Joking with Nana

Natalia takes great joy in having a good laugh. We used to be a little intimidated by her laughter because it usually would come near the onset of a tired hysteria, but now she laughs more when she is not tired, too.

A visit to Pat and Larry

While on our visit in New York (again, this is back-dated-sorry to the chronologically-oriented types), we made a visit to Pat and Larry. This included a chance to test out the latest in baby seating technology (sorry, I can't for the life of me remember the name of this seat-I know it was cute, and it makes me think of Furbee). Natalia also had a chance to discover the joy of pounding spoons on the table, one of life's finer pleasures!

A visit from Donovon

Donovon, who is Natalia's second cousin (?), stayed overnight with us last weekend. He played blocks with Natalia very nicely and was very patient about her babyness. He also helped pick up the toys that Natalia was practicing flinging to the ground on her walk. Natalia just loves the attention that her cousins give her.

Visiting Grandpa and Grandma Jane

June 11 to June 17-Natalia took her second trip on the plane to visit her Grandpa and Grandma Jane. There was so much to see and do! Natalia quickly realized that Grandpa's beard was pretty good for pulling, and he didn't seem to really mind. She had a great time looking at a lot of the plants, especially the little apples. They often sent her into laughter when she saw them. A highlight was the outdoor bath, which was accompanied by a great deal of squealing and splashing.

Sixth months!!!! (June 8, 2008)

This is a little backdated-I will do my best to recreate the emotions. Natalia loves flowers and plants. She smiles whenever she sees our lilies-it is a good way to calm her when she gets a little strung out at the end of the day. For her six month pictures, we found a suitable petunia.

At six months, Natalia is sitting up quite well. She LOVES her jumperoo (AKA "the office"). It is the gadget that has truly benefitted us the most-she spends upwards of an hour on it every day.

Natalia goes to Eric and Angela's engagement party

Natalia braved the pouring rain to go out to Cedarburg to attend Eric and Angela's engagement party. The food was delicious! Natalia was green with envy. Of course, she made many friends. A good time was had by all, until the trip home. Natalia was not happy to be leaving the party at a time she felt was premature, and on the way home she invented a new screech.

Five months old!!!

This is a few days late.....we have become noticeably less ceremonious with each month passing. Natalia's latest stunts include sitting up quite well on her own and grabbing everything in sight and sticking it in her mouth. She continues to be very social, loving the company of others and protesting whenever she has to leave company.