everything and out to mom and I. Once she realized the tree was there (we had brought it in from the balcony) she got excited, but still did not realize what was going on. We started the very s-l-o-w process of opening presents. It was all very exciting. I think we got through 4 gifts and then had to take a break to prepare the food for AuntySissyand Uncle Tom's arrival.

Bella and Merky ran out on Christmas morning to see if Santa came but they ran right past the tree!

Are these really ALL for me???

And this is mine, too?