Baby Watch 2008

Dulcenia Bell—1946-2010

DULCENIA WILLIAMS BELL ENTERED INTO ETERNAL REST ON MONDAY, MARCH 1, 2010 AT MCV/VCU HEALTH SYSTEMS, RICHMOND, VIRGINIA.

MRS. BELL WAS BORN ON OCTOBER 2, 1946 IN NEW KENT, VA TO MARION W. WILLIAMS AND THE LATE THOMAS R. (BLUE) WILLIAMS.

MRS. BELL GRADUATED FROM GEORGE W. WATKINS HIGH SCHOOL IN 1965. SHE RECEIVED HER BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN BUSINESS EDUCATION FROM HAMPTON INSTITUTE (HAMPTON UNIVERSITY) IN 1969.  IN ADDITION, SHE RECEIVED A MASTER’S DEGREE IN BUSINESS EDUCATION FROM VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY IN 1975.  SHE COMPLETED FURTHER STUDY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA AND J. SARGENT REYNOLDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE.  AFTER RECEIVING HER BACHELOR’S DEGREE FROM HAMPTON INSTITUTE, SHE WORKED FOR HARTFORD INSURANCE COMPANY AND SOUTHERN BANK.  SHE THEN BEGAN HER CAREER AS A BUSINESS TEACHER AT NEW KENT HIGH SCHOOL.  SHE RETIRED FROM NEW KENT HIGH SCHOOL IN 2001 AFTER THIRTY YEARS OF SERVICE.  MRS. BELL WAS NOMINATED TWICE TO BE HONORED IN WHO’S WHO AMONG TEACHERS’ TEACHERS.

MRS. BELL JOINED SECOND LIBERTY BAPTIST CHURCH ON SEPTEMBER 19, 1954.  SHE WAS A FORMER SUNDAY SCHOOL AND VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL TEACHER, A MEMBER OF THE FLOWER COMMITTEE, AND WAS A TRUSTEE.  IN ADDITION, SHE WAS CO-CHAIR OF THE CARD MINISTRY, MEMBER OF THE MISSIONARY MINISTRY, WOMEN IN CHRIST MINISTRY, AND SCHOLARSHIP MINISTRY.  SHE OFFERED DEDICATION AND LEADERSHIP TO SEVERAL SERVICE AND CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS INCLUDING CHARLES CITY/NEW KENT RETIRED TEACHERS ASSOCIATION, NEW KENT CIVIC LEAGUE, NEW KENT NAACP, NEW KENT CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COUNCIL, AND THE WILLIAMSBURG ALUMNAE CHAPTER OF DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, INC.  SHE WAS A FORMER MEMBER OF THE CHICKAHOMINY YMCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS.  IN 2005, THE YMCA AWARDED HER THE DR. ROWE VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD FOR GETTING THE MOST DONORS FOR THE SEED OF HOPE CAMPAIGN.

MRS. BELL ENJOYED DOING THINGS WITH HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS.  HER CHILDREN AND GRANDSON WER HER PRIDE AND JOY.  ANYONE WHO MET DULCENIA WILL NEVER FORGET HER ENTHUSIAM FOR LIFE, SWEET SPIRIT, AND THE WARM, LOVING FRIEND SHE WAS TO MANY.  SHE REMEMBERED EVERYBODY’S BIRTHDAY AND ANNIVERSARY WITH A CARD OR PRESENT.  IT WAS A JOY FOR HER TO EXPRESS HER LOVE OR APPRECIATION TO SOMEONE BY GIVING THEM A CARD OR GIFT SHE THOUGHT THEY WOULD LIKE. 

SHE WAS PRECEDED IN DEATH BY HER FATHER, THOMAS R. (BLUE) WILLIAMS, SISTERS JUNE THORNTON AND ORA TAYLOR, AND BROTHER RICHARD WILLIAMS.  SHE LEAVES TO CHERISH HER MEMORIES HER HUSBAND OF THIRTY-NINE YEARS WARREN; SON ALLEN (STUART); DAUGHTER TERI, AND FIANCE MUYIWA; GRANDSON, QUENTIN; NIECE AND “ADOPTED DAUGHTER” TRINA; MOTHER, MARION WILLIAMS; BROTHERS THOMAS O. (LYNN) OF ALABAMA, BERNARD M. (JUNE) OF SANDSTON, EUGENE R. (JOYCE), CHARLES T. (JOYCE), AND SISTER MARION BANKS (IRVING) ALL OF NEW KENT, VA; FATHER-IN-LAW AND MOTHER-IN-LAW MR. AND MRS. RUDOLPH BELL; BROTHERS-IN-LAW, RUDOLPH BELL (MARIAN) AND ROD TAYLOR (JUANITA); SISTERS-IN-LAW, CLARICE WILLIAMS, JOYCE BELL, CONNIE BARNES, CHARMAE JACKSON (MELVIN); STEP SISTERS-IN-LAW AGATHA PORTERFIELD AND SUSAN MILES (ANTHONY); AND SEVERAL AUNTS, UNCLES, AND A HOST OF NIECES, NEPHEWS, COUSINS, AND LOVING FRIENDS.

Posted by Stuart on 03/09 at 06:59 PM

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Quentin’s Second Birthday

So, everybody says it, but where has the time gone?  We can’t believe that our little guy is already 2 years old.  All I can say is what an amazing privilege it is to be a parent.  God has entrusted us with this most precious little boy to help guide and love.  I think I can speak for both daddies when I say that it has been the most wonderful experience ever!  Love knows no boundaries!

This week was so much fun as we celebrated with our family and friends.  The Bells (Warren, Dulcenia, Teri, and Trina) came in from the East Coast along with their wonderful friends Wilbert and Clara Harris.  We cooked, talked, swam, ate, played cards, and just had a great time.  And, of course, part of my California family was there as well and the rest, including my Tennessee family, was there in spirit.

We hope you enjoy the pics…

1.  Blow ‘em out.

2.  Then eat it up.

3.  Then open presents.

4.  Family photo time.

5.  Q with his loving Nanny Jeannette and her two boys Jesse and Pablo Caesar who Q loves so much!

6.  A shot with with Wilbert and Clara.

7.  Q has his own chair and likes to kick it back old school.

8.  How about the hot tub with Grandma, Granddaddy, and his daddies.

9.  Mr. Noodle can almost swim by himself.  He’s a little fish.

10.  Taking a break from breakfast with his Granddaddy.

11.  He’s a double dipper but still loves his cousin Lauren and Pablo Caesar and Jesse.

12.  Cousin Ethan enjoys some grass time with his mom Joy and Q’s Aunt Teri.

13.  Pool time with Jesse, Pablo Caesar, Lauren and Aunt Teri.

14.  Where is he going with that bucket?

15.  Two of the Grandma’s.  Aren’t they LOVELY!!!!

For all of you who couldn’t be here, we missed you.  And, thank you to everyone for the gifts.  Quentin is truly a very blessed little boy to have so much love in his life. 

Posted by Stuart on 02/21 at 08:01 PM

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A Day at the Zoo

It was a beautiful day in LA today so we decided to go to the zoo with Quentin’s friend Gavin.  Here are some pictures.  Enjoy!

1.  Quentin and his buddy Gavin pose with the goats and Daddy Allen, Gavin’s Mom Erica and Grandma Chris.

2.  Quentin pets one of the goats.

3.  Quentin hangs out with Daddy and the Pink Flamingos.

4.  Quentin wanted to ride the Zebras but Daddy said they should just look instead!

Posted by Stuart on 02/07 at 06:41 PM

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Quentin’s Dinner Guest

Quentin had a little dinner party this week and invited his friend Jason!  For all of you who know Jason, this shot is just too precious! 

Posted by Stuart on 02/04 at 03:54 PM

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January in Palm Springs

To our friends and family in the East we apologize in advance for this posting.  While you are suffering with cold and snow, we enjoyed a fabulous sunny weekend in Palm Springs with Mr. Quentin.  Our friends David and Mark came down and brought their dog Spike so Quentin was in heaven.  Here are some photos for your viewing pleasure!

1.  We took Quentin to the Children’s museum where he tried out a potential future career as a cop on a bike.

2.  Amazingly, Quentin allowed another child to drive for a change.  He usually has to be the one in control so perhaps he was a little smitten with this cutie.

3.  Quentin loves Spike the dog and just couldn’t get enough. 

4.  Here is a boy and his dog (or our friend’s dog in this case) on a walk in the sun.

Take care and stay warm!

Posted by Stuart on 01/31 at 06:41 PM

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Quentin’s Friends

Quentin is enjoying 2010 so far and getting ready for his 2 year birthday in February which is just hard for us to believe.  Here are some recent shots of our little guy.

1.  Quentin had a great time playing with his surrogate, Lorisha, and her cute son Julian.  They came for a day of swimming in Palm Springs!  Quentin loved it!!!  Here he is with Lorisha (who is doing another surrogacy for another couple--not us) and Julian.

2.  Quentin and Julian hang on the couch after a big day of swimming.

3.  Here he is with Stuart’s god son, Junah, who looks a bit disinterested in Quentin antics but Quentin is having a great time!  Junah’s moms Gail and Trish and their daughter Chloe came over for dinner and we all had a great time. 

4.  A little calmer Quentin with Junah.

5.  Quentin is learning to drive from his daddy.  Cute!

Posted by Stuart on 01/17 at 06:11 PM

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First Haircut

Quentin had his first haircut this week and both his daddies and his Nanny Jeannette were there!  We went to a special children’s barber shop called Yellow Balloon.  Quentin sat on Daddy Stuart’s lap and fussed a bit while getting his hair cut but all in all did just fine.  The crazy thing is now he looks like such a little boy.  Our baby is gone! 

Posted by Stuart on 01/10 at 07:49 PM

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Quentin Rings in the New Year with a Giraffe!

Quentin had a great week with family and friends in Rancho Mirage for the New Year.  Here are a few pictures.

1.  Quentin had a great time at the Living Desert Zoo and even got to feed a Giraffe!

2.  Quentin had so much fun with his Godsisters Dani and Emma and their mom Julia.  Here, Emma and Quentin share a Shirley Temple!

Happy New Year to Everyone!!!

Posted by Stuart on 01/03 at 06:29 PM

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A Snowy Christmas 2009

We flew to Richmond on December 18th to spend Christmas with the Bell/Williams family.  A little surprise was a big snow storm that hit right before we arrived.  In fact, we were one of the last flights they allowed to land before closing the airport.  We were really grateful for that or we’d have been stuck in Dallas for a few days like so many others. 

We saw lots of family and friends and Quentin had a great time.  Here are some pictures:

1.  Allen, Stuart and Quentin posing in the snow.  Quentin wasn’t quite sure what to think about the snow but had fun.  He could barely move without falling over in that snow suit!

2.  Gradma and Quentin strike a pose before bedtime.

3.  A Family shot on Christmas morning with Quentin, Allen, Aunt Teri, Grandma, Granddaddy, Aunt Trina, and Great Aunt Marion.

4.  Granddaddy shows Quentin how to play with his new doggie.  Quentin still wants the real thing but loved this one that walked and barked.

5.  Quentin visits his Great Grandparents and his Aunt Joyce.

6.  “Christmas Bells” were present with Great Aunt Connie, Cousins Morlon, Mara and Loren with Quentin and Daddy.

7.  Cousin Roslyn shares a Christmas drink with Mr. Quentin.

8.  Grandma and Granddaddy with Quentin on Christmas morning.  Santa and the family showered Quentin with many wonderful gifts.

9.  Allen, Quentin and Grandma Dulcenia share a moment together.

10.  Allen, Quentin and Stuart are ready for the snow!

11.  Cousin MJ dressed up for Quentin’s visit!

12.  Aunt Teri, Daddy, Quentin and Granddaddy pose in the snow. 

13.  Aunt Teri and Quentin make a phone call.

As always, we ate too much wonderful food and shared wonderful company with our amazing family.  Here’s to Christmas 2010! 

Posted by Stuart on 12/25 at 06:51 PM

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Santa 2009

Posted by Stuart on 12/05 at 07:26 PM

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Thanksgiving 2009

Thanksgiving 2009 was a wonderful week spent with family and friends.  We started on the weekend before Thanksgiving by flying to DC for our cousin Jason’s wedding to Holly.  Allen was a groomsman and it seemed like the entire Williams side of the family was there.  It was a wonderful ceremony and reception and we stayed in beautiful Old Town Alexandria.  And, we also were able to spend some time with some of Stuart’s clients in DC which was a real treat.

We then went to Richmond where we spent the week with the Bells and had a great time.  We had a special family thanksgiving dinner on Tuesday as we had to leave for CA on Thursday and Dulcenia had Chemo on Wednesday.  It was wonderful to have so many of the family together.

We then headed back to LA and spent three awesome days at our Rancho Mirage house with our friends David and Mark.  And, Uncle Gary hosted an amazing “leftovers” meal on Friday.  I think we all gained some weight but it was worth it!

Here are some pics:

1.  Daddy Allen and Quentin share a drink in First Class on the way to DC.

2.  Granddaddy Warren and Q strike a pose.

3.  Quentin shares some quality time with his cousin Damon.

4.  Q loves his cousin Lauren and shared a buggy at Costco.

5.  Allen and his cousin Roslyn looking hot at the Wedding!

Posted by Stuart on 12/01 at 07:11 PM

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Halloween 2009

Quentin had a great time for Halloween!  We went out to our friends Steve and Lindsay for a little Pumpkin Carving.  Their new son, Steven, was Superman and Quentin was a fireman.  I had never actually carved a pumpkin before and couldn’t believe that my non-artistic self won first prize!  Maybe this is a new calling!  Is there money in pumpkin carving?

Here are some pics for your enjoyment:

1.  Mr. Q takes a picture with my award winning pumpkin in his dinosaur costume (which you’ll probably see next year too).

2.  Quentin the fireman battles the “blaze” on the hillside. 

3.  Daddies and Mr. Q.

4.  Lindsay and Steve and Steven Jr.  Too cute!!!

5.  Stuart, Steve, and the boys with the Pumpkins.

Hope you all had a wonderful Halloween. 

Posted by Stuart on 11/03 at 09:08 PM

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Birthday in Palm Springs

Quentin had a great long weekend helping celebrate the birthdays of his daddy Stuart, Aunt Teri, and Grandmother Dulcenia.  The Bells (Warren, Dulcenia, and Teri) flew out from Virginia to spend five wonderful, warm days at our Palm Springs house.  And, we did our very favorite things which are to eat, sleep, and swim!  We also went ahead and put up our Christmas tree!  That’s right, we figure since family was here, we might as well enjoy the holidays a little early!

Here are some pictures of our fun time:

1.  Quentin hams it up in front of the Christmas tree. 

2.  Grandma and Granddaddy strike a pose with their favorite (and only so far) grandchild.

3.  The Bell Family Christmas Card!  Aren’t they lovely!!!

4.  Two of the Grandma’s, Dulcenia and Irma, pose with Mr. Q.  He is blessed to be so loved!

5.  Grandma, Granddaddy, and Aunt Teri enjoy some pool time with Quentin. 

6.  Daddy and Granddaddy pose with Quentin who is relaxing and catching some rays on the float.

Quentin would love for all of you to come visit him in Palm Springs! 

Posted by Stuart on 10/18 at 06:16 PM

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Labor Day 2009 in Palm Springs

Quentin had a great time in Palm Springs celebrating Labor Day!  He spent lots of time in the pool, played with his cousins, and enjoyed spending time with his daddies’ friends Rose and Olivier who were there visiting.  They both took some great shots of Quentin.

1.  Our little guy strikes a pose for the camera.

2.  Daddy tries to steal some sugar!

3.  Quentin loves the pool! 

4.  Quentin and Daddy looking good!

5.  Q knows how to handle the heat of Palm Springs.

6.  Quentin and Daddy share a moment in the pool.

Posted by Stuart on 09/09 at 05:48 PM

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Quentin is ready for the runway!

We knew he was cute but had no idea he was such a HAM!  His Aunt Barbara got some great shots of Mr. Q strutting his stuff.  Any agents out there?  He’s ready to start work! 

1.  Yeah, I’m rocking my True Religion Jeans.  I’m so 2000 and 8 and you are so 2000 and late!

2.  Like my innocent look?

3.  This is what I call the Cheetah?  Zoolander, it’s time for a walk-off.

4.  Yeah, I have to let the old man think he’s still cool. 

Posted by Stuart on 07/15 at 05:15 PM

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