Carwash Solution

Every time Bella and I take the car through the car wash she screams at the top of her lungs. Today was no different. We hadn't even made it in before she started crying. Luckily we had bought some new books this morning so I got one out and started reading it to her and it calmed her down. Whew! I'm so glad I found something. Of course next time it won't work, but at least we had peace today!

So Close

I know I keep talking about how close Bella is to walking, but she really is going to walk any day now. I can just feel it! She is starting to stand on her own more often when she is not paying attention and wants to use both hands for something. Then today she walked all the way from in front of the sanctuary at our church, down the steps and to the car holding on to only one of my fingers. That may not mean much to those of you who haven't been to our church, but it's a really long way and she was steady as a rock, even walking down the steps! Then we went to get my allergy shot and she walked in with me, stood while I got my shot and walked back out. She was so proud of herself! I can't wait to see her face when she actually takes off on her own!

First Steps

Bella took four steps last night! We are on our way! Of course we can't get her to do it again. I think the first time was by accident and she is too smart to be fooled again!

Going Scrapbooking

Helping Mommy pack for scrapbooking this weekend! Such a good helper!

18 Month Check Up

Went to the Dr. yesterday for Bella's 18 month check up. I can't believe how well she is doing. She is 32.75" tall and 25.5lbs. That puts her in the 70% for height and 50% for weight. That's a long way from below the charts where she started.

She is a little behind in her walking for her actual age, but the Dr. says we have to remember that she was almost 3 months early. She is so close though. She can walk behind the dinosaur her grandpa gave her for Christmas using only one hand while backing up and turning when she hits obstacles. All she needs to do is decide that she wants to walk on her own. She has also stood up on her own in the middle of the floor a couple of times.

She has started to enjoy her bed. She may cry out for you to come get her when she wakes up, but then she just wants to play and giggle at you and drop her bunny so you will pick it up. It's a fight to actually take her out of her crib. Crazy! She is such a happy baby!

Cheesy Grin and Washing Hands

Too bad this child is so grumpy! :) She knows what the camera means and what the camera sound on the cell phone means as well. Washing her hands in the sink of her play kitchen.

Well, she's still not walking, but she is so close. She could walk on her own if she would just get brave enough. She only needs to hold on to one of our fingers to walk. She is no daredevil!

Christmas and Such

I know it has been a while since I have posted, but our life has been quite a roller coaster. Grant's dad's passing has been hard on us all, but we have been determined to be joyful inspite of our hurt. Here is a snapshot of our holidays.

Good is so good! All of Grant's family was gathered together for the Grandkids' Christmas when we got the news that Barton was missing. Here is a picture of Bella with her new kitchen.
Bella was the only Grandchild at Gran's house Christmas morning so she got all the attention. I think she liked her new doll house. What do you think? This is Bella, Grant and me with Grant's Great Aunt Norma. She is so good to us and treats us as her own granchildren. We love you Norma!

After we got home from Brownwood my family came in town. We took my brother Matt and his wife Katy to the zoo before everyone else got here. I love this picture of Grant and Bella!

On our "Christmas Day" we all went down to the park to play football. Bella and I went to the swings. When everyone one was tired they came to join us. Matt and Ben tried to have a swing jumping contest, but Ben's shoulders were to broad to jump out of the swing. He got caught and only went a foot or two. Matt got some awesome height and distance!

Here is my wonderful family! I love you all!