What a day!

Natalia began her swimming lessons two weeks ago. She is very focused while she is in the water. The babies are working on their kicking and lunging for rubber duckies. They also are having their ears put in the water, which is often greeted by cries of baby agony.

We went on a trip to Barthel's apple orchard last week. The weather was beautiful and the apples look great this year! Natalia was more than content to gnaw on an apple for the entire time we were there. She also agreed to pose in a few action shots picking apples. I'm sure it will be much more interesting for her when she is older, but this visit was really a lot of fun for us.

Pulling to a stand!

Natalia started pulling herself up to a stand a couple of weeks ago-these pictures show one of the first sequences. She has gotten quite proficient now-and oh, so pleased with herself when she is standing. When we took her to the doctor a week or so ago, she pulled herself to a stand while holding onto a little toy set-there were about 4 or 5 other kids there, all over the age of 2. She gave us a beaming look that was full of pride! Imagining herself quite grown-up, I suppose. She also often prefers to feed herself rather than be fed, which can result in some messy mealtimes.

A visit from Tia Gloria and company

We had a visit from Tia Gloria, Melinda, Mikala, Anaya, and Silvia at the end of August (sorry about the time delay!) Natalia had a great time hanging out with her family, including a trip to State Fair and a trip to get her ears pierced.