Natalie loves to jump on the trampoline with Daddy. She is a super jumper and could jump all day long. It only seems fitting that at 16 days old Abi is introduced to the trampoline too. Natalie thought it was funny that Abigail was able to get on the trampoline and do big girl things like she does with Daddy. Turns out Abi loves the trampoline too and can fall asleep easily with a gentle bounce!
This is the third year in a row we have participated in Nathan's grandparents' church egg drop. The first year Natalie was two days old, and my mom took Gabriel and Patrick. Last year we all four went with Nathan's mom, and this year the four of us (without Gabriel) went with Dawn. There were donuts, games, bounce houses, a train, and the big egg drop. Natalie loves helicopters so we thought this would be perfect for her. It would combine her love for helicopters with her love for candy. We were hoping the rain would hold off until after the drop, but we didn't have that much luck! Right as the helicopter started to fly over, it started to torrentially pour! With a newborn, excited two year old, and a stroller, it was a good thing there were three adults there. After the rain slowed, the helicopter made several trips up in order to drop tons of eggs filled with candy. Natalie was very timid when it came time to go out because the helicopter was still making trips into the air. The rain continued as we all pretty much got drenched- except for Abigail who stayed in the stroller or under the umbrella out of the rain. If you're wondering where the pictures are of Abi or of Natalie actually egg hunting, remember we were literally dripping wet when we left!
She was bored with the little bounce house and ended up going on the big kids one too!
We were one of the first people in line for the train. Once Nathan got to the front, Natalie decided she didn't want to ride. Now you have to understand, Natalie loves trains. I think she was just a little worried about riding by herself. Last year Gabriel squeezed in beside Natalie, and they rode together. After a little while Natalie changed her mind and decided she was ready to ride. Well at this point there were a good 30 kids in front of us. We waited and were so proud when Natalie rode like a big girl!
Train ride
Natalie and Daddy getting soaked while waiting for the helicopter to finish.
She was definitely a little scared of the helicopter flying so low, and she will probably be forever scarred thinking all helicopters drop eggs filled with candy. Natalie talked about this for weeks to anyone who would listen and had a great time!
I can't believe we are almost to the two year mark. Natalie is a super genius these days. She talks so much and insists that you know what she is saying. She has also entered the "helping stage". I don't know if you've ever dealt with an almost two year old who wants to hold her own sippy cup while you pour the milk, but it is quite a challenge to remain calm! We are working on listening and not saying no all of the time. I'll let you know how that one works out! :) Natalie is smart enough to understand reasoning but doesn't want to a lot of the time.
The one thing that makes it easy for me to go to work is that Natalie loves going to Poppa's house. Everyday, including Saturday and Sunday, she asks if she can go to "Poppa how". They have their own routine and love to play outside. With Poppa's new phone, I now get pictures at work and love it! Here are just a few from their recent adventures:
Riding on her doggie.
Being a dare devil.
Love this picture! She looks like she has such purpose!
Digging in the dirt.
Playing in my McDonald's dress up outfit!
She loves to swing!
Gabriel and Natalie
Walking in Grandma's shoes.
Playing Mr. Potato Head
If you can't tell by the pictures, Natalie has become quite opinionated about what she wears- especially to bed. She loves to pick out her own clothes and wants her pants to be loose. Matter of fact, if her pants are tight she pitches a fit because she hates it! I don't mind letting her pick out her own clothes, but she does tend to look like a ragamuffin.
Midway through month 23, Natalie became a big sister. We didn't know how she was going to handle it, and I was prepared for the worse. Like she always does, Natalie surprised me. She loves to love Abigail. When Abigail was first born, Natalie was all about holding her and giving her kisses. She knows that Abigail was the baby in my tummy but doesn't get that at all. I think Natalie is just happy she can sit on my lap again! Nathan and I do a great job of juggling the two so Natalie usually has someone to play with. Once Abi gets up and moving, I think Natalie is just going to love her more!
Being a big sister is exhausting!
And this is why I find rubber shreds all over the house on park days!
Looking at a frog with kitty.
She gave Abi Minnie and sat in her chair with Mickey! How sweet!
Enjoying breakfast in her chair from Grammo.
Natalie loves her park days with Daddy. She is becoming more and more explorative with lizards and other reptiles, and this is just too cute. She is still a little timid when it comes to touching them, but she loves to try!
Natalie loves going to "Poppa, GG, Mong Mong"s house. Every night she talks about going and here she is talking about three of her favorite people before falling asleep.
Over the weekend, Aunt Kristy, Uncle Thomas, Sarah, and Patrick all came for a visit. Kristy worked her magic setting up an in-home photography studio, and Thomas took some wonderful newborn pictures of Abigail. I was definitely still feeling under the weather with a horrible headache as well as normal surgery pain. I don't know if recovery was any easier this time or if I just knew what to expect and how to work around it better. The pictures of Abigail turned out great, and we were even able to get a few with us too. It's hard to believe by looking at the pictures that they were taken in our home!
TK Photography
TK Photography
TK Photography
TK Photography
Natalie was eager to get back into the swing of things. She loves to play outside. With a newborn baby who sleeps majority of the time, Nathan and I were able to give Natalie some outside break time from her new little sister.
Checking out the ducks
Letting off some steam!
Natalie took one look at Abi in her bouncy seat and wanted to move her purple chair closer. Of course she also needed her blanket that is the equivalent of Abigail's. Grandma bought both girls a personalized blanket before they were born. Natalie has used her blanket more now than ever since she sees Abigail with hers. The good thing is Natalie has a blanket too so she doesn't feel like she has to take Abi's to use as her own!
