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.

Make way for ducklings! (A trip to Boston Public Garden)

The whole family went on a trip to Boston Public Garden to ride on the swan boats. Apparently, these same swan boats have been in operation for over 100 years! Natalia had a delightful time, bouncing and singing for most of the trip. The subway ride to get there was quite an adventure. She finally did fall asleep from sheer exhaustion on the way home.

A momentous visit to Boston!

This dates back to the beginning of August.... Natalia and her parents went again on the plane to Boston. It was quite an adventure! Natalia had a great time with her cousins, Julien and Robin. She had a particularly great time with Robin, who was around 14 months old at the time. They were very sweet with each other, at least, as sweet as two beings with minimal motor skills can be with each other. They seemed to mutually understand that a poke in the eye could mean a great display of affection.

Natalia also finally got a chance to meet her Uncle Erik and Aunt Erica. It was a great family adventure involving a great deal of baby herding and toting of gear.

Pictures from the last days of summer vacation....

A few images from our days together over the summer..... Natalia has loved going for walks-she particularly likes going in the baby carrier (the Baby Bjorn). She could walk in the Baby Bjorn forever, but she does tire of being in her stroller after around half an hour. At a garage sale we were at, Natalia saw a baby doll and was absolutely delighted. The doll is quite hideous, but Natalia squeals with pleasure whenever she sees her (we have called her "Crea", short for creature).
She is now tearing around with her crawl, she definitely has a second gear she can go into when she wants high speed.