Baptism

On March 14th, Bella had her baptism at Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Rockwall, Texas. We were very fortunate to have Grandma and Grandpa Valvoda and Aunt Erin visit for the baptism. Aunt Iris, Uncle Jon, and Jasmine were also able to witness this special occasion. Bella loved being in her daddy's arms, but of course when it came time to baptise her, she cried and flailed about. She also injured her daddy in the process, which would not have been a pretty sight for the entire congregation to see. Bella wore a dress from her Grandpa Rowell for her baptism but was also placed in the traditional gown from her Great-Great Grandmother. After the service we had brunch and celebrated the rest of the day with a bowling trip. Bella showed off her love for dancing while the music played at the bowling lanes. Hope you enjoy the video as much as we do, especially of Bella "raising the roof."

Springtime Joys

It finally decided to warm up in Texas, so off we went to the park! Bella loved walking around eating her "yummies" while Hunter loved exploring all this new uncharted territory. Bella was really cute on the playground - she kept watching this other girl play and as she did, she semmed to be "posing." Bella is loving the change in weather because now she gets to play outside a lot more. Mom and Dad are loving the fact that she loves playing outside because now she gets worn out a lot more during the day and is sleeping better at night. Lately we've been having a night battle for the past two months - where does Bella sleep, how many times she gets up at night, and how best to put her down. It's been a LONG two months but thank goodness it's getting better. We are very excited about the upcoming weeks. Next week is her baptism and visit from Grandma and Grandpa Valvoda and Aunt E. Next month is a visit from Grandpa Rowell and then it's her second birthday. Let the good times roll!

Record Breaking in Texas

Who would believe that the year we come to Texas it snows? And on top of it snowing, it made a whopping 7 inches! Of course Bella and Hunter went outside to enjoy the cold temperatures, flakes falling, and the slush. Bella enjoyed picking up piles of snow and throwing them, mom enjoyed throwing snowballs at Hunter, and Hunter enjoyed playing outside. It was a good time for all!

Bella has been showing lots of growth. She said "please" for the first time this week. Before that she would just smile and giggle when I'd try to get her to say it. She's also starting in with the "I want it" phrases - boy does she say that a lot. The terrible two temper tantrums are already starting.... and she's not even two! When she's not crying on the floor or telling puppy no, she's a ball to be around. She loves piggy-back rides, cuddling, or collecting all her toys around her in an awkward spot, such as under the table or in a corner. She can be very strange sometimes!

White Christmas

I can't believe we had a "white" Christmas in Dallas, Texas! All this week it's been warm and then boom - it's like the weather KNEW it had to snow for us for Christmas. It was wonderful seeing the snow coming down on Christmas Eve. After going to church (and yes, Bella did well during the hour long church service - just started to cry when she couldn't hold the lit candle) we came home and opened one gift before dreaming of sugar plums. Then Christmas morning we enjoying quality time tearing open presents and decorating Hunter. All in all it's been a good Christmas season so far..... but the fun continues now that Aunt Erin is arriving tonight to visit! YAY!

December tidings

Well even though there is no snow down here in Texas, we're still enjoying ourselves! Bella and I set up the Christmas tree shortly after Thanksgiving ended because..... YAY! Grandma and Grandpa Valvoda came to visit! It was great to see them and they really enjoyed their time with Bella Boo (nickname from daycare). She loved all her presents, especially the new table and chairs from her grandparents. She is quite the little rascal now, getting into everything and demanding her way. Her favorite words are "Stop it" and "Where'd it go?" She even does the hands up motion when she asks the latter question - too cute! Now that she's starting to notice things more, Santa still is questionable for her. Her visit from Santa this year didn't lead to crying but that doesn't mean she didn't look at him with a question in her eye. All in all, it started off to be a great Christmas even though we can't be with more of our family. Wishing everyone a Happy Holidays from the Rowells!

Trick or Treat!

October was a very busy month for us. We're still trying to settle into the house and get adjusted to our busy schedules, but it's surely not easy on us. We did try to enjoy the "fall" weather in Texas, though I'd hardly call it fall. It's still in the 70's and the leaves are just now changing as November rolls along.

Bella did dress up as a witch for Halloween, although she wasn't too fond of everyone else's costumes. The witches particularly scared her. We took her to a Halloween Spooktacular at the local library and even then she didn't want to leave our arms. Then we went to a pumpkin patch and she enjoyed picking out her very own pumpkin.

Also in October we ventured down to Houston so Bella could meet her Great-Grandparents Villarreals and see her Aunt Kristen, Grandpa Bob and Grandma Bev. She also saw lots more family too in the short weekend we were there. She particulary liked swinging on the swing and being with Great-Grandpa Villarreal.

All in all, Bella has been getting much bigger and saying loads of new words. You can make out "thank you", "go", "more", "puppy", but her favorite is "NO!" Go figure! She enjoys playing outside and helping mom cook. Who knows what November will bring our way!

The Beauty of Childhood

Wouldn't you know it, this little lady has a personality all her own! It is a wonder to see Bella as she changes and becomes so animated. She dances when her music plays from the fridge boombox, she giggles ever so sweetly and it makes my heart flutter, and she has started to say the word "NO" every minute. To top it off, she's trying to imitate hitting things when she doesn't get her way. What a stinker she can be! But she has her loveable moments too, like when you ask for kisses and she will give you a mwah, or when you're holding her and she clings to you a little tighter to hug you back, or when she wants you to come with her somewhere so she grabs your finger and tugs you along. Every moment is truly a blessing to spend with her and all her cute ways. She just discovered the world of Jell-o this weekend and is having fun watching her food shake. Ahh, the joys of being a kid. It's great too because it makes me feel like a kid at heart, and who doesn't need that?