Update on Lee

Thank you all so much for your concern for Lee. He is doing some better. For those of you that aren't up to date, I"ll try to fill you in.

Lee has been battling some sort of stomach problem for over a week now. It started out with severe abdominal pain and has progressed from there. We ended up in the ER on Tuesday night but were sent home and followed up with a specialist on Wednesday. By Friday we were back at the hospital and have been here ever since. We talked to the new doctor today (the first one was HORRIBLE) and he believes he has a viral infection. He said it was a "whopper". Luckily his CT scan, xrays, blood work, and other tests have been normal. They have ruled out all major problems (Chrones disease, colitis, etc) and feel like it will pass, thank the Lord. The doctor is allowing him to venture into "full liquids" today to see how he tolerates it. He will be reassessed in the morning and we will find out when he may be able to go home.

I will try to keep you posted. I'm pretty much sitting in Lee's room, killing time, and trying to keep him entertained! Thank the Lord for a good report and a loving family that is always there when I need them. I have the most incredible mother in the world that always puts others before herself. Again, thank you all for your concern and prayers.

Healthy 9 Months!

Yesterday Claire turned 9 months old. Can you believe it?? It seems like we brought her home last week. I cannot believe how much she's grown. Lee and I sat on the couch the other night and went through all of our pictures of her since birth. She was so tiny and fragile. I have loved watching her little face and personality develop. She has turned into a little lady! We have so much fun together and enjoy new adventures everyday. She is undoubtedly the light of my life. How can such a tiny thing bring me so much joy? She doesn't even have to try--just being near her is pure happiness.

Today she visited Dr. Smith for her 9 month checkup. We got a glowing report! Claire is now 28 inches long and 17 pounds, 9.7 ounces. She is little! The doctor said she is the picture of health. She smiled and babbled for him and the nurse threatened to take her home. She is quite a charmer and has little stranger anxiety. We were given the okay to begin eating meats and more solid foods--table foods such as cereal and crackers. It looks like we will be making a trip to the grocery store today to pick out more big girl foods! She did not have to have any shots today, but did have blood drawn. She was a trooper and even began smiling and laughing before it was all over! Thank you, Lord, for my healthy, happy baby. What a blessing she is!!

Oh, how this post pains me...

I told you I'd deliver. This one's just for you, Debbie:

Bell Family Christmas

Our Christmas celebrations lasts for at least 2 weeks--which of course I love. This year we had an unexpected party at our house on Saturday after Christmas. We usually travel to my cousin Julie's house for a get-together with my dad's side of the family. This year, due to a family illness, Lee and I were able to host the festivities. We had such a fun time visiting, eating, and opening gifts. It's so great to love your family and look forward to seeing them!! I just wish we could all live close and see each other more often.

Nathan enjoying his potpourri :)

Lee sporting his new elf outfit from Aunt Debbie. Thanks, Aunt Debbie.

Todd and Julie with the beautiful Nativity scene that they will proudly display in their home.

Annabelle and Uncle Michael

Where it all began...Daddy, Uncle Danny, and Aunt Debbie

Christmas Extravaganza!!

Okay, it's taken me a while to begin this post, just because there is so much to tell! I'm not sure where to start! We had such a wonderful Christmas. Claire loved every minute of it, despite having her first cold. She was a real trooper! Santa's sleigh must have tipped over in our living room--we could hardly move for all of the packages! The fun began on Christmas Eve with the traditional opening of the Christmas PJs. As long as I can remember we have always received new PJs on Christmas Eve so we would look festive in Christmas morning pictures. Claire's new PJs have snowflakes and bunny feet! We put her in her new PJs and set out cookies for Santa. Then it was off to bed.

On Christmas morning, Claire enjoyed a bottle before diving in to her pile of presents. We opened presents as a family before everyone else arrived. Claire received several toys from Santa, some clothes and a doll from Mom and Dad. I got tickets to Cirque du Soleil and Lee got the greatest gift from Santa--a giant 'G' wall hanging for the office. After this round of presents it was time for a nap.

Grandmommy, Papa, and Auntie G came over next. We divided up all the gifts. Papa was nearly buried under his presents--his pile rivaled Claire's! We had a great time opening presents and watching Claire play with the paper and tissue. Soon it was time for Grammy and Grandaddy Bill to come over. Claire took a nap while we exchanged gifts. Then G-Daddy and La-La came over. Uncle Michael, Sarah, and Uncle Jamie came, too. Claire woke up and enjoyed all the company. She opened lots more gifts and loved playing with her new Learning Tad from Sarah.

Uncle Jamie

Sarah and Uncle Michael

Soon it was time to enjoy Christmas dinner. We had a yummy feast. There was lots of dessert, of course. After dinner, it was time for Claire to open more gifts! She got lots of neat toys and clothes from Grandmommy and Papa and from Grammy and Grandaddy Bill. What fun! After Claire opened her gifts, it was time for our dollar stockings. This is a revival of a tradition in Lee's family where we draw names and each person has $5 to spend at the dollar store. It's a hoot! Gretchen won the creativity prize for her themed stocking "pimp-my-brother-in-law". We had lots of laughs.

After the dollar stockings it was time to wind down. Christmas is by far my favorite time of year. I love being with family and spending time together having fun. I am so thankful for all of my blessings--especially my new gift this year, Claire. What a special season to spend with her and watch her experience so many things for the first time. I love her so much! I hardly remember life without her. Thank you, Lord, for the best gift of all.

Christmas Festivities

We had the first of many Christmas celebrations this past weekend. Claire visited Grammy and Grandaddy's house on Sunday. We all went to early service so we could meet for lunch in Duluth. Grammy cooked a delicious lasagna and we spent a long time visiting around the table. Claire took a nap on her daddy during dessert, so she was ready to play once we finished up. Grammy has a train around her tree just for Claire. She loved it! She watched it go around and around and was fascinated by its noises and the Santa that it carried. This will be a fun tradition to enjoy for many years to come!

Claire's first Christmas Tree

Claire loves her decorated Christmas tree. She has discovered the lights and colorful ornaments, not to mention all the packages underneath. Thank goodness she isn't quite crawling yet!!