Baby Watch 2008

Sleep Training

This week, Daddy Allen, went to a conference in Orlando so I decided that it would be the perfect time for me to do the sleep training that our doctor has been recommending for a while now.  To say that we have been “softies” is an understatement.  I think we just loved holding him so much that we didn’t want to actually have him not be with us.  But, since the big softie, Allen, was gone, I saw my chance. 

Well, the first few nights of putting him in his own bed at 7:30 p.m. were not fun.  I even had to cancel a business meeting because he kept me up all night.  But, miracle of miracles, by the fourth night, he went right to sleep.  And, now, he is doing just great.  We put him in his bed, he goes to sleep, wakes up a little for his feedings, but then goes right back.  Who knew that crazy doctor actually knew what she was talking about!  I think that even Allen was shocked that it worked.  And, I know he was happy that he didn’t have to participate in the training!

Other than that, it was another great week with our little guy.  He is such a joy to be around.  I had to leave him today to go to NY for work but will see him again on Thursday.  I’m sure he will have gained more weight by then.  This boy loves to eat!  Just like his Daddies! 

He had lots of visitors yesterday.  Our friend and travel agent for GG, Harlan Godes, stopped by and is pictured holding Q.  Our friend Julia brought her daughters (my God daughters) over and then Schuyler and Richard brought their daughter Someryn over.  You have seen pictures of all of them already so this week, you just get Mr. Harlan.

We are in Palm Springs this weekend getting ready for the big weekend.  Can’t wait to see all of you who are coming!

xoxoxo
Stuart

Posted by Stuart on 04/14 at 08:51 AM

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Six Weeks Old

This was a big week for Quentin as he turned Six Weeks Old.  He is growing and changing everyday.  It’s hard to imagine life before him.  He is such a good boy.  Only cries when he is hungry or needs changing.  He does love being around people.

Check out his cute pictures!

1.  Is that not the cutest smile you have ever seen.  He is so adorable!

2.  Here he is with our friends Steve and Lindsey.  They just got married and we are thinking they may need one of these!

3.  My business partner Will was in from Santa Fe and stopped by to meet the little guy and give him a bottle.

Nothing else too exciting to report.  Allen is out of town this week so I am doing Daddy duty by myself.  Should be fun!

xoxox
S

Posted by Stuart on 04/06 at 05:38 PM

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A Lazy Weekend at Home with Friends

Well, this was another wonderful week with our little man.  Allen left us alone for the first time this week when he went to a conference in San Francisco.  So, I was doing all the night feedings by myself.  One night, he stayed up from 2 a.m. - 5 a.m.  Daddy was a little tired that day! 

Quentin also had a few visitors this week.  His Aunt Holly and Uncle Jeff came down from Union City to visit on Monday for a few days.  Quentin loved meeting them and can’t wait to have more time with them very soon!  We think that Aunt Holly might have been just a bit smitten!  On Tuesday night, our good friend Michael came by.  And, then Quentin got to visit with his oldest friend this weekend, our wonderful surrogate Lorisha.  Lorisha came up on Sunday with her family (Girlfriend Kiba and Son Julian).  We fixed them a home-cooked breakfast and had fun catching up.  We were so happy to see them again and Quentin was too! 

Here this weeks pictures:

1.  Michael may look a bit uncomfortable but he told me after holding Quentin that he has decided to have at least 10 children of his own.  You go Michael! 

2.  What a looker this little man is becoming.  His Daddy Allen got this great shot.

3.  Aunt Holly and Uncle Jeff share some love!

4.  The beautiful Lorisha shares a pose with Quentin.

5.  Lorisha, Kiba, Julian, and Quentin hang out after breakfast.

Well, that’s it for now.  Take care everyone!

Love,

Stuart

Posted by Stuart on 03/30 at 05:50 PM

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He’s Growing Everyday

This week Daddy Stuart had to go to NY for work and was gone for 5 days.  Quentin had grown so much it was just crazy.  We go back to the doctor tomorrow and are all taking bets on how much weight he has gained.  This little boy loves to eat!  Here are some closeups from this weekend to show you how much he has grown!

1.  The Angel 1

2.  The Angel 2

3.  Bathtime

Posted by Stuart on 03/23 at 08:52 PM

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Quentin’s First Birthday and Easter

Quentin had a busy week this week.  He celebrated his first “one month” birthday at Uncle Gary’s house complete with hats and a cake.  Then, he celebrated his first Easter complete with a real Easter Egg hunt with cousin Lauren. 

Also, we found out yesterday that Quentin’s Great Grandmother Howell died.  It was expected but still made his daddy Stuart sad.  I spent this morning telling him all about his Great Grandmother.  She was a truly wonderful and loving woman.

Here are some of our favorite pictures from this week.  We hope you enjoy!

1.  Cousin Lauren and Quentin at his one-month birthday celebration! 

2.  Daddy helps Quentin with his first birthday “cake”.  Did Daddy eat it?  Only Quentin knows for sure!

3.  Our friend Kenny stopped by and did a feeding.  We always love that!

4.  Our friend Aundre held Quentin!  Did he burp?

5.  Our friend Kate holds Quentin on Easter morning during brunch at Uncle Gary’s!  Uncle Gary and Cousin Joy made an amazing brunch!!!

6.  The “Boys” pose for their Easter photo.

7.  Grandma Irma feeds Quentin his Easter Brunch!

8.  Quentin and Cousin Lauren have an Easter Egg Hunt! 

And, we apologize but we have missed a few photos that we forgot to take.  Our friend Carolyn from New York, our friends Odd and Berge from Oslo, and our friend Michael from Los Angeles.  They have all been to visit and hold Quentin but we were bad daddies and forgot the camera.  Can we blame it on sleep deprivation? 

We hope that you all had a very Happy Easter and were with ones that you love, just like we were!

Love,

Stuart, Allen, and Quentin

Posted by Stuart on 03/23 at 08:19 PM

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Aunt Teri and Cousin Trina Come to Visit

This was an exciting week for Quentin.  His Aunt Teri and Cousin Trina came to visit for an entire week.  And, Quentin loved all of the attention he got from them.  They bathed him, fed him, walked him, and kissed him to death!  He loved it and so did we.  And, they even cooked for the two Daddies!  That was a special treat. 

Here are some of our favorite pictures from the trip:

1.  This family shot says it all.  Nothing but love going on in this house!

2.  Aunt Teri, who is also the Godmother, poses with little Q.

3.  Quentin has breakfast in bed!

4.  Trina and Quentin pose for the camera!

5.  A closeup with Aunt Teri.

Next week is Easter and we’ll try to get some good shots for you all!

Love,
Stuart, Allen, and Quentin

Posted by Stuart on 03/16 at 07:41 PM

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Grandma and Granddaddy Bell’s First Visit

This week was another week of firsts for little Quentin.  He had his first visit from his Grandma and Granddaddy Bell, his first real bath, his first adult dinner party, and his first walk with his dads in his Baby Bjorn.

His grandparents on the Bell side, Warren and Dulcenia, arrived on Monday and stayed until Friday.  They were a huge help to us and kept their first grandchild busy.  I think that it is safe to say that Quentin might be very spoiled if they have their way--which we are just fine with.  We can’t wait until Quentin can go and spend time with them in Virginia.  We were joking that he could help his granddaddy mow the yard and could go shopping and to water aerobics with his Grandma at the Y. 

We got an e-mail from the proud grandparents today after their return home:

Dear Allen and Stuart

It was pure joy when we saw Quentin for the first time.  He is a very sweet baby.  We are so thrilled and happy that he is a part of our lives.  He is truly a blessing to our family.  We wish him good health, happiness, and love all of his life.

God’s Blessings to you and baby Quentin
The proud grandparents

We think Quentin is very blessed to have such wonderful grandparents in his life! 

Quentin attended his first adult dinner party at our house this week.  My adopted California family (Gary, Irma, Joy, Paul, and Lauren) came over to celebrate with Allen’s parents.  Gary made the most amazing dinner and we all ate too much, talked too much, and enjoyed little Quentin way too much.  Joy fed Quentin and we now are not sure who loves Q more--cousin Joy or her daughter, cousin Lauren.  At the dinner party, Uncle Gary gave Quentin the most amazing custom designed hand-made quilt.  It has a “bear” theme and Quentin loves it.

Quentin also had his first real bath this week.  You can see that he actually likes the water which is wonderful!  We also had a pediatrician visit this week (his 2-week check up) and he is perfect.  In fact, the pediatrician said he is one of the most perfect babies she has ever seen---do you think she says that to every parent??? 

Finally, we went for a walk today using his “Bjorn” baby carrier.  I felt like quite the sporty dad in this contraption.  It actually makes walking with him very easy and Quentin slept the entire time.  We were hoping he would stay awake but no such luck! 

Well, that’s it for now.  Allen’s sister and cousin arrive this week.  Lots of visitors and Quentin loves all of them!

Posted by Stuart on 03/07 at 07:26 PM

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Weekend Number 2!

This is our second weekend with our Little Quentin and all I can say is that he is such a good boy.  Beyond the typical eating, sleeping, pooping--he actually seems to be a very old soul.  He wants to be around us all the time, even when he is sleeping.  It seems to give him comfort that we are close by.  That, of course, gives me comfort too!  I am trying to relish every moment of this time as I know all too well that it won’t be too many years before he has the “Keep Out” sign on his door--literally or figuratively.

But, for now he loves his daddies and wants to be around us as much as we want to be around him.  He also made some new friends this weekend.

1.  Sioux, a friend and former colleague, dropped by to see little Q.  She brought some beautiful flowers that Quentin just loves!!!

2.  David, one of our closest friends, also came by to see this little miracle.  David has two sons and 3 grandchildren so he knew what he was doing when it came to holding Quentin.  He also brought the cutest little outfits with hats for Quentin.  Thankfully, he brought bigger sizes too! 

3.  Our friends Monica and Erica came by and got to feed Quentin.  This is indeed a treat as it is Quentin’s favorite thing to do.  They plan on having their own baby soon so want to get in practice with our little one. 

4.  And, of course, the wonderful Jeannette, Quentin’s nanny.  This was taken with the “I love my Dads” shirt that Sue sent us. 

Tomorrow, Quentin’s Grandma Dulcenia and Grandpa Warren arrive from Richmond for their first visit with their first Grandson.  Can we say “spoiled”!!! 

Until next time…

Posted by Stuart on 03/02 at 12:21 PM

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The Bris

Okay, so for those of you confused by the title, we are not suddenly Jewish.  While a Bris is technically a Jewish circumcision and ceremony, the person who conducts the Bris, called a Mohel, is perhaps the most qualified person to do any circumcision out there.  Our doctor recommended that we consider using a Mohel to do little Q’s circumcision and we immediately asked our fabulous friend Judy who we should contact.  She of course had the best person (aka the Mohel to the Stars) and contacted him on our behalf. 

So, on Wednesday we had the official Bris for our son.  The Mohel, Rabbi Daniel Waknine, was truly amazing.  He made what could have been a dour situation something joyful that I will remember the rest of my life.  I’m not sure that Allen was quite as enthused in the beginning as I was but he came around.  I actually got to hold Quentin and surround him with love while the circumcision took place.  The actual procedure was quick and was preceded by some beautiful words by Rabbi Wak (as he is known).  He pointed out that the Jewish people do this in a home instead of a hospital in order to make the procedure loving and warm.  He also pointed out that they celebrate that each child is unique and a gift from God.

Our dear friends Judy and Gilbert were present with their 2 year-old sons Daniel and David and Judy’s parents Mr. and Mrs. Hecht.  And, of course, Uncle Gary was there to steady Daddy Stuart and provide comfort to little Quentin. 

So, now it is all over and I am so happy that we did this at home instead of in the hospital where we couldn’t be there with Quentin.  He has been a trooper through it all!

Here are the pics you are looking at:

1.  The wonderful Rabbi Daniel Waknine

2.  Our friends Judy and Gilbert holding Quentin

3.  Rabbi Wak, Daddy, Gary, and Quentin during the ceremony

4.  Judy’s wonderful parents the Hechts who were visiting from Denver and hopefully moving here soon

5.  Allen sharing a fun moment with Daniel

6.  Daniel and David giving us a concert at the piano

Posted by Stuart on 02/29 at 07:41 PM

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Goodbye, Hello, and Sun

Monday was a day of firsts.  Some happy, some sad.

We all had to say goodbye to my sister-in-law, Barbara.  For some reason, she decided that her own family was more important than ours.  She said something about her 7-year-old son being “mom sick”.  Please, give me a break.  He’s had her for 7 years and Quentin only gets her for 4 days.  Something is terribly wrong with this picture.  But, we know she’ll be back.  Quentin has that effect on people! 

Seriously, it was so wonderful to have her with us for our first few days home.  We learned a lot and had fun!

Then, Allen decided it was time for Quentin’s first lesson in sun tanning! The doctor said it was the best way to avoid jaundice.  And, I’m sure Daddy got a little sun as well!

Finally, our neighbor Reza stopped by and got a little Q time!  He also brought Quentin the cutest t-shirts that are ultra hip.  We’ll have to take some pictures and put them up.

Another day, another 12 diapers! 

Posted by Stuart on 02/25 at 08:57 PM

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Quentin’s First Weekend

This weekend saw lots of friends and family coming to see the new master of the house!  We have been so blessed to have so many people bringing food and making sure that we have everything that we need.  Here’s a list and some pictures of who came to see and hold our beautiful little man. 

1.  Our dear friends Schuyler and Richard brought their daughter Someryn and some wonderful Chinese food.  Of course, Quentin couldn’t have any of that, but he did love the company.  We don’t think Someryn was that impressed with Quentin but maybe that will change in the future! 

2.  One of my closest friends since high school, Scott, drove up from Palm Springs to see our little guy. 

3.  My business partner, Kim, and her partner Natalie stopped by while the kids were at Sunday school to say hello and hold our little bundle.  They brought their new dog too!  What a cutie.

4.  My God daughters Dani and Emma came with one of my oldest friends, Julia, to feed and hold the baby.  They are quite the little baby sitters!  Quentin had better watch out!

5.  On Sunday night, my niece and nephew-in-law, Joy and Paul, and their daughter Lauren brought us dinner and had some fun with Quentin.  Lauren couldn’t stop saying how much her new cousin liked her!  It was so cute. 

Well, that’s the update for the weekend.  We are managing pretty well--especially since Barbara has had the baby in her room for the last two nights!

Posted by Stuart on 02/24 at 08:41 PM

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Quentin’s Angels

This is our third day home at home and Quentin’s daddy and Aunt Barbara just gave him a sponge bath.  He sure doesn’t like that but now he is being fed and is so happy he can’t stand it.  This boy loves to eat!!!  I guess it makes sense since neither of his daddies have ever missed a meal.

Some of you asked for a closer look at Quentin so I took some “headshots” today but obviously I am not a professional.  So, I think I can safely say that he is much better looking than this picture!

Quentin had his first dinner party last night.  Gail, Trish, Chloe, and Junah brought us all dinner.  Gail is my business partner and their children are my godchildren so it was a special “family” evening.  They had surprised us on our arrival home by decorating the house with balloons and a special “Welcome Home Quentin” sign. 

Quentin had a house full of ladies today.  We are calling them Quentin’s Angels!

His Aunt Barbara came all the way from Tennessee to be with her new nephew! 

His Auntie Trina (Allen’s cousin) and their friend Shaunte came by today too.  Trina fed and burped Quentin and Shaunte held him.  He loves being held!!!

Well, that’s it for today.  Thank you all for your kind words and support.  We appreciate it!  So does Quentin!!!

Posted by Stuart on 02/23 at 05:58 PM

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Quentin Chase Miller-Bell, February 20th, 9:54 a.m.

Our amazing miracle arrived on Wednesday morning.  We will write more later but all of you have asked for pictures so here are some for you to enjoy.  Allen and I were blessed to be in the room with Lorisha and see the entire miracle unfold.  He weighed in at 9 lbs, 9 oz and 18 1/2 inches long.  However, now the weight is being disputed by the nurse who said he couldn’t have weighed that much.  Anyway, he is a healthy boy, perfect in every way.

For those of you who know me, you’ll get a kick out of the fact that I slept on the floor in his room last night so that Allen could get a good night’s sleep.  It was a joy just to be near our little bundle.  As all of the parents told me, it would change my life.  And, it sure has!  We’ll write more later.

The pics include:

Allen and Stuart gazing at their bundle of joy right after birth

Allen and Stuart holding him for the first time

Uncle Gary, who is also the Godfather, holding him for the first time

Grandma Irma holding him in her mink coat (how appropriate)

And, the boys with the wonderful Lorisha who was the best surrogate we could have ever asked for!

Enjoy and Thank you for all of your support and love through all of this!

Love,

Stuart and Allen

Posted by Stuart on 02/22 at 01:41 PM

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The Los Angeles Baby Shower

Today we had a wonderful baby shower thrown for us in Los Angeles by our great friends Irma, Gary, Jason, Gail, Will, Kim and Michael!  To say we have an abundance of riches is an understatement!  Our little Quentin promises to be the best-dressed boy in the neighborhood.  We have joked that he has more clothes than his daddies do! 

While we loved all of the amazing gifts (many purchased through our friend Schuyler’s new company, http://www.preshbaby.com), the most important part of the shower is being with people who are going to be a part of our little boy’s life.  We are so blessed to have so many good friends and amazing family members.  A real highlight for me was that some of our out-of-town friends could make it.  My friend Olivier from Paris (yes, France) and my friend from Dallas, John, both made it.  And, my friend Scott’s mom, Marty Brassart, came in from Indiana!  It was so wonderful to have all of them!  Many of you who couldn’t be there sent lovely gifts as well and we so appreciate them.

My mom from Tennessee couldn’t be there but sent some adorable clothes for the baby along with my silver baby teething rattle and baby ring.  I had forgotten all about them and Allen had to read her note as I was too choked up.  Many others had tears as well. 

The time is now drawing near for Little Quentin to make his debut.  We are anxious to meet him but also hope he’ll stay in as long as he is supposed to!  The due date is February 25th but I am guessing the 19th. If any of you have a guess, let us know! 

The nursery is all done now.  Allen has washed all of the baby clothes and put them away.  Thank goodness Allen is so organized!!!  My sister-in-law Barbara will be out when Quentin is born to help and then Allen’s sister joins us. 

Not sure if we’ll blog anymore before the birth but we’ll upload baby pics as soon as possible. 

Posted by Stuart on 01/12 at 05:26 PM

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Two Angels--The Surrogate and the Godmother

It’s hard to describe how blessed we feel to have such wonderful family and friends in our life.  One of the most important people right now is our surrogate, Lorisha.  We had such a good time this week as we were able to join her for a doctor’s appointment in Redlands.  Everything looked fine for Lorisha and the baby and the doctor is now talking about “induction dates”.  Of course, I had several questions and hope that I didn’t scare the doctor.  I’m sure he is just too thrilled to be dealing with a pregnant woman AND her two intended parents.  But, he seems to enjoy it so hopefully we won’t drive him too crazy.  Lorisha’s girlfriend Kiba was also at the appointment and it is really special to see the two of them together.  We enjoyed giving them some travel gifts for Christmas that they could enjoy together as well as something special from my past, a Teddy Ruxpin, for her son Julian.  Who knew that Teddy even existed anymore!

Another very special person is Teri, Allen’s sister and the godmother of little Quentin. She is pictured in front with our cousin/sister Trina followed by BFF Shaunte who now lives in Long Beach. I think Teri might be as excited about this baby as we are!  She and her mother have already bought out the stores for baby clothes.  Teri is a physical therapist who lives in Virginia Beach.  She’ll be coming out in early March to stay with us for a week after Quentin is born.  This will be a great time for her to bond with Quentin...and let us get some sleep!  Seriously, we are so blessed to have such a loving, smart, beautiful, and sweet sister in our lives.  And, Quentin promises to be one spoiled little boy if Aunt Teri has her way!

Posted by Stuart on 12/27 at 07:40 PM

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