Happy 12 Months Miss Natalie Sue

I will probably have a whole slew of posts from Natalie's first birthday, however since I didn't do an 11 month update I thought I should start out with the list of the milestones achieved in the last two months.

• I am happy to report that Natalie SLEPT THROUGH THE NIGHT!  However, the past three weeks have been coupled with teething and walking so we're back getting up 1-2 times per night.  
• Natalie has gone from walking behind things, to standing on her own to walking!  Over the past weekend, she all of a sudden decided it was time to walk.  Previously, she had taken a few steps but now will take 4-5 steps fall down get back up and keep walking.  So far, the most consecutive steps that we've witnessed was 8!  She is a determined little girl!
• Natalie's vocabulary is starting to develop, she now makes the following sounds
• "Ni Ni" for Night-Night
• "Sssss" for sissy
• "Gh-Pa" for Grandpa
• "Up"
• She tries to say "thank you" but it normally doesn't make sense and you can catch the "you" at the end
• "Mi" for Mine
• I love that even though she is not that vocal yet, she is starting to understand.  If we ask her to lay down for her diaper change she will grab a diaper and lay on the ground.  She also gets excited if you ask her if she wants to see sissy, go outside or take a bath
• She is very expressive in her facial expressions and will furrow her brow if she's upset

• She still screams after being told no and screams louder when something she was playing with is taken away
• She is currently obsessed with putting toys into storage totes and then putting the lid on and off
• Natalie waves like a princess in a parade, it is adorable.
• Three top teeth made their appearance in sequence.  The fourth is still bulging, I hope it comes through soon!  
• Loves to do "so big"
• Natalie may grow up to be a shoe-aholic, she is obsessed with putting on shoes
• She had her first ice-cream and cake (two separate occasions)

• Often she gets upset with Ryan if he picks her up from daycare.  She tells him "MA-MA!" 
• Natalie has the special art of making her sister angry.  She knows just what to do to elicit a very dramatic response from Claire (I think this will continue for many years)
• Natalie has started to like dolls.  She grabs them and hugs them and even gives them kisses on occasion.

Happy Birthday Natalie Sue, we love you so much!!