Catching up

Sorry I've been a negligent blogger lately, but the world has its way of occupying my time.  There are things I have wanted to blog but the time never presented itself to do so and now those wonderful topics/rants/thoughts are long gone so I'll try and give a quick update before I turn in for the night.

Earlier this month Rick went to Texas to see his family so Natalie and I headed north to see mine.  My parents had just gotten back from a trip to southern Texas and Mexico so they had gifts for the girls.  Natalie also had a lot of fun playing with her cousin.  They are now both walking and babbling and still loving playing with each other.  It is so adorable.

 Natalie continues to amaze me.  She still isn't saying actual recognizable words , but she can communicate her needs and wants pretty well.  She understands even more and she has a pretty good memory (usually for things I hoped she would forget).  She is also very helpful around the house, especially when it comes to cleaning up and putting things away.  And pushing the start button on the dryer.  She loves books, shoes and clothes.  I honestly think shoes will be her first word--such a girly girl.  She is also quite the diva when she wants to be and can throw quite a tantrum, but luckily she leaves most of those at home.  I like to give her options when I can, but she has started to insert her opinion when not asked.  Example: "Give Daddy a goodnight hug."  "Nuh," she says as she turns away in disgust.  That was not a question, little lady.

I must have also perfected a specific mom face because when she is asking for something and not saying "please" she quickly looks at me, recognizes something in my face that says, "Manners, please," and immediately there is a "Eezess".  We are learning together.  I do need to stay out of the line of fire a little better; in the past week she has accidentally hit me in the eye socket with her milk cup (which was apparently just as traumatizing for her as my bruised eye) and she has taken skin off the bridge of my nose with her board book.  I guess that's what I get for getting so close to those flailing toddler arms!

Work is good, life is good, the weather is starting to warm up (finally!) and the Iowa State Cyclones are Big 12 Conference Champions!  Can't wait for spring!