Let's Pretend..

...to sleep




...to take care of baby


...to be Mommy about to go somewhere


...to sleep again

The Fashionista

I never knew that a 2 year old could care so much about what their clothes look like. A month or so ago Natalie got very upset one morning because her cute little dress was not pretty enough for her taste. She likes frills, flounces, buttons and pockets.  She kept saying "Pretty, pretty" in a voice filled with total despair as she pointed to her closed closet door. "Out" she said as she tried to pull the subpar dress over her head. Mean mommy that I am, I wouldn't let her change clothes because I can't risk setting a precedent with the girl that never forgets anything. Natalie constantly cracks me up and keeps me on my toes at the same time.  


Here are pictures of Natalie in some of her favorite outfits. (It's really just an excuse for cute Natalie pics because personally I can never get enough of her.)

Happy Baba's Day

In China children call their fathers "Baba".  At the end of our journey in China Natalie began calling Gary "Baba".  Gary kept that title for many months, but Natalie's name for him has gradually evolved into Daddy.  After hearing her fellow American classmates squeal "Daddy" multiple times a day Natalie must have decided that Gary needed the same moniker.

In honor of Gary's first Father's Day I have posted the pictures below which show how Gary and Natalie have grown closer and closer during their 7 months together.  I love hearing her say "Daddy help"when she needs something or "Daddy eat" when commanding her occasionally tardy father to join us at the dinner table.  Natalie and Gary have a very sweet, tender and fun relationship.  They usually play together every evening after supper and I so enjoy hearing all of the giggles and chatter coming from the pair of them.

Father and Daughter looked into each other's eyes for the first time on November 7, 2011.


Later that night Gary held Natalie before bedtime


Getting to know each other on our second full day together.


After a week with us in China Natalie was becoming very comfortable with her new Baba.




Turning to Daddy for food...


and keeping a tight grip on his finger.


A combination of love, play and noodles is how Baba won Natalie's heart.


Natalie's first time to call Gary "Baba".  This was on our last full day in China.


December 2011 - Exploring Christmas gifts together


Natalie showing Baba her new doll.


January 2012 - A picture of my three January birthday sweeties


February 2012


April 2012 - A Visit to the Zoo


A giggly moment together in the bird house


Daddy and Daughter in their shades - waving to the Lion


Easter Day 2012


June 2012


I love you so much Gary and I know that Natalie does too!  Thank you for being such an amazing, loving father and husband.  Natalie, Katie, Louie and I are all so lucky to have you in our lives.

Happy Baba/Daddy/Father's Day!!!

Natalie and the Newf Puppies

Gary, Natalie and I visited Wilbon Kennels today where we visited with Bill and Bonnie Bennett, Katie and Louie's breeders. We got to visit with three 10 week old Newfoundland puppies and a bunch of adolescent and adult Newfs. We had a very nice time. It was especially fun to see Katie and Louie's father, Loki, and to watch Natalie interact with the Newf pups. She enjoyed them except for their kisses (as you will see in the video below).