Happy Half Birthday, Natalie!

Natalie is 18 months old today!

She is a ball full of energy and spunk!

Today, didn't go quite as planned because Natalie woke up with a low-grade fever and cough. She has had a cold for over a week now, but I'm not sure if it's progressing to something more or if she has a tooth trying to cut through. She was not a happy camper this morning, but as the day progressed, she got better.

Grandma Lisa was still here until after we ate lunch and celebrated with a Caboodle Cupcake. I couldn't decide on what flavors to get, so I got 7 in total. Daddy and Grandpa Randy (still up north at his house) wanted a 'wedding cake' flavored cupcake, then us girls chose from vanilla with strawberry filling (Natalie's pick), pumpkin with honey cinnamon icing (Grandma and Mommy shared), chocolate cherry (Grandma took home for Grandpa), chocolate with caramel filling (Grandma and Mommy shared), and orange chiffon.

Natalie ate half of her cupcake, so she must have enjoyed it!

Natalie's pick

The excitement was just too much for Aubrey :)

Say "Cheese"

What's Natalie up to at 18 months?!

1. She is mimicking us and other kids more and more.

2. Separation anxiety has hit full force!

3. She is saying more words but not consistently, but will usually try to copy what you are trying to get   her to say, at least one time.  Still says 'doggie' and 'daddy' a lot.

4. Tantrums hit at least once a day.

5. Instead of saying 'more,' 'all done,' or 'please,' she will sign those words.

6. Favorite foods: tomatoes and bananas, but she eats and tries just about anything and everything. She is a good little eater.

7. Silverware is still a work in progress but she is getting better, and we still can't tell if she's a righty or lefty.

8. Favorite toys: baby dolls, books, anything she can dump out, anything she can put toys into like her purse.

9. Bedtime: She has been going to bed anywhere between 7:30 and 8:30p each night. We have started to have more outbursts with her waking up an hour or 2 later, but typically we can calm her down enough for her to unwind and head back to bed.

10: Wake-Up: She has been waking up around 8/8:30a most days.

11. She is better at taking medicine lately! Now I'm going to jinx myself...

12. Mealtimes are still a struggle with her throwing food and purposely dropping her cup/plate/silverware on the floor.

13. She is a great big sister. She likes to "help" her sissy and give her hugs and kisses.

14. She LOVES water...no surprise here if you've been following this blog.

15. She's quite the daredevil and doesn't seem to be scared of much.

16. Still in size 3 diapers.

17. She wears mostly 18 month clothes, but is slowly creeping into 24 month clothes!

Her 18 month check-up is next week!

I was able to take some pictures of her tonight outside with Daddy's help to try to get her to smile. Rusty did a pretty good job at helping since he was running around the yard like a nut, and of course Natalie thought it was hilarious!  You wouldn't know if from these pictures that she hasn't been feeling quite like herself all day.

I adore this picture of Daddy's strong arms picking up little Natalie. It was more of an accident that I took this, but I just love it!

"Tickle, tickle"

Natalie ~ We love you SO much!  We can't believe how big you are getting!   Time needs to slow down. Before we know it you will be 2!  I hope you keep your sweet, loving, crazy, fun personality forever and ever. Your giggles and smiles are so contagious!  I can't imagine our lives without you!  Love you forever and always, sweet baby girl!