Baby Watch 2008

Heidi and Jason’s Wedding

Quentin’s next flight was to San Francisco for the wedding of my niece Heidi to Jason.  The wedding was beautiful and held outside at a country club.  Of course, the bride was gorgeous and blushing as she should be!  Lots of relatives and friends were there.  And, on Saturday we had a really great BBQ at my sister Holly’s house in Union City.  For those of you who may be trying to figure out how I have another niece and sister you haven’t heard about, let me explain.

My best friend Gary and I are very close.  For his mother Irma’s 85th birthday five years ago, we decided to take the entire family to New Orleans to celebrate.  It was an amazing weekend and at her birthday dinner, Miss Irma stood up and announced that she had decided to adopt me as her son and had an “official” certificate that the entire family had signed.  So, I now have a California family and they are all just the best. 

All of the festivities of the wedding were wonderful.  But, most of all, we are so happy for Heidi and Jason and their son, Jason Jr.  We wish them all the best in their new lives together and can’t wait to spend more special times together.

Here are some of the pictures:

1.  The Happy Couple greets the world for the first time as Mr. and Mrs!

2.  Allen, Quentin and Stuart pose for a photo.  Allen is looking way cool with his dark shades!

3.  Mom, Stuart, and Gary share a smile at the reception.

4.  Quentin shares a dance with Daddy.

Posted by Stuart on 07/18 at 05:43 PM

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Wild Wonderful West Virginia!!!

So, Quentin’s next stop on the East Coast trip was to tour Daddy’s company in Wheeling, West Virginia.  Q was most interested in talking to the staff of Growing Generations and making sure that they were safeguarding his future college fund!  It was another great trip and he was a real road warrior on this trip as he had to fly on a small jet with....hold your breath....no first class!  And, Daddy Stuart was all alone so that put a little fear in his eyes but by the end of the flight he realized that he could get everything he wanted from one parent just as easily as he could from two.

Q had a wonderful time in West Virginia which kicked off with a party at Jeanne Marie’s house and ended with a wonderful dinner that was attended by almost all of the team.  Of course, he couldn’t enjoy all of the amazing food but he made notes for when he would return about the things he wanted to try (like that amazing fried fish sandwich that Daddy had with Dr. Kim who also came to visit this wonderful city).

When it comes to pictures, we had many!  So, to be fair to everyone, I am only including the ones that were flattering of both Quentin and his holder.  So, if you were left out, we’ll try to get a good shot on the next trip.

1.  Miss Sherri was Q’s special friend.  We think she has just a little crush on him!

2.  Miss Heidi gave him two thumbs up--and she knows babies!

3.  Miss Kayla knew Quentin before he was even born as she was his Daddies’ case coordinator during the surrogacy process and made sure that he entered the world with a big splash!

4.  Okay...so this isn’t a great picture but it is a funny one.  Miss Ann got a laugh out of Q after this but had to put up with the cry first.

5.  Some of the finance team explains the finer details of GG’s accounting.  Jamie and Craig had just gone over an exhaustive analysis with Q.

6.  Q had the best babysitter while Daddy was at work.  Here he shares a yawn with Cassie who took very good care of him.

Well, that’s it for our Wheeling trip.  Next up, a wedding in San Francisco!!!

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

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Quentin Has a Big Family Time in Richmond!!!

The next stop on Quentin’s Family Tour was Virginia Beach and Richmond.  We spent our first night at Aunt Teri’s in Virginia Beach and then headed to Grandma and Grandpa Bell’s the next day.  We spent five days surrounded by love and family and....lots of food....lots and lots of food!  Quentin is still just eating formula but when he gets ready to eat real food, there is no place like Grandma and Grandpa’s. 

We had lots of fun activities and saw so many family and friends.  We took lots of pictures and apologize that we didn’t include every picture we took.  This is a good sample of some of the wonderful times that Q had on his first trip to Virginia.

1.  Aunt Teri gets the first night and first kisses from Quentin!

2.  Great Aunt Marian has a chat with Q about the family.

3.  Great Grandmother Marion welcomes Q to the family.

4.  Our friends Coy and Todd share a bottle with Q.

5.  Four Generations of Bell Men.

6.  Great Aunt Joyce shares some love with little Q.

7.  Great Aunt Marian and Uncle Rudy get some quality time with Q.

8.  Cousin Dawna shares a laugh with Q.  What was she telling him?

9.  The Grandparents and Q get ready for a night out on the town.

10.  Q makes a new friend in Rey at a wonderful dinner hosted by his parents Hattie and Reggie and their beautiful daughter Britney.

11.  Cousins Marla and David get a closeup with Q.

12.  Cousins Morlon, Mara, and Loren got to share some big love with Q.

13.  Q hangs with the younger generation--his cousins Maya, Wayne, JC, and Danielle.

14.  Cousin Tyra loved her Q time at the River House on the 4th of July.

15.  Miss Louise shows some love to Q at the River.

16.  Our friend Mark shows Q how to strike a pose.

17.  Cousin Paula hangs with Q at the River.

18.  Quentin loves his Great Aunt June.  She makes him laugh and knows how to get him to sleep!

19.  Cousins T’na and Marcus share a smile with Q.

20.  Q scores a touchdown with his Auntie Clara.

21.  Cousin Cheryl says Goodbye to Q at the airport in Richmond.

Next stop...Wheeling, West Virginia.  This boy knows how to travel!

Posted by Stuart on 07/04 at 07:12 PM

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Quentin’s Big Trip—First Stop--Murfreesboro, TN

First of all, apologies that this is so late getting posted.  It is actually August 3rd today but I have dated this June 28th which is when it should have gone up.  I have lots to post and catch up on so let’s not waste any time!

Quentin took his first plane ride on a big trip back East to see family and friends.  He was great on the plane (of course, who doesn’t enjoy First Class)!  Our first stop was Murfreesboro, TN, where I grew up.  We stayed at my brother and sister-in-law’s house (Monty and Barbara) and their youngest son, Will, who is 8 years old.  I must apologize because of all the pictures you are going to see, for some strange reason we didn’t get any of Monty or Barb with the baby.  Barb is already on the blog because she came out and stayed with us when Quentin was first born.  But, I can’t believe we didn’t get any with Uncle Monty!  My brother is so great with babies and Quentin was no exception.  So, next time, we’ll get lots of pictures with them both!  Monty and Barb have a beautiful home and we felt like we were at a spa hotel!  And, of course, Barb cooked up a storm so we ate way too much good food which is always nice!

We were able to see lots of family and friends.  We didn’t get pictures of everyone but please know how wonderful it was to see all of you.  Quentin loved you all! 

Here’s some of the pictures we did get for your enjoyment.

1.  The Best Friends:  Sue, Donna, Donna’s daughter Mady holding Q, me and Jamie.  We were all the best of friends in college and beyond.  It was great to be back together again which doesn’t happen too often due to our busy lives. 

2.  My sister Abby holding Q while her daughter Ava looks on.  Abby’s daughter Ava is 18 months old and so adorable.  She looks just like Abby.

3.  My sister Amy is all smiles with Q.  Amy is a natural with babies just like Monty!  Q loved her.

4.  My grown nephew Justin (yes, Monty and Barb started early) with his beautiful, smart, amazing girlfriend MacKenzie (can you tell we like her a lot—no pressure Justin)!

5.  My nephew Will strikes a pose with his cousin Q.  Right after we snapped this, Will threw his hands in the air and Q fell backwards on the bed as he didn’t realize that his arm was Q’s sole support.  It was too funny! 

6.  Barb’s adorable sister Allison came over for a visit with Q.  We also got to see both of Barb’s parents, Barbara and Wayne, but forgot to take pictures.  It was great spending time with them.

7.  The Boys are Back in Town:  Allen, my nephew Will, me, and one of my best friends and roommate from college Jeff with his son Sam.  I think we are a pretty handsome group of guys.  This was taken outside of my favorite country cooking restaurant in Murfreesboro called Clearview Cafe!

Well, that’s it for Murfreesboro.  Next stop is Richmond, Virginia to visit the Bell-Williams clan!

Posted by Stuart on 06/28 at 02:52 PM

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The Latest Pics

All you parents will completely understand the joy in which I say this--Quentin started sleeping through the night 2 weeks ago!  That’s right, like a miracle, he went from getting up twice during the night to sleeping from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.  It is life changing and his two daddies are very thankful!  Yes, it is selfish but we are sure that Quentin enjoys his full night of sleep almost as much as his daddies do!

We also have to say what a joy our little guy is.  He is so good-natured.  He loves people and loves to roll with his daddies.  He is a big talker now, although we can’t quite make out what he is saying.  He is so alert and so wonderful!  He is also quite the big boy and seems to grow more everyday. 

So, here are some of the latest and greatest pics!

1.  Our good friend Olivier came over for a few weeks from France.  Olivier is a professional photographer and took the pictures at our ceremony plus some shots of Q and Allen. 

2.  This is my favorite!  Can we say beautiful smiles!

3.  Bath time or Superhero? 

4.  Cousin Makonnen has some swing time with Q.  We are very excited that he is moving to LA in a few weeks!  Quentin needs a new babysitter so his daddies can go to a movie!

5.  Aunt Connie gets some Q time!  We think she really liked it!

6.  Our friends Lynlee and Pax stopped by for a visit all the way from Wichita Kansas!  Little Pax did a great job reading to Q.  We think he is smitten! 

7.  Cousin Trina came by today for brunch and a visit with her favorite boyfriend, Mr. Quentin!  We are so lucky that she’s had so many business trips to LA this year!  We want her to move here!!!

8.  Our friends Lee and Paul came by today for a visit with Little Q.  Lee made the most amazing Afghan for Quentin.  It was so nice to have them visit!

Posted by Stuart on 06/01 at 07:56 PM

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Celebration of Love and Family

For those of you who check in regularly, I apologize that I have not updated the blog in a while.  It has been a very busy month for us and promises not to let up anytime soon!  We wanted to share some photos from our weekend commitment ceremony in Palm Springs.  Can you say magical?  We, that’s exactly what it was.

We had friends and family from around the country come for what was an appropriately named event:  A Celebration of Love and Family.  Our goal was to have everyone come together and enjoy themselves in fellowship.  During a full weekend of activities, we did have a commitment ceremony where we asked our families and loved ones to support our new family--Allen, Stuart, and Quentin. 

Of course, the real star of the show was little Quentin.  He is such an amazing little guy and really enjoyed meeting all those family members and friends who he hadn’t met already. 

Finally, it was just a big ole party!  Special thanks to Gary for opening his home for the Friday night event and hosting the Sunday brunch and for being the best wedding planner we ever could have asked for.  He is the best adopted brother anyone could ever ask for!!!

So, here’s some pics:

1.  Quentin gets introduced, blessed, and welcomed into a community of love and support!

2.  Allen’s Dad, Warren, offers a touching tribute to Allen during the ceremony.

3.  Allen surprised me with a new ring from Cartier!  I couldn’t believe it! 

4.  I take a spin on the dance floor with my adopted mom, Irma. 

5.  Allen cuts the rug with his beautiful mom, Dulcenia.

6.  The dance floor was hot!

Posted by Stuart on 05/12 at 07:01 PM

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Two Months Old

Our little man turned two months old this week.  It is hard to believe!  As everyone says, it happens so fast.

He is doing great.  We went to the doctor and he measured 25 inches long and 14.5 pounds!  In the 98th percentile!  He loves to eat just like his daddies do!  He also had his shots at this appointment which was not so fun!  But, he was a trooper and made it through with just a few tears.

He had several visitors this week.  Check out the pics!

1.  Our friends Andrew, John, and Danya were visiting Los Angeles this week from Boston.  Danya was so wonderful with Quentin and even helped give him a bath!

2.  Our friend Mark stopped by on Saturday and showed some love!

3.  We went over and visited with our friend Judy’s parents on Sunday.  Here’s a shot of Mr. and Mrs. Hecht with little Q.  He stopped crying right after the shot!

4.  Here’s a happier shot with Mrs. Hecht.  We think that Mrs. Hecht may have a crush on little Q!!!  But, who couldn’t!

We missed a shot on Saturday with Q’s cousin Heidi and her fiance Jason.  We forgot the camera but they loved being with him and he loved them too!

This is a busy week as we prepare for our weekend celebration of love with family and friends.  Next week, there will be lots of pictures!

xoxoxo
Stuart

Posted by Stuart on 04/27 at 06:59 PM

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Quentin’s First Swim

This was another great week for Quentin.  He is getting so big.  I had to go to NY for work this week and I left a little baby and came back to a little boy.  He is so strong.  Almost holds his head up all the time by himself and can kick and almost stand.  He is an amazing little guy!

While I was gone, Daddy Allen took him to Uncle Gary’s and Grandma Irma’s for dinner.  Cousin Joy, Cousin Paul, and Cousin Lauren were there too!  He loves them all! 

Then, we went to Palm Springs for the weekend.  We have purchased a second home there that needs a lot of work so we stayed at Uncle Gary’s and had the best time.  We had a wonderful meal at our favorite Mexican restaurant and then the rest of the weekend Uncle Gary fixed us the most amazing food.  And, Grandma Irma held and fed Quentin.  We think she’s quite smitten!!!  Uncle Gary went on a walk with us and we think he is quite smitten too!

Here are the pics:

1.  Q takes his first swim with his Daddies in Uncle Gary’s pool. 

2.  Q lives it up with Cousin Lauren and Daddy.

3.  Can you believe those eyes?

Until next week!!!

Love,
Stuart

Posted by Stuart on 04/21 at 06:39 PM

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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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