Little Bronco!

Here is the first round of pictures from the trip! We just got back tonight, and everyone is exhausted. Bella did amazingly well traveling. She is a trooper. She also charmed her way into every one's heart. You can see in the pictures that she has been on quite an adventure. Everyday was filled with family, and attention. She was so cute in her Bronco gear, and maybe the team's lucky charm, since they pulled out a win in the last seconds of the game. Go Broncos!
She is one lucky girl, who is loved by so many people. Luckily, she seems to be able to return that love to each and every one of them. She has brought such joy to our world, and we thank God every day for her. What a blessing she is!
Josh kept the house for us, and with Nonnie's help created a beautiful area in the backyard, and planted flowers. He and Asia were ready for us to get home. They missed Bella very much. They might also have been a little sad that they didn't get to go this trip, but they'll be on the next one, they'll be sure .

Bella's going on vacation!

"She's four and a half months old, how can she possibly need a vacation?" you might say. Well actually her parents are getting a brief, and much needed, vacation while she is going to be adored, attended to, and otherwise completely spoiled by her family in Denver. They are all very excited, I heard rumor that they were trying to organize a parade. Actually, she will be attending her first official Bronco Game Party, at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Today. we tried out her little cheerleader outfit, perfect fit, and it is so cute. I promise pictures of that and the rest of the trip upon our return, Monday. Everyone, wish us luck on the plane trip, I have high hopes it will go well. Fingers crossed!

4 Month Well Child Check

Sorry everyone, I have been slacking. Bella however has not. She is rocking along. We just had her 4 month well check, and shots. She passed everything with flying colors. Her weight was 12.9# 25%, height 24" 60%, and her head was also 60%. She was, as usual, the darling of the office. Boy, do we love Dr. Killgoar, and Mindy! They are so great!
Nonnie got Bella a bouncer/exerciser today. Finally something she can stand up in. She always wants to be standing up, so she loved it!
She also recently started eating a variety of foods. So far she has had rice cereal, applesauce, and pears. She also loves her cup of water. Mostly she wears the water, but she thinks it is really fun. I think gnawing on the cold cup feels good on her gums. Still not teeth yet, though.
That is our update for now. more later, and updated pictures, too.

Bella's Adoring Fans

Well, for those who follow along, we have finally moved. So, no I am not mad at anyone, or being reclusive, just up to my ears in moving. We are getting slowly settled, and enjoying our new place. Josh & Asia now have their own bedrooms, so they are getting along much better now.
We also added to the family, a new dog named Penny. I will get pictures posted asap. She is a Shar Pei, and has a very mellow, sweet temperament. She is warming to us, and is a good fit for our family.
The real excitement, however, is our company. Bella's adoring fans, her Grandma Lucy, and her self proclaimed favorite Auntie Selina are her from Denver. They must tell her hourly how cute she is, and also how white she is! So the first day they were here, she was entertained, and fed on command. Bella had no complaints the whole day. She was a perfect angel. Today, however they got to she her hot little temper. When you step back and watch her tantrum, it really is hysterical. Anyway, they are enjoying her, and she is completely enjoying them. I am trying to enjoy some much needed rest, while they are here.
More to come later.

Much Love,
Renee

Play Date

Today was Bella's first play date. "Play" you might think, she's too young to play, well okay, maybe it was a mommies' play date. Either way, it was her first time to visit another little one. My friend, Jen, adopted a little girl, Julia, from China, and it was the girls first meeting. Julia is 17mos old. Both girls spent some time checking each other out, but overall had a good time. Well, okay honestly, they were both so well behaved that Jen and I had a good time. Either way, it was time out of the house well spent. The Bumppo chair that cousin Jessica got is a lifesaver! Bella HATES her car seat, so I found we can just take the Bumppo inside, and plop it down, and voila, happy baby!
Also, I posted new pictures. She really is growing. It is amazing to compare her to the pictures I posted not so long ago. The series of pictures is of her rolling over, that is really the first time that she has pushed up onto her forearms, and them rolled completely over. It happened yesterday. Very exciting!
Let me know what you guys think if I should delete the old pictures, or leave all the pictures on the page. It seems like a lot of pictures, but I also hated to delete them. For those of you wanting symmetry, I can't figure out how to put them of both sides of the writing, sorry.
Well, that's it for now. Hope everyone is enjoying the blog, or at least the pictures!
Please keep in touch, and I'd love comments!

Much Love,
Renee

PS, We are moving this weekend.

It's all Harry's fault!

So sorry for the long delay. It really is Harry's fault! I have been reading Harry Potter #7 since Saturday. For those of you Potter fans, you understand, and everyone else, you'll just have to be forgiving! So Harry & I are finished, ahhh the end of an era. But, I'll refocus, back to Bella...
Yes, Nonnie is right, I do need to post more pictures, like blogging, pretty much everything else in life took a short break this last week, not totally Harry's fault. I have been struggling a little with the working nights, well actually with the sleeping during the day with a 3 month old, schedule. Anyway, I am working on all of that, and I promise to get more pictures online for the post next week.
Bella is getting big, and admittedly a little spoiled. ( I won't admit that in person, so don't bring it up!!!) I actually had to call in to work last night 2 hours before my shift, because neither Augie nor I could get her to stop crying. I still have no idea what the problem was, but finally a couple of doses of Tylenol and she went to bed. We were worn out! That girl has some staying power. I have done the put her in her bed and let her cry trick a couple of times, and she is always still crying after the 30 minutes. I am impressed. I think she got a stubborn streak from her dad!
The good news is that when she is happy, she is wonderful. She is really holding up her head well, and wants to be a part of ever thing. She has also started laughing a lot. The other day I took her to a friend's house, and she thought their little dogs were hysterical. Lola, the chihuahua, is her new best friend. She laughed, and laughed. It was very cute. Too bad I can't post audio. She is playing by herself off and on through the day, and also like her dad, she loves the TV. Go figure!
We are moving starting on the first. We have 2 weeks to move, but I think we will try to do most of it sooner than later, we are all quite ready to move. The 3 flights of stairs have really gotten old, carrying Bella, and all of her stuff up and down. So expect pictures in the new house soon.
Well, that's all for now. Please, let me know if you are reading along, and enjoying this blog. I spend enough time talking to myself, so it would make me feel better to think someone else is getting something out of it.

Much Love, (still working on that cute slogan)
Renee

Nonnie Visits

I think Nonnie (my Mom) was having some Bella withdrawal. She came to pick up Josh today for the weekend. They (my parents & Josh) have some weekend getaway planned, without me of course, I'm just the mother. Anyway, Nonnie whisked away both kids to the mall for 3 hours, and I was in a much needed slumber. Nonnie reports that Bella is a natural shopper, and did great. She also said that since last week, her hair seems darker, and she seems to be holding up her head better, and is more alert. She also commented that she is looking less like a new baby. Augie was just saying something similar. Needless to say, my ambitions for going to the gym today flew out the window. This morning I was so tired that working out wasn't even a consideration. And, just for the record, I don't even feel guilty. Exhaustion overrules exercise every time in my book. So, this weekend, I am getting it together, and starting fresh Monday, so that I can fit it all into the day. I think routine is the name of the game. For those that know me you may be thinking "she's really lost it now!" I am actually trying to find it. Wish me luck!

Much Love,
Renee

No post yesterday, didn't want everyone to think I would have something to say everyday. I know, I know, you all think I ALWAYS have something to say, but I admit it's not always something interesting, so I'll spare ya'll the daily mononaty.
It is Thursday, (well technically it's Friday, since it is the middle of the night) and it seems we have a routine developing. If I tuck Augie & Bella in bed before I leave for work, they seem to manage a midnight feeding together, and she wakes him up at six to get ready for school/work. Then I get home, and they are both happy to see me, & in good moods. Hooray!!!!! I have to admit that I was starting to worry about a back up plan. Now if I could just settle into a routine during the day that allows me get something done, and get some sleep we'd really be rocking along!
Tomorrow Bella's going to the daycare at the gym for the first time. Fingers crossed everyone! I'm sure she'll do great, I'm the one who gets upset. Amazing how parenthood transforms you into a blubbering fool!
That's it for today, hope everyone is well!
Much Love,
Renee

Thank you all so much for the comments, and the emails. It is very cool to know that you all enjoyed the blog so much! It really is kinda fun.
Well, for today's exciting adventure, I have two updates.
First, last night in Bella's world. I guess she thought it would be funny to wake up at 4am for her and Daddy to play. He was less than impressed, and quite frustrated when she went back to sleep at 6am, about the time he needed to get up for school. He is sucking it up and jumping back in there tonight. I tucked them both in early tonight at about 930pm, so hopefully they have a better night, and day tomorrow. She was fussy and high maintenance all day today, so she should sleep great!
Second, we found a house!!! I have been habitually checking craigs list for new rental listings in our area, and would you believe a perfect house showed up this am. I called right away. The lady was so nice, and met us at the house tonight. The price is great, the area is perfect, and the house is very cute. It has a large yard, half an acre, and is completely updated. She also offered to leave us the washer & dryer, and a mower. Great for us, since coming from an apartment we have none of those things. Josh has already claimed the "bigger" room, although I am sure they are pretty much the same, and he is very excited. She also told him we could get a dog, with out paying a deposit, so he can hardly see straight. I think he is up right now finishing packing his room, then he tells me he is starting on the kitchen. I told him to relax & slow down, but I'm not sure he will listen. I am very glad he likes the house, he deserves to have some things go his way, he has sacrificed a lot in the last couple of years, so it will be refreshing to watch him get to ride his bike in a neighborhood, and have a dog of his own to walk. Good things are going to happen for us, of that I am sure!
Well, that is it for tonight. I will work on some cool saying to end my blogs with, but until then:

Much love,
Renee

Welcome!

This is the first time blogging for me, but I have so much enjoyed other friends' blogs that I thought it would be nice to share with all of you. I will post as often as there is something to say, I'm sure a lot of same day as yesterday blogs aren't that interesting. We are so blessed to have so many people in our lives that love us, and have followed along with the pregnancy and now this amazing baby, so the least we can do is keep everyone informed. Please, feel free to look often, and comment anytime. I'd love to know if you enjoy something, or are following along.
So getting to it, Bella is 3 months old today! Josh just commented that it seems like she has always been with us, but that it has also gone by quickly! Augie said the other day that she has stopped looking like a newborn, and looks like an older baby now. Asia says her head is getting big, but we keep her hat on a lot:)! She is doing more everyday. She has lots of personality, and smiles, and coos often. She has started taking an interest in toys, and the TV. She loves the Baby Einstein video we have. I love the baby wrap I got on craigs list. I can take her out shopping, and on walks easier, and if she is fussy it works like magic. Plus, it has several positions depending on her mood.
She is just getting over her first illness. I think she had a virus. Lots of tummy pain, and diarrhea for several days, and just plain fussiness for a week. She seems to be back her her normal self today.
We went house hunting today, so her tolerance for her car seat was zero by the end of the day. And, still not much luck on a house. Daddy is kind of picky, so we are humoring him:)! Josh & Asia are so excited about moving. Josh started packing up his room today, he asked if he should go ahead & pack his clothes! Asia can't wait to have a bedroom, she has it all planned out. Moving to a house will be good for all of us!
Tonight I started working a new schedule, so I go to work at 10pm and get off at 6am. Now Bella is on a routine, I can get her to bed before I leave, and Augie has to feed her at around 2am, but she goes back to sleep easily, and should sleep until I get home around 6:20 or so. I am very hopeful this will work out, so she has a stable routine, and I can enjoy her every night. I just have to make sure that I get some sleep everyday, or by FFriday I will be worthless. Plus, Josh & Augie claim I get grouchy when I am tired. I find that very hard to believe, but just in case. I'll try to sleep. Josh is a great babysitter so her has committed to watching her some so I can nap. I am planning on sleeping when she sleeps. Asia will also be back on babysitting duty when she gets back from camp in a couple of weeks.
I'm not sure of blogging etiquette but I'll try to not write a novel every time. Hope you enjoy Bella's World! We Do!

Much Love,
Renee