Bella Areah

Bella's 2nd birthday...oh so fun!

2011-01-04T11:53:00.000-08:00

New pics of Bella!

2010-12-13T10:41:00.001-08:00

And...I'm Back!!

2010-08-20T21:29:00.000-07:00

So...several people lately have given me a REALLY really hard time about not keeping up with my blog. THANK YOU! I needed that. To be honest I didn't think anyone even looked at it anymore...I was wrong. So, with that in mind, here is a little update and a few pics of our Spring/Summer! I have a lot of pictures I still need to download so I hope to do that soon!

That's my girl!!!

Future Pianist? I thinks so... :)

We made a trip to the coast again with the Burkholder gang and it was a lot of fun! Bella had a ton of fun playing in the sand with her cousins!

Bella and I were so so happy to get to go to California with Nana to visit Auntie Amy and cousin Mia!! We had an absolute BLAST!! Highlight of my summer for sure! :)

Bella with her cousins Riley and Brady!

Here are a few pictures of our house...this was the weekend that we showed our house for the Fiesta Home Tour!

Bella's poses!!

Bella's first Easter Egg Hunt!!

Bella's favorite place to go!! The zoo:)

B...e...l...l...a's FIRSTS!!!

2010-02-21T19:37:00.001-08:00

Bella got to meet Santa for the first time...only missed it by a couple of days last time!! haha

And got to see snow for the first time!! :)
Then she turned ONE and had her first birthday party! Lots of fun:)

Then, she had her first night away from mommy...(way harder on mommy then her!)...okay, not just one night, but 10 long nights. Our mission trip to South Africa was amazing, but I was really ready to be home with my hubby and little Beauty! Here are a few pics of her time with Daddy while I was away...they had so much fun together! She is one lucky girl!
Walks at the lake!
He wore her out everyday!
Fun bath times!
More walks!
And lots of silly time! :)
These two love each other SO much! :) And I'm pretty crazy about them myself!
Then mommy came home, what a sweet day that was! So, pigtails and all, our little girl is growing up! We have a walker on our hands now...so much fun! By the way, sorry I'm so bad at this blogging thing...she has my hands tied! Maybe I'll try to get a video up of her walking...don't cross your fingers, but I'll try! :) haha.

Our Beauty...

2009-12-02T12:01:00.002-08:00

Well, our little Beauty is growing up... I can hardly believe she will be 1 in less than a month! WOW.

She is taking after her daddy, getting funnier and funnier everyday. She loves to make people laugh! We will be in the grocery store and there is Bella in her cart trying to get every person to look at her with her smile. If that doesn't work, she waves, laughs, or makes what we call the "lion face" to get their attention! She is a pretty determined little girl!

So, the "lion face" is where she wrinkles up her little nose and smiles really big while making some silly noise... pretty cute!

She is also a very loving baby. She loves to share everything... food, her toys, whatever she has you can have it too!! She will continue to try to share until you decide to take whatever she is giving you. Pretty sweet! She also has learned to pat you on the back when she is giving you a hug, makes me smile every time.

Bella loves to crawl, but I wouldn't say she loves to walk. She tries walking with her baby stroller, but the minute she wants to go somewhere else, down she goes, crawling is much faster!!!

Bella LOVES music. Auntie Katy got her a piggy bank that plays songs and every time the music comes on Bella starts dancing! It is now her new favorite toy. One day I tried leaving the house without it... BAD IDEA. She let me know quickly that the piggy bank needed to go with us. So, I loaded it up in the front seat with the diaper bag... BAD IDEA. No, the piggy bank needed to be in the back seat with her!! Oh, this girl makes me laugh!

She still LOVES food, pretty much anything suffices for her. She gives herself her own bottles now, she thinks she is such a big girl! The time change got her off her schedule for about a week, but now she is right back on track and sleeps like a champ. Still sleeping from 7:30 pm now to 7:30 am!!

Bella has had a lot of "firsts" lately! We got to celebrate our first Thanksgiving with Bella! We have so much to be thankful for. We're also looking forward to celebrating Christmas with Bella this year and teaching her about Jesus' birthday and then her birthday the next day! What a special time. Bella also got to see the Alamo for the first time and go to her first Spurs game! FUN, FUN!

Bella is an absolute joy. How can I love this little person so much? It boggles my mind, but I do! She brings a smile to my face each day. Really, it's hard to have a bad day with our little beauty around. If I could have another baby just like Bella, I would have 10!! Oh, wait, Kyle might have something to say about that! ha.

Here are some recent pics of Bella. Love you all, have a great holiday season!

At the Potter's wedding! We are soooo happy for Jarrod, Amy, Riley and Brady!

Bella laughing at the Brenda blowing the bubbles!

My Pumpkin
Our little lady bug on Halloween!

Kendall, Bella and I had a picnic in the front yard the other day...lots of fun! Bella loved it of course because we were outside!

Bella's first Spurs game with Auntie Kate and Uncle Jeff!!

Bella and Mommy at the Alamo

Bella just hanging out at home!

Bella's first Thanksgiving! (at Dad and Sandi's house!!)

Riley reading to Bella...he loves Bella!

Riley helping Bella learn to walk! Riley and Brady sure do make great cousins!

I took Bella outside in the cool breeze and she laughed every time the wind hit her...so cute!

Bella update....FINALLY!!

2009-10-21T08:09:00.000-07:00

Here are the pictures as promised! Sorry it took me so long. Bella is still growing and growing...I'm thinking she might be close to 20 pounds now! I can't believe she will be 10 months in just five days! It's really hard to believe. She is trying to walk, but her problem is that she does not like wearing shoes. She is always finding a way to get them off. She is one determined girl! She is a very social baby...always making new friends! She loves playing with her friends on Thursdays at Kids Day Out! She doesn't like to nap while she's there because there is too many fun things going on so when she gets home she passes out for a few hours! She is still sleeping great at night. We never hear a peep from her from about 7:30 pm till 7:00 am! She loves to sleep:) She is taking two naps a day lasting from about 1 hour to 1 hour and a half! She loves eating her solids, although I think veggies are still her favorite! She like the fruits now, but this girl will devour her vegetables! She does fine with me, but she prefers Kyle to feed her! They have a bond that is so neat to see..she is definitely a daddy's girl! She is getting really good at drinking water through her sippy cup...she loves water! We still enjoy our morning walks at the lake...as a matter of fact, Bella lets me know if we don't go soon enough. She crawls to her stroller and starts talking to me...Basically saying, "Let's go mom, you're taking too long!!" Too funny. She is talking a lot on her walks now saying hello to our friends that we see every morning! Bella is a blessing. I seriously don't know what life would be like without her. God is so GOOD!

BaBy LeGs!!

Bella's new outfit from Nana!!

ballerina? pianist? or both? she is too darn cute! she loves to play the piano:)

This was my best attempt to get a picture of Bella's pumpkin outfit from Grammie, but seriously this girl does not know how to sit still!! She is definitely a baby on the go!!

Pumpkin Patch! We had a lot of fun. Bella didn't quite know what to think about all of the pumpkins!

Bella hanging out on the front porch on a beautiful fall afternoon!

8 months and already about to be 9 months!!

2009-09-23T07:01:00.000-07:00

Well, I haven't exactly figured out what I'm doing wrong, but I've been trying to post a new blog for a while and haven't had success. Sorry for basically missing a month, but we'll try to catch you up soon!! Kyle said he would try to figure it out today. For some reason, it's not letting me upload any pictures. :(

Anyway, I thought I would go ahead and write about her 9 month check up!! We went yesterday and unfortunately she has a cold and mild ear infections, but after a couple days of an antibiotic, she is already feeling better!! Other than that, she is perfectly healthy!! PRAISE GOD. She weighs in at 18 lb, 6 oz., and 28 inches long! That puts her in the 50% for weight and 75% for height! She still is measuring large for her head size putting her in the 95% for head size...room for that big brain! She put on a show for the pediatrician during her appointment..it was so funny! She waved and said "hi" and then continued on with "mama", "dada", and "baba!" Dr. Davis was quite impressed with her vocabulary! We were very proud parents. :)

We are having so much fun with our precious Bella. She has been such a blessing and she continues to teach us so much everyday. I promise to post some new pictures once I figure out how to fix this thing!

Daddy-O

2009-08-22T08:19:00.000-07:00

Kyle made a video of his first 8 months with Bella.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO ON YOUTUBE.

Enjoy!!

7 months

2009-08-04T08:21:00.000-07:00

Bella watching fireworks for the first time!! She LOVED it!!

Jacqui pushing Bella to the lake to watch the fireworks!!

Bella helping Mommy fold clothes!

Bella and Nala like to check each other out through the window...really cute!

Just doing her thing!!

We recently made a trip to Abilene and got to visit Grammie and Auntie Amy and got to catch up with some very special people! (some for the first time! Sweet Ava and Noah) Here are some pictures of our dear friends and family we got to see:)

Rebecca and Noah!!

Bella's Great Granny Slough!

Aubrey and Sweet Ava Kate!

Ava and Bella

Aunt Tammi!

And Aunt Sandy!

6 months

2009-07-16T14:31:00.001-07:00

My attempt to getting a picture with her 6 month sign, but it lasted for only a few seconds before it went into her mouth!

HAHA! I thought this was funnny! NO, it's not lipstick...it's home-made plums!!

just some new pics of our little beauty...

2009-07-01T08:47:00.001-07:00

5 months!

2009-06-05T11:21:00.000-07:00

Bella has lived up to her name! She is just so beautiful!

She turned 5 months last week. I can't believe how big she is getting...it is so much fun watching her grow and learn! She started rolling over when she was 4 months, but now she is getting up on all fours and rocking back and forth - I just love it!! She actually sleeps that way. She finally gets tired and falls asleep on her knees and elbows with her bottom straight up in the air! :)

Her Grammie practiced sitting up with her when she was here for her last visit and the lessons sure paid off. She loves sitting up (with a little assistance here and there!) and of course we put our pillows around us so we don't fall too hard!

She started eating cereal a couple of weeks ago, she is not very fond of it yet, but we'll get there!! Oh, and she got to ride in her "BIG GIRL" stroller (thank you Casey!) on our morning walk which she really likes!

She's awesome! I could just stare at her all day. Her smile just melts my heart! I feel like I know her inside out...like, when she eats her right eye waters (yes, just the right eye...like her moms!), her little pinky toes hang lower than the rest of them, and her hair is curly behind her ears! (don't know where she got that, neither one of us has curly hair) She loves her bath time with Daddy. The way she looks and smiles at him is priceless. You can tell she loves him so much! All I have to say is, "Daddy is coming home!" She starts grinning from ear to ear and then we go sit out on the front porch and wait for him to drive up the driveway!

She absolutely LOVES being outside. If she is ever having a bad day or is upset, all I have to do is take her outside and she forgets about everything else! It sure is nice:)

Being a mommy has brought so much joy to my life. I always have felt so much joy from just watching God work in our lives and in the lives around us, but this is just the BEST!! I'm just overflowing with joy and happiness! She is an angel and I thank my God for her everyday.

Look Who's Waving

2009-05-22T13:41:00.000-07:00

growing and going!

2009-05-14T15:23:00.000-07:00

So this sweet daughter of mine is learning what it's like to move from one location to another and she is very fascinated with it! She is out of control! The pictures say it all, but for instance I left the room for seriously about 2 minutes and come back to Bella fussing. I wonder why? Oh, wait, her head is stuck under the couch. Yes, that's right...her head!:( She now sleeps on her tummy and doesn't know what to do when she gets her arms and legs stuck in the slats of the crib. She usually lets us know about it, but sometimes she doesn't mind because she is so tired and ends up just sleeping that way. Looks uncomfortable to me!! So, here's the pictures so you can see for yourself! :)

family...

2009-05-01T06:43:00.000-07:00

Bella got to spend some time with her Aunties last weekend! They sure are proud Aunties! We had a great time catching up and celebrating Auntie Amy's birthday only a couple of days late! We don't get together often enough. Here are some pictures of the day and of course us loving on Baby Bella! I love you sisters.

bella's last week...

2009-04-23T15:20:00.000-07:00

So, Bella has had a great week! She is changing so much everyday and growing like crazy! We had her 4 month checkup this week and the doctor was very pleased! Bella is now 13 lbs. 2 oz. and that makes her in the 75th percentile for weight! She is still measuring long...25 inches which puts her in the 80th percentile for height! She loves her play mat where she can grab her rattle and roll over onto her tummy! She is "talking", laughing, and smiling all the time. :) It's so cute when she talks back to me trying to repeat what I'm saying!

Last Saturday we went to the Earth Day Celebration at the Lake by our house! Bella had a great time and got to pet a HUGE dog...actually a small horse!! She wore her earth day outfit that her Auntie Kate got her! too cute:)

We went to church on Sunday and once again Bella was a little angel. She loves the praise and worship, but I think the sermons bore her...she tends to fall asleep!! This little dress is from Grammie...thanks Grammie!

So, Bella has been rolling over and over, but today she has figured out how to use her arms to hold her head up! She does push up after push up and smiles so big like she is really proud of herself!! I took some pictures of it today so here ya go!

just hanging out...

2009-04-21T13:46:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures I took the other night while we were hanging out at Justin and Heidi's house! We had a great time:)

Oh, and here is a sweet picture of little Killian feeding Bella when The Coplens came over for a visit last week! Too precious:)

bella's first easter!!

2009-04-13T06:44:00.000-07:00

We had a great Easter weekend! Lots of fun with family and friends. Bella didn't get to hunt Easter eggs, but I didn't want to miss getting pictures with her Easter basket! She kept looking at me like I was crazy when I would put the egg in her hands...she wanted her rattle instead!! Everyone ooh-d and aah-d over her yesterday in her pretty Easter dress (thank you Tyler family!)...she was simply beautiful. After a long weekend we were wiped out. So today we are just relaxing at home and catching up on laundry. Hope everyone had a great Easter weekend! HE IS RISEN:)

bella and the easter bunny

2009-04-10T07:09:00.001-07:00

auntie tiff live...and bonus pics!

2009-04-06T19:17:00.000-07:00

A couple weekends ago Tiff played at our favorite neighborhood pizza joint, Alamo Pizza. She did an awesome job...we wanted to hang out longer, but it got really cold, really fast! Bella loves hearing her Auntie Tiff sing! She hung in there as long as she could and then went home and passed out!

OH, AND YOUR BONUS PICS!!

a very special visit!!

2009-03-26T10:35:00.001-07:00

So, our dear friends (well, i like to call them family!) Eric and Lauren came to San Antonio for a little get away! So, we got to hang out with them a few times and man did we enjoy it! Bella and I got to meet them at the famous Tip Top Cafe and we also got to enjoy a nice dinner on the Riverwalk! It was so nice getting to catch up with Eric and Lauren and enjoy their company again. I miss you guys already. I wanted to share some pictures with you from their visit and I'll also just post some recent ones of Bella. She is doing so great...Such a happy baby and growing like a weed! We just ADORE her:)

shopping day...

2009-03-20T11:38:00.001-07:00

Well, spring break came and went too quickly! It was nice because my mom got to come in town and Katy also had the week off! So, us girls decided to head to the outlets on Tuesday while the weather was still nice and do a little shopping! Bella did a great job hanging in there, but man was she wiped out at the end of the day! Here is a cute picture of her passed out on the way home! :)

Good Morning

2009-03-16T00:27:00.000-07:00

You Want It or Not? (Bella's New Trick)

2009-03-11T18:51:00.000-07:00

2 month checkup...and the DREADED shots!!

2009-03-02T07:41:00.001-08:00

Bella had her 2 month check up last week and everything looks great! She is growing so quickly...23 in. (75%)...10 lbs. (25%)...and her head measured at 39.5 (75%)!!! She's long, skinny, and has plenty of room for that BIG brain! :) She got her first three shots and handled them like a champ! I think I cried more than she did!! She is unfortunately still dealing with reflux so we started her on Prevacid and it has made a HUGE difference!! She is so much happier during and after feedings! She is such a sweet baby...I can't imagine life without her. She brings so much joy to each day! Here are a few pictures of our last couple of weeks!

kyle's birthday..

2009-02-17T09:27:00.000-08:00

On Kyle's birthday we went to eat at Paesanos (yum!) and Auntie Kate watched Bella for us! We had a great time celebrating, but as always were quick to get back home to our little girl! :) Here are some pictures we took before leaving!

our little lady bug!!

2009-02-16T09:20:00.000-08:00

Aunt Karen (reininger...there's are two aunt karens!) got Bella this sweet outfit! She got to go visit the Reininger family the other night for their "family night" so she got to wear it and show it off! She had such a great time...thank you for letting her hang out! Doesn't she make a cute little lady bug?!

Meet Dr. De la Garza

2009-02-13T11:12:00.000-08:00

I had my 6 week follow up appointment last week! I had really missed Dr. De la Garza. It was weird not seeing her for so long after seeing her every week towards the end of my pregnancy! By the way, I was so blessed to have her as my doctor...she is an angel! We love her so much! We took Bella with us to see her and I got some pictures so I thought I would share them with you! Meet Dr. De la Garza...

first RoAD trip!!...

2009-02-11T09:22:00.000-08:00

Bella took her first road trip last weekend to Abilene!! Auntie Kate went with us and drove for us (thank you!!)...we had so much fun! We went to Grammie and Auntie Amy's! They were so happy to see her. Bella got to meet Riley and Brady for the first time...he actually knew which one was Bella!! haha Bella also got to meet her Great-Granny, Tammi, Lisa, and Sandy! Ellie the dog thought Bella was pretty cool and always wanted to be right by her...so, we finally let her check her out!! pretty cute:) We had a great time and look forward to going back again soon.

Faces

2009-01-31T08:45:00.000-08:00

Tummy Time!!

2009-01-28T19:15:00.000-08:00

it's cold outside!!

2009-01-28T13:55:00.000-08:00

The cold front finally hit San Antonio last night! (and believe it or not, it's already warm again!!) Since our house is 80 years old and has wood floors it tends to get really cold, so Bella got to wear her winter outfit that her Auntie Anna got her! She was so warm and happy:) Then today Bella got to get all dressed up to go see her Labor and Delivery nurse that helped deliver her! We got to meet D'Lynn for lunch and we had such a great time! Thanks D'Lynn for meeting us! We love you:)

bella pose

2009-01-22T18:26:00.000-08:00

Bella is so funny!! She already knows what to do in front of the camera! This is her supermodel pose. Hilarious!

just adorable...

2009-01-20T12:53:00.001-08:00

Here are a couple of pictures I took of Bella this afternoon!

Two Week Appointment

2009-01-19T13:08:00.001-08:00

Bella had her two week appointment last week and it went very well! She is up to 7 lbs. 6 oz. now and seems to be very healthy! The doctor was very impressed with her overall! Unfortunately, we think Bella is dealing with some reflux issues. :( I have cut all dairy out of my diet which has seemed to help and mylanta seems to be helping as well! She is a champ at sleeping through the night...she literally sleeps 3-3 1/2 hours straight and then wakes up for a feeding and right back down until the next! That's my girl!! :) (By the way, I totally recommend Babywise!) She is a very alert baby during the day, always looking around at everything and everyone! We love her so much! Here are a few more pictures of our sweet daughter!

I had to show you these precious pictures of Bella in her Christmas dress she got from one of Kyle's co-workers!! (Thanks Rosie!) Look at those cute little feet!

bella!!

2009-01-18T17:54:00.000-08:00