Baby Watch 2008

Cousins Visit

Allen’s first cousin, Mo, and her family--Jonathan, Lauren, and Mara came to visit.  Of course, Quentin was in heaven with his cousins who are quite the ball players! 

Posted by Stuart on 08/13 at 02:16 PM

(0) Comments •

Provincetown Family Week 2011

We just returned from an amazing week in Provincetown, MA.  Ptown, as they call it, is a coastal town on the tip of the Cape and it is about the cutest town I’ve ever been to.  It reminds me a lot of Key West except with Beaches.  We were there for Family Equality Council’s Family Week which is in the 16th year.  So, in addition to the many other tourist, there were 300 Gay families there for a full week of fun and fellowship.  Quentin had a blast riding around in his bike trailer that was attached to my bike.  We enjoyed spending so much time with my business partner, Kim, and her family and our attorney and friend Will Halm and two of his children, one of which happens to be my very grown up God Daughter Malina who is now 15.  We loved our time so much that we have already booked again for next year.  For any of you who have never been to Family Week, I highly encourage it.  It’s how the entire world should be 365 days a year!!!

1.  The Bells at the FEC Clambake.

2.  Allen helping Quentin learn to swing on the bars.  It’s a lot harder than it looks!

3.  Quentin loved the playground and conquered climbing the rope to the slide.

4.  Q loved playing in the cemetery which was right behind our house! 

5.  Aunt Teri came up and spent a few days with us which was such a treat.  She found an amazing Gelato place called the Purple Feather which we enjoyed every day!!!

6.  Playing Twister with Will’s son Harley.

7.  Playing with the “big kids” is his favorite thing to do!

8.  Malina and I at the clambake.  She is so tall and so beautiful! 

Posted by Stuart on 08/07 at 02:02 PM

(0) Comments •

Goodbye Grandma Irma

It was a sad day when Irma left us for Heaven.  She was the last of her generation and even had two children already in Heaven.  For those of you who don’t know, on Irma’s 85th birthday while we were in New Orleans celebrating with her, she presented me with a document signed by the entire Hickox clan that officially “adopted” me as her son.  She believed that everyone deserved a loving and accepting family and spent the next 8 years “mothering” me in only the way she could.  We are all so sad that she is no longer with us but I know there was a big celebration in heaven when she arrived.  Her husband, 2 children, and brothers and sisters were all there.  And, I am sure that our own Dulcenia was there to welcome her too and show her around.  I can just hear it now “Well, Miss Irma, where have you been?  We’ve been waiting on you to start the party.  And, I have your wine right here ready for you.  Let’s go.”

Irma Oliver Hickox, September 15, 1918 - July 23, 2011. Resident of Rancho Mirage, born in Oakland, CA to Joaquin Soares Oliver and Mary Frazier. Irma, age 92, passed away peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her family. Irma was married for 46 years to the late Hollis F. Hickox; they were longtime residents of San Leandro. She leaves behind her daughter Holly Black (Jeffery) of Union City, son Gary Hickox of Rancho Mirage, and adopted son Stuart Bell (Allen) of Los Angeles. She also leaves five adored grandchildren, Joy Pieri (Paul), Jerrod Black (Jennifer), Heidi Cann (Jason), Haley Black and Quentin Bell. Also four beloved great-grandchildren Lauren and Ethan Pieri and Cheyenne and Hunter Black. In addition, she leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her daughters Joy Marie Hickox and Gay Marie Arnold.

Irma loved TV especially Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, Law and Order and NCIS. She travelled the world with her son Gary and met many dignitaries and celebrities in the course of her travels. Above all she loved her family and she will be greatly missed by all.

Viewing and Visitation will be held at Holy Angels Mortuary Center, 1051 Harder Road, Hayward on Thursday, July 28, 2011 starting at 5:00 PM. The Funeral Mass will be on Friday July 29, 2011 at 1:00 PM at St. Clement Church, 750 Calhoun Street, Hayward. A graveside service will follow.

The family suggests donations to Irma’s favorite charities, American Diabetes and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation.

Posted by Stuart on 07/23 at 09:32 AM

(0) Comments •

Florida R Family Vacations

We had a wonderful time at Club Med in Florida for the R Family Vacation week in Port St. Lucie.  We were so lucky that Jeannette and her two boys, Pablo and Jesse, could go with us.  For those of you not familiar with R Family Vacations, it is a club especially for gay families and their friends and loved ones.  They do both land and cruise vacations and feature incredible activities for the kids and adults and amazing entertainment.  Here are some pictures:

1.  Quentin relaxing by the pool with his strawberry margarita.

2.  Breakfast with Pablo and Jesse.

3.  A boy on the beach.

4.  Pool time with Jeannette, Pablo, and Jesse.

5.  Looking ready for a boat ride!!!

Posted by Stuart on 07/16 at 09:19 AM

(0) Comments •

Grandma Marion Williams

Quentin’s Great Grandmother Marion Williams died today at the amazing age of 94.  She had an incredible life and is in heaven with our beloved mother Dulcenia and her other children, husband, and family and friends.  We will miss her here but know that there is a celebration going on in Heaven for her arrival. 

Marion W. Williams, 94, of New Kent County, VA died June 28, 2011.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas “Blue” R. Williams; three daughters, Ora D. Taylor, Dulcenia A. Bell and June D. Thornton and son, Richard E. Williams, Sr.  Surviving are one daughter, Marion B. Banks (Irving); four sons, Thomas O. Williams (Lynn) of Grovehill, AL; Bernard M. Williams (June) of Sandston, VA, Eugene R. Williams (Joyce) of Quinton, VA and Charles T. Williams (Joyce) of New Kent, VA; 22 grandchildren; a host of great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; two sisters, Oraphine Crump and Kate Johnson; two sons-in-law, Warren Bell and Dr. Roderick Taylor; daughter-in-law, Clarice Williams; nieces, nephews and cousins, devoted caregivers, June Tyler and Ada Williams, other relatives and many devoted friends.  Remains rest at Scott’s Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd.  Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 2 at 12 noon at Second Liberty Baptist Church, 8140 George W. Watkins Road, Quinton, VA. Rev. Lewis R. Yancey II officiating.  Interment church cemetery. 

Posted by Stuart on 06/28 at 07:49 PM

(0) Comments •

Summer 2011 Trip Home

We had a wonderful trip to Tennessee and Virginia to see family.  We only had a couple of days in TN so we didn’t see anyone except Monty and Barb, Justin and Mikenzie, and Will.  In Virginia we saw lots of people.  Enjoy the pictures!

1.  Allen and Q on Father’s Day.

2.  Allen, Q, and Aunt Marion after church on Father’s Day.

3.  Q being silly with Uncle Bernard.

4.  Posing with Tita (Aunt Clara) and Uncle Wilbert.

5.  On the Beach with Aunt Teri and Aunt Connie.

6.  After church with Cousin Donna.

7.  Playing Fireman at Children’s Museum of Virginia.  Aunt Teri took us.  It was really cool.

8.  Being silly with Cousin Holly who was up from Tennessee.

9.  Hanging with Cousin Marcus and MJ and Daddy.

10.  The Millers and the Bells do Mexican.

11.  Sharing time with Ms. Carlton and Daddy.

12.  Quentin and Cousin Damon playing bubbles.

13.  Q and Uncle Monty.

14.  A boy and his stick on the beach.  Perfect Day.

15.  Visiting with Cousins Dana, Ron, and DaRon in their beautiful new house.

16.  Q and Cousin Damon.

17.  Being silly with Cousin Ricky.

18.  Father’s Day 2011--Sweet!

19.  Daddies and Q with Cousins Justin and Mikenzie

20.  Making sand castles with daddy. 

21.  Daddy with one of Uncle Monty’s horses.

22.  Aunt Teri and Q and Daddy in a big chair at the Children’s museum. 

23.  Aunt Connie, Daddy, and Q admire the sand castles. 

24.  Granddaddy and Aunt Teri and Q on Father’s Day.  Looking Sharp!

Posted by Stuart on 06/19 at 06:53 PM

(0) Comments •

Babies and Backrubs

Quentin was spoiled again by our friends Jessica and Rose and amazing head and backrubs.  Then, he got to spend some time with new babies Tomas and Joan.  He had such a great time holding them! 

Posted by Stuart on 06/05 at 08:25 AM

(0) Comments •

Memorial Day 2011

We had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.  We spent most of the weekend in Rancho Mirage and then came back on Monday for a party at our friends Bill and Danny’s house.  Their son Kevin is Quentin’s new BFF. We hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

1.  Q living the life in Daddy’s convertible.

2.  Now, with sunglasses for that Hollywood glamour.

3.  Quentin and a snake at the living desert.

4.  Quentin and Aiden taking aim by the pool.

5.  Quentin playing video games with the big kids.

6.  Q with his BFF Kevin and his favorite water gun!

7.  Q tries out for water Rambo.  Amazing!

Posted by Stuart on 05/30 at 04:58 PM

(0) Comments •

God Sisters

Quentin had a great time tonight with his wonderful God Sisters Dani and Emma. 

Posted by Stuart on 05/22 at 07:44 PM

(0) Comments •

Boo Boo

Quentin fell and cut his chin this morning.  Thankfully, Uncle Gary was around and help us get him all fixed up. 

Posted by Stuart on 05/22 at 10:01 AM

(0) Comments •

May Madness

Okay, I have been called out by my sister-in-law Trina who asked Allen if there was something wrong with me because I hadn’t updated the blog in so long!  So, I apologize to Trina and all others who have missed their Quentin time and I will try to do better in the future.  Here are some recent shots.  Enjoy!

1.  Quentin loves playing at the Living Desert.  Here he is with a big snake!

2.  Quentin and Daddy ride the carousel.

3.  Q loves Uncle Gary’s doggies, Buddy and Gabby.

4.  Q playing in the castle at the Living Desert.

5.  Q visits with Daddy’s friend Joan from Nashville.

6.  He’s a little big for it but he still loves his horsey! 

Posted by Stuart on 05/21 at 12:57 PM

(0) Comments •

First Day of School

Quentin had his first day of school today.  I went with him and he was such a good boy.  They have the parent stay the first day for a few hours and then both the parent and child leave.  Then, on Thursday, I just go and drop him off.  I have a feeling that he will scream a lot when I first leave but then will be fine.  He is going to go on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 - 12:30.  There are about 14 children in the class and it has two teachers.  These teachers deserve a special place in heaven as I could not ever do what they do!  14 three-year-olds is enough to make a preacher drink! 

Our sweet boy is growing up. 

Posted by Stuart on 03/22 at 12:33 PM

(1) Comments •

An Aunt and a baby

We were so lucky to have Quentin’s Aunt Barbara come for a quick visit.  We took her out to a fun restaurant on the beach and Q loved it!  Also, lately Quentin has been asking to “hold a baby” and since we don’t think we are going to have another one, I decided it might be a good idea to buy him a baby.  He loves his new sister but has not named her yet! 

Posted by Stuart on 03/14 at 06:03 PM

(0) Comments •

First Movie

Well, he is certainly growing up.  Quentin and I went to his first movie today and he sat through the entire thing without a peep.  He love “Rango” and his popcorn! 

Posted by Stuart on 03/06 at 08:11 PM

(0) Comments •

Quentins 3rd Birthday

Quentin had an amazing 3rd Birthday in Rancho Mirage surrounded by family and friends.  His daddies can’t believe he is already 3 but we are so happy that he is a sweet, smart, healthy, funny, caring little boy.  We are blessed.  If any of you have other pictures, please send as I did a very poor job this year and these are all from Teri’s camera and we have a lot of people who came who aren’t in any shots.  I was too busy in the kitchen with the “In n Out” burgers!!!

1.  Blowing Out the Candles.  His favorite thing to do! 

2.  Another shot of blowing out the candles!

3.  Opening his presents.  Everyone was so sweet!

4.  Posing with Jesse and Pablo.

5.  Riding a camel with Aunt Teri at the Living Desert!

6.  Posing with Daddies at the Living Desert.

7.  Watching Aunt Teri feed the Giraffe’s at the Living Desert.

8.  Posing with Aunt Teri, Daddy, and Granddaddy.

9.  More posing with Daddies and Granddaddy.

10.  Enjoying pool time with Granddaddy and Aunt Teri

11.  Aunt Teri and Q in the pool. 

12.  Sharing a hug with Aunt Teri.

13.  Granddaddy and Q looking good.

14.  Granddaddy and Q by the pool.

15.  Quentin loves a good horsey ride!

16.  A little boy growing up!

Posted by Stuart on 02/20 at 04:54 PM

(0) Comments •