Playdate with Lela

We had a playdate and dinner with Lela (Sharon and Bill, too). We went to a zoo, I mean a bounce house place. The girls loved the big slide and I was amazed at how well they both could climb it. They would have went over and over again but the line was pretty busy and they couldn't climb as quickly as the older children wanted to go. Sharon and I took a couple turns and let me tell you, that's a climb and then you slide down that slide with some gusto.

Future teachers?

And this, class, is quantum physics...

Our little B, climbing the steps up to the top.

Weeeee!

Another Daddy & Bella self-portrait


Piggyback ride

Bella loves her Lela!

Three New Taiwan Referrals*

There were three referrals this week. We know details from two of them because they went to two families in our discussion group. There are *two girls (born 1/4/09 and *1/5/09) and one boy (*born 1/17/09).

The boy went to a family "behind us" in line because we don't have our final ruling. This is the second time this has happened so we feel fairly certain that once we do have our final ruling, we are in the front of the line for a son. At this point, based on the families we do know of, we are in the front of both lines. There is one other family, also waiting on their final ruling, with the same pre-approval date open to either gender. Does this make our odds more even for Little Levi or Ruby Dube? Possibly.

Congrats to all of the families - this is an exciting time for everyone.

Its the simple things in life...

Da Da Da Da Dora Dora!

Our birthday gift to Bella was tickets to a live Dora performance. We had a great time and Bella was glued to it. She would wave her star, cheer and applaud and if you know the show, you'll appreciate the "Swiper, no swiping" banter coming from our favorite 2 year old. Diego and Baby Jaguar also had a part and all of the kids really loved it. The pictures didn't come out so great...but you get the idea. I would have loved to get a picture of her with one of the live characters, but they didn't come out afterwards and probably for good reason - they would have been mobbed by young children and parents with cameras!

This looks more like a mug shot for some reason. Don't let her fool you - after the first act, we went to the bathroom and I told her after she went to the bathroom, we would go back and see Dora. I have yet to see this child take care of business so quickly and get back to her seat! On that note, I got her Dora pull ups yesterday and she has worn one ever since and stayed completely dry. We do diapers overnight but even those are getting "less wet" by morning. We are getting there.

Bella moves to the Beavers room starting in March. They do a ton of artwork in that room. She has started transitioning and we have multiple art projects each day. They do alot of activities in there so there is no telling what surge of brilliance will come out of her next.

Dress Up

Last week, I pulled out everything we have for summer and I had Bella try everything on so I could get an idea of things we made need for summer. To my surprise, between things that still fit from last summer, some sale items I bought last fall and the huge bag of hand me downs (thanks Elizabeth!!), we are more than ready.

I let Bella pick out one "outfit" and this is what she wanted. What does it say about you when you pick head to toe pink? Too darn cute! The hat didn't make the cut - its a little small so we will tuck that away with the rest of the things we have outgrown.

We also got the cutest spring dress from Auntie Jill, Uncle Josh and Cuz Colton. I am not sure what is up with the head tilt but she did it over and over.

Thanks for the adorable dress - she can't wait to wear it!

Random Geniusness

We were coloring birthday thank you cards this afternoon and she said she wanted to "sign" the cards. She would sing her ABCs while she colored and I was hoping I could sneak the video camera in without her noticing. As you can see, she was a little distracted by her "show" on TV.

The girl has some mad skills for just turning 2.

Do all brilliant folks have crazy hair? Maybe Albert Einstein's mother didn't comb his hair everyday either. ;0

Happy Valentine's Day

More Weekend Fun

Play doh city

Like my new summer Dora jammies?

Bella Fest 2009 - Birthday Party

Bella gets a first look at a life size Dora balloon!

Hey look - Vika & LoLo are here!

We had a few people over for Bella's birthday party on Saturday. Pretty low key - cookout, cupcakes and many laughs...Daddy took the night off from photography so we only have a couple of pictures.

Bella Fest 2009 - Preschool Birthday Party

Dancin' to the Choo Choo song

Owen can really cut a rug

Bella's boyfriend - Tony

Best gal pal - Olivia "Lela"

Miss Mavette got a new Dora book to read for Bella's birthday!

Brock was a big fan of Daddy and his camera!

Daddy, Tony and Olivia

Bella Fest 2009 - Children's Museum

Bella Fest 2009 - Cupcake Making

Bella & Co made 4 dozen cupcakes for Bella Fest 2009.