Learning Spurt

Joel and I have decided that just like growth spurts, kids can have learning spurts. This past week, Natalie has learned so many things! She can now sign "more" when she would like more to eat; she raises her arms above her head when you say "So big!"; she can point to her ears (very consistently), eyes, mouth and nose (not as consistently); she will play pat-a-cake when you begin to say the rhyme; last night she learned how to drink from a straw (about 30 seconds after trying it for the first time!); and just tonight she began blowing kisses and purposely throwing a ball back and forth with Joel and I. With all of this learning, she continues to be more and more fun!

Natalie has also become much better with the day care change. Yesterday was the first time that she did not cry when I dropped her off. She has been happy when we pick her up for over a week, but it took longer to keep the tears away when it was time to be dropped off. She is able to take great naps there (at least an hour at a time, sometimes longer and sometimes more than one!) which makes such a difference for how her evenings are. This was a hard transition, but we are so happy with it now. Now we just have to pray that she will do ok next month when she gets moved to the toddler room!

We just had a great girls overnight with grandma last night. We went out to eat, where Natalie got lots of attention and compliments from strangers. It was hilarious though because when they would talk to her, she would get a really serious look on her face like she was thinking, "Do I know you?" Today we went grocery shopping together. Grandma would ask her if she wanted certain things, and it was so cute to watch Natalie look at something and decide that she did not want it and shake her head no. We attempted to offer her a new box of crackers that we thought she would like- she shook her head no. We tried another box- still no. We then pulled a box of club crackers (some of her favorites) and she began to shake her head no, until she recognized the box and then got excited and reached for the box. Too cute!

Natalie has also completely fallen for Barney episodes. She will pretty much sit or stand in one position and watch almost an entire episode. She will laugh and dance throughout each one. We don't watch them very often, but she sure gets excited when we do!

She continues to be the light of our lives!