My baby girl. My fiesty, slightly challenging and beautiful blue eyed girl. My Natalie Jane.
TWO!
Two whole years have gone since we welcomed her into our family, and so many changes have happened in our lives. Natalie is so full of life and we are so lucky to call her ours. The past year has seen a deployment & a new family member, but the one constant has been Natalie's silly and busy disposition.
Natalie feels big. Her happiness is big and her sadness is big. And we always know how she's feeling. I honestly don't think I can say it enough, she keeps us on our toes for sure. She finds things to get into that would never cross my mind as something a child would be interested in. She's that kid that if she's quiet, you know trouble is happening. She still enjoys picking up stray pieces of dog food and munching on them. I'm not sure how that is still appetizing to her! Thankfully, she has stopped putting small toys and other things in her mouth, I guess we'll keep working on the dog food thing, haha.
She is a rough and tumble girl. She packs a big punch in her little 22lb frame. She is tall for her age, but doesn't have much meat on her bones - probably because shes so busy! She falls down, wipes her knees and gets right back up. Her determination and strong will are quite obvious already. She likes to climb up over the ends of beds and flop down on the mattress. She will climb over the couch, throw the cushions off and jump for hours if we let her. She climbs to the highest tower at the park (just to give me heart attacks) and acts like its no big deal. She is quick and it is hard to predict what her next move will be. If I take my eyes of her for too long she'll surely do something that she shouldn't. I now understand why they invented backpack leashes for kids. And I've totally thought about getting one, she's the type of kid they make them for, lol! She will follow Evie around and pretty much tackle any physical task Evie is doing and she keeps up with the big kids in the neighborhood and at Evie's preschool. She thinks she is done being 2!
In contrast to her big sister, she couldn't be more different and I absolutely love it. She is funny, witty and knows how to turn on the sweet to get what she wants. Her little voice and vocabulary melt my heart and I love when she starts saying new words. Lately its "Mama, watch." or "Daddy, watch". She has this quiet little pause in her words that I don't ever want to forget. Luke is "baby Oote" and her favorite phrase "Baby Oote - sad" (she is quite observant!). She's gaining new words and phrases daily and soon will be speaking in full sentences - at which point I'm sure she'll never stop! She loves her baby brother and Evie is her favorite play mate. They typically play pretty well together and for that I am extra grateful.
I can't go without saying that Natalie has taught me so much about being flexible and pushes my limits of sanity at times. She challenges my type A parenting skills in many ways, and makes me question if I'm doing a good job with her. I've learned that I must learn to parent her the way she needs, not the way *I think* she needs. Techniques used for Evie probably won't work for Natalie - and those probably won't work for Luke. But to raise thoughtful, kind & productive children I must adapt along the way. And without Natalie, I'm not sure I would have learned that so quickly into this parenting journey. For that I am thankful for her (along with many other reasons).
Natalie lights up every room she is in and people take notice of her. Her smile & personality can captivate everybody around her. She is our spirited child and so full of life. This world would certainly be more dull without her in it. I can't say what I think she'll do one day, but I know whatever she will breathe life into it, spread joy and excel.
For all of her silliness and challenges she can bring, when she is sweet its the absolute sweetest. She gives the best snuggles, is the biggest daddy's girl and loves giving hugs and kisses. Her dad, Papa & Grandpa are for sure her favorite people and literally run and scream for them when she sees them. The little moments when she gives Luke a hug, grabs my hand, gives big kisses are the best moments in my day. Her tender side isn't always on display, but it sure is awesome when it is.
Happy Birthday my sweet Natalie Jane, I am so proud to be your mommy!
