Photo Update

Here are some pictures of my little sweet pie.
Super cute new outfit from Aunt LaLa, and having fun in my new favorite place to play when mommy isn't looking. Her nail polish drawer.





First taste of mommy's chocolate chip cookies. Good job mommy! You finally made a decent batch. It was the flour. Nadine was right. If you are baking in Florida, you need to add more flour!









Mastered the sippy cup!

Reading with daddy.




Saturday night, was the first night that I didn't put Natalie to bed. I spent the evening with some of my good friends from church. We had a nice time, and Nick reported that she went down without even a whimper. He did say that she turned toward the door looking for me and saying "ma". That made me feel better. :)
Enjoy all the pictures and have a great week!

Video Bonanza

The camera is back and Natalie has been busy. I was finally able to capture some of her silly-ness that makes me smile from ear to ear. Hope it does the same for you. First up, play time in her bed. I had to clean something up in her room so I sat her in her bed. Apparently that was the coolest thing ever. She rolled around and had a good old time.
This one is my favorite. I FINALLY was able to capture her playing. She is such a hoot. Rolling around on the floor, grabing things, crawling everywhere. :)
Finally, check her out. Walking will be happening shortly, I think. Look at Natalie go! (This was right before bed tonight.)

Update, but no pictures

Well, I left my camera over at my Aunt Elaine's house while visiting her this past Saturday. Poo. Hopefully the boys can meet up soon and we will have pictures once more.
Last week was a rough one for me and Nick. We both came down with a nasty stomach virus of some sort. By the Grace of God, Natalie avoided it. We kept waiting for her to get it, but she never did.
Nick was also gone for most of the week. He had an educator's conference in Daytona, and then his High School Fall retreat immediately afterwards. He said the trip was successful, and that he thought the kids got a lot out of it. That's what's important.
Natalie has started "cruising" a little bit, but still doesn't show too much interest in walking, even when we try to assist her. She'll do it on her own time, so I'm not worried.
She had her first meal of complete finger foods this week. Peas, pasta shells, and cheese pieces. She did very well with it all. We still spoon feed her mostly offering one finger food per meal. I tried to give her kidney beans last night, but she gagged. Funny how she gags over beans, but cat food is a seemingly delicious treat! I guess I don't blame her too much. The beans aren't very good plain. Much better seasoned in a pot of chili. Maybe I'll try some Ranch Style Beans. I KNOW those taste good by themselves. :)
Nick and I are really looking forward to the middle of October. Our good friends from college are all coming down, and we are renting a beach house (for next to nothing - thank you church friends!)on our favorite beach spot - Anna Maria Island. With six kids 5 and under and two pregnant ladies, it should be a fun and interesting time. I'm sure we will have lots of stories and memories to take with us.
Other than that, it's kind of same old, same old.
Hopefully next time I will have new pictures to share. Although, she is getting harder and harder to get a picture of now that she is moving everywhere! :0)
Blessings to everyone.

No more bottle

Well, I guess it's official. Our sitter sent all of Natalie's bottles home today. She drinks everything from a sippy now. I just can't hardly believe it. I always imagined this huge struggle to make the switch, but I guess that isn't going to be an issue. The big issue is going to be weaning. I already know it. :( The one year mark is drawing ever closer when she will be able to switch to cow's milk. I have been so blessed emotionally and financially to be able to feed her completely. We haven't purchased one container of formula, and unless the sitter has given her one of the other kids', she wouldn't even know what it tastes like. I have also yet to purchase any baby food. It's so easy to make, and now she is getting to the point where her diet has greatly expanded, she takes biger pieces, and is feeding herself some what. It won't be too long until her diet isn't restricted at all and she can just have what we are having for dinner. So, all you mom's out there, don't let anyone fool you. It is possible, even if you are a working mom like myself. :) That's the biggest news of this week. Depending on the night, she either wakes up around midnight or one or sleeps through the night completely. She is still crawling everywhere, pulling up on everything, and has attempted to stand without holding onto anything several times. It's so weird to walk around the corner and see her standing upright. It's like, "Wait a minute! You were just lying in your bassinet yesterday!" It really has flown by, but at the same time, it's very hard to remember my life before her. That just seems so long ago. Her smile is infectious, and that dimple just about does you in. Here are some pics of the sweetie pie who will be 10 months old on Friday. Fun with the pots and pans What's cuter than a naked baby butt? I can't think of anything either. She now prefers to stand during bath time which really keeps mommy busy. Our good friends, and Natalie's Godparents, came to visit us for labor day. They also brought their dog Hercules who Natalie had a blast with. They pretty much wore each other out. :) Hercules, you are hilarious! Yum. This dog leash is quite tasty. I love you uncie Dave and aunt Sonya! Here is a video of Natalie and Hercules playing together. We just laughed and laughed. They did this for about half an hour. I love how Natalie just dives head first into the dog bed. :)

Natalie would also like to wish her Papa Lubke a very happy 50th birthday this Friday, September 11th. We love you!