The Bell Times: January 2007

Jim's bad news, my good news: NOT TWINS

Well, it's true. We're expecting a baby! I'm due the first week in September. Jim was hoping for twins, but there's just one healthy little heartbeat.

We are obviously very thrilled, and a little on edge as we remember those sleepless nights and wonder how in the heck are we supposed to survive it with a toddler added to the mix.

Luke doesn't fully comprehend...when I told him he was going to be a big brother he said, "And you can be the big sister." But, then he does something that makes me think he understands. When I told him there was a baby growing in my belly he started walking like a pregnant lady with his hands his stomach.

As luck would have it, I will be 7 months pregnant at my 20 year high school reunion. So, not only will I not be able to go on a crash diet to be svelt I also won't be able to sip a nice glass of wine to help the evening go by easier. Darn it all.

And, less than 2 months after Baby Bell arrives, Luke and I are going to be in a wedding. I had to guess my post pardum measurements for the bridesmade dress!

Keep Jim in your thoughts....he left this morning on the first flight out to TN. He is spending the week with our dear friend Angie who's father passed away.

Clean 'fridge!

Behold the fruit of Kirsten's diligent work!

A spotless 'fridge!

Organized to perfection.

Isn't she awesome?

Welcome, Carly Brush!

We are so pleased to announce the arrival of Carly Brush! Mother and baby are well. Kathy writes:

Carly Luisa Brush arrived this past Sunday at 3:04 am (only 10 days overdue :) ). She weighed in at 7 lbs even and is 19 inches long. She has a full head of dark hair and her feet are long like her papa's (one of the first things I noticed as I watched the nurses clean her off - her legs and feet were sticking straight up in the air). She is sweetest thing and we feel so incredibly blessed. We're in awe.

Austin's Birthday Party

Austin's birthday party was a lot of fun. (Austin's Mom is in Kirsten's Moms' group.)

It was at Go Bananas, a kind of Chuck-E-Cheese place with a jungle/animal theme. Video games, rides, slides, you name it. Quite a circus, but the kids loved it. Luke was a little overwhelmed at first, but had a great time.

Austin blows out his candles...

Catching up while Austin went bananas in the big trampoline-balloon thingy...

How cute is this? Matching mommy and daughter boots! What a hoot!

Griffin was tearing it up. He was fearless on this big slide. So was Malachi.

I was tearing it up, too. (More like breaking new ground in dorkdom.) This is one of those dance-dance-revolution games.

Happy birthday, Austin!

Grannies on Safari

Our wonderful neighbor Regina stars in the show Grannies On Safari.

She gave Luke an autographed poster for Christmas.

Thank you! We love it!

Christmas Memories: Riverside

Some Riverside Christmas memories. My brother Doug was in from L.A. and we were able to spend some time there. Judy had a full house!

See all our Christmas pictures in a slideshow.

We love how well they get along!

Playing in the kitchen...

The famous Bucket-O-Dinosaurs!

Chillin'...

Labels: Christmas, Family

Officer Pete!

My brother Pete was accepted to serve as a Chaplain in the U.S. Navy! He begins Officer Indoctination School in a few weeks. We are so excited for him!

We received more good news yesterday. He has received orders to report to Okinawa, Japan. What a beautiful (and wonderfully non-combative) place to be. We hope to visit him and his faithful companion, Yasche, at some point.

Speaking of Yasche...Yasche needs a foster family for three months (mid Jan to mid Apr) while Pete is in OIS. If you know of a good dog lovin' family that would be willing to foster Yasche let us know. He's big, loves to eat, and loves to cuddle.