One of These Things Is Not Like the Others...

I just noticed that almost all of the recent pictures I have are of Natalie and Louie.  He may not look enthusiastic about all of the attention Natalie heaps on him, but I think Louie really likes having her around.  He is such a sweetheart and so is Natalie.  Katie and Natalie are very comfortable with each other, but just don't interact as much.  The other morning though when I was out walking Louie, Gary found Natalie and Katie lying together on the kitchen floor.

Big Dogs at the Big Dam Bridge

We recently took all three of our kids for a walk across the Big Dam Bridge.


The "Big Dam Bridge" in Little Rock, Arkansas is the longest pedestrian bridge in the world.




It's fun to be on an outing with the whole family.


Migrating pelicans


A rare family photo


On the way back to the car Natalie made friends with a little puppy.

Spring Fling

Last week Natalie's school hosted a Spring Fling complete with live children's music, friends and pizza.  It was so great to see Natalie interacting with her classmates and to see how comfortable and happy she is at school.  It also felt amazing to see how securely Natalie is attached to Gary and I.  She was so happy to see us, but once she felt confident that we weren't going to leave without her she ran off to play with her friends.  Natalie came back to each of us several times to check in, but wasn't clingy like she has been in the past.  After 16+ months home with us she is blossoming into a confident little girl. 

A Very Hoppy Easter

Natalie's 2nd Easter at the Happy Haus was even better than last year.  On Good Friday we took our first ever trip together to the mall to have Natalie's picture made with the Easter Bunny.  She was a bit nervous about it, but bravely sat on his lap.  She ended up staying with him for a few minutes while Papa (Natalie's granddad) and I picked out which photo we liked best.  When I went to get her I asked if she wanted to give the Easter bunny a hug which she did.  Then she surprised me by kissing him on the cheek.  She seemed to be pretty thrilled with the whole experience.


Natalie's Easter egg hunt was indoors this year due to heavy rains over the weekend.  As you will see in the below video she had a blast.  I think Gary, Marm, Papa and I had just as much fun watching her.

March Moments

Daddy and Daughter Guitar Duet

Natalie's first time to ride her tricycle outside




Natalie playing with her BIG brother Louie


On our way to eat fish tacos




Natalie LOVES fish in any form.  We couldn't get her to stop eating long enough to tell us if she liked it.


Louie is such a good sport...truly the most patient dog ever!

Party at the Little Gym

Natalie recently attended her friend's 3rd birthday party at the Little Gym.  She had a wonderful time and showed more confidence and strength than when she attended a party there 6 months ago.  It feels so good to watch her playing happily with other children and learning to make her way in the world.  











She has come so far from the 21 month old child who could barely walk a little over a year ago.

A Chilly Marathon Day

Marathon Day was a cold one this year, so we didn't stay outside long enough to take many pictures. We gave encouragement to a few hundred runners and then left the remaining thousands to complete their run without the Newfie /Natalie cheering squad.  Natalie had a great time clapping and yelling "Go Runners!"