Natalie's New Tricks

January 2nd

Natalie has learned so many new tricks lately. She loves making sounds with her tongue and mouth. She can click her tongue and make sounds by moving it against her upper lip. We have practiced with her for a while, and she now loves to mimic what we do...and we love to mimic her!

Trying to catch Natalie in action

A little too bright, but how can I NOT post this??

North Carolina for New Year's

December 29th- January 1st

For New Year's, we decided to head up north to visit Nathan's brother, Mark. The four of us (me, Nathan, Natalie, and Nathan's mom) left late Thursday night hoping that Natalie would sleep most of the way. We passed through South Carolina to pick up Gabriel and Parker (Mark's middle son) on the way. It was midnight by the time we made it, and we were all exhausted.

 The next day was spent hanging around the apartment, playing outside, and attempting to go on a walk in the freezing cold weather.

Mark's apartment complex

Parker after he slid down a muddy slope.

Grammo and Jake

My loves

On Saturday we headed on over to Charlotte to go to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. This was a pretty cool experience. It was awesome to finally see it since Mark built it, plus it was filled with Lowe's and Jimmie Johnson things which we love to see!

Almost there

Nathan and Natalie outside the Hall of Fame

The boys

Lowe's!

Us in front of the Jimmie J. car



Nathan about to ride the simulator

We took a break from the Hall of Fame and went downstairs to have some lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings. We waited for quite some time so by the time the food came Natalie was getting a little impatient. I had to hold Natalie towards the end of my meal, and she was playing with my drink straw. All of a sudden I realized my leg was getting wet...Natalie was drinking out of the straw! It was her first time trying, and she was a pro in no time! This was the highlight of my weekend :) Our baby girl is growing up!

Practicing that night with Daddy

Grammo and Jake on a walk

After a very fun, action packed weekend, it was wonderful to get home and sleep in our own bed (and crib!!). Natalie did a fantastic job in the car considering it was such a long drive there and back.

Natalie Brushing Her Teeth

December 28th

Natalie got her first toothbrush in her stocking for Christmas. It was a little difficult brushing an eight month olds teeth, but we got it done!

She's a Mover and a Shaker!

December 26th and 27th

Announcement, Announcement: Natalie is officially crawling! On Monday, Natalie was playing on the floor, and it just happened! She has been trying for a while, but this was a real crawl. She finally figured out that she has to move her arms AND legs. Natalie was so proud of herself. Nathan and I could tell she felt like she had accomplished something that she has been working towards for a long time.  

By Tuesday night, Natalie had figured out how to stand up in her crib and climb all over the furniture. It is her personal mission to crawl towards everything tall and pull to a standing position! She is now walking along the furniture and moving from one piece to the next. We can't take our eyes off of her for a second!

Natalie's First Christmas

December 25th

Our first Christmas as a family of four was perfect! After Natalie tried to wake up super early (and I got her back to bed), Gabriel woke up much earlier than usual. He was first down the stairs to discover all of the toys Santa brought. It wasn't too long before Natalie realized she was missing all of the action and woke up to see what Santa left her. The four of us spent the morning trying out our new toys and getting ready for Christmas evening, which would be spent with both sets of Grandparents. Gabriel's highlights included a remote control helicopter, gator paraphernalia, a bow and arrow, and several items to make his room like outer space. Natalie's highlights included an interactive table, talking puppy dog, and bath toys. The kids had stockings filled with toys, candy, and books. Nathan and I also had stockings from Santa full of candy, craft supplies, tape measures, and gadgets. It was a Christmas to remember!

Natalie

Gabriel

Our stockings that were too full to hang!

Daddy got Natalie a special toy. This is the exact same bath toy that Nathan picked out for Natalie's angel. Natalie loved it so much and didn't want to give it up, but she did and now has one of her very own!

Natalie got Puffs in her stocking. This was her initial reaction...it hasn't improved much since!

Gabriel trying out his new helicopter

Our hot cocoa bar toppings and stir sticks

The cocoa and mugs

Grammo giving Natalie her presents

Natalie's new ride!

Christmas Eve

December 24th

Christmas Eve was a day crammed with tons of fun. Since Lowe's is open on Christmas Eve, Nathan rarely has the day off. This year Christmas Eve happened to be on a Saturday, so we were able to spend the day together relaxing, eating, playing, and really getting excited about Christmas! It was everything we could have hoped and more!

Christmas Eve morning started off with snowman pancakes and fort building.

Our snowman pancake

Fort fun

Kitty getting in on the action

We then went over to my parents house to celebrate Christmas with an early dinner and presents. Even though Natalie pretty much refused to nap ALL day (I think she was too excited about Santa), she was in a great mood! We figured Natalie really wouldn't be too excited about all of the gifts since she is so young, but boy were we wrong! She enjoyed all of her new toys and even danced along to the music.

 

Gabriel looking at his Squinkies

We spent Christmas Eve at home, just the four of us. We decorated sugar cookies, set out Santa's plate with cookies, read Christmas stories, listened to Christmas music, and watched a movie together. Natalie went to sleep early, and Gabriel wasn't far behind. He actually tried to go before her because he was so excited! We watched Santa making his rounds using Norad and once he got close, Gabriel was off to bed! 

Gabriel and Natalie left Santa a dolphin and Santa cookie