Monday, June 30, 2008

Slip-n-slide

Jordan had fun with Taylor and Hailee and Natalie with the pool and slip-n-slide. He came home early from work on a hot day and joined in the fun. Oh, and Gary too!

Fun with Morgan

Natalie had Morgan come over to play on Friday. They get along so good. Natalie can take away toys from Morgan and Morgan doesn't fight to get them back. That's probably why they get along ok. Natalie even gave Morgan a kiss but of course, I couldn't get that on camera! Morgan is such a sweetie and we love to have these playdates. Morgan needs to get more aggressive and stick-up for herself and Natalie needs to stop being a bully. But for now, it works for them!
Natalie is in charge!

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

My Baby is ONE!

Natalie had her first Birthday on the 23rd. I can't believe it's been a year. In a way, it seems like longer because I can't remember ever being without her and yet, it went so fast. Way to fast. We had her cousin, Morgan, over to play for the day. They had fun following each other around and playing with toys. I think I sang "Happy Birthday" to Natalie about 50 times that day because everytime I did, she would get a big smile and clap. She loves to sing so usually she'll join in with me, so it was funny that she just listened when I sang. I think she had a good day, uneventful, but good. We're celebrating her birthday with a party on Saturday. I'm sure she'll have more fun that day. I am so grateful to have her in my life. Thank you, God, for one year with our sweet Natalie!

Fun in the sun




Lately, I've been finding Natalie sitting in her "toy drawer"


Birthday Bath!

Weekend Getaway

Natalie took her first trip out of the state a couple of weeks ago. Jordan, Natalie, and I took a trip with mom and dad Barkel to Ohio and Kentucky. We went to the Air Force Museum in Ohio, and the Creation Museum in Kentucky. It was a four day trip. Natalie had a pretty good time I think except for at night, of course, in the hotel. She was loud and restless and none of us slept that great but at least we didn't get any complaints from the neighbors. We have traveled quite a bit with mom and dad and we always have a great time no matter where we go.

The Creation Museum
based on Biblical Science

Thursday, June 19, 2008

I've Been Tagged!

Apparently, I have been tagged to tell 5 random things about myself. Thanks a lot, Rachel! Well, I'm a pretty ordinary person so this will probably sound boring.

#1. My sister, Katie, is my best friend. We are 4 years apart in age but we have always been close. We used to stay up past 2 in the morning just talking which would sometimes lead to uncontrollable laughter or, from our heart to heart talks, tears. We shared not only a bedroom for 13 years but also a bed! Now looking back and even at the time, we wouldn't have had it any other way. She's always there for me and she has taught me so much. I wouldn't be who I am today without her.
#2. I am a sensitive person. It doesn't take much to make me cry....Laughter, pain, love, loss, even the occasional TV commercial can make me cry! A certain example comes to mind....Jordan and I met in March of 2003 and started dating in May. I knew there was something different about him, even though being only 17, I hadn't dated seriously before. One day, my mom asked if I loved him and the tears just started to flow. What a wreck! I was laughing and crying because I never believed that I could love someone so much and just know he was "the one" and especially at such a young age! My "sensitive" condition is just something that I've had to live with, because I realize that the older I get, the harder it is to hold the tears back. Just ask Natalie and Jordan!
#3. I love to sing. I always have but I am self concious about singing around others. It's not that I'm a bad singer; I guess I'm just shy. As a child, I used to sing duets with my sister in church and at the Holland Mission (for some odd reason!) but something changed in me and I have been afraid of singing in public ever since I was young. So don't be surprised if you pull up next to me at a red light and see me singing my heart out...that's really me! But I always make sure the windows are up!
#4. I love old people. I just really get a kick out of them and I love to hear stories from them. I have such a respect for them and I want to soak up as much wisdom as I can. Most of them are sweet but even some of the old people who were a little "rough around the edges" (e.g. My uncle Jim) still captivated me. My role models in life are my 2 deceased grandmas. They were the most kind, genuine women I knew. Also, my husband's grandparents are just as wonderful and I feel like they are my own.
#5. I love to eat. Now, I know you're thinking "so do I!" but I really love it! I'm not exaggerating when I say that I could eat a whole pizza, or half a gallon of ice cream if I let myself. I mean, I really could! Maybe, I especially feel this way about food now being pregnant because I am ALWAYS hungry! I just can't get enough of food....especially junk food! In fact, I think I'll wrap this up so I can go eat some more!

So there you have it. My "5 random things about myself". And I don't have anyone to tag, unless if The Emmert Family would start blogging again....Then I tag Katie!

It's Another Girl!

I had my ultrasound today and the doctor said she was 90% sure we were going to have a girl! We were both hoping for a boy but we've changed our mindset and we're happy to have another daughter. Everything was looking good with the baby so that's the most important thing. We are just so blessed! I take it so for granted that everything is going smoothly and that Natalie is a healthy little girl. I couldn't be happier....I think I'm going to paint the new baby's room pink tomorrow!

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Natalie's walking the walk and talking the talk

Natalie started walking on June 1 and she's all over the place now! Sometimes she tries to run but isn't quite sturdy enough for that yet. She's definately getting a stronger personality too. It's so fun to hear her babble all the time. So far, she can say a few different things including "no" which she says after I say it to her. She's a good little girl and yet I get after her sometimes because she knows when she's being naughty too. It can be kind of challenging. She loves to point to things and babble on about them. She's so entertaining. I could play with her all day long and sometimes I do!

Natalie can open our bathroom door and then this happens. So I tell her "no, no" and she will either say it right back to me or in this case, break down and start hyperventilating!