Sunday, September 13, 2009

A note from Mom and Dad...

Wow what a wonderful 17 months it has been. Natalie never ceases to amaze us. Each day is a wonderful new experience as she learns more and puts new things into practice.

As Natalie becomes more and more comfortable with walking she is less and less interested in being carried or riding in the stroller. Sometimes this is challenging when trying to get grocery shopping done or making our way out of a busy store like IKEA. We can tell she is on the verge of running too!

A few months ago we noticed that Natalie wasn't really eating as well as she used to. At first we just assumed it was picky toddler eating, then we decided to let her try to eat holding a fork or spoon on her own. Now she has become quite a pro! She is even eating Cheerios and oatmeal all by herself. In addition, she has learned how to drink with a straw and she thinks that is the coolest thing ever!

Her communication skills are developing by leaps and bounds (OK maybe we are biased). In addition to her sign language vocabulary growing, so are her verbal skills. One of the favorite things we have heard her say so far is, "Love you too, DAD!"

Natalie you are the light of our life. We love you very much, SWEETS!

What's in Natalie's purse?

Yep, you read that right. I have a purse. Every girl needs a purse to keep her essential items. Most of the time I carry the purse around the house with me. Sometimes I hook it on my little stroller and push it around the living room and kitchen. Occasionally Mommy and Daddy let me take it with me when we run errands. One day Mommy told me that it was time to go, instead of walking to the garage, I headed the opposite direction to the living room so that I could grab my purse first.
What does a 17 month old keep in her purse? Well, I have my John Deere keys, a crinkly dollar bill with a puppy on it, my cell phone, and a few little friends. Sometimes I also keep my pacifier and drink in there, and on occasion (when Mommy and Daddy are not looking) a bit of waffle or maybe some goldfish.