Fun times at the Beach

We spent Memorial Day weekend in Perdido Key, FL with a group of our friends and had an awesome time! We were SOOO glad we decided to go...(the 4 hr. car ride is tiring with a toddler who doesn't like to sleep or nap in a car though). But, the ride down was totally worth it just to see Natalie's reaction to the ocean! She LOVED it and I mean LOVED it! She would kick her feet and squirm and squeal with glee when Ryan carried her out into the water and dipped her down into the waves. She also ate her fair share of sand and really surprised us both by sitting still for more than five minutes in a kid's beach chair on multiple occasions.

She took good naps and slept well at night which we had been concerned about before leaving Auburn. We made a last minute decision to stay an extra night and leave early Tuesday morning to get back home for work. The four nights went by way TOO fast and we're hoping to make it back to the beach with Natalie again sometime before the summer is over. Of course, I took way too many pics (over 100 I think) so check some of them out here on Facebook. I'll try to add more pics here later!

Natalie is walking!

Natalie took her first steps over a month ago and then spent every waking minute for a good part of April and May having me walk around with her while holding my hand....boy did my back hurt! We went to a playdate for her friend's first birthday party a few days ago and she finally decided to let go and really walk on her own....and there has been no stopping her since! She is well on her way to being a little "run-yun" (not sure how to spell that made up name but it is what Ryan's parents called him b/c he walked at 10 months of age for a few days and then just ran everywhere after that! LOL).

Momma Made It

When I was a little girl, my Mom and Granny would sew cute outfits for us to wear. There was a contest at the state fair one year called "Momma Made It" and they sewed an outfit for me, my sister, and my brother to each wear in the contest. I know at least one of the outfits won a ribbon but can't remember whose it was.....

So, this Mother's Day weekend, Natalie and I were staying at my Mom's house and I had my first ever sewing lesson from my Mom. I was going to make an A-line dress but switched to a pillowcase dress style because it seemed easier (no lining or buttons). My Mom was a good teacher and was very patient with me. I had quite a few mistakes but am very proud of the end result! Look at this cute little summer-time dress that Natalie now has.... and I can honestly say, "Momma Made It" (with a little help of course)! :)

14 months

(She was so proud of herself for being silly & cute and tilting her head to the side during breakfast the other morning)

I am trying to keep track of all the new words that Natalie says but it seems to be one or more new words each day so at some point I won't be able to keep up! New words she has said in the past month: ball, keys, nana (for banana), shovel, up, dog, pool, bird, broom, slide, snack, squirrel, bowl, Kix (the cereal), grandpa, grandma, Mimi, and Phe (Mimi's dog). She also has learned the sign for "bird".

She has started putting two words together (mostly in imitation of us) and has said: all gone, sit down, bald baby (this is what her Daddy affectionately calls her), Hey Daddy, not nice (that is what I tell her when she does something wrong like throw her cup down), night night, and out side (she thinks this is two separate words).

She shakes her head for no when she does something she shouldn't and before I even have a chance to say no.

She also knows quite a few body parts (nose, ear, feet, toes, eyes, & belly button) and can point to them when you ask her. She has learned to give eskimo kisses too and it is super cute.

Other exciting news is that she has taken her first steps since the 13 month update! The first time she did it was right before Easter and she has continued to do it more & more since then. She seems to take a few steps every couple of days and it is totally on her own terms. We practice walking with her each day which she loves but she still will not let go of our hand very often. We do think she is on the verge of just letting go & walking everywhere soon!