Daddy's little girl

Dresses like daddy, funny like daddy, daddy, daddy!!!

Love ya
Jen, Jw, and Bashful Bella

Mama

Bella is becoming such a big girl. She now is saying mama and baba (whatever that is suppose to mean). Plus she is sitting up all by herself. Hard to believe that she is doing all these things and it is happening so fast.

Jen, JW and big girl Bella

How funny can velcro be?

Payless Shoe store is really a good time!!

Jen, Jw, and corn mo lover Bella

Who do you look like?

We decided that Bella looked like curious george last nite. Here is all little bit of proof!!

Jen, Jw, and Curious Bella

A poem written for Bella

ashley wrote this about bella (based on bella roo)...

Bella

and as they sing and strike their strings
your life hangs between the balance of every ring
you know more than we
what this all means..


you're above us,
and beyond us,
so inspire and require us,
to take note of what you cling to:
this precious substance,
this priceless life,
that we all mean to,
not take for granted.


but yet,
we do.


let our carelessness be used,
to perhaps save the life of you.

If she can be this happy, then why can't we?

Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high
There's a land that I heard of
Once in a lullaby

Somewhere over the rainbow
Skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream
Really do come true

Some day I'll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where troubles melt like lemondrops
Away above the chimney tops
That's where you'll find me

Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow
Why then, oh why can't I?
Some day I'll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where troubles melt like lemondrops
Away above the chimney tops
That's where you'll find me

Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow
Why then, oh why can't I?

If happy little bluebirds fly
Beyond the rainbow
Why, oh why can't I?

Laughing Bella

Turkey Day

This is the closest I could find to Bella being a turkey. She is a chicken which I guess somehow is in the turkey family. Not really sure.

She is what I am thankful for this year. Another year, another holiday, another day. She is still here and bring joy whereever she goes

Love ya
Jen, Jw, and Belly full Bella

Bella-roo ROCKED!!!

We just wanted to thank all of the bands that played at Bella-roo. They all played for free!!! Bella-roo was a sucess!!
Starting with the first picture and working our way down: Hope Dialect, the Ocelots, A Spectacular Dispay..., and Redfoot. Thank you very much!!!

Backwards in Time but somehow moving forward

So every once in awhile I like to make a list of everything that Bella has gone through, just so I don't forget. Its a good way to keep me up to date with everything and not forget anything. I will probaby forget something.

1. Brain Tumor
2. Shunt surgery
3. Brain surgery
4. Shunt was revised
5. Cyst drained from the tumor
6. Port put in
7. 2 seizures- one month apart
8. Numerous MRIs and Cat scans
8. Pet scan
9. 2 different kinds of chemo for a year
10. 4 different medications daily
11. 3 shots during the weeks of chemo
12. living with me
13. Numerous hospital stays
14. Physical Therapy, Vision Therapy, Occupational Therapy
15. Blind(yep, she can't see)

My heart still hurts but I have my baby. Thats what gets me through the day. She is why I wake up every morning.
She is why I go to work. She is why I have done everything.

Love ya
Jen, jw, and Brave Baby Bella

A Great Day for Freedom

Bella is doing well. We are enjoying every minute that we have with her. Almost every minute. Sometimes she's a little sassy.

We want to thank everyone who had anything to do with Bellaroo. We are so excited about it. It will be on the 18th of Nov. at Trinity Free Will Baptist Church in Bowling Green, Ky. Its free. There will be seven bands and a lot of fun.

Love ya
Jen, Jw, and the Bella who put Bella in Bellaroo

Big Baby Turd

Big Girl Bella is learning to sit up all by herself. She is doing fantastic. We just want to love her and squeeze her all of the time.

Bella-roo is a concert that will happen on November 18th. It is a fund raiser for Bella's well being. It will be at Trinity Free Will Baptist Church in Bowling Green, Ky. There will be seven bands playing that evening. It will start at 5pm.

Love ya
Jen, Jw, and Big Baby Turd

Bella the Pumpkin

Bella is beginning to get ready for Halloween. She's been wearing her pumpkin outfit and has bought candy for all the kids in the neighborhood. Like last year, Bella will be a chicken for Halloween and will be going out collecting her own candy!

Chemo has been going well. No new news as far as how the tumor is reacting to the chemo. But, Bella is staying strong despite getting over a cold. Each day Bella seems to be getting closer to crawling. She will now get on her hands and knees while trying to get her head off the ground. Hopefully by Christmas she will be crawling.

Hope everyone has a festive Halloween and eat lots of candy!

Jen, jw, and chicken lips Bella

chicken lips

Tiny soldiers do battle each day,
waging silent war against the unseen -
an inward enemy that plays evil tricks
on these soldiers' little bodies.
Still, they fight
Still, they smile
Their courage is unending.
Their greatest weapon is their laughter.
Boundless Hope is their captain,
the banner that they carry high.


Tiny soldiers, though often weak,
endure the tests and treatments
that drive grown men to their knees.
They boldly march toward their prize -
toward whole bodies
toward healthy lives.
Often found playing in their beds,
little pranksters they are at heart,
teasing their doctors and nurses,
living their lives to spite this war.



Tiny soldiers, how many have fallen!
Rivers of tears flow in their memory.
Their spirits live on in order to remind us
to continue in this costly, bloody war.
Fight the fight!
Find the cure!
Bring childhood cancer to its demise!
Sing this song for the young heroes gone before,
and ensure victory for the ones yet to come.
The unseen enemy must win no more.



Copyright © 9/18/2004 Tracy M. Ries

Forever and Always

This past Friday was the one year anniversary of Bella's tumor diagnosis. So I decided to do something that would forever connect me to Bella - I got her footprint tattooed on my tummy. As of right now, her future is still uncertain, so I wanted to have a part of her with me no matter what happens. She will always go where I go and be with me till the day I die if only in tattoo form. When you are faced with the possibility of losing someone you love so much, you try to find ways to hold on to them for as long as possible. I guess I figured that if faced with the reality of having to say goodbye to her physical self that I would have a piece of her spirit always with me.

Jerry, too, has tattooed a part of Bella on him - her name. He had me write out her name and used that for his tattoo.

Please continue to pray for our lovely and sweet Bella.

Jen, JW, and precocious Bella

Cookbooks Have Arrived!

For those of you who don't know, my mother-in-law, Elizabeth Dale, has put together a cookbook which we are selling to raise money for Bella's medical expenses. The cookbooks have some amazingly delicious recipes (all of which are very low in fat and calories) and have cooking/baking tips. In addition, and I think this is the best part, there are pictures of Bella throughout! Cookbooks are selling for $10. If you want a cookbook mailed to you, we are charging $2 for shipping and handling. Now, I know I'm a little biased, but they look fantactic and would make great Christmas gifts. If you're interested, please contact me at badfishbella@gmail.com.

And as always, thanks to all of you for your love and support!

Jen

Look into my eyes

Steady, As She Goes

Why don't you leave me a comment and tell me what you think of this picture?

Nothing I can say

There is nothing that I can say that can really tell you how sorry that I am to everyone that I hurt. I am sorry Jen. I am sorry Mom and Dad. I am especially sorry to the love of my life, Bella. Daddy misses you and will see you really soon.

If you don't know what this means, you will find out soon enough.

Jw

Nothing I can say

There is nothing that I can say that can really tell you how sorry that I am to everyone that I hurt. I am sorry Jen. I am sorry Mom and Dad. I am especially sorry to the love of my life, Bella. Daddy misses you and will see you really soon.

If you don't know what this means, you will find out soon enough.

Jw

Feet First

Doing Well...I don't really have much to say today but thank you!

Love ya
Jen, Jw, and Big Girl Bella

Cuteness

Seriously, how cute is this!!!!

I wish I could still do that..

Finally, things seem to be going right for her...

Love ya
Jen, jw, and Ballerina Bella

Pictures on the Floor

The first picture is Sleeping Beauty
The second picture is Fox and the Hound...that's Jen's idea
The third picture is Beauty and the Beast....You be the judge!



Love ya
Jen, Jw, and Sleeping Beauty Bella

Crying, but for a good reason

We both cried today for a good reason......Bella's tumor has shrunk again. I don't know percentages or numbers. All I know is thats good news and I'll take it.....Good news on a Friday...No better way to start out the weekend....Oh yeah, Bella just pooped her pants....got to go...

Love ya,
Jen, Jw, and Bulging Diaper Bella

Death to the Bouncy Seats(notice seats are plural)!!!!

The picture of the bouncie seat is the first one that Bella broke. So, then we went to three other shops to get another one. Then she proceeded to break the other one in three weeks. Strong legs....

Bella goes for a kidney test, hearing test, and a MRI on Wednesday. Lets hope that its all good news....

Love ya
Jen, Jw, and Bella

Upside down

JACK JOHNSON
"Upside Down"

Who’s to say
What’s impossible
Well they forgot
This world keeps spinning
And with each new day
I can feel a change in everything
And as the surface breaks reflections fade
But in some ways they remain the same
And as my mind begins to spread its wings
There’s no stopping curiosity

I want to turn the whole thing upside down
All finer things they say just can’t be found
I’ll share this love I find with everyone
We’ll sing and dance to Mother Nature’s songs
I don’t want this feeling to go away

Who’s to say
I can’t do everything
Well I can try
And as I roll along I begin to find
Things aren’t always just what they seem

I want to turn the whole thing upside
All finer things they say just can’t be found
I’ll share this love I find with everyone
We’ll sing and dance to Mother Nature’s songs
This world keeps spinning and there’s no time to waste
Well it all keeps spinning spinning round and round and

Upside down
Who’s to say what’s impossible and can’t be found
I don’t want this feeling to go away

Please don’t go away
Please don’t go away
Please don’t go away
Is this how it’s supposed to be
Is this how it’s supposed to be

Coldplay lyrics

Not being able to doing anything is one of the worst parts..

Fix You
by Coldplay

When you try your best, but you don't succeed
When you get what you want, but not what you need
When you feel so tired, but you can't sleep
Stuck in reverse
When the tears come streaming down your face
When you lose something you can't replace
When you love someone, but it goes to waste
Could it be worse?

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

High up above or down below
When you're too in love to let it go
If you never try you'll never know
Just what you're worth

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

Tears stream down your face
When you lose something you cannot replace
Tears stream down your face
And I...

Tears stream down on your face
I promise you I will learn from the mistakes
Tears stream down your face
And I...

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

Good

Bella is fantastic!!!!

Sting Rays, Sharks, and Fishes, Oh My!

Here are two photos mommy took at the Georgia Aquarium. We had such a wonderful time! I got to hear all kinds of sounds, especially of kids yelling and laughing. Plus I got to hear all kinds of splashing. Mommy says there were little fish and big fish, blue fish and red fish. Some fish were nice, while others would bite you. Yikes! I had so much fun visiting Grandpa and Grandma Hardy. They gave me a lot of attention. Plus I visited with Auntie Nora, Great Grandma and Grandpa Johnson, Uncle Carie and Aunt Margaret. And for the first time, I met someone from France. His name was Elias and he was a visitor of Grandpa and Grandma Hardy. I had so much fun that I can't wait to go back!

Ta ta!

Bella Girl

creed lyrics

Bella is doing fantastic!!!


With Arms Wide Open
by Creed

Well I just heard the news today
It seems my life is going to change
I closed my eyes, begin to pray
Then tears of joy stream down my face

With arms wide open
Under the sunlight
Welcome to this place
I'll show you everything
With arms wide open
With arms wide open

Well I don't know if I'm ready
To be the man I have to be
I'll take a breath, I'll take her by my side
We stand in awe, we've created life

With arms wide open
Under the sunlight
Welcome to this place
I'll show you everything
With arms wide open
Now everything has changed
I'll show you love
I'll show you everything
With arms wide open
With arms wide open
I'll show you everything ...oh yeah
With arms wide open..wide open

[Guitar Break]

If I had just one wish
Only one demand
I hope he's not like me
I hope he understands
That he can take this life
And hold it by the hand
And he can greet the world
With arms wide open...

With arms wide open
Under the sunlight
Welcome to this place
I'll show you everything
With arms wide open
Now everything has changed
I'll show you love
I'll show you everything
With arms wide open
With arms wide open
I'll show you everything..oh yeah
With arms wide open....wide open

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Today is my daddy's birthday! He turns the big 3-0. Mommy is soooo happy that daddy is now in his thirties just like she is. If you get a chance, wish him a Happy Birthday. He would LOVE it!

Ta ta!

Baby Bella

HIppie

Thanks to all of the Isabellites for the yard sale on Saturday. Thanks to everyone who came and helped!!! Everything was a success. A big special thanks goes out to the Isabellites with the human given names of Gina, Randell, Will(ha, ha), and Caroline for everything. You really don't know how much it means to us. Thanxs!!! If Randell was here, I would give him a big ole' hug and kiss(sweet). Tell Michael, I said hi.....

Love ya
Jen, Jw, and hippie hippie shake Bella

Get up

Bella is doing well. She is now over 20lbs. She is becoming a chunky monkey!!!

Love ya
Jen, Jw. and Rotund Rory

I love you

Everything is good with no complaints

Love ya
Jen, Jw, and Big Girl Bella

Strange but true
Every time I look at you
The only three words I think of
I love you
Three words said to much
but not said enough

I just want you to open your eyes
and tell me that you can see me
I just want you to tell me
that you feel no pain

Time Alone

Time alone only makes things worse. You have way to much time to think about everything. Like the drive into work or laying down at night to go to sleep. I know that she is doing fine. But it goes through my mind the what ifs. You go from one scenario to the next. Usually ending up at the worst one. Or you hear a song and the lyrics make you tear up because you know what their talking about. Even if you really have no idea what they are talking about.

Love ya
Jen, Jw, and Big Girl Bella

Blast from the Past

Give me your hand. We will walk for awhile. No one ever said that it would be easy but no one ever said it would be this hard. Don't let go of my hand. I think that we have a chance if you just give me your hand.

Jw

K-I-S-S-I-N-G

Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol


We'll do it all
Everything
On our own

We don't need
Anything
Or anyone

If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?

I don't quite know
How to say
How I feel

Those three words
Are said too much
They're not enough

If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?

Forget what we're told
Before we get too old
Show me a garden that's bursting into life

Let's waste time
Chasing cars
Around our heads

I need your grace
To remind me
To find my own

If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?

Forget what we're told
Before we get too old
Show me a garden that's bursting into life

All that I am
All that I ever was
Is here in your perfect eyes, they're all I can see

I don't know where
Confused about how as well
Just know that these things will never change for us at all

If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?

Weekend in the Garden

We spent the weekend in Glasgow with nana and papaw. Fun in the big metropolis. A couple of days away. Jen and I left the baby with the folks so that we could venture into the surrounding cities(not the big cities though, there scary). Bella had a good time getting her picture taken in the flower gardens by nana or thats what nana says. She is doing delicious. She is a little piglet!

Peace unto you,
Jen, Jw, and Beautiful Bella

Does this diaper make my butt look big?

Bella is doing well. She has a good three weeks!

Peace be with you
Jen, Jw, and Belly sleeper Bella

Flowers/Snow Patrol lyrics

Bella's beauty is like this flower. Growing, Blooming, and just needing a little TLC!

Peace unto you,
Jen, Jw, and Romper Rory

Run
by Snow Patrol

I'll sing it one last time for you
Then we really have to go
You've been the only thing that's right
In all i've done.

And I can barely look at you
But every single time I do
I know we'll make it anywhere
Anywhere from here

Light up, Light up
As if you have a choice
Even if you cannot hear my voice
I'll be right beside you dear

Louder, louder
And we'll run for our lives
I can hardly speak I understand
Why you can't raise your voice to say

To think I might not see those eyes
It makes it so hard not to cry
And as we say our long goodbyes
I nearly do.

Light up, light up
As if you have a choice
Even if you cannot hear my voice
I'll be right beside you dear

Louder, louder
And we'll run for our lives
I can hardly speak I understand
Why you can't raise your voice to say

Slower, slower
We don't have time for that
All I want is to find an easier way
To get out of our little heads

Have heart my dear
We're bound to be afraid
Even if it's just for a few days
Making up for all this mess.

Light up, light up
As if you have a choice
Even if you cannot hear my voice
I'll be right beside you dear.

Isn't She Lovely

Sorry that I haven't updated this sooner. But when things are going well, its hard to remember that she is sick. Besides the medicine, therapist everyday, doctors appointments, and the scars, everything seems fine. Bella had a good weekend. Papaw and Nana came up for the weekend. So I'm sure she got plenty of lovin'. Papaw even took a stab at feeding her!(no kiddin')

Peace with you,
Jen, Jw, and my hair is growing back Bella

Pretty

Bella is doing better now. She hasn't thrown up in a couple of days.
She also has learned to acknowledge the word "pretty". So you can say, "Bella, Are you pretty?". Then she smiles. Its cute!!!

TIRED

I'm tired of worrying all of the time. I'm tired of worrying when she doesn't sleep all night. I'm tired of worrying when she does sleep all night. I'm tired of worrying when she cries. I'm tired of worrying when she doesn't cry. I'm tired. Jen's tired. We're both exhausted. We are ready to just love her all of the time and give up all of the worrying. We worry about the stupid little things now. Its part of our nature now.

Peace be with you,
Jen, Jw, and I'm the boss Bella