Summer 2013

Life with you is grand. As summer winds down and I sit at the beach while you nap at the house, I can't help but think about all the things that make you precious. You are outta control spectacular. You emit a bliss that is infectious and brings me such joy knowing that your Daddy and I could not have wished a grander thing for you. You say funny things like, "Now that wave was a beauty" and you show an empathy for us, your parents, your little daycare peeps by collecting them stones and you love yourself. As the school year begins to get under way my days will be sustained by the memory of your toddler hands reaching up as you walk to the ocean, down the sidewalk, or up to ballet classes. The late night hand holding while falling asleep and the belting out or tunes at an ampitheater or a campground will forever mark a dear spot in my heart. Watching you waddle down the ocean singing Seaside songs and mirroring the best of your Daddy make my heart break with pride. I love you. What a great summer we have had. You've mastered the ocean, the pool and any splash pad in town. You are a traveler extraordinaire. You love your nature and marvel at spiders and roly poly's in a tutu after super starring it with Maisie at ballet class. You camp like a champ and rock a killer princess dress. You help with the table settings and you grow like the weeds we pull in our garden. Imagination and pretend finger could be our best friends as we spend a lot of time with them. You play so nicely with the other kids and run from those who do not. You take care of me when I have "a fever" and you walk the dog around time. You wanna be a part of every band we see, especially your Daddy's. And , finally, you never shy from a cuddle fest with about five hundred whispered "I love you's". You bring me joy and I am so proud to be your mama.

The Things You Do

Natalia, summertime has officially started here in our household. We are already experts and walking the zoo, checking out the baboons, eating outside, and playing with the neighbors. Today we even snuck in some secret park time, you and me. You started your summer vacation off like a champion hanging with your Oma and Opa who love you dearly while Papa and I went to celebrate his big birthday. We missed you terribly but scouted out some fine beaches and some finer camp sites- so, girl, start CA dreamin'! The things you do are extraordinary, as you develop and grow and learn. Its fascinating to watch and super fun to be a part of We love you, dear Natalia. Summer- ON!

Here We Go!

We're not sure who was more excited... Natalia or Mama!

January 12, 2012

One year ago, you entered our worlds with a head full of hair and a grace and cool that rocked us all to the core.  You rolled into the nursery, opened your eyes, looked at each of us, held on to our fingers.  Kurt played your soundtrack in the background for us.  Nina Simone played your soundtrack prior to that.  Natalia, this year has been one of our happiest and greatest ever.  You bring us great joy, happiness, pride, and wonder.  We love you more than life itself and can't wait to smother you with your first birthday kisses when you wake up tomorrow morning, no longer technically a "baby"- now a toddler.
You are beautiful, you are gentle, you are kind, and you are happy and healthy.
We love, love, love you.
Happy Birthday, Nibbles!
xo
Mama and Papa

Ahhh wishes for the new year.

You often imagine, and hear, people/parents say this line, "All I wish for our child is....."  Sometime the dot, dot, dot is followed by "happiness", "health", "love", "to be awesome and prosperous", "to live a life debt free", or "To life a life better than my own good one".  Well, testament to me.  I wish all of these things and take them for granted for Ms. Natalia.  However, what do I say out loud to myself flying down I294 last week?  The story goes like this.

Traveling down the highway going South, a Northbound vehicle catches my eye.  I slow down and my jaw drops in envious response.  Going North is a rigged up, souped out old 1970's tour bus.  Painted, curtained, and destined for a road trip.  I pretend to have seen Colorado plates.  Out of my mouth flies, "Awesome!" and in my head the phrase, "All I wish for our child is to be able to one day get a hippie bus, quit it all, drive west and live it up!"  This is what I wish for our child. Hey man, its what I wish for the four of us, me, Papa, Natalia, and Bup.

Christmas Tree

This year we called Santa and told him we wanted to go ahead and get the first tree in our house for you, Natalia.   He was okay with it and a little disappointed, but will take care of it for all of our wonder next year for all the years to come.

Anyhow, this is about your parents.  Every year we have gotten ourselves a tree as a gift to each other.  Santa provides those lovely gifts under it later on.  Every year we get a tree, something silly happens.  One year, the tree slide off the roof and landed in the middle of Clybourn Avenue.  Another year, we brought it driving on a worknight to the fartheset Home Depot we could find and the coldest night we could muster.  We got the tree and papa had no gloves and we froze to death.  Another year, your Grandpa Bill came along and that was just plain old fun.
This year, we roped the tree ont he roof, taking over for the kid who knew better than us, as it turns out.  When we took over the job, we accidently tied ourselves into the car, by tying all the front doors shut.

The tree this year is named Schutzpah and he is lovely!

Fall 2011

You have discovered many new things this fall season.  For example, how to crawl- wow!  How to turn pages in books, how to enjoy broccolli and cottage cheese, how to say so many new sounds, how to pull half way up to standing, but this, is hilarious and not on any developmental chart, Ms. Nibbles.  You have learned to sweep the floor and you have learned to go apple picking with awesome Oma and Opa.  Now, we wait for Boo at the Zoo and look forward to Aunt Denise and an upcoming Halloween visit.
Enjoy!