June 9 ~ Our family has just been trying to take it easy the past few days. We've decided to put off all the house cleaning catch up until the weekend. Trying to get Nattie back on somewhat of a sleep schedule...she has had a runny nose and some tummy troubles, so she is a little cranky.  Nat and I went over to Morrison Park today to play.  There were many older kids there and Natalie felt the need to keep up with them the best she could!  She was all over the play equipment and ventured over to the large corkscrew-looking slide...it's a pretty tall slide...proceeded to climb right up the stairs and go down all by herself!  I stayed on the edges of the slide just to keep an eye on her and make sure she didn't stop or stand up or anything like that.  She was quite proud of herself and of course I was proud of her too!

          In other Natalie news:  She is still using her fork a lot, but still mostly interested in using her hands to eat.  She is back into the phase of giving lots of hugs and kisses, which I LOVE!  Most mornings you'll hear her singing to herself as she wakes up.  She mostly likes to walk upright on the stairs now...either holding someone's hand or the railing or wall.  She has plenty of new expressions and dances.  She says "butter" for peanut butter.  We used to think "ba-ba" only meant "bath", but we realize now that she says it for all forms of water.  Her way of speaking is even changing lately...some of the words she says often are hard to understand now at times...kind of like she's testing and re-adjusting her speech as she grows. 

 

June 10 ~ I took Natalie over to the Williamsons' house so she and Jake could play together...and so Ashley and I could hang out, too :)  Jake is about a month older than Nat, so they get along pretty well.  It was entertaining watching them chase each other around!  There were a couple squabbles over sippy cups, but I think the kids had a good time.  Ashley and I were able to talk a bit, and are finding out that we are similar in many ways...we are still trying to decide whether that is good or bad...haha!  I also got the tour of Ashley's house...it is really beautiful and I love the way it is decorated! 

              After Natalie's nap, I put her in the stroller and we walked down to the Dairy Queen.  Natalie refused help from mommy when it came to eating her ice-cream...she used her spoon like a pro...then near the end decided to just tip the dish into her mouth and slurp up the melted remains!

               In the evening, Craig came home and we went out to Cedar Rapids to pick up Nat's latest batch of pictures.  Afterward, Daddy treated us to dinner at Ryan's buffet.  Natalie was thrilled that there was a rabbit outside the window at the restaurant.  She kept saying things like "bunny eat" and "bunny nigh-nigh".  Nat also left the restaurant with a balloon in tow, so she was a happy girl.

 

June 11 ~ Today we all stayed at home and caught up on some yardwork and housework.  Craig also worked some more on finishing the basement.  Natalie had fun playing with her new sand and water table.  She's not too sure what the sand part is about, but does enjoy the water part.   

 

June 12 ~ Craig, Nat, and I checked out the carnival at North Liberty Fun Days today. Nattie kept pointing and saying "ride,ride"!  Natalie wasn't able to ride many rides since she is too tiny to ride alone on most of them, and I'm too big to ride with her on some of them.  We did get to go on one where you sit in a rocket shaped thing and go in a circle.  Natalie loved the wind in her hair...on the other hand, Mommy felt a little queasy...haha!  So that was Nat's first carnival ride!  We also allowed her to go on a ride where you sit in little tanks that go in a circle.  Little did we know how fast and loud that ride would be or we wouldn't have let her on!  She didn't cry, but was just kind of in shock the whole time...so I think Craig and I earned the "Bad Parents Award" for that one! :)  Nat also had her first taste of cotton candy and snowcone!  Since it was the last night of North Liberty Fun Days, there were fireworks late in the evening.  Nat was already in bed, but Craig and I saw them through the back windows of our house.  We've decided that we must have one of the best views of the fireworks in town right from our own home...so that is a plus!

 

June 13 ~ I had to run some errands in downtown Iowa City, so Nat and I stopped at the Ped Mall play area and fountain.  Natalie saw the fountain and was so excited!  Her and another little boy ran through the water for the longest time and were just squealing with delight! 

 

June 14 ~ Natalie and I attended our first session of Magical Musical Movement class this morning!  It's just a short four session class held at the North Ridge Pavilion and put on by Coralville Parks and Rec.  Ashley and son Jake are in the class as well. Basically the kids (and parents) are led by an instructor to participate in various songs/stories and body movements. There is also some fun time with rhythm instruments, balls, and other props.  The instructor, Miss Nancy, is really very good at what she does.  Natalie was VERY eager to join in today!  Everyone sits/stands in a circle...well, little Nat insisted on standing up in the very middle of the circle and showing off her dancing skills!  I was feeling a bit awkward about it at first, but Miss Nancy made an announcement that it was ok to let the kids move as they wish during the songs.  But the real problem came when it was time to pass a ball back and forth and Natalie wanted to keep grabbing and detouring the ball!  She also was tempted to take more than one instrument at a time which I think may have started to annoy the instructor a tad.  I tried to deal with her the best way I could without causing a major meltdown or disturbing the other members of the class.  They have the age range of the class posted as 18 months-5 yrs old...so I feel that it's a little much to expect every child in that broad of a range to react with the same level of maturity for a particular activity.  A child as young as Nattie doesn't yet grasp the entire concept of sharing and patience.  I discussed it with Craig and decided I'd keep her enrolled in the class...it will be a good opportunity for her to learn more about proper behavior in a group setting and maybe I'll even learn a little more about how to better deal with her actions.  As Craig pointed out...I'll just have to keep guiding her outside of the circle when she doesn't follow directions, and maybe she'll pick up on the consequences of her behavior.  She does really enjoy the class though...loves to be in the midst of all the music and the kids!  Her favorite part today was marching in line around the room with a tiny flag and singing patriotic songs!

 

June 15 ~ Tonight was the first official night of our babysitting co-op!  I had a dental appointment and Craig had golf league, so I dropped Natalie off at the Kroeger's home for about an hour.  They actually live just a few streets over from our old house in Coralville. I was told that Nattie asked for "Mama" a couple times, but besides that she was fine!  Steffany kept the kids busy playing toys up in Gabe's room.  Gabe is about 10 months or so older than Natalie.  Steffany and I also got to talk for awhile when I arrived to pick up Natalie.  She and I were able to share conversation about some personal issues that have been going on in our lives lately...it was really awesome to connect with her and I am grateful for her openness!

 

June 16 ~ The babysitting co-op continues!  Tonight was a scheduled date night for me and Craig, so Natalie stayed with the Williamson's at their house.  Nattie's buddy, Jake, greeted us at the door with all smiles and all ready to play!  Craig and I grabbed a quick hamburger and then went to see the movie "Mr. and Mrs. Smith"...a very interesting and humorous movie.  It was nice to relax together and watch a movie in peace and quiet :)  Ashley reported that Natalie was very good and that she'd be pleased to watch her any time!  We stuck around for a bit to chat with Ken and Ashley. I think this babysitting swap is going to be such a good thing for everyone...I am so excited about it!  We'll all just have to make the commitment to keep it going!

 

June 17 ~ An older lady approached Nat and I while we were at Wendy's for lunch today.  She stated that she just had to come over and tell me how beautiful Natalie was.  As a mom, my heart just soars when I hear that from someone :) 

 

June 18 ~ We had a nice summer afternoon at the Essington household today!  We filled a small inflatable pool for Natalie so she could enjoy splashing around in the backyard.  She got in and plopped herself down without hesitation!  Craig also accomplished some more work in finishing the basement.

               What's new with Natalie you ask?  Growing by leaps and bounds before our eyes!  She is amazing!  She now calls her blanket "bankie" and her pacifier "sasa".  Which is unfortunate that she now has a word for pacifier since I really need to work on weaning her off it soon!  She looks out the window while we drive in the car and names everything she sees.  She is saying new words every day, so it's hard to keep up...words lately are "phone", "outside", "brush", "raisin", "diaper", "shirt", "wash", "box", "tree", "rock", "play", "light"...and the list goes on and on!  She says "bugga" for bug, "Brigi" for our dog Brigit, and just plain "B" for our dog Bailey.  And she says "Dada go work" all the time now since she started saying it at her grandparents' house.  She is beginning to try and take her clothes off...she has successfully removed her shirt a few times, and also her socks and sandals.  She has tried her diaper a couple times, but thank goodness she didn't get far!  No interest in potty training yet, so we are nowhere near that phase in our lives! 

 

June 19 ~ HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!  I dressed Natalie in her "I Love Daddy" t-shirt and then we all went to church in the morning.  Heard a great service about The Lord giving us second chances in life...now who couldn't use that, huh?  After church we had brunch at Iowa River Power restaurant, where I also presented Craig with his Father's Day gift.  Nattie and I each gave him a card along with a certificate for "Daddy's Afternoon of Relaxation"...I had scheduled him for a 30 minute massage and 30 minute facial at Zender's Spa and also a gift certificate to get himself a coffee next door at The Cottage afterwards.  Craig was somewhat leary about his gift since he hasn't had but one massage in the past, but he was willing to try it out.  I was just hoping I'd made the right choice for his gift!  So Craig went to his appointment while Nat and I napped at home.  He came back saying how he could definitely stand to do that more often...so he had a good time...yay! 

               Since it is Father's Day, I have to take a moment to gush about my wonderful husband!  Craig is such a magnificent father...he is very attentive and involved in his daughter's life, and I couldn't be happier about that!  From day one he's been there for both me and Nat!  While I was carrying Natalie, he attended Lamaze and breastfeeding classes with me and didn't miss a single doctor's visit.  Craig was Nattie's primary care-giver after her birth when I couldn't do it myself...he really stepped up to the plate, showed little fear, and just was the epitome of what a father, husband, and real man should be!  And he still is today!  He is always there for his baby...whether it be to engulf her with hugs, give her tickles, read her a book, or dole out firm but loving discipline.  I pray that Natalie and Craig forever share a closeness with one another! 

 

June 21 ~ Today was Natalie's second session of Magical Musical Movement class.  She did a fantastic job!  She was a lot more patient while waiting for the ball to be passed to her.  I think her favorite part today was singing "Little Bunny Foo Foo".  She has a little stuffed bunny that we've kept on her changing table ever since she was born.  I've always referred to it as "Bunny Foo Foo"...so now she says it also and it's so adorable!  After class we stuck around and played at the park with Ashley and her son Jake. 

 

June 23 ~ Craig golfed with some friends from work tonight, so Nat and I had dinner at the mall with Laura and daughter Madelyn.  We let the girls run off some steam at the play area afterwards...it gave us an opportunity to gab about what it's like being moms of babies who are beginning the early stages of the terrible twos...it's nice to know you are not alone!

               On another note, a friend emailed me this really moving video today concerning infertility. It's very touching and truthful, so I thought I'd share the link for anyone who may want to watch it or pass it along.  http://www.vocalicious.com/empty_arms/empty_arms_mod.html

 

June 25 & 26 ~ Craig, Natalie and I stayed indoors at home for most of the weekend.  We think Nattie was cutting some of her molars, so she was in quite a bit of pain.  She has never been a good teether, so this was pretty bad.  She spent the majority of her time relaxing on the couch. It was a long couple of nights!  Pain medications hardly seemed to work for long, but a late night popsicle made her a very happy girl! 

 

June 27 ~ Happy Birthday Craig!  Today was Craig's 29th birthday...one step closer to the Big 3-0!!  Some of Craig's friends from work helped him celebrate the occasion by bringing in snacks and balloons.  I dropped him off a bag of Hershey kisses and a cactus to place on his desk...why a cactus??...well, it's sort of an inside joke between the two of us...so I'll just leave it at that :)  Craig's "real" gift from me was a large Iowa Hawkeyes umbrella to carry in his golf bag.  Craig opted to grill some steaks at home for dinner. 

              Speaking of umbrellas....Later in the evening some storms rolled into town. Forgetful Jenny left the umbrella to our brand new patio set open and it got completely demolished just as soon as the high winds hit!  I am very disappointed in myself for that one...our hopes aren't too high that we'll be able to find another umbrella to exactly match the set.  Plus just the fact that it was a recent gift from Craig's parents makes me even more upset.  What can I do?...Live and learn, I suppose.

 

June 28 ~ Today at Magical Musical Movement class, the kids got to play with a parachute!  The instructor dropped different color pom-poms and bean bags into the middle and the children had fun shaking them around.  I remember back in elementary school when the gym teacher would let us use the parachute...it was one of my favorite activities :) 

               After class we had been invited to Steffany's house for a short playdate.  So Ashley, Steffany, and I were able to chat for awhile as the three little ones played with toys.  Gabe, Jake, and Nattie had a few issues with sharing...but nothing too huge. 

               In the evening it was our turn to babysit 2 1/2 year old Gabe so his parents could go out on a date.  Gabe and Natalie had fun playing with the sand and water table and in the ball pit.  Gabe is daytime potty trained already, so I had to help him use the toilet...something I haven't done since my days working at Chesterbrook daycare!  Time sure flew by...Gabe's parents were back early soon after Craig and I had fed the kids dinner.

 

 

June 30 ~ Natalie and I had a nice day together today!  She accompanied me to a doctor's appointment.  Dr. Clevenger is my OBGYN and the lady who delivered Natalie...she couldn't believe how big Nattie had grown!  Nat did an excellent job waiting patiently in the doctor's office.  For lunch we stopped at McDonalds...can you believe that Nat can say "burger" and "fries"?  I suppose it's not too shocking considering the number of times we've gone to McDonalds..haha!  We also ran some errands at Sycamore Mall.  There was a fish tank set up in the middle of the mall with some angel fish.  So of course we had to stop and observe for a bit!  I was really wanting to take Natalie to the pool in the evening...couldn't find anyone who was available to go with us, so we just went ahead by ourselves.  We went to the North Liberty Pool and had a blast!  They have a zero depth entry for the little kids which is nice and some really cool floaties that are anchored to the bottom of the pool and you can climb on them.