Bella's & Xander's Blog

Quick Pics!

2011-12-22T10:02:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! This is going to be a quick post with hardly any captions....sorry:(

Let's start with our trip to Tucson Nov 9 - 14

Lesson time:)

Such a ham he is:)

GREAT Bathtub!!!

Happy Birthday Aunt Brandy!!!

Cuteness

Mom I'm not so sure about this Uncle Brian character

And...she's off!

Thanks for my trim Aunt Brandy:)

Don't fall in Nanna!

Thanksgiving

Picture taken by Alexa Blair

Kids Thanksgiving table :)

My mommy's Bestest Friend in the whole world

We are gonna give our parents heart attacks in our teens

Where oh where are Alexa and Adriana?

Playdough is fun!!!

Dads having beers before taking the tram to the top of the mtn

Seriously adorable sisters

On top of Sandia Crest

Our snow angels

Why are they all looking at me like I'm supposed to do something???

If this was what you were looking for...not funny!

Hope you all have a Merry Christmas :)

Bella & Xander

2011-11-02T09:39:00.000-07:00

Hey there! It's been a while! Look what we've been up to:)

My first time in a hammock!

Xander's first time in a Hammock!

We both agree...Hammocks are FUN!

Dad secured it so we wouldn't fall out:)

We love our visits with our grandparents!

Nina is so much fun!

I love teasing Creampa while he sleeps...
Creampa are you sleeping?

Hehehehe Creampa didn't wake up

Lunch date with my friends

Let's go for our evening walk mom

We hang out alot, Bella teaches me so much

I brought a pail of dirt in the garage just so I could sweep

Fishing from my wagon:)

Xander say "cheese"

That's more like it!

Watching a movie together:)

Mom would love it if we were always cuddly like this

This was almost my Halloween costume

Yup, I'm almost a crawler

I Love my little mermaid dress up outfit! Thanks Aunt Lara and Uncle Bill!!!

Buzz Lightyear to the rescue!
Xander was the Incredible Hulk...pic to be posted later....can't find his solo shot

Henry Halloween '11

Ciao
Bella & Xander

Labor Day Fun!

2011-09-11T14:28:00.001-07:00

We had a blast Labor Day weekend! We went fishing and I caught 4 fish all myself! We went hiking (forgot the camera) Xander learned to drink out of a Camelbak and I got my very own Camelbak and can carry it full of water while hiking!!! Check it out!

I get so excited I just have to scream sometimes....mom said we're going hiking....whatever that is?

I LOVE my new "pakbak" I can't wait to go hiking tomorrow!

Ok I'm ready to go hiking...I ate breakfast, went potty, and put on my shoes....what else could I be forgetting???

Dad showing me how to bait the hook...

I even got to put the Salmon eggs on the hook

Some guy walked by and told me to try to catch the fish with my hands...they listen worse than Ody

My FIRST fish!!! It's a big one too...well, compared to me :)

Dad helps me pull them out of the water so they don't fall of the hook....it's pretty exciting catching a fish

Dad, Help, it's gonna get me!

Ewwww I don't want to touch it

Casting and reeling all myself

Look at the fish I'm catching, Dad is so proud of me :)

The fish aren't so yucky anymore...

See I love them...they're so beautiful

Kisses to my catch...and to think I wouldn't even touch them at first

I love my baby fish

Oh so that's how you were holding it

But you said I could eat it....you didn't say anything about cooking it first

It was a great day for fishing :) Thanks Dad!!!

I'm a smiling drool machine...teeth they are a comin'

Surrounded by love...does it get any better?

It's amazing how I can get people to make funny faces for me :)

But I always give them a smile in return :)

Mom, you don't mind if I choke, or suffocate you do you?

All cuddles on the couch after a good meal :)

Wow! I'm liking this sitting up thing

Mom! I'm scared, Isabella is sitting next to me patiently...what's she gonna do?

This was a fun exhausting weekend....

Some Old... Some New

2011-08-30T09:51:00.000-07:00

So it has been 3 months since we've posted anything....sorry:( Here are a bunch of pics...some from Easter thru now. We hope you get caught up :)

Nothing but love for my baby brother

Hi Aunt Gina:) I love you

Artist hard at work

I look like a baby Gilligan...
but way cuter

I love Dr Seuss books

Mom showing me how to color the Easter eggs

I got the hang of it pretty quickly

Whoa this one is heavy!

Sorry Easter bunny...I had to eat the carrots we left out for you

Look how many eggs we found!

I get this from my dad

Xander all smiles with Creampa :)

Relaxin' with Dad

My first ice cream truck popsicle

Who needs fancy toys!?

I adore my big sister

I finally got to meet my Grandpa Brian

Not sure why this keeps coming out rotated.... it's a good pic so we're keeping it

I'll try to make that face, but I'm still lacking in manual dexterity and basic coordination

Now let me try to touch your face

We are sooooooooo adorable...hehehe

I am always giggling

Now this is how you drink watermelon juice!

I sat still long enough for this if you can believe it!

Hanging out with sister on my floor mat

Mmmmmm Miso soup...or as I call it "sushi soup"

Isabella teaches me all the sea creatures in my crib

I like taking naps in Xander's room

Helping Daddy blow out his candles

I love napping with Dad

Dad used to never be able to nap....funny how Bella and I changed that

Xander's first ride in the Chariot

Always smiling :)

I sometimes get tired on our walks and Xander is nice enough to share his seat

I'm even starting to try and get my legs under me too

Xander is too heavy for me to pick up

Bella shares so nicely with me :)

Wow! If only I could put this whole thing in my mouth!

Hmmmmmm now what is this?

Ummmmm not so sure...

What did you do to my breast milk?!

Ok Bella I'll eat it if you think I should

That is the Humming bird that we nursed back to health...it even flies by once in a while

My sister is teaching me how to use this with my hands instead of my feet :)

Aunt Gina trying to control the present opening madness...we don't even know who brought what gift....it was fun!!!

Mom's 1st attempt at Lightning McQueen...Dad and Bella ate the back end before mom even had the frosting made...red frosting is super hard to make by the way.

I love my green towel dress...thanks Biddy!!!

I am so good with the mouse now that I can even lay down and work the computer

Ok mom...I'm ready for my dinner!!!

Woohoo!!! I love my food now that you eliminated my breast milk from it....that should really stay on tap :)

Ciao!
Bella & Xander

Xander and Bella!

2011-06-09T14:40:00.000-07:00

Well we start the moving process next week! So we thought we should put up a few images before the insanity begins:)

Morning Shenanigans :)

Awwww mommy's little angel

Look at the rectangle I made

I am a princess....I can walk in heels better than my mom can...hehehe

Dad finished my bed....isn't it beautiful?!!!
He made the whole thing with hand tools...no power tools!!!

Xander and mommy relaxing

Look! Xander found his thumb

Not quite sure if he likes it yet though

We LOVE cuddling with Aunt Gina and Uncle Scott!

Yup, I'm handsome

This is my Snow White dress-up outfit....I'm saying "Cheese"
Mom thought it was hysterical

Ok, so how do I get these in my mouth???

HAHAHAHA I GOT IT!!!

Ciao!!!
Bella & Xander

More of us Kiddos!

2011-05-20T11:26:00.000-07:00

Lots of things going on....Dad is buying us a house!!! Super exciting, especially because we are able to go hiking in our own yard! Anywho...here are some pics of us:)

Let me show you some toys Xander

Here's one of my funny faces

Like my pebbles hairstyle?

Aunt Lara loving Xander...he's so happy in her arms

Fudge brownie batter...mmmmmm

Here is the bed Dad made for Isabella....all done by hand...no power tools used!
It is made of Walnut and Cherry woods, and yes this is outside...trying it out with the mattress before dad puts on the finishing touches.

Here Xander...I'll wiggle it for you

Soooo cute he is!

I'll pick you up...wait you're too heavy for me

AHH! My tongue is blue!

Mommy makes me smile:)

See:)

Mom loves taking pictures of the three of us...we are pretty cute though:)

Look I've got funny ears...hehehe

Here I am...10 weeks old and I weigh 15 lbs and am 24 in tall, I'm a healthy boy!

Ciao!
Bella & Xander

Lots to update!

2011-04-02T10:54:00.000-07:00

Let's start where we left off shall we......Christmas!

98% of those are for Bella....she had a good Christmas:)

New tricycle was the first thing spotted...

Then...the opening frenzy began!

Here I am setting up my new art center...then I realized...

That if I climbed on the desk I could reach the counter!

Aunt Gina and Uncle Scott got me one of those bouncy balls w/the handle...soooo fun!

So sassy in my new wagon from Grandma Carol and Grandpa Kenny

Dad flew Nanna out as a gift for mom...we relaxed alot:)

We played alot too....mom is holding Nanna and I hostage on the teeter totter

Ody has to make sure I'm ok

Mom helps push me a little on my tricycle

I love being able to swing in Dec!

This is about to be turned back into a crib

We went on a hike to try to get mom into labor...it didn't work....but...

Here is my brother....Xander!

Just home from the hospital

I had to hold him!

I'm pretty sure mom has a pic of me sleeping on dad like this

Proud grandparents...2nd edition

Creampa can multi-task!

Not bad at holding my head up..for not even a week old

I get tired quick though

Here Xander, I'll show you how it works

Three generations of Henrys...they all like movies!

My mouth is open...where's my milk?

Fish aren't supposed to fly...are they?

Nanna meets Xander!

Grandma Carol meets Xander

Proud mommy:)

Nanna doesn't have my milk so I'll just sleep on her:)

Double temptation! Happy Bday Aunt Gina!

I love my baby brother!

I'll protect you:)

The kiss

Xander is getting too heavy for me to hold!

Cog table at the Explora Museum

I love the bubble table! Thanks for taking me Nanna!

Getting even better at holding my head up

Yup...that's right! I'm a rock star!

1st trip to park:)

Dad's quad workout

Proud daddy!

We love you Isabella!!!

Ciao!
Bella & Xander

Life is good!

2010-12-17T08:27:00.000-08:00

I know....I'm getting lazy about my updates. So here are a few pics...I'm growing up so fast!

Ody is such a good sport:)

Our 1st snow dusting...Thanksgiving morning

Dad showing me how to put the ornaments on the tree

I got the idea pretty quickly:)

I'm getting really good with my utensils.

This is what we woke up to this morning!

Mom at 6:30 this morning....28 weeks preggers...her belly is huge!

Woohoo!!! Waking up to play in the snow is great!!!

Exploring my new yard:)

Look I made a snowball!!!

Mmmmm tastes good!

I like making snowballs:)

Ody! Catch!

Mom! Watch what Ody taught me!

It's much easier to eat snow this way!

It sticks to my tounge..hehehe

Ody! That's where I was eating snow!

Back to making snowballs:)

Ciao!
Bella

Halloween and daily happenings

2010-11-01T07:38:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a sweet Halloween:) I sure did! I ate my first Twix, and lollipop!!! I had so much fun going to everyone's house saying "Trick or Treat" sometimes I would just tell them "Treat in the pumpkin" and everyone put treats in my pumpkin basket....it was great! I also got my hair cut this month....my first time in a salon....they cut my bangs too short:( Enjoy the pics!

Daily Happenings

Helping Dad wash the car

I love all the bubbles:)

This tire is going to be so clean when I'm done

Hangin' w/Dad
My 1st haircut certificate!

I got to draw the face on my pumpkin!

Halloween!

Looking at myself for the first time in my costume:)
I think I'm a butterfly

Mom calls me a fairy princess:)

Indiana Jones and the Butterfly Fairy Princess:)

Look how full my pumpkin is!!!

Lovin' my lollipop!

Checkin' out my loot:)

Indulging myself!!! I got to watch Harry Potter while we handed out candy!
I don't envy mom and dad tonight...they have to get me to sleep:)

Ciao!
Bella

Balloon Fiesta!!!

2010-10-11T08:09:00.000-07:00

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta was from Oct 2 thru Oct 10, this post is dedicated to the fiesta. I enjoyed waking up everyday to hundreds of hot air balloons floating over my house, and getting to watch fireworks 5 out of 8 nights of the fiesta! Creampa Mike and Nina Shari came to visit for the last weekend of the fiesta and we had a blast together watching balloons and fireworks. Dad, mom and I gave Creampa a balloon ride for his birthday...Happy Birthday Creampa!!! It was exciting watching him go up in the basket! I hope you enjoy this post!!!

This was the view I woke up to the first morning of the fiesta...not bad

Showing my fish where the balloons are in the sky:)

There are all sorts of special shapes balloons...here comes the stork!

I loved the cow balloon...now I know how a cow can jump over the moon!

I don't think I looked at the camera once the entire fiesta....too many balloons to see

A flying house!

This was a competition day....such pretty balloons

A mass ascension morning....all the balloons go up....there's Sponge Bob!!!

Mom says this is a jester...I still think it's a spider

Cockadoodledoo

Uh mom got me here....I looked at the camera

After all the balloons land I play the rock game with Ody for a while

Mom, Dad, and I waited for Creampa and Nina to go the the fiesta park to see the balloons up close....there was NO WAY mom was getting me to turn around to look at the camera!

She got me here though....hot air balloons are so amazing to watch

We are watching some balloons lift off

Humpty Dumpty can FLY?!?!

I forgot to mention that we had to get up at 5am every day to go to the fiesta....and it is COLD at that hour!

But it is worth it to get to watch balloons light up in the dark...they call it a morning glow...it was too windy for them to take off this particular morning

There are 9 more balloons lined up behind this one....pretty cool huh?

Creampa got to help inflate the balloon he was going up in!

WOW! Creampa what are you doing?

Creampa practicing emergency landing drills....love the expression Creampa!

Wow look at the fire! Have fun Creampa!

"Bye Creampa I miss you!" said as he lifted off.

I had a great time throughout the fiesta! Sorry there are no fireworks pics...we never took out the camera for it. Can't wait for next years fiesta!!! I wonder who will come visit and go with us next year?

Ciao!!!
Bella

Change on a daily basis!

2010-10-04T10:05:00.000-07:00

Labor Day :)
In Alpine w/my friends Alexa, Ben, Adriana, and Bob

Of course I'm not gonna sit still for the camera....c'mon Adriana!

On a mini nature walk w/Dad and my friends

Adriana and Bob gave me presents! A camping chair and lantern! Thanks!!!

Dad teaching me to cast:)

We had a great time fishing!

Yes it was cold...dad is nuts....and I'm taking after him:)

Pizza night!!! We get to watch a movie too!!!
I get so into my movies though....

That I forget to eat...hehehe

Cerrillos Hike W/Dad
Getting the pay envelope...

All paid and on our hike :)

Pizza we made together after our hike...mmmm

Park Days
I played so hard at the park today, that I wolfed down my steak, spinach, rice and passed out.

Resting after another long day at the park

The following is a series of me being adorable

Ciao for now!
Bella

Some Old, Some New, and Oh Yeah..I'm 2!!!

2010-08-30T07:58:00.000-07:00

I'm 2 years old!!! I had a fantastic birthday! Check it out! Some of the pictures in this post are from early July...we though we had lost them, but here they are!

My first bento box, and training chop stix! I loved it!

I actually got pretty good with them

I finished off mom's miso soup....delicious!

So happy running to daddy

I've got this phone thing down!

Thanks for my cooking set Aunt Gina! I use it everyday

See...I put pepper on my eggs every morning

I had soooo much fun with Nina and Creampa over my birthday week! Just the three of us went on all sorts of fun outings together. Thank You so much and I miss you!

I really got the hang of this opening presents thing

You should see the damage I did to my side of the cake...hehehe

Thoroughly enjoying my b-day cake!
(the date is wrong on the camera)

Watching a movie with Creampa

I am goldi locks, and here are the three bears. Thanks Great Grandma and Great Aunt Carol.

Right handed?

Left handed?

Ambidextrous?

Look at the letter A I drew!!!

Here we are at the Explora childrens' science museum. I had way too much fun at the air table in the video. I literally played on it for about 20 min or more. Mom was ok with it because the air dried my clothes...they had gotten soaked from a few of the water tables I was playing at.

Ciao!
Bella

I'M BACK!!!!

2010-08-01T09:05:00.001-07:00

I am very sorry it has taken me soooooooooooooo long to update my blog.... alot has been going on. We went to Alaska, New Mexico to look for a House, Dad graduated, then we moved to New Mexico.....and I'm sure I'm forgetting things. I had to go through about 7000 pictures for this post too.....a bit overwhelming! But here ya go!!!

Let's start with Alaska!

Of course the first place we went was the Alaska Zoo!

Not sure this needs an explanation

The sign should read...Alaska Botanical Garden and Mosquito Sanctuary
We didn't stay too long

Hike to Flat Top Mtn

Everywhere you look there is a scenic view in Alaska!

Awww Cute!

Let's hike!

I get the best seat on the trail

No snow on this side of the Mtn

This is at a wildlife rehabilitation facility....some of the animals can never be released back into the wild, but they sure do have a nice home here...and I loved getting so close to them!

This is a juvenile!

A 2 week old reindeer!

This is in the Imaginarium in Anchorage....I want this in my room!

IR camera image of mom and I at the Imaginarium

Best pic from the glacier cruise....out of the 500 pics mom and dad took of the glaciers, otters, seals...etc

Dad's Graduation!!!
So proud of you Dad!!!!

Dad being hooded for his PhD in Applied Physics

Priceless!!!

Yup....I just woke up!

After Dad's Grad BBQ the entire family went for a walk....great times!

The entire family went to the Huntington Gardens the next day....this was the cutest pic
By the way...Aunt Gina and Uncle Scott if you have any pics of me with you guys could you please send them to me....Thanks!

On to New Mexico!!!
I enjoyed the petroglyphs...

Buy I REALLY liked the rock climbing!

I'm trying to mimic the frog fish at the aquarium

Big Sharks and Turtles and lots of fish!

Mommy's little rock star!

MMMMMM Chocolate pudding, thanks Dad!

That's all for now!

CIAO!
BELLA

What's Been Cooking?! ME!!!

2010-04-08T22:14:00.000-07:00

I would love to be able to post a video of me....mom's video camera is still on the brink. Hopefully that will change soon and you all can see just how good I'm talking, running, jumping, climbing and generally getting into trouble.

I really wanted to sit in mom's chair for Brawt night....so my wonderful parents let me sit on dad's books for a booster chair. Is it just me or do all kids like to put olives on their fingers?

I have so much fun at the park with Natalie and Ashton...they taught me how to make huge wood chip piles....sooooooo much fun....especially the part where we put the wood chips all over ourselves!

It amazes me how popular I become when I take Odysseus for walks at the park

I always have to stop and tell the kids that Ody is "nice" and show them how to pet him

Then we continue our walk

I love to explore...especially the places less ventured upon

Here I am feeding my favorite dinosaur some leaves from a tree....this is where I would love to have video so you can hear my sound effects....I am pretty good at the munching sounds

The tub was full when I started....but things needed watering:

Like my other pail...

And my tricycle, slide, and boat...oh and um, me of course

Cooking with mom and dad is so much fun! I get to help stir, mix, knead, roll, and of course taste...

Look I finally figured out how to hold the rolling pin....so of course I wouldn't put it down or let it go...I even tried to roll one of the pepperoni, didn't work so well

See...I love to snack on the food mom is preparing...we made sauteed fish with kalamata olives, artichoke hearts and roasted red peppers in a garlic lemon butter sauce with mushroom risotto and steamed carrots...delish!

After diner Dad and I made home made whipped cream with fresh strawberries for desert, dad gave me my first beater to lick!

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

After dinner, desert, and cleaning the kitchen...mom and I sat down for my guitar lesson...I'm learning to finger pick and strum at the moment....I'm pretty good!

Bathed, dressed and ready for bed...Good Night everyone :)

Ciao!
Bella

2010-03-23T11:18:00.001-07:00

Here are a few quick pics of me doing what it is I do best...Have Fun!

I SO look like my dad!

I can't see you Ody...but release the ball!

Still BFFs

I love making music

Ody follows me everywhere...even when he's told to stay

Ugh...too much edamame...time to sleep

I managed to climb in here all by myself with out falling!!!

I am getting good at commanding Ody....and he's even starting to listen...sometimes.

I'm so happy after my bath, and I look so cute...

"I might as well JUMP!"

"JUMP!"
It's a new skill I'm working on.

Ciao!
Bella

Quick Update :)

2010-03-04T11:28:00.000-08:00

Here are a few quick pics over the last month. I am currently battling the side effects of teething.....runny nose, congested sinuses, ah the joys of childhood!

Houston...we have a problem...JK

Aunt Ann let me help you get ready, I'll comb your hair

Here now you be the hair stylist.

What? Am I not supposed to be up here?

Playing in the rain...It's like showering with your clothes on.

Thank you Aunt Lara...of course I'll be your valentine!

Um....I really just want to eat the delicious food on the table already.

I absolutely fell in love with Molly...Aunt Lara and Uncle Bill...can I have her???

We went to the zoo again while we were in Tucson...the giraffes are hugging!

I'm just pretending to ride in the jeep...Ody can't drive

We sat contentedly in the Jeep while dad worked away, seriously for almost an hour.

Good Night!

Ciao!
Bella

Home and having fun :)

2010-02-02T21:31:00.000-08:00

Here is what I have been up to since we got home from our travels...it's been almost a month! I would like to be able to post some video...sadly the video camera is broken :( Until we get a new one, stills will have to suffice.

I got it this far, and at least it's on the right body part:)

Mom helped me put it on correctly and it made me very happy

I've started to pretend play lately...I actually like playing tea

Frubi shades....cool huh?!

I am even putting myself to sleep now! Mom came to get me for an afternoon snack and I was sound asleep in my papasan...so she had to take a picture of it.

We had a week straight of rain....so when it became sunny again, mom and dad of course had to take me on a hike....boy was the water flowin! Odysseus had a blast, and I loved watching him play in the water so dad let me touch it....ccccold!

I'm the lucky one that gets to go for a ride :)

We go to the park alot too....Odysseus follows me everywhere I go when we are there....he loves me even if he won't admit it :)

Swinging is my favorite thing to do at the park

Does it really get any more fun?!?!?!

After the park Ody and I eat lunch...he waits so patiently for me to give him food...especially when mom isn't looking....but as you can see I try and ignore him.

Now the first thing I do when we get to the park is run to the swing.

And of course I get to swing for a while :)

Of course there are other things I enjoy doing at the park too...like this rocking lizard.

I'm getting good at climbing the rock wall!

Ody always waits for me at the top :) Actually, he's never too far from me while we are at the park.

Nope, I don't want to climb the slide meant for climbing...I want to climb the one I'm not supposed to climb.

And I'm not so bad at it.

I almost make it to the top!

I like the X-O spinning wheels...not sure what they are for but at least they spin.

After I play hard for a while I like to find a quiet place on the playground to sit and rest.

I think Ody looks pretty good with shoes on his back, don't you?

Oh and I still love Bolt <3

I know I'm supposed to put my fingers over the holes....but it still doesn't sound right.

Utter cuteness!

We stopped to visit with a horse at the equestrian center across from the park...she was very friendly and even took an apple from mom!

Nice Ody

I don't think he enjoys my banging on his head...dad is telling me to be a bit more gentle with him.

Fine, then I'll play with his paw.

My newest frustration in life is trying to put my own shoes on.

Yeah it's staying!

Time to go have some more fun!

Ciao!
Bella

Holidays Continued...

2010-01-18T13:32:00.000-08:00

Let me see...where did we leave off??? Oh yeah! Christmas morning :)

Santa left me a message!

Yeah Presents!

Why do manufacturers have to make it so difficult to remove the toy from the package?

I <3>

Red is definitely my color!

The day after Christmas, mom took me to see great aunt Carol's horse

Her name is Connie...she's beautiful isn't she?!

Mom let me down and I ran straight for Connie...but I wasn't too sure what to do next...

So I decided to touch her...

And she put her head down for me to pet her nose :)

I think she likes me:) Her breath is really warm.

There were even miniature donkeys at the farm in NY....one tried to eat my jacket!

How cool am I?!?! I can balance a ball on my nose!

Adios freezing cold!!!!! Hello AZ sunshine!!!
More importantly...Hello Odysseys!!! I missed him soooooo much!

I gave him sooooooo many hugs, well when he would stay still long enough for me to:)

Yeah it's Christmas again!!!

Thanks Pa! I wasn't quite sure what it was for.

I got to go to the zoo for my first time! The first animal I saw was a tiger...and my face said it all!

I got more and more excited about the animals as the day went on

WOW! A real live Giraffe...I call them "giaf"
Thanks for giving me a better view Pa :)

Grandma had to hold me back from touching the "pretty bird"

I thought it was a dog at first but mom told me it was a bear!

This thing is called an anteater....I'm not even gonna attempt to say that.

I love you mom!

I love you too grandma!

Pretty pink birds....they don't move much

Spectacular day at the zoo with my parents and grandparents, Thanks <3

Oh wait....Aunt Ann I think we are suppose to look at the camera when we say "cheese"

That's more like it!

Looks like Pa needs some help removing the toy.
(We had to open presents over the span of a few days...stimulation overload.)

This book is great....the ladybug actually moves!

Read it again Pa!

Oh, this is Duke...my other favorite dog...he lets me give him as many hugs as I want. And that is the end of my crazy holiday trip. I hope you enjoyed:)

Ciao!
Bella

I'M BACK!!!!!

2010-01-14T16:33:00.000-08:00

Hi All :)

I haven't updated this in almost 2 months.....sorry. The holiday season was hectic to be sure. Mom and Dad had me traveling for 3 weeks!!! I had a great time though. Saw almost my entire extended family, and had a ton of first experiences!

On my way out the door for our big trip! Cool hat Dad got me huh?!

Humph!

Here I am in Buckeye AZ on our first leg of the trip
"Smooch"

Gram Carol, Grandpa Kenny and I Merry Christmas 09'

Now I'm in NY, 2nd leg of the trip....this is my 2nd cousin Kayla. She was my favorite part of NY:) we had alot of fun together.

I'm reading to everyone...hehehe

Nanna and I <3

Kayla is showing me hopscotch

She is really good at teaching me :)

Funny mirrors...HA!

McArdle family portrait :)

Isn't this how they go?

Here 'Ampa let me get that for you :)

Yeah! Uncle Brian it fits....Let's go outside now!

OH BOY! Dressed and ready to go!!!

My first walk in the snow!

Amazing how a 16mo old can get the whole family out for a walk in 22 degrees :)

This tree is just my size....It's beautiful!

Frosty! Can I have his magic hat?

My first time meeting my Great Grandmother Margaret :)

When am I not smiling?

Christmas Eve with my Italian side of the family....the camera never made it out for the dinner portion....this is the desert table...mmmmmmm

My first bite of Cannoli....mom's been holding out on me....these are delicious!!!

Great Aunt Maureen and Great Uncle Bob and I after stuffing ourselves with tons of good food!

I just love Aunt Brandy's antlers :)

Saying goodnight to everyone so I can get back to Nanna and Grandpa's and possibly see Santa!!!

I will update the rest of my trip in a few days.
I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Ciao!
Bella

Movies of me :)

2009-11-21T20:21:00.000-08:00

Hope you can hear me say my letters! Oh and look how good I'm getting with my fork :)

Ciao!
Bella

Busy, Busy, Busy

2009-11-19T11:53:00.000-08:00

Wow! Sorry it's taken me this long to post more pics :( I have been a busy girl. See for yourself!

I've got Disco fever

Odysseus makes for a very soft chair

All Aboard!!!

Cheese!

Ody get back here! I only put it on you for a second

I love you Ody <3>

Does this image make anyone else think of Michaelangelo?

Best Friends <3

Mom put olives on my fingers....who knew food could be so much fun!

Congratulations Anita and Harrison on your marriage!!!!
I had soooooooo much fun at your wedding reception!
My first concert! Wow! A real live band!!!
I was the first one on the dance floor and would have been the last if I had had my way...stupid parents.

Dancin' w/dad
(oh, pay no attention to my boots, I know they don't match but my other shoes were malfunctioning)

I even got to be apart of the band!!!

I'm a party animal!

Abby and I gettin' our groove on :) (And yes I ran away from dad before he could put my other boot back on...hehehe)

Noel is making me laugh hysterically, I couldn't stand anymore :)

Dancing makes me so happy!

Relaxing in my PJ's the day after the wedding :)

Ciao'
Bella

Happy Halloween!!!!!!

2009-10-31T22:10:00.000-07:00

Ok.....so I had a BLAST!!!! tonight!!!!! Mom made me a costume and I got to go for a walk down the street (at night even) holding my favorite beach pail and walk up to the neighbors' doors, they would then put things in my pail!!!!! How cool is that!!!!!

Like my pumpkin? I helped dad carve the small one :) I really enjoyed pulling out the seeds.....really slimey....eeeewwwww

I like looking at the candle inside it :)

Here's the costume!!! I am a Tec Diver :) Here I am SCUBA diving!
No mask for me....no way would I keep one on!

What's this fish called???

Ooops! My reg almost fell out!!! And the kelp forest beats the tropics anyday :)

Here's a close-up of the costume for you :)

Dad is helping me with my split-fins....they are hard to put on with all this equipment on!

Don't I just look adorable?!

Wow there are a lot of steps....but I can do it

I'm a kid on a mission

Are they gonna put something in my pail too?

This lady let me pick out my own thing from the bowl.

I decided to plop myself down on the porch of this neighbor's house and find out what everyone keps putting in my pail.....still can't figure out what it is...oh well

C'mon dad! Keep up!!!

Well...we're done diving for the day....time to drive the boat home!!!

Happy Halloween Everyone!!!
Bella

Growing Up Fast!

2009-10-17T20:01:00.000-07:00

Since my last post; I was ill, I learned to play the harmonica, I can sometimes alert mom as to when I'm about to go potty, I am recognizing the letters of the alphabet, and my vocabulary is growing and improving on a daily basis. Enjoy my pics!

Dad caters to me when I'm sick...he's such a good dad!

The overalls I'm wearing were my mom's when she was a baby

Mom made me this foam alphabet...it's fun!

I literally took my dad's hat off his head and put it on mine then ran to my slide and scurried up it, with dad close on my heels to retrieve his hat....which ultimately changed to protecting me from falling off my slide :)

I'm gonna have to be extra stubborn in my teen years for this one!!!

Mom calls this game "Alphabet Hopscotch"

Odysseus and I have become best friends <3
And you wouldn't believe how protective he is of me!

I am very into my studies....just like my dad!

I do my best experimenting during play...
I also get hurt the most during that time :(

So, my legs started to spread further apart from each other, I went with it...
found out I need to do more baby yoga!

I think I have officially entered the mimic stage.
Actually, I'm just trying to make dad feel bad for sitting in my reading chair :)

My harmonica playing is getting good...I'll have mom video me playing once I'm a little better.
And yes the shirt says "my daddy's an Arrogant Bastard" as in the beer.

Check out the back of it!
And look how long my hair is getting!

Yummy!!!! Post nasal drip!!!

CIAO!
Bella

Over 1 Months worth of pics/vids....Yikes!!!

2009-10-01T12:57:00.000-07:00

Well...over the past month and a half alot has happened. We witnessed a natural disaster....The Station Fire, it came within 1/4 mi of our home. Nanna and Grandpa Brian came to visit (and got to be here for the fire) and I am getting into everything I can get my little hands on....someone has to keep mom and dad on their toes.

For those of you who haven't had the pleasure of hearing me talk...

Pretty in Pink :)

Mommy and me

Wall of fun!

So glad they didn't actually buy this headband for me!
The things parents dress us kids up in...geez!

The turtle is as interested in me as I am in him....I think he wants me to feed him though

Family stroll on the Olive Walk of Caltech

We just met....can't you tell?

I love my Nanna

Happy me :) Dad's blowing bubbles in the air

Nanna, Grandpa and I on their last day here :(
I can't wait to see them at X-mas!

All smiles :)

But not always :(

My first tastes of spaghetti sauce...holy hella mmmmmmmm
Mom didn't get any after shots for fear of the mess the camera would encounter :)

I also learned how to take a sip and hold the juice in my mouth, then let it flow out slowly.
Exemplified here by my carrot juice!

Check out this cool slide I got!

It only took a few moments before I was climbing up it and mom had to put crash pads around it

Ah! Dad! I'm in my towel!!!

Normally I wouldn't post a picture like this....but (no punn intended) I thought it was too cute not to.

Mom gave me frozen blueberries for my teething....I ended up looking like someone beat me up...

What'd I tell ya?!

I can even eat like a somewhat civilized individual....
no really I've got the hang of this fork thing

I'm even trying to teach Odysseus to eat with utensils

Ciao!!!
Bella

Lots To Update!!!

2009-10-01T12:31:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! SO sorry that I haven't updated my blog in over a month....life has gotten a bit hectic. I am working on it now and it should be posted by the end of today. Love to all of you<3

Ciao
Bella

My 1st Birthday!!!!

2009-08-22T22:20:00.000-07:00

This was just a snack I had...mom got fancy :)

I had a FANTASTIC! day with my parents, grandpa Mike and grandma Shari :) I got to play in the garden, open boxes, rip paper, stick bows to my head.....we went to Kidspace Childrens Museum....and I ate my first cake....actually, I got to taste sugar for the first time....my mom is strict with my diet :)

Wow a box inside a box....Grandma and Grandpa you shouldn't have :)

I don't care what was inside the box...Grandpa and Dad can have it...

I just want this cool box!!

Ok, now that you're done with it, maybe I do want what was inside the box...

Yup! This thing is a keeper!!!

I'm getting the hang of this!

My teeth seem to get the job done much faster

Dad is showing me how to use one of my gifts...

Dad...you broke it!

Odysseus made himself comfortable and watched me open my gifts :)

I love playing in the little stream at Kidspace!

This is my favorite room at Kidspace...and I had the whole thing to myself!!! That has never happened before!

Yay for climbing!

This thing is way too cool!

Here it is!!!! Nothing too fancy, mom and grandma Shari made me a vanilla layer cake with chocolate pudding in the middle and cream cheese frosting :-P From scratch too!

Bedtime stories with grandma Shari after my bath:)
Oh boy did I need a bath!

My morning after cake face :)

Hanging with Grandpa Mike, watching Odysseus play ball :)

We couldn't be happier :)

What is this? It tickles my hand :)

Final pic before their departure :(

I love my family <3 style="font-weight: bold;">

Ciao!
Bella

Fun Times!!!

2009-08-12T22:16:00.000-07:00

Wow! This post is filled with a lot of fun times I've had recently :-) Check it out!! Oh and look for the play button....two of these are video not pictures :)

Goin for the hippie look....don't worry dad I don't much like it.

Check out my new kicks! Thanks Nanna and Grandpa!

So my mom got me these really fun looking bowls....

But they frustrate me....They stick to my tray!!!

I love to climb things....makes mom a little nervous....but she lets me do it

99% of the time I make it back to the ground unscathed :)

oops!!! you caught me at it again :)

See I made it safely again :)

I am even better at waling now...wait til you see me in person:)

This is one of the rooms I play in at Kidspace Children's Museum, I have a really good time there. I will put more up on this place later...I have some fun video :)

Here we are at the Ocean in Malibu

Here I am eating a shovel of sand!

Nope....I didn't much like it

But that didn't stop me from playing in it

I actually get sand in the pail sometimes!

More to come soon!!!
Ciao!
Bella

A Glimpse Of Me WALKING!!!

2009-07-29T15:58:00.000-07:00

This one is for my Dad :)

2009-07-16T21:09:00.000-07:00

Hope the conference is going well....good luck on your presentation! Mom and I miss you lots :-)

Remember the other day while you were making bread, you dropped some flour on the floor, you got to take these pics of me.....

Because I of course put the flour all over my face :)

It is almost as big as me :)

Our attempt at making a band :)

And then you caught me feeding both myself and Odysseus my snack :)

Did the cherries give you a belly ache Ody?

I think I found a cherry in your fur....hold still

I have always wanted to grab your nose :)

You let me see your brand new 2009 US Mint collectors coins...

Well....what did you expect me to do?

Helping me learn to walk (happy birthday Dad)...I love these moments with you <3

I love going to the Ath....I do my best walking here. And I love the dress you got me...I look so cute in it :)

I am SO you Dad....I even make your funny camera face!!!

Sorry mom, I had to make the face....I see dad do it all the time....I love you though!!

Look how tall I'm getting!

AH! Ody!! No Kisses!!!

This was today at the park....I got to use my first shovel and pail. I also ate a shovel full of sand :) I didn't much care for it :-P

I actually got sand in it this time!!!!!

I almost got it right!

What was that you said?

I tried to feed Ody some...he refused

Mom made a big mistake taking my hat off.....I poured sand on my head :)

Mom got me one of those suction cup bowls....I like it....I like it!!!!

Not bad for my first attempt huh?

Now for bath time!!! See you tomorrow Dad! XOXOXO
Ciao'
Bella

Curiosity

2009-07-11T22:22:00.000-07:00

I am FINALLY caught up with my blog posts...I can go back to doing one a week!!!!! SWEET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is the only cabinet I'm allowed to play in....but at least mom has stocked it with all sorts of interesting things for me to play with....like this water bottle.....Mom it's empty!

Now I know she gets the water from in here somewhere....
This is also another one of my favorite places to play in the kitchen....
But I'm not allowed to for that long...I almost figured out how to open the door though :)

My attempt at a karate pose...knees up, hands postured...not too bad...I could loose the spoon

Soren got me this headband....cute huh? It is really comfy too, I don't even try to take it off

Here is a better pic of the headband

Be quiet...I'm having a bad hair day!

I'm going for the Einstein look

Ok so it's official..... I TOOK MY FIRST 3 STEPS!!!!!!! It'll still be a few months before I am officially walking, but I got my feet wet! Sadly there is no footage of my taking my steps....but there are pictures of the moments after. Mom and Dad are a bit concerned because my first steps were not toward them but toward a little boy....
And here it is!!! Moments after I took my first steps!!!!

That is Tiago, the little boy I walked to :)
Look how proud my dad is!

I'm still kinda stunned that I did it!

Here I am trying to go again...

The look of achievement!

Then Ashton and Natalie came over to congratulate me :)

All that walking and excitement tired me out...
here I am this afternoon during a 3 hr nap I took :)

Ciao'
Bella

More on Me :)

2009-07-09T14:29:00.000-07:00

Wow! I am actually getting caught up on my blog posting. Cross one off on my 'To Do' list....next item 'Walking'. hehehehehehehehehe

Pearly Whites :)

These make great sounds when you bang on them!

Each one is different...this is great!

Dad! Mom was showing me how to play the guitar

Patio dinners are so much fun...I love to look at the birds

Here Ody...wanna play ball?

Well??? I switched to your tennis ball and I threw it for you...now go get it.

I am learning to kick the ball....I am actually pretty good at it.

Thanks for being my step stool Dad :)

Now just hold still for me while I use your face as a step

My parents make the weirdest faces to entertain me

So I entertain them right back....Ta Da

Pictures can never do justice to just how messy I get :-)

I've just started to take a liking to my stuffed animals...this is Bolt

Cute huh?

Ciao
Bella

Continually Changing

2009-07-07T22:43:00.000-07:00

Hi :)

I have been getting pretty good at furniture surfing lately and I even stand without holding onto things. That is until I realize I'm not holding onto something; then I fall. I have started signing too. I use the sign for 'more' and 'eat'. I still have lots to learn though. Anywho....here are the pics I'm sure you want to see. Enjoy :)

After our long vacation it was nice to sit on our patio with dad telling me a story :)

I'm starting to get the hang of this Chuckit thing...but I seem to bore Ody

Yup this means I'm hungry...put me in my high chair please

Arriba!!! and onto the head it goes

I can open cabinets now too...this one is designated especially for me :)

I can't seem to completely stand underneath this table anymore

So Happy!

What? I'm saving the blueberries for later...Duh!

See and their stickiness is the perfect hair gel. Like it?

I found you mom!

I don't want to work...I want to bang on the drum all day! Now if only I could actually hit it

Does this really surprise you?

The last book was good, but I need something more challenging....hmmm
How about Organic Chemistry? That sounds fun!

I ate something that didn't agree with me...so I threw up.
I felt great afterward!

And with that....
Ciao'
Bella

THE PAST MONTH!!!!!! I'VE BEEN A TRAVELING....

2009-06-12T16:20:00.000-07:00

FINALLY FINISHED!!!!!!!

Hi friends and family!!!! Sorry it has been so long since I've posted anything....I've been traveling with mom and dad. Talk about a first family vacation....we were gone for 3 weeks! We got to visit 3 sets of my grandparents and even one set of my GREAT grandparents. Enjoy the pics....there are lots... (I am going to update this post through out the week so keep checking it)

Couple of pics before we left...

My daddy got me this dress, isn't it beautiful!

Trying to kiss Kosey....well bite his chin more like it

Let the Trip Pics Begin!!!

I Finally got to meet Uncle Scott.....he's way too much fun...he reads me books....

And even lets me play the drums!

Aunt Gina showed me how to use the drum sticks

Here are Aunt Lara, Uncle Bill and Gram Carol....I had a full body rash that day and wasn't much feeling like hangin' with the family.

Going in for the kill!!! I still have the rash in this pic...if you zoom in enough you can even see it!

SCORE!!! Yummy!

I LOVE Avocados!!!

Carla and Bill's wedding was the reason we went to AZ...It was a beautiful wedding, according to my mom, I slept through it. Don't they look gorgeous!

Now here's Florida!

Family eating, drinking, and being merry! (They are drinking Grandpa Brian's homemade beer....its pretty spectacular!)

Great Grandpa (aka GG) Mike

Toddling and getting into everything!

Nanna reading me a pile-o-books

Great Aunt Andrea, Great Aunt Kelly and Great Uncle Sean all entertaining me

Having fun with Nanna and Great Aunt Andrea

GG is hysterical!!!

Grandpa Brian is a great story teller!

Really Grandpa? You don't say!

More books with Nanna

Great Aunt Stephanie thinks I'm adorable....I think her dogs are fantastic!

This is Houston....she played ball with me so nicely!

Even My 2nd cousin Brittany know how much i love books :)

Yeah! new fun toys!!! Thanks Great Nanna!

Family hanging out in the living room of the Condo we rented while in Key Largo

Meanwhile I was in the bedroom getting into stuff :)

Great Nanna helping me brush my teeth :)

Morning GG and Great Nanna

Great Nanna do you hear this doll sing too?

Wow GG!!! I love your stuffed animal tree!

4 Generations!!!!

Grandpa Brian all smiles even over a channel catfish caught behind my Great Nanna's house.

Swimming with my dad :)

Rafting with my mom on our last day in Florida :)

Back to Arizona!!!
(Tucson this time)

Grandpa Mike...I think I get the hang of this!

Wait! Uncle Brian check out this plant....can I eat it?

Odysseus is the best! He helps me clean my plate...literally!

He gets every last drop!

I got to meet Sheira :) She is one of Uncle Brian's dogs...his other dog, Sandy, was afraid of me and hid for most of my visit :( At first Sheira wanted to lick me silly...

So we let her....and I laughed!

I think I may have just farted in this one...hmmmm???

Hi mom! Got your nose! hehehe

Aunt Brandy helping me walk to Uncle Brian...and that's Sandy!

Yeah Uncle Brian!!!!

Sheira finally stopped licking me once she couldn't taste lotion anymore :)

I do resemble Grandpa Mike!

Here Duke I'll do it for you....this is how you close your eye...just like me!

WAIT! Duke I wasn't done...Grandma Shari please let me get him!?!?!

Yeah! Those birds are fascinating.

Duke is GREAT! He even lets me sit on him.

He's probably thinking..."oye she's beating on my head again!"

I love this picture of us :)

Nose kisses by Dad :)

Choo Choo around the house w/Grandpa Mike

WEEEEEEEEEE!!!

Entertaining the grandparents!

Mom's 30th B-Day Party!

Aunt Denise & Uncle Brandon hosted the party...Thanks!!! We all had a blast! It was great seeing you all!

Partying w/Adriana :) in our pre-party attire

Bob, Alexa, and Ben....Gladiators!

The guys all hanging out near the cerveza

Aunts Shana and Denise looking gorgeous in black...yup they all wore black to mom's 30th....hehehehe

Bangin' on the Bongos

That's you and me in the mirror Uncle Brian :)

Wow mom...look at SCUBA Barbie, she's diving!

AHHHH Mom Don't Shoot!!!! But cool squirt gun!

All the kids helping mom blow out her candles....I still don't quite get the concept. Hopefully by my 1st b-day I will :)

Aunt Emily and I

Tooooooo Cute for words!

AND WE'RE FINALLY DONE WITH TRIP PICS!!!!!!!
at least my mom says we are anyway
Hope you enjoyed them, and sorry for making you continually scroll to the bottom to review the new pics...I won't put them up that way again.

Ciao'
Bella

Funny me!

2009-05-06T09:31:00.000-07:00

Don't worry those of you who are cringing that my mom is letting me play in the animals' water. My dad had just cleaned the bowl and put fresh water in it.

This really is hours of fun!

I don't think so!

Let's try that again!

Ciao!
Bella

Fun Times and I FINALLY Met Grandma Carol and Grandpa Kenny!!!

2009-05-02T19:30:00.000-07:00

Here are the last few weeks of my life....I'm 8months old now and as busy as ever! I get into everything, and I love to climb things. Grandma Carol and Grandpa Kenny finally got to come and meet me...we had a good time :) Hope you enjoy my pics and videos :-P

Mom and I on Catalina Island :)

Eating, I mean reading my Easter cards....Thank You all for the wonderful Easter gifts you sent me :)

CLIMBING!!!!! It is soooooo much fun!!

AH! Mom I swear I wasn't gonna eat the books.....well maybe just a taste :)

Look what I found!!!

What are these little things....I see Tyler eating them all the time....
they smell funny :-P

Grandma Carol all Smiles reading me my favorite book!

Laughing w/Dad...we have so much fun!!!

See what I mean!

Kisses from Grandma <3

All Smiles w/Grandpa Kenny

I caught a lobster!
Like my blanket? My mom's friend Rachel made it for me

Peek-a-boo

Gotcha mom!

Ok nevermind....you got me!

Check this out!
I can drink from a cup with minimal assistance!!!

I've been doing this for a while, but mom and dad still make a big deal out of it

Ciao'
Bella