Snowball Effect

Yesterday, I made the mistake of mentioning to Natalie that we were going to redo her room for the baby. I mentioned we were getting a new dresser and big bed. This was all she wanted to talk about from that point on. She wanted a pink bed and asked about it nearly every minute. So, after my meeting, we went off to lunch and then a quick shopping trip. She was very happy to pick out her new bedsheets. As we walked towards the bedding aisle, she saw pink Disney princess bedding. She flew toward this just like a magnet. She grabbed and would not let go of the comforter and dragged it around the store. We then purchased the coordinating valences and sheets. She was so excited, she did not want to even start to go to nap.
Of course, putting up the new curtain valences did start a snowball effect of cleanup. The curtains there and all around the house were dusty. So, taking down these for cleaning. Then, the floors didn't look that good, so Woody helped by steam cleaning the carpets. So, we're in spring cleaning mode here all because of a comment that I made. Well, it will be great in the end when everything is clean and ready for baby.

Horse Ride

Here is a movie of part of the horse ride

Family Trip

We had a great trip to see family this extended weekend. It involved an airplane ride, which Natalie really enjoyed. The airport was exciting to her, as well as the plane flight. She spent the whole time looking out the window and happily talking (didn't need to take any distraction items!). Then, the city was neat to her with the tall buildings. She did well staying close and holding hands, which was a major blessing! And, she enjoyed meeting her cousin, Nathaniel, as well as seeing her Uncle Pete and Aunt Emily.

Getting close to Nate! She enjoyed seeing him as well as seeing what a baby does. Good practice for a few months away...

Then, we went to the zoo. I'm not sure if the elephants, giraffes, polar bears, or other animals were her favorites. The elephants held her attention for quite a while. They were "dirty" and she kept wanting to see them take a bath. Everyone enjoyed the neat time at the zoo, although Nathaniel had a long snooze during a lot of it, he had the best temperament to be outside on a nice day. Woody pushed the stroller the whole way and it made a tremendous difference.
Here is Natalie on a horse. We went to see family in a neighboring state. They had several horses and were so gracious to let the children ride. This is probably something Natalie will be talking about for quite a while.
She held on well and stood up straight and tall. She wasn't afraid at all, but pretty jubilant! Are we buying a horse any time soon--no, no, no...
Here's Natalie with her cousin Olivia, one of the twins. She seemed to enjoy time with all her newfound cousins, as well as other family.

Definitely a trip to remember, and not one Natalie will forget soon! Of course, Grandma & Grandpa were there as well which put the icing on the cake. She actually started crying on the airplane ride back, because I told her we were going home. She is definitely one who is ready for more adventure.

Craft Time

Here are some crafts we have done lately. Fingerpaint is a little messy, so we borrowed one of Woody's shirts as a smock. But, always fun to color with the hands...

Natalie liked the brush best, though. She did try a sponge and some other, but the brush won out.
Here was a craft that used aluminum foil and baby oil as well as little pieces of tissue paper. According to the directions, you could pour her name or some other design. Yea, right! Baby oil just runs along the foil. Best to make a design after you put the pieces on.
Here's the Natalie craft. Natalie has fingernails painted--she is the craft!

Well, right now Natalie has woken up and wants Mommy to stop blogging! She doesn't care it is about her either!

Can't Believe it

It's less than 100 days to go, which seems like not much. We still have much work to do!

Dress and Drag

I know the title sounds strange (even stranger if you say it fast!), but I think that it would be a good idea for a more realistic doll. Dolls when you are growing up model an idea of a child that enjoys being dressed and led around. Nothing could be further from the truth in real life. Most kids dislike being dressed, don't like being led around. Instead you have to dress & redress and it seems like drag them around sometimes while they yell "No!" I think a doll that says "no" when you move it and try to dress it would be much better preparation for child rearing.

My dear friend, Jo Ellen, was very wonderful to take Natalie home with her for lunch while I was at a BSF luncheon (THANKS!). Her oldest daughter is Emma, who is one of Natalie's friends. So, they were all excited about having some time together outside of BSF. Natalie absolutely bounced down the hall to the car. She barely noticed Mommy saying goodbye. Well, after the luncheon, I went to take her back home before naptime. Jo Ellen met me at the door with an explanation that Natalie had been doing some playing with Emma's playclothes. However, Natalie wasn't too keen on putting on all the playclothes in the outfit, but only the shorts. So, I came up to see a very defiant little girl with no top. It took some time to get the shorts off and her outfit back on, all the time getting the "no!" for my efforts. (In the middle of this, she also stripped down a poor Barbie doll, I guess because she couldn't get back in control of her outfit choices herself). Then, she didn't want to leave so she ran behind Emma to get away from me. However, Emma thought Natalie wanted to get her toy so she ran faster, which upset poor Emma! Finally, we managed to get Natalie out to the car, get the carseat transferred back, and strapped in right about the time I know Jo Ellen was probably past ready for us to be gone! I hope Emma and Meredith had a good nap...well, I guess I don't know if that would be good because your work was all lined up for you when they napped!
Then, Natalie was wiped out on the way home, and I had to play Supercalifragilisticexpealodotious (OK, I don't know how to spell it!) all the way home to keep her awake until we got home. But, she did get a pretty good nap!

Sniffles and Celery

What would these two things have in common? Well, they are two things we are going through. I have had a lot of allergies lately from the wonderful start to the change in season. However, Natalie seems to be affected this year as well, the last couple of days showing symptoms. She even woke up last night with a cough due to all the sniffles. But, no fever and she felt better this morning, so we went off to church.

The celery is just asking for prayers since two tests show that I am less tolerant of glucose this pregnancy. Although, I don't really see who would be able to take drinking a lot of sugar and then sitting for several hours. I don't do either really (remember the 3 year old?)! But, this means a new diet and testing sugar on a frequency. My sister would definitely see that I will have a deeper understanding of what she has been going through for many years (although she is much more disciplined than I!). Actually, not much should change in my diet except no desserts at all (which we do try to limit except on special occasion) and complete removal of regular flour and potatoes (which I will miss the potatoes for a while). But, it will be different, definitely more difficult to do if traveling. Change is always tough, even if it should be for the short term. Sometimes God's plan is different than ours, although we don't see it at the beginning.

Another Birthday Party

Wow, it was time for another birthday party this weekend. We celebrated Maggie's 3rd birthday at the same place that Carson had her party. It was a good time, but a challenge since it was just Natalie & me there at the party.

Here's the birthday girl, Maggie next to Natalie, Lillah, and Colt. They were ready to enter! Actually, as soon as the doors were opened, Natalie knew to run, take off her shoes, and go straight for the inflatables. I put up her shoes in the right place and went to find her.
I should have turned this one around. You might notice that Natalie is not wearing the same outfit. I found her and she went through about 5 minutes of action. Then, we had a quick trip to the bathroom and then a quick change in the car. We are having a bit of some regression lately. Here she is sliding with Maggie's daddy. Thanks to him, he went through the long obstacle inflatable with Natalie several times. It definitely is not the place for a pregnant woman!
Natalie really acted like she was to climb this one this time. She tried to cut line several times and was eager. We did finally wait our turn and she went up a little bit, but as last time was afraid of the height factor. Maybe next time!
Here's Mommy going with Natalie through the obstacle inflatable. I don't think I'll do that again!

We had a good time together but I was certainly glad to be back home and in bed. Whew! I think this can wear out the parents even more than the kids!

April Beach Trip

Last week, we went to the beach with Natalie, and also Grandma & Grandpa. It was great to get away for a few days. The weather was perfect when we arrived, and I think this video shows all the excitement about finally being back on the beach.

Fishing with Daddy! We didn't catch anything here, but ended up catching 4 fish later when it was just Woody & me fishing. It was fun trying.

The weather didn't always cooperate, so there were some indoor activities such as making cupcakes. Natalie really liked doing this! We also went to a museum and then a state park to pass some time until it was warmer and sunny!

Back on the beach with Grandma, staying in a little "pool" formed by the lowering of the tide. It was much warmer than the actual ocean! And, a lot of fun to dig a moat around a sand castle.

Here is a picture of us all together. It was a great time. Thanks, Grandma & Grandpa! Back to reality now that we are back.