This first month has already flown by faster than the breeze...I am very behind on the journal so I'll try to recap as best as I can :) 

 

I suppose I'll start with some goals for the new year.  I've never been much into New Year's Resolutions, but of course there are some things I'd love to see happen.  Above all, I'd like an even closer relationship with God...to pray even more openly with Him and to also read more of the Bible so I can know my Lord better.  I'd also like to see myself become more of a "prayer warrior"...many of us are asked to pray for others and just find ourselves flippantly agreeing to do so and then don't actually do it...I want to do it!  So I've started a prayer journal just for that purpose.  So far I have quite a few pages full of requests and have been able to pray through the entire notebook at least once or twice per week...it's a start!  Next come the general goals I have to just be an even better wife and mother, to be more aware of my own needs, and to continue cultivating healthy friendships. The biggest factor? - I can probably improve many of these things just by simply getting a little more organized in my life. 

 

Natalie News!  So many changes in Natalie as the weeks roll by!  Here's a random rundown of the latest:  She is saying more and more complex words and sentences. Though lately she has been known to get things a bit backwards such as saying "Mommy's Jake" instead of "Jake's mommy".  She knows the colors red, blue, green, yellow, orange, purple, white, & black. She also knows pink and sometimes claims that "It's like red."  She asked me one day recently what color her skin was - after much thought we just decided to call it "peach".  So now she is always talking about what color something is and she'll describe items using colors (such as "orange backpack" or "red bird").  She still only counts from 1-8...she has some sort of strange aversion toward the numbers 9 and 10...haha!  She is still very, very into music...singing, dancing, listening to songs.  And now she even makes up her own songs and asks me to do so as well.  Like she'll ask for a "window song"...so then I have to make up some silly little tune about a window.  Her favorite already-made songs right now are Bingo, Pooh Corner, Are You Sleeping, and the theme to Fraggle Rock.  Her favorite shows/videos right now are Caillou, Thomas & Friends, Bear in the Big Blue House, Little Bill, and also a potty video that she has.  As I stated above, she loves dancing - so lately she's been loving that new tv program "Dancing with the Stars"...she likes to dance along with them!  Nattie is full of questions all the time such as "What does a __say?", "What is __doing?" or "What's the matter?".  She has been learning about "same" and "different" - so she'll often point to something like my coat and then to hers and say "same-same" or she'll tell me she wants a "different snack" then the one she has.  She has also been learning about "friends".  As far as playing goes, her favorite toys lately have been her books, dolls, kitchen set, Little People sets, and her dress up trunk (especially the jewelry and shoes).  She also loves puzzles and loves to exclaim "I did it!" when she completes one.  Along with the fun of playing with toys, we've been learning more about how to pick up after ourselves :)  Nat loves going out on the town and she'll even request places she'd like to visit such as the mall, burger-fries (fastfood places), Walmart, and Chuck E Cheese.  She doesn't usually request church as a place she wants to visit, even though we are pretty confident that she has a good time in the nursery once she is there.  But if I remind her that she'll probably get to have juice and cookies there she gets more excited - we still don't really give her juice at home so it is a big treat for her!  She still enjoys bathtime, but not so much the actual bathing process like she used to...so washing hair has become a little more of a chore for everyone involved.  I still haven't taken her to get a professional haircut yet - I just trim (chop at) her bangs myself...last time I did it she asked me why I was "tearing" her hair and had this really concerned look on her face.  One of her most favorite activities is rough-housing with Daddy...you know - playing horsey, climbing all over him, hanging upside down, etc. Even though there are times now when she is more aware of herself and surroundings, I still consider her a risk taker and very curious.  She's always saying "Try again?" and now also says "Ta-Da!" (well, she says it as "Ah-Ta!") after doing something incredible. Nat is so funny! - the other day she saw a jellyfish on tv and I told her what it was...she then says "Jellyfish and peanutbutter?"  This is getting pretty long so I'll just quickly list some other things about Nat: has become ultra-fascinated with babies, likes to help Mommy cook, will tell you "Don't like it!", loves to torment the dogs one minute and give them bear hugs the next, is banned from having books in bed right now because she'll tear out her favorite pages and then gets sad about it, loves taking off her socks just to see her toes, says I LOVE YOU often to Mommy and Daddy (my favorite thing), says "Thank you" often, says her own name "Natalie" very clearly when she wants to, will walk to her time out spot on her own if I tell her to, loves to give "zerberts" on your cheek (or raspberries as some people call them), loves to catch snowflakes on her tongue, loves drinking cherry icees at the mall,and is learning the difference between "open" and "close".  The biggest thing we need to work on with her right now is that she can be quite the whiner when she wants to be...nothing that a little more consistency on our end can't improve. Some of the best things about Natalie right now are that she is still so, so loving and she is still so social with her peers. She is the best of both worlds - a very independent girl on one hand, but still has a huge bond with Mommy and Daddy.  She is so amazing...I swear she must have a million variations when it comes to her laugh and her smile!

 

 

Since I am behind on journaling this month - my entries will be a little short and lacking some detail, but here is the scoop...

 

Jan 2 ~ Craig, Nat, and I went to the Pierces house in West Branch to watch the Iowa game.  Nat had a great time playing with Luke and also yelling "Go Hawkeyes!" and "Touchdown!". 

 

Jan 4 ~ Natalie and I met up with some mommies and friends at the North Liberty Parks and Rec Indoor Playground.  Janna, Molly, Stephanie, Heather, and Ashley were there with their kids.  We found out that Heather is expecting again and is about 3 months along!  Janna and Molly are both starting to "show" as well.  Honestly, it is kind of a confusing time for a few of us moms who have fertility issues...we are so happy for our friends, but just wish we could join them in being pregnant again.

 

Jan 7 ~ Craig and I were able to go out tonight and have a little fun while Natalie stayed with the Williamsons.  We had dinner at Carlos O'Kellys with Craig's new manager, Brad, and his wife and also his co-worker, Wes LaMarche, and his wife Brenda.  I can't for the life of me remember Brad's last name or his wife's name!  Then we all went over to the annual company party for Pearson employees.  It was a really nice time.

 

Jan 8 ~ Tonight the Williamsons hosted the monthly Family Game Night at their home.  We played a new game called "Battle of the Sexes" and it was hilarious as always!  Ken and Ashley made this awesome shrimp chowder...yum!  The kids got along well minus a few squabbles over toys.  Oh, and we can't forget the oh-so stylish socks that Matt Kroeger wore to the gathering...they were multicolored and were the kind that have places to put each individual toe!

 

Jan 12 ~ Nat and I met up with Paula Caylor and her daughter, Madeline, for some dinner and playtime at the mall.  I hadn't seen Paula in awhile, so we had some really good conversation together.  We let the girls slurp on some cherry icees before leaving...Natalie had it everywhere :)

 

Jan 13 ~ Janna hosted a playgroup at her house this morning!  Molly, Steffany, Ashley, Heather, and Angela were all there with their children.  Us moms sat around the kitchen table and talked about an array of topics while the kids amused themselves.  Natalie and I had lunch at home, and then she decided she wanted to be a big girl and go pee in the potty for her second time!  Way to go, Nattie!

              In the evening I went over to the church to attend a cast party that was put on for those of us who participated in the Christmas presentation "The Father's Gift".  We all brought food to share and it was delicious.  We were able to watch one of our performances on video...someone even put together a collage of snapshots from the show...it was really neat.  I'm really glad I went...I was able to sit with Felicia and Kim from choir and get to know them a little better :)

 

Jan 14 ~ Steffany Kroeger and I decided to indulge in a little "girl time" and go to an afternoon movie together!  We saw "The Family Stone" which I had already seen, but didn't mind since I liked it so much.  Steff's husband was out of town for the weekend, so she asked if Craig wouldn't mind watching Gabe. So Gabe came to our house and played with Natalie for the afternoon.  I came back from the movie to find that not only had Craig watched both kids, but he had also taken down and packed up all the holiday decorations for me!  And I mean ALL the decorations - from the tree to the ornaments to the knick-knacks.  And on top of that he had started laundry. I was so impressed and grateful...what a man!! 

 

Jan 17 ~ Natalie had her very first dentist appointment today with Dr. Rubel.  Craig and I both went with her to share in the adventure!  I had to sit in the dentist's chair with Nat in my lap because she was a little scared.  One of the female assistants there showed Nat the big gigantic toothbrush (which she thought was cool) and the huge stuffed kangaroo mascot they had (which she didn't think was as cool!).  In fact, I was a little frightened by the kangaroo myself...it had a full set of fake teeth which made it look a little strange!  Dr. Rubel said that Natalie had beautiful teeth and he gave her a goody bag which included a small blue stuffed dog and a princess crown.  Natalie also gave Dr. Rubel a gift...her pacifiers!  Yes, that is right...Natalie is finally free of every single one of her pacifiers (or "sasas" as she affectionately calls them)!  Before the dentist appointment she had helped me wrap them up in tissue paper and a pretty ribbon.  She cried when we wrapped them, but was fine after that.  She asked about them on and off for about a week ("Where sasa go?", "Sasa at dentist?", "Big girls don't have sasas!"), but we haven't heard a peep since.  What a big girl!! 

                  Another big thing that happened today was that Natalie picked up the telephone and answered it by herself for the first time!  I had been vacuuming when I heard the phone ring and decided not to answer it.  Well it stopped ringing after only two rings so I wondered what was up.  I walk into our bedroom and there was Natalie on the phone saying "Hello?  Uh-huh, Uh-huh, yes"  Too bad it wasn't anyone we knew personally on the other line or it would have been even cuter! 

 

Jan 18 ~ Hearts In Touch mothers group was back in session today after Christmas break!  Cheryl Gilmore spoke about discipline which is always a well-received topic.  I was also able to speak with Amy Smellie and Lisa Nierman after the meeting about some issues that may want to be discussed at the next board meeting.  Lisa was really receptive to what I had to say...she told me she'd get in touch with the other small group leaders in order to gather up their concerns and ideas and then hold a board meeting to address those.  So I really hope that happens soon because I do think it is important.  I've been struggling a little lately with whether or not I want to continue being a leader for another year...just not sure if I'm really cut out for it or not.  Sure, I have compassion for the moms but not positive that I am too good at steering discussions, leading prayer, etc.  But I've come to the conclusion that I at least want to give it one more year...I think it has been good for me and that I'm not as bad at it as I may think I am at times.  I have faith that sticking with it will be a blessing.

 

Jan 19 ~ The contractors came over to our house this morning to patch up some cracks in our drywall.  They were also here yesterday and re-caulked the kitchen and bathrooms after all the settling that has taken place over the months.  It all looks a lot better, though there is still more that needs to be fixed that should be covered in the one year repair warranty that came with our house. 

 

Jan 20 ~ Craig, Nat, and I went over to the mall tonight to hang out for awhile.  We had dinner at Panera, browsed a few stores, then let Nattie run around in the play area for a bit.  There is a new store down past the play area where they have kittens for adoption.  There must have been at least a dozen cats of all differents sizes and colors...Natalie now loves going there to see them.

 

Jan 21 & 22 ~ Choir sang this weekend at church.  It felt so great to be singing again!  And we sang one of my favorite songs "Shout to the Lord!"  We also sang "Holy Is Your Name" in which Scott had the sopranos singing the harmony instead of melody which I am used to.  At first I was not thrilled about that.  Being a soprano - harmony is not my strongpoint...but after running it through a couple times I was fine and I actually enjoyed the change.

                     Sunday afternoon, Natalie wanted to watch her favorite potty video for the fifteenth time...so she did and decided to sit one of her babydolls on the toilet upstairs.  I had no clue what she was doing until I heard some distressed cries coming from the stairway...so I come upstairs and there was the baby floating face-first in the toilet water and Nattie standing there with her pouty lip and tears welling up in her eyes.  So Mommy retrieved baby from the potty and rinsed/dried her off.  Then Nat and I had a short discussion about how we don't sit our babydolls on the toilet anymore.

 

Jan 23 ~ Craig started his second class toward his MBA degree tonight!  He is now taking "Corporate Financial Reporting" on Monday evenings.  He states that the material is not as interesting as his last class, but still thinks the class itself is okay.  I'm sure he'll do a wonderful job!

 

Jan 25 ~ Nat and I attended Indoor Playground again over at the NL Rec Center.  Ashley, Steffany, and Heather were all there.  Afterwards, we all went over to Wendys for lunch.  Natalie and I came home to find that Craig had taken the rest of the day off from work.  He spent the next couple of days home with the stomach flu. Natalie had it a little bit on and off.  Surprisingly, I stayed in pretty good health with just a touch of queasiness here and there (maybe it was just sympathy pains?).  So for the rest of the week we all just concentrated on nothing more than lounging around, watching tv, and napping. 

 

Jan 28 ~ Heather and Paul Brezinski invited our family over to their house for dinner.  Ashley and son Jake also joined us...husband Ken was out of town.  Heather made a delicious pork roast and we brought over a cake from Yummy's bakery.  It was fun having some adult conversation while the kids played together.  We were also able to browse through some of the Brezinskis' photos from when they lived in Germany...would love to visit there someday!

 

Jan 29 ~ Before church service, Craig and I met with Ron Herman who is one of the church elders at Parkview.  To become an actual "member" of the church you are required to take the New Members Class, speak briefly with an elder, and then finally be announced at a Congregational Meeting.  All of these things combined take quite awhile to get through - but all we have left is the meeting now so that is good.  Basically Ron just wanted to touch base with us about our testimonies, our current walk with God, and answer any questions we might have.

 

Jan 31 ~ This morning I babysat Jake Williamson at our house for a couple hours so his mom could have some time to herself.  Jake is just a month older than Natalie and the two of them just adore one another!  I like to joke that someday they are going to get married - but that Natalie will end up wearing the pants in the family if Jake doesn't get his act together...haha!  Jake is such a good boy - he's just very quiet and sensitive much of the time, but I think he is slowly starting to come out of his shell.  He only cried for a little while after his mom left. I was so proud of Natalie today!  She kept trying to get Jake to open up more by showing him her toys and trying to get him involved in what she was playing. At one point she gently took his hand and placed it on her toy stroller...then she also put her own hand on the stroller and helped him push it along...all the while she was saying to him in an encouraging voice "So proud of you, so proud of you!".  It is just amazing how she could sense that he needed that kind of support...she was being such a good friend, and just thinking back on it makes me so happy.  Nat also tried to get Jake to play Ring Around the Rosie...it was so cute!