Bella Boo

Bella is talking so much now and the increase in communication has caused less frustration on all counts. We still have to use the "Happy Girl Spot" (This is kind of like a naughty spot or time out but Bella goes there (on her own) when she is being unacceptably whiny or unhappy for no reason, she sits until she is ready to be a "Happy Girl") She comes back from the spot and says, "I happy girl" with a big smile on her face. Sometimes if she doesn't want to get separated from the group she will say it between tears while forcing a smile. She also brings it to your attention if she thinks the other kids are crying to much, just to remind you. It is pretty darn cute. She put McCade in the naughty spot the other day. It was hilarious. He went willingly, without me saying anything, because he too, found her creased brow and serious look to cute to argue with.

I had to take my friend Judi to the ER last week and Bella came with us. She charmed the nurses and all the staff in my department with her outgoing personality and laugh. She was wonderful, going for walks around the department with the nurses and my friends while I attended to Judi. That day especcially I was so grateful for her willingness to go with the flow, as long as the flow involved attention being lavished on her. It's a small price to pay.

She sings beautiful songs in her crib. I don't know what she is saying but she sings it like she means it. The older kids adore her and dote on her, she accepts their affection about half the time, other times she gives them the stiff arm. They always include her in whatever game they are playing but, of course she knows no different so she can't appreciate how wonderful they are to her. Bella laughs all the time at anything and everything. Most days (and especcially in publice where she acts adorable) I think I might like her to stop growing for a little while so I can enjoy this phase a bit longer other times I am so grateful when bedtime comes. Often both occur in the same day.