You Are Growing Up So Fast

I can't believe that you just turned 20 months old.  You will be 2 years old in just 4 short months.  Wow!  You are so smart.  You are talking a lot, even though we can't always understand what you are saying, LOL.  But, you know so many of the family members' names.  You are also signing words like Mama, Daddy, dog, bath, more, milk, bath, and I am sure there are others.  You love to sing and dance and make us laugh. 

You hair is finally growing and it's red!  You are such a cutie and so many people love you.  I know you keep your Mom and Dad busy with all of your activity.  They give you so much love and it shows. 

I wish that we lived close to you.  One day Papi and I plan to move to West Monroe to watch you grow up in person instead of just on Skype.  We do, however, really like talking to you on Skype.  It just thrills my heart when you say, "MIMI!!!" and then you immediately ask where Papi is.  That thrills him, too.  We both love you so much.

Recently, your Mom and Dad took you to the fair.  They took some great pictures.  Here is a cute picture of you on the Merry Go Round.  And, of course, I found one that I took of your daddy's first time on the Merry Go Round.

Dedication Day

Sunday, May 6, 2012 was a very special day for you, Maci.  This was the day that your mom and dad stood before the church at First Baptist West in West Monroe, LA promising the Lord that they would raise you in church.  They dedicated themselves to the Lord on this day.  Your family members and some of your parents' friends stood with them and dedicated ourselves to pray for you and your parents.  You did so well.  You were so cute because when the congregation clapped, you also clapped.  Of course, you did not know or understand what was going on.

 On May 8, 1983, your grandpa Bill and I had a dedication for your daddy.  This dedication was held at First Baptist Deaf Mission in Baton Rouge, LA.  We promised that we would raise him in church and we did.  When your daddy was 7 years old, he told me he wanted to invite Jesus into his heart.  I remember praying with him and he asked Jesus to save him.  This was such a blessing.  I look forward to the day when you are old enough to understand what salvation means and you invite Jesus into your heart. 

I am glad that Papi and I were there to see your dedication.   We pray for you and your mom and dad every day.  We know that God is watching over you and loving you . He loves you very much and so do we!

Happy 1 Year Birthday, Maci Jo

Well, little Maci Jo Bell, you are now 1 year old and I can't believe it!  I remember how excited we were for you to be born and now you are already a year old.  Wow!

 Your mommy and daddy had your birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese.  It was a little crazy because of all the people at the restaurant.  But, you got a lot of gifts and enjoyed eating cake!  Here is you, your mommy and Chuck E. Cheese.  You were not scared of him at all.

                              Here is your daddy and his smash cupcake when he was 1 year old. 

  Here is a picture of your daddy, his daddy (your PawPaw) and Chuck E. Cheese.  Your 

daddy was not scared of him either.

 One year old, my precious little granddaughter.  I look forward to loving you for many years to come!  I just don't want the years to go so fast!  Your Mimi loves you!

HaPpY BiRtHdAy, MaCi Jo!

Busted!

Maci, you are learning about rules. Your mommy and daddy have told you not to mess with the DVDs on the shelf. Recently, your mommy caught you with a DVD in your hand that you obviously pulled off the shelf. Your facial expression is priceless. If you could talk, I feel like you would be making up some excuse as to why this movie is in your hand. Of course, you would never admit that you took it, even though your mommy took a picture of you with it in your hand! Well, I think we know where you got this facial expression of "innocence"!  Scroll down!

 When your daddy was young, he too, was taught certain rules.  One of these rules was not to climb on the stool in the kitchen.  We didn't want him falling and getting hurt.  Well, one day, when I walked into the kitchen, this is what I saw.  Notice his facial expression?  Hmmmm....look familar?

First Christmas

It's your first Christmas!

 Papi and I drove to Monroe and were blessed to spend your first Christmas with you.  You were only 11 months old, so you didn't really know what all was going on.  But, of course, you were so cute and we loved seeing you get new toys from everyone.  Your mom had you all dressed up that evening.  It was a long day for you, but you kept up your adorable personality!  We were so happy to be there and look forward to all the Christmas days in the future!

I found this picture of your daddy on his first Christmas day.  He was only 9 months old. He was so cute.....just like you!