Baby You Can Fly My Plane

I'm breaking a sweat just thinking about it. A three hour car ride tomorrow, then 6 hours on airplanes with my baby...alone. I shouldn't be worried- she's always been a champ on our cross-country flights- but she's changed SO much in the last month. Since gaining mobility (and, therefore, a heightened degree of independence), Kendall is very aware of everything around her. It doesn't bode well to be stuck in one seat with a squirmy baby. Please, Lord, sit me next to an understanding mother this time, instead of the old curmudgeon I usually get.

I'm sure the anticipation is the worst. And, it's all SO worth it. Saturday night I'll be in Northern California, ready to celebrate two family birthdays: my favorite mom and my favorite brother. For Derek's birthday this year, we've planned a Memorial BBQ in his honor, with proceeds benefiting the Children's Tumor Foundation. It's the next significant event in our year of "firsts," and again, the anticipation of days like this is almost always worse than the day itself. We're all looking forward to a little social distraction, but more than that, celebrating Derek with all his friends.

If you would like more information on this event, please e-mail me at jamiebella1@aol.com. If you are unable to attend, but would like to make a donation in Derek's name, visit ctf.org

You're Never Too Old...

An elderly couple walked in to Mayo Clinic here in Minnesota, found a piano, and gave an impromptu performance. Married 62 years, the gentleman is almost 90 years old- and still has a lot of bounce left in him! This video further proves that the older you get, the cooler you get :)


Chris...you have a few years to catch up to me on the piano so we can do this in a few decades :)

My Daughter Gave Me A Hickey Today.

I was on the phone. She went to town on my arm.
The red spot is further proof that I have a teething baby.
This little drooly monster will chew on ANYTHING that is in reach.
So, this mommy has been keeping all kinds of teething toys cold and at hand.

You may have heard of Sophie the Giraffe.
She is the shi-shiest of shi-shi teething toys.
And, on a recent visit to a new boutique in town, she was prominently featured.
The sales lady encouraged me to take the giraffe out and test it.
So, in an "all the cool kids are doing it" moment, I held it up for Kendall to examine.
Examine it she did...scrutinized it...then burst into tears.
Apparently she's not a fan of French giraffes.
She did, however, enjoy Sophie's "sister" dolls- Chan Pie Gnon- French mushrooms. Go figure.

They have been described as "candy for teething babies".
It has super soft rubber, a fun squeaker, and is easy to grip. Yep, "Gnon" came home with us, and has been enjoying it's slobbery head massage ever since.

LOUD NOISES!

It's times like this I feel like the universe is sabotaging me. Seriously.
Just put the baby to sleep.
Finished my workout.
Put a load of laundry in the wash.
Laid down to rest, and heard the following sounds simultaneously:

(In order of obnoxiousness...greatest to least)
1. Low-flying aircraft (thought we'd be that house you see on the evening news with the tail end of the plane sticking out of our roof for a second.)
2. Concrete mixer just pulled up across the street ("Ok guys, the baby is finally asleep. Let's get this job started.")
3. Neighbor kids screaming (seriously, the loudest kids on the planet. Cannot wait for school to start again.)
4. Dog barking (not ours)
5. Birds chirping (it was not a Snow White moment for me.)

Would anyone like to come bang a pot next to my head?
Thank GOD Kendall is sleeping through all of it.
There is, however, no QUIET in my PEACE this nap time.

Closing Up Shop.

Just prior to leaving for California, I acquired my eighth Mastitis infection. It was at that time I decided that it's probably time for me to say goodbye to breast-feeding for now. So, I'm now committed to the process of weaning. It's going well, though the emotional ramifications of the process are more intense than I had expected them to be. When I was telling this to Chris, he said "I don't get it- it's just breast-feeding. I guess I can't understand because I'm a guy."

That's right. You will never understand. There's something about cradling your baby and knowing that she's fully dependent on you. Not only for food, but that's a place of comfort. And mother-led weaning is especially difficult because she still craves that comfort when she's sleepy or scared. I am thankful that she has always been good with bottles, and is doing well in the transition. As usual, it's been much harder on me. :)

As my time nursing comes to an end, I can't help but feel like I'm letting go of that "newborn" stage, and giving my daughter the green light to grow up. I know, I know, she'll do it whether or not I stop nursing. But it's heartbreaking how fast they grow...I get choked up, too, when I go through her closet and take out the clothes she no longer fits. Just the beginning of a long string of those "moments" throughout her lifetime.

Mommies out there, how did you deal with the transition from nursing? Any words of wisdom?

Our Newest Patriot

We thoroughly enjoyed our Fourth of July celebration with the Stavengers at the Lake House. Kendall saw her first boat parade, and was mesmerized by her first sparkler. Cousins Marcus and Mallory were on hand for plenty of baby entertainment, too! Unfortunately, this sleepy girl will have to take in her first fireworks spectacular next year...those eyes just couldn't stay open.

The Family Piano

It belonged to my great-grandparents.
Now, another generation has been introduced.

With me (above) and with Kendall (below)


If pianos could talk...

Is There a CPS for CPKs?

Kendall received a Cabbage Patch doll for Christmas.
Yesterday we opened it up for her.
Cabbage Patch dolls have that wonderful smell that reminds me of childhood. I begged and begged for my Cabbage Patch Doll as a little girl- back when they were hot ticket items like Beanie Babies or Justin Bieber concert tickets. There was little I wouldn't have done to get my hands on one of those autographed butts. Am I bitter that Kendall got her first doll at two days old? Maybe a little ;)
Anyway, "Angeline Mara" is now Kendall's "adopted child" (never mind that she has more hair than Kendall).
Here is the "Oath of Adoption":
I promise to love my Cabbage Patch Kid with all of my heart. I promise to be a good and kind parent. I will always remember how special my Cabbage Patch is to me."

I have a feeling that the baby chair is edging out the baby for Kendall's affection.
Be afraid, Angeline Mara. Be very afraid.




(P.S. Chris didn't "get" the title, thinking I was using his initials, CPS. I told him most grown-ups know what CPS is. Prove me right, people.)

Oh My "Word".

My apologies for starting your day off with a little Nancy Pelosi (blech).
However, she has a valuable "word" for you (blabber, blabber).


What's YOUR favorite word? :)

Doppleganger Alert!

Sometimes, when my child makes this face, I think she bears a strong resemblance to this guy. Lost and Lord of the Rings fans will recognize him...

California...that's a wrap!

SOOOOOO excited to be in California!

First stop: U.S. Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Kendall did not want to let go of that trophy! Daddy and Grandpa met Annika Sorenson while Kendall was napping. We also talked to family friends, the Barnes', while Ricky was warming up on the putting green. Kendall minded her manners except for a little outburst by the first green, which embarrassed mommy. I nursed her behind the grandstands...lovely.

On Father's Day, Chris headed back to Duluth while Kendall and I stayed an extra week. We did a family dedication that morning at my home church, First Baptist Stockton, where Great-Grandma McBeath joined us for the occasion.

Kendall became a Niner-fan for one day only...a Father's Day surprise for Grandpa Keith.

Kendall enjoyed her first MoBand concert on this trip, too! She clapped along with fun songs, and waved to Grandpa Keith on stage.

You BETCHA this little Miss got lots of snuggle time with Grandma Donna!

I have remained close friends with many students and parents from my first Second Grade class...and a few of them got to meet Kendall this week! This is Jeffrey (J.P.), one of my favorite kiddos (shh...don't tell)- due to graduate high school next year! Ugh! How old am I?!

Another former student- Katrin- now, a beautiful young lady!

And, the wonderful Perry family- Angela and Amanda both remember 2nd grade and piano lessons with Miss Petersen :)

Kendall was quite entertained by Angela at Starbucks!

Other visitors included the Baker girls...Anne-Marie and Jillian, who stopped by on Kendall's six-month birthday.

Karen got lots of hugs, and probably a few scratches as Kendall was enthralled with her lips.

By the end of the week, I think Kendall felt right at home, supplying lots of cuddles to all her favorite people.