Good Daddy Day

One of the things that has bothered me for sometime is that Natalie will sometimes push her sweet Daddy away. Even though it is a brief instant, probably a reaction to seeing him go off to work, it still is a prayer concern. It usually also happens when she is sleepy or already in a "bad mood."

But, today hasn't been one of those days. This morning, I went to wake her up. She has been waking up at 7:30, but today slept until 8am. Breakfast was ready (and we were hungry!), so I went in there. She wanted me to carry her, but because of pregnancy & a twisted ankle, I cannot carry her right now. So, she runs past me to Daddy's waiting arms. What a great start to his morning!

Then, at lunch, she was very happy and spent time focusing thoughts and questions just to Woody. Then, when she realized he was leaving, she ran to him, yelling "See me again?" which is her new saying that she wants to see you again really soon. And, a big hug & a kiss for Daddy. At that point, she could have asked for a new vehicle and it probably would have been provided.

I'm praying this day is more repeated than the other attitude. I've always suspected her to be a Daddy's girl...

Big Night Out

Since Natalie has been cooped up with her mom--and her mom also!--in the house for bad weather and threats of bad weather, tonight was a going out night. First, we went to the mall to pick up some items. Natalie enjoyed running around the mall while one of us actually shopped. She liked going up and down the escalator. After a quick meal, we were off to the movies! We hadn't been to the movies in quite a while. It was like sticker shock! They have gone up a couple of dollars since the last time. And a small drink and popcorn was $9! But, Natalie was excited about going to a "big movie." We went to see the Veggie Tales, "The Pirates who don't do Anything." It began and for the most part, she was very good. But, she kept taking off her shoes. And, when we weren't looking, she would get a drink from the Sprite (I forgot to bring a juice box for her). And, eat a lot of popcorn! So, at the crucial climax of the movie, she had to go to the bathroom. Woody took her first. Then, about 2 minutes later she said she had to go again. Not wanting to end the night on a bad note, I took her. I found out what she liked. She really just wanted to play with the hand dryer. So, I'll never know the main movie twist at the end! But, she said she had a great time and sang the pirate song all the way home. All the sugar and popcorn kept her energy up and she still isn't asleep!

Woody's famous line of the night, "I'm glad you and Natalie had a good time."

Without a Trace

God answers prayers in neat ways. Natalie has a blanket habit (which doesn't bother me by itself) coupled with a thumb sucking habit. We've tried talking to her about no thumb sucking. Also, showing her that other kids do not do this of her age. Nothing has even started to work. But, at least she only does this at nap times and night time. So, I began collecting the "extra" blankets and storing them away. I was planning on leaving her only one and cleaning it with each wash. That would start the separation time. However, yesterday, she lost the blanket somewhere in the house. We went on a hunt for it. I honestly could not find it. So, last night was the first night sans blankie. Now, today has been sans blankie. We're praying this continues as she really needs to stop sucking her thumb.

Snowed in

I'd say most parents in this region are posting pictures of their kids playing in the snow. Due to mild winters the last few years, this is truly the first time Natalie has played in the snow. Last year, she went out in the slush but that wasn't any fun. She did have some sniffles today, which made us not stay out too long outside. But, it was enough time for some great memories. When we went outside, it was also raining. Now, the snow is almost all gone.

Walking out in the snow!

Rosco likes the snow too!

Wow, it's everywhere!

Our own Frosty!

Snow angels!

And of course, we had to watch Frosty when we went inside!

Party

It's that time! Natalie's birthday is next week. Due to schedules, it worked out best to have the party this weekend for having both sets of grandparents here, plus Woody was not working. We had decided a few weeks ago to have the setting at a local firehouse. We weren't sure what to expect, but it went much above our best expectations. It was wonderful! The only thing was that we didn't know the order of events. We thought we would eat lunch first and then do the program. But, we ended up getting the fire safety tips and video first, a tour of the firehouse, seeing what the firefighters wear, then lunch. The only thing was that the little ones were restless and hungry during the program. But, everyone perked up when food was in front of them! It was a great program, though. We need to revise our exit plan as well. The firemen were super hospitable.

Listening to the program

Give the fireman a "five"

Philip gives the fireman a "five" too

The cake!

Of course, the big thing was climbing on the fire trucks!

Natalie in the driver seat

Wearing a real fire hat

All the kids get fire hats!

Ok, I'll do the pedals, Lillah steer, Philip will navigate!

Emma, Meredith, and Kiley all having fun

What a great time! Natalie even did take a short nap although it was unusually late start for one. It was a great time and a great memory!

Mischievous

The sound of silence...well, that should tell you SOMETHING is happening. I left Natalie in her room playing with toys to briefly start lunch yesterday. After a couple of minutes, I was marvelling at how quiet she was. Well, I decided to go see what she was playing with. As I went in her room, I noticed she wasn't there. I called for her and heard her voice in the bathroom. I was thinking, Great! She is going to potty by herself. Happily I went into the bathroom to see her, only to find this.

And, it is the whole roll by her feet that she unrolled!

Whistle while you play

Over the past week, I have been feeling sentimental. It has been a good time to cherish special times. One such time was sipping hot chocolate with marshmallows while hearing Natalie laugh. Or, she will break out into song that I can recognize. She will come up to me and give me a hug and a kiss. When we were walking, we marveled at the clouds and the blue sky. And, watching the airplanes streak across the sky. Swinging on the swing next to her while we try to touch the bushes with our toes.
It just makes sense to focus on these times and the blessing than to worry about the future. And, what a blessing that they are!

It Fell

Yesterday was a tough day for everyone. Woody had to work extra time at work that he hadn't planned. So, Natalie & I waited a while for him for dinner. Then, we decided to start without him. So, we sat down to dinner. We were in the middle of eating when all of the sudden, something strikes me on the shoulder and crashes to the ground. For whatever reason, the kitchen light detaches and falls off the fixture. It appeared that the screws were in properly. But, it made a huge mess that had to be swept, vacuumed, and revacuumed. But, praise the Lord that it didn't hit the table and shatter in our faces (and eyes) while we were eating. Or, happen at a time when Natalie was running around instead of in her booster chair. Or, when guests were here! So, Woody came home to a slightly more bright kitchen with a lot of activity for cleanup. Natalie is still pointing and talking about the light falling. And, hitting Mommy's shoulder. She's already told us that we need a new one. I vote for one that is plexiglass or more securely fastened

Move it, move it

If you see me, don't think I swallowed the Christmas turkey. I'm starting to show already!! I see I have 200 days left and already pants are tight. I really haven't been splurging on food or have even gained. I'm just redistributed in the middle.

So, Woody has gotten me something to help. We now are the proud owners of a recumbent bike. This is one that you are sitting back instead of like a normal bike. I really do enjoy it and hope it helps with fitness these next few months. Thanks, honey (I think....).

But, Natalie thinks it is her bike, or at least tries to use it! She is doing so well with her tricycle that she can actually turn the pedals on the "big bike."

Friends

I did not think of how long it had been since we had a "little person" over for Natalie to play with here. It is a whole different realm of possessiveness when you are on your own turf. I know Natalie is good sharing most of the time, but she still has that "mine" word come up way too often! I need to have friends over here more often!!

Kevin & Catherine came over and brought their precious son, Patrick. He was a doll! He did enjoy Natalie's jumper as well. And, it was always neat to see other toys! We had fun with the 3 of them and a really nice time. One memory is when they were leaving we asked the two if they wanted to hug. Natalie opened her arms and it was so cute. But, Patrick kept moving forward and Natalie got off balance. So, she ended up hitting her head on the door frame as she fell backward. Patrick cried because she did! It would have been cute on video. They had one last parting hug & Patrick gave her a kiss.

Fish and More

Today we set off to an adventure to see Mimi and Papa in a new place. We were meeting them at an aquarium. Unfortunately, Mimi wasn't feeling well so we ended up meeting with Papa only. On the way, we saw snow on the side of the road. We picked one of the coldest days of the year to travel in the morning. It was a great drive, though. The Lord definitely blessed with safe travel.

After finally getting there, we had a good lunch then started into the aquarium. Natalie was able to go into a new world with fish swimming all around her as well as over her! She also loved touching horseshoe crabs and almost touched a stingray (barbs were removed). It was a very nice exhibit, which we will have great memories from this day.

After all the excitement, Natalie passed out in her carseat for the ride back.