Your big heart

Yeah yeah, all I do is gush about you, Natalie, but you know what? You deserve it! We are so proud of your giving heart. Oh, you want examples? Good! 'Cause I've got them! First, you wrote a letter to your friend, Sophie. Unprovoked and purely out of a want to express your appreciation to your friend. How sweet is that??

Then, you participated in your school's Jump Rope For Heart money drive and dedicated it to Grandma near the anniversary of her heart attack. You genuinely were excited to make money for a charitable organization that would help others. Big heart. Again.

Oh, you want another example? Sure! On a page of your homework centered around a hundred dollar bill (how many nickels in $100, etc), one of the questions was "What would you do if you had $100?". Your answer? "I'd donate it, and keep some". What other seven year old would think to donate that money? I'm sure there are others, but that's the exception to the rule. And you, my darling, are exceptional. I love you and your awesome heart!!

Natalie's Favorite Things December 2015

It's been a while!

Favorite color:Blue
Favorite number: 10
Favorite letter: E
Favorite food: Chinese Chicken
Favorite drink: Skim Milk
Favorite show: A.N.T. Farm
Favorite song: X-mas song: Frosty the Snowman...General favorite: Lady Gaga- Bad Romance
Favorite animal: Giraffe
Bonus:
Favorite Book: Mashup Manor
Favorite Movie: Disney's Descendants
Favorite Toy: Zoomer Dog
Favorite Game: Sorry!
Favorite Subject at School: Reading (silently)

Melt my heart

First of all, I'm sorry it's been so long since I updated your blog! The good news is that we've been having fun together in the months between now and then!

I just wanted to let you know how much you touched me and melted my heart yesterday. When I was helping you get ready for bed last night, out of nowhere you said "You're a good dad". And you said it with such sweetness and earnestness. I said "aww, why did you say that?". You said "I don't know. You just are."

Well, my heart is melted once again by your sweet sentiments.

I'm so proud of the big girl you are. I called you a little girl last week and you corrected me that you're a big girl. That is true. As hard as it is for me to let go of my "little girl", I fully embrace the awesome moments I am (and will be) sharing with my big girl.

I told you the other day that there's nothing you can't do if you try. This is 100% true. I know many parents say that to their child as a form of hollow encouragement, but I genuinely believe what I said. You are a brilliant young lady with many talents and an amazing work ethic. The fact that you are excelling at a gifted school in your first year at Iles is just one piece of proof.

I love you with all of my heart, Natalie. Thank you for being you.

Reading With Mommy

I love how much you enjoy reading, mostly with Mommy (good choice, since she reads a lot faster than Daddy). Whether it's your new Bible or Dear Dumb Diary, I love that you love reading.

Daddy Daughter Time

Hey Natalie! I just wanted to let you know how much I love our Daddy Daughter time! I love taking you to the movies, playing with you and even watching your current obsession, Secrets of Magic Revealed, with you. I love your never-ending thirst for knowledge. I admire your pure heart and adore your sweet smile. Your creativity surpasses my own and I'm constantly impressed by your vast vocabulary!! Thanks for being such an awesome daughter and big sissy to Micah. I love you!!

Update and a Declaration of Love

Just a photo dump update. But I feel the need to tell you what an amazing little girl you are and that I am so blessed to be your mom. You make me proud every single day. Your laugh fills my soul. I love you more than anything and I always will. You have the best personality and heart of any little girl in the world. I know that you always will. The bond we share will never be broken. You are my mini me and always will be. I love you, Nat.

Natalie's perfect report card