Natalie Walking - The Video

Natalie's First Steps!!!

This evening, at about 7:30pm, Natalie finally took her first unassisted steps! For those of you who weighed in on our blog poll, the correct answer turned out to be less than one month (from the time that we asked the question), so no one wins.

Actually, this was all somewhat unexpected. Natalie had a very eventful day and was looking kind of tired before dinner. However, after dinner, she got her second wind and spent a lot of time crawling and walking while hanging onto things. After doing this for a while, Natalie started to wonder where Mom was, so she walked with Dad towards the bedroom. Once in the room, Natalie saw her Mom and started to crawl towards her. After crawling for a little while, Natalie got a little frustrated - after all, it is difficult to crawl on a hardwood floor when you're wearing a dress. So, Natalie decided to stand up on her own (without any assistance or external support) and walk the remaining 6-7 steps over to her Mom. Once she did this, Natalie seemed happy and surprised all at once. Being obsessive parents, Mom and Dad immediately had her repeat her performance two more times. Her 3rd unassisted walk was recorded below. She's standing up on her own in the first shot and walking to Mom in the second.

Thank you Holly for lending Natalie the Reading DVD

Holly Shewmake was kind enough to lend Natalie a "Your Baby Can Read" starter DVD. So far, Natalie has really enjoyed it and she has started to participate as well. Here she is waving and touching her nose. She also loves to clap and raise her arms when prompted.

New Paint Set = New Artistic Skills

Natalie learned a fun new skill today. Mom went out and got her some beginner paint cartridges. Natalie was soon expressing and enjoying herself fully - we think her style is modern art, specifically abstract impressionism. What do you think? Seriously though, Natalie was more occupied for a longer time than usual while she was painting. Luckily, the paint cleans up with water.

Thank you Tom & Karen for the Noah's Ark play set

Tom and Karen from Downers Grove were very kind to Natalie. They purchased a Noah's Ark play set for her. Natalie loves animals and she immediately fell in love with Noah and kept kissing him. Thanks so much for such a nice gift.

Up close & personal with her cousin - L'il Jacob

"Mattessori" school for Natalie

Mom has to deal with Natalie all day, and Natalie is about to start at our local Montessori School. To help give Mom a little break, and to help get Natalie ready to start attending our local Montessori school this Friday, Dad gave Natalie a little bit of "Mattessori" school time. They covered numbers, recognizing objects by name and a little physical activity. Natalie did very well recognizing objects by name - she got Dog, Fish and Duck on the first try. Natalie also likes to applaud herself when she finishes counting (with assistance).

Thank you Nancy & Peter Kavalauskas for the animal puzzle, colorful books & Gift Card

Thank you Chris Myers for the lovely dress

Sunday Afternoon at the Dallas Arboretum

Although it was cloudy all day Sunday and it did rain a little in the morning, Mom, Dad and Natalie made a spur of the moment decision to go to the Dallas Arboretum on Sunday afternoon. The weather cooperated (no rain, pleasant temperature and no sharp sun) and we all had a great time. It was really the first time for Natalie to go to a big, wide-open green-space. One of the highlights was when Natalie explored the Texas pioneer exhibit at the Arboretum.

Trip to Dad's Office

Natalie took a long anticipated trip to Dad's office to meet some of the people who have been so good to her since she was adopted. Natalie got to meet many of her fans. She also enjoyed playing with her new teddy bear and pushing the "easy button" on Dad's desk.

Cindy Mullen & Cindy Johnson Visit Natalie

Natalie enjoyed meeting Cindy & Cindy. She had so much fun unpacking her "Summer fun" gifts which included 2 swim suits, a cover-up, sun protection, Sun glasses, sandals, a tea set for two, duck floater for the pool, squirt toys, sun hat and so much more. One of the highlights occurred when Natalie sat between them and joined in the laughter. Thank you so much for all your kind and thoughtful gifts. Natalie had a great time and now she can't wait for summer.

Thank you Vinu and Charene for the personalized books

Thank you Vinu and Charene for getting Natalie her personalized story book as well as her personalized book of ABCs. She will cherish these unique gifts for many years to come.

Top 2 things that fascinate Natalie... # 1: Her reflection in the mirror