BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

Some of you have just been waiting to see the pictures...and others have no idea what I am talking about...

Surprise, surprise, Bella's going to be a Big Sister...you can tell what we are having without a doubt...




I had a cerclage done last Wednesday. For those of you that don't know, a cerclage is a set of 4 stitches strung through the cervix to help keep the cervix tight and in place (they say it is similar to a belt). The goal is to keep my cervix from thinning, like it did with Bella, and help keep little man in the womb longer than big sister was. He is roughly 16 weeks along, measures to be 5 oz., and developing appropriately. This pregnancy has been much different than Bella's, in a positive way, which I am blessed to feel is a sign of a healthier/longer pregnancy. No official bed rest or contraction monitors yet. I will continue to pray that no monitors or pumps will be needed. My activities are now limited as to the level of strain/stress I put on my body and I will do any necessary bed rest as I feel my body needs it, anything to make sure we make it as far along as possible.

And how does Bella feel about being a big sister...she fell asleep at the ultrasound this morning, if that gives you a small indication of what is to come!!! We expect there to be some jealousy, but hopefully little man will be a mama's boy and there won't be too much competition for attention or affection.

As I mentioned the other day, Bella was getting a super dose of grandma time. Grandmommy and Nana were a HUGE help to Bella and me last week. Granmommy being here to assist care for the baby girl while daddy was having a much needed vacation. And Nana loving all over Bella while Chris nursed me after the cerclage surgery (I don't do well with anesthesia). Thank you both for being FABULOUS grandmas!!!

On a WALKING note, Bella is getting really close. Last night she took steps toward me with one hand being held. And today, while eating a snack, she stood by herself (with no prompting from me) several times for a few seconds. Its looking promising!!!

Peace & God Bless to you all!

Something New!

Last weekend Granmommy came into town to hang out with Bella and me while Chris was in Las Vegas for a NCAA tournament trip with the guys. On one of our outtings, we made a quick trip to the mall. See if you can tell what we did at the mall in the picture below...


Look a little closer...


That's right, the diva now has bling! It's fake bling, but still sparkles to match her ever evolving personality! She did very well with the piercing itself. She screamed a little, but nothing nearly as bad as when she gets her synigis shots (we have our last set next week). She has also done very well with having the earings in her ears; no skin irritation and no grabbing at the ears.

Bella is now getting a double dose of grandma time. Nana just came in from Florida last night to love on her little girl. I'm sure by the time Sunday comes around she will be spoiled from all her grandma love she has had in the last week and a half.

Here are a few more pictures from the last week:

Ooooo, I got a Bella Day present from Abby...

Look at my beautiful new pillow...

I love pushing my activity table around the house...

Don't I look cute in my aqua blue...


Other than being adorable, Miss Bella is becoming quite active and talkative. In the last couple of weeks we've had one of those occurences where her development has blossomed. We can tell she is trying to say new words, like dog, ball, and book...looks like the "B" has stuck. Of course she got "D" down a long time ago with her never ending DADA. Boy is she a daddy's girl. Her attempts at walking are also improved. She makes movements like she wants to stand up on her own with nothing around her as well as takes good steps when being held. She also exhibits more of a desire to push her walker. Another trick she has learned is to climb. Chris and I have both caught her trying to climb up her crib. We are guessing she learned that from the little rock wall she has on her mini swing set. It is so cool to watch our little person change and grow.

Many blessings to you all!

HAPPY BELLA DAY!!!

One year ago today our precious little girl graduated from the UVA NICU!!! As is with every second of every day, Chris and I are blessed to have this little miracle light up our lives. We were talking this morning about where this day lined up in the happiest days of our lives. We placed it at #2, right behind the unbelievable day of her birth.

We need to take a moment to recognize all the amazing people that made this day possible. Without the work of the doctors, NNPs, nurses, and RTs at UVA, we know that this day of celebration might be much different. The love and care they give to the children in their unit is spectacular. They are such honorable and knowledgeable people. THANK YOU ALL!

It is only fitting that we celebrate this first annual Bella Day on the Lord's day. Our God is an amazing God. Throughout Bella's NICU stay we trusted in the Lord knowing that he was craddling Bella in His hands, along with all the other children in need around the world. Through so many prayers, Bella's followers helped to uplift her even more. Thank you for all the support you continually gave our family.

We hope all of you have a blessed day! May the peace of the Lord be with you!

Here are pictures of us yesterday at a birthday party:

I love my parents (and the camera)


I wanted to get in the jump castle so bad!

My future alma mater!

I'm so cute!

The DIVA has arrived

That's right folks, princess Bella has officially become diva Bella. Chris and I knew that between the two of us, our precious daughter was going to have a good portion of attitude in her. WELL...little did we know to what extent. If she wants you to play with her, she screams at you until you sit next to her and she smiles that heart melting smile. If she is hungry, she makes sure you know her tummy is empty or you aren't moving the spoon fast enough. If she is tired, she fights going to sleep and throws her body around. If she wants to be left alone, she grunts and turns away from you. Up until roughly three weeks ago we had spoiled our daughter rotten. We know her new found independence and demands are partially our fault. To counteract that, we now spend quite a bit of time telling her "no" while she just smiles connivingly or shakes her head at us. Getting stern is then necessary to get the point across. After a few tears, it seems to sink in that there are certain things that little miss shouldn't do. But that doesn't mean she gives up trying!!! Ah, the joins of parenthood. Trying to be serious while laughing under your breath is not an easy trick to master.

Bella has been sick since starting day care, a small respiratory thing. Nothing a little antibiotic and breathing treatments didn't clear right up. It stinks, but she has to develop an immune system somehow. Parent's Day Out is going really well. She has warmed up to the teachers nicely and is comfortable being left there without mommy and daddy. It is so cute to see her get excited to see us in the afternoon. We are still struggling with walking. She doesn't want to spend time standing to get to the point of taking steps. Oddly enough her physical therapist pointed out the other day that it is her attitude that is holding her back. The PT noticed her behavior, identifying that she knows what she can get away with. Meaning that if she doesn't want to walk, she knows we are going to carry her. Now our practice is to walk her to the changing table, to her high chair, to her toys, pretty much every where. If this doesn't push her, we will have to start using different therapy devices (i.e. special walkers) to spur her towards walking.

We hope all of you are enjoying these early days of spring. Many blessings to you all!

This look means: FEED IT TO ME NOW!


This look means: SATISFACTION


This look means: Mommy sucked it up and did something nice for the man she loves!