tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34828425431216623232024-03-05T09:16:09.418-06:00All Because Two Hearts Fell In LoveLiving the Dream, one day at a time!Harkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14284919611889872358noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482842543121662323.post-33400591163299338452014-07-18T23:46:00.001-05:002014-07-18T23:46:31.493-05:00It's Been A WhileHello Friends and Family,<br />
<br />
It's been too long since I last posted. Life happens and time just slips on by. I didn't realize how true this REALLY was until we had children. I feel like our time with the girls is gone in the blink of an eye. Every night I ask the girls their favorite part of the day. Their answers vary, but the majority of the time it's when we were spending time together, as a family, or with friends. <br />
Without a doubt, they know they are loved. By Dan and I, family, and friends.<br />
<br />
Since I last posted, we had a baby!!! I know! I didn't even post that we were expecting in September of 2013, but she is here and is 10 months old! I still need to write her birth story! Yikes. That is one that will be with me forever! It was that great, or not so much.<br />
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Update on the kiddos:<br />
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Natalia has a year of preschool under her belt. She LOVES her teachers and the friends she has made. She has a great passion for learning and I hope it stays with her through her school years. She was in Awana, she played T-Ball, she is becoming more adventurous, and still has the kindest heart of any 4 year old that I know.<br />
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Leona is 2.5 now and has the attitude to prove it. She is a fun, energetic, adventurous girl. She is my "Sid The Science Kid." She has to know EVERYTHING about EVERYTHING. She is very curious and very intelligent. She is daring and loves a good challenge. She is going to do great things in her lifetime, I just can't wait to see what they are!<br />
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Susanna is such a sweet, laid back girl. She is so funny with her facial expressions. She always has to know where I am at all times. If I leave a room, most times she isn't happy. She loves to roll around and play with her toys and things that don't belong to her. She is little, but mighty. She is a great sleeper at night, naps during the day are on a day-to-day basis. She LOVES her thumbs and it will be a hard habit to break. She is a cuddly girl. <br />
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I'll write more. But, this for now is a good start. <br />
<br />
B.H.<div class="blogger-post-footer">~Beth~</div>Harky's Soulmatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09000451998574624781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482842543121662323.post-39092273862806234902012-11-01T14:27:00.001-05:002012-11-01T14:27:43.226-05:00CONTEST. . . . . Hello!!!<br />
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The family and I went to Champaign with Dan while he attended a conference for work. After the conference on Wednesday we headed to Eureka to see some dear friends. While there I captured a photo, and it needs a caption. <br />
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This is where YOU come in. If you leave a comment with a cool caption and it gets selected, you will win something pretty amazing. But, YOU MUST write the caption in the comment section. If you sign in as a guest, that's fine, just leave me a name or something to identify you.<br />
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Here is the photo that NEEDS a caption:<br />
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Ok. Comments will be closed tomorrow (Friday the 2nd at 9:00 PM) and a winner will be selected. <br />
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Happy Thursday<br />
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Beth<div class="blogger-post-footer">~Beth~</div>Harky's Soulmatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09000451998574624781noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482842543121662323.post-12891173821709860912012-10-28T23:24:00.000-05:002012-10-28T23:24:41.600-05:00Years From Now. . . . I like to think I am a good planner. I am semi organized and pay attention to details. I like to be in control of certain situations and the older I get, and the longer I am a mommy, I realize there are some situations I am not able to 100% control. <br />
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In my mind our Christmas card pictures would be flawless and the girls would be smiling and we would be told how wonderful we were to work with. <br />
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Not. The.Case. For 2012.<br />
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We arrive 5 minutes early (which is always good when you have a toddler and infant) in time to change an accident and comb some hairs.<br />
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I brought Thomas and baby for the off chance they might have 2 people helping with pictures considering there is only one camera for the location we were at, but not so. The extra workers just sat around talking about the latest movies out. (HELLO, help us get these girls to smile PppppLllllEeeeeAaaaSsssEeeee?!<br />
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After all of the shots were taken, poses were struck, and tears were wiped we were able to relax and get to ready to view our portraits. <br />
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Do you want this package that is twice the amount of your house payment for the month. . . .ah no thanks. We just want to use the Groupon and get these girls some dinner.<br />
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We had narrowed it down to 3 pictures that we both liked. Then, it was down to 2.<br />
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One was a traditional you stand here, he puts his arm here and the girls don't look at the right time.<br />
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OR<br />
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I hold one girl, you hold the other. One girl has a semi smile on her face and the other is in a daze from being tossed around like a sack of potatoes. But, included in the picture is the most favorite TOY(did you find it??) of the oldest girl, which in years from now will be something to look back on. <br />
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The second choice makes me tear up and so very happy that Dan and I were able to immediately agree that we needed that for our picture package pose. <br />
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Merry Christmas from The Harkness Family 2012 :)</div>
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(There now I don't have to send you a card, right?? Just kidding.)</div>
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In one month this sweet girl will be ONE year old. That was the fastest year of my entire life. But, the other day when it was super windy, I decided to head to a local park with the girls and captured some pictures that just melt my heart. What do ya think?? </div>
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Having fun in the leaves. It took her a while to figure out the whole throwing multiple leaves, but she got it!!!</div>
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One little monkey sitting in a tree. . . . </div>
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I took this picture for the sole purpose to see how long her lashes are in pictures, and goodness gracious. Women pay good money for lashes like that!!! Heart breaker on our hands for sure!</div>
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Time to say goodnight and another post will be up soon. . . . .<br />
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Blessings,<br />
Beth<br />
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(Leave some love in the comment box.)<div class="blogger-post-footer">~Beth~</div>Harky's Soulmatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09000451998574624781noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482842543121662323.post-37400645060401872242012-10-04T20:49:00.001-05:002012-10-04T20:49:21.792-05:00Memories. . . .In May of 2011, just months after finding out that we would be parents again, my grandpa passed away. It was a hard time for all of us. He was the glue that held our family together, and almost a year and a half later, I still believe that. But, that is not what I am posting about.<br />
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We all have stuff. We had to go through his things and donate, sell, or take what was in his house. This was hard for many of my family members, myself included.<br />
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I was able to have a few things that meant the most to me:<br />
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A table that was in their kitchen, that my brother and I used to color at. I will soon have that table in my basement (unless we can make room for it upstairs) for my girls to sit and color at, maybe with their Uncle.<br />
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Card tables. Who uses those anymore?? We do, and for the longest time I had one in my living room, that my grandpa asked to use during a party, and it took me a long time to take it down.<br />
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A painting for our kitchen that my grandpa painted by hand. It was an adult version of color by number. <br />
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My parents took a small table and two chairs that Mike and I used to sit at during Holiday meals. The "kids" table. As our family grows, and our girls get older, they will be sitting at that same table during the Holidays.<br />
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A Jerry (from Tom and Jerry) glass that I had always loved, but was never able to use. My aunt liked it just as much for her iced tea. :)<br />
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In this picture there are Fudge Striped Cookies. These cookies are more than delicious. They are a memory. My grandma would buy these when my brother and I were coming over. I would like to think that this is the only time, so Dad if you know otherwise, please don't tell me. These cookies symbolize something more than just "cookies." These are a new tradition that my mom has chosen to continue with my girls. My heart was happy the other day. When we got home from DC (Dan and I took a very quick trip there), and my mom and dad(HI!!) watched our girls. When I unpacked their suitcase, I found a small bag of these cookies with a welcome home note. It's the small gestures like that that make my heart happy, and the fact that my sweet girl shared one of those cookies with her mommy.<br />
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*I was shopping one day when Leona was just a new born and Natalia was not having a good day. I felt like a walking zombie and was ready to call in sick! We were in an aisle far from cookies, and on a shelf with toothpaste, was. . .. you guessed it, FUDGE STRIPED cookies!!!! I think it was my grandma saying that though things maybe crazy right now with 2 under 2, it will be ok. She was right. I have managed 10 months with 2. There are days when I go places with God only knows what on my shirt, dishes left in the sink until bedtime, and dust patiently waiting to be wiped away, but making the memories is what this whole mommy thing is about right?**<br />
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Miss you Grandma and Grandpa. I know you would just love your grand daughters and I can only imagine what kind of goodies you would give them to make them feel special, like you did for Mike and I. <br />
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The end. (when tears start falling, it's no longer safe to type. I might fry the keyboard or something!)<div class="blogger-post-footer">~Beth~</div>Harky's Soulmatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09000451998574624781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482842543121662323.post-11513219502286995792012-10-01T21:56:00.001-05:002012-10-01T21:58:59.833-05:00GenerationsI love the closeness I have with my mom and dad. I love even more that they are able to see their grandbabies often as well. I don't remember how often I was able to see my grandparents when I was younger, but I don't think it was weekly or twice a week. I know that my girls are to little to remember this, but they are creating memories for the Mimi and Papa that will last forever.<br />
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*I am blessed to have the parents I have. But, even more blessed to have them be the grandparents of my children.*<br />
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They say a picture is worth a thousand words:<br />
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*This picture has me in happy tears. I can't think of just one caption for it. It makes my heart happy to see this.<br />
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This too:<br />
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*I can almost hear a conversation between these two: "Mimi, he is eating lunch." "He is a slob-o, he spilled hay all over." My mom is honest and I chuckle when I hear slob-o.<br />
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(We spent a few hours walking around the zoo and Natalia and Leona took so much in that day. Thank you Mom and Dad for spending a Saturday afternoon with us and the stinky animals.<br />
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TEN MONTHS OLD:</div>
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How in world is this sweet girl 10 months old already? She is an absolute sweetheart and I can't imagine her not here. </div>
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*She has 2 teeth fully in, the 3rd is working it's way in. We found out the 3rd had came down when my mom heard her grinding her little teeth together. Nail.On.A.Chalkboard. Ick.</div>
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*She army crawls and hand/knee crawls like it's her job.</div>
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*She is solely on table food and MUST feed her self, or else she will not eat. You have been warned future babysitters.</div>
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*She pulls up on anything she can get her tiny hands on, even on things that aren't supposed to be pulled up on.</div>
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*She is drinking whole milk and looks forward to each and every bottle. </div>
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*She says Mama, dada, baba, lala, goo goo, gaga,</div>
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*She sleeps from 8/8:30- 7:15ish, and still takes 2 naps 9:30-10:30 and 1-3:30/4</div>
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*She loves to be around her sister most days.</div>
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*She recognizes familiar faces and hates when mommy leaves, even for a second.</div>
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*She is ATTACHED to her pink elephant snuggle blanket that she sleeps with. I tried taking it away to wash it, and she felt around for it while her eyes were closed! Ha. I like that she loves that elephant. I had a security blanket for a LONG time, and I turned out ok.</div>
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*She is the cuddliest(made up word??) baby I know and I love rocking at night with her.</div>
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Ok. That is the end of this post. I need to read and relax before we start another day. </div>
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Blessings,</div>
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Beth </div>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">~Beth~</div>Harky's Soulmatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09000451998574624781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482842543121662323.post-82532199072081935772012-09-24T14:05:00.001-05:002012-09-24T14:05:24.267-05:00Oh, you JUST work at home?I get asked frequently by random people what I do. Ha. Do they really want to know? If so, they will need to sit down, because as a SAHM (stay-at-home-mom) my list goes on and on, but in the end, I smile and stay I am a stay-at-home mom. They reply, must be nice. <br />
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I guess if you don't have kids, you can't fully know what a SAHM mom does all day, can you? I don't care what anyone thinks, I have NEVER had a bon-bon before and I don't sit on the couch all day. <br />
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I am one person with many titles: Teacher, referee, cook, doctor, boo boo kisser, diaper changer, bottle feeder, clothes washer/folder, organizer, cleaner (to some extent, ha), MOM, Wife, Friend, daughter. <br />
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My paycheck does not come in the form of a check, but rather Hugs, kisses, drawings, new discoveries, smiles, and cuddles. <br />
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I found a poem that describes how I feel:<br />
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A Stay-at-Home Mom Am I</h2>
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What can I tell you<br />About the life I am living<br />Will I impress you<br />With all the things I did?<br /><br />It may not mean a lot to you<br />But my life has meant lots to me<br />The greatest two days of my life<br />Was the births of she and she.<br /><br />Since the days my kids were born<br />Little girl and little girl<br />I haven’t worried much about me<br />I was absorbed with her and her.<br /><br />Spent days in the kitchen<br />Cooking up lots of stuff<br />Spent time playing<br />Never really cleaned enough.<br /><br />Never got the cobwebs<br />Dust seemed to be everywhere<br />But boy did we have fun<br />Which was beyond compare.<br /><br />Watching those Disney movies<br />Ordering a pizza or two<br />Playing with our puzzles<br />Saying “I love you.”<br /><br />I wouldn’t change a thing<br />About how my life is lived<br />Because the best thing of all<br />Is doing what I do.<br /><br />Being a mom of two<br />Watching them both grow<br />Has brought me so much happiness<br />More than anyone will ever know.<br /><br />A stay-at-home mom was I<br />Not a fancy title did I have<br />But I have memories I will treasure forever<br />Of the best life I could have ever had. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">How so very true. Some of the words were changed to match my current situation, but regardless, she understands, and wrote a poem about it. I have never regretted giving up my days in a daycare center to be a SAHM. I do miss the cable TV we once had, but had to get rid of, and not being able to go on vacation this summer, but in the end what matters most is being able to watch my girls grow up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I know that some of my readers (Hi CW and KK!!!) are working moms and I am NOT saying that I am better in any way, shape, or form. I give kudos to the working moms out there too. I don't know that I would be able to handle working, on top of the household things that I take care of when the girls are napping. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Regardless if we are a working mom or are able to stay home, we are all after ONE goal: To give our children the best possible life we can. So, to the lady who thinks I just stay at home and it must be nice, think again. It is many jobs/rolled up into one and I bet you get a break at some point in your day, or can use the toilet alone. That won't happen around here for a long time, and in the end, I would not want to have it any other way. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ok. My "break" is up. Thanks for reading!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Beth</span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">~Beth~</div>Harky's Soulmatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09000451998574624781noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482842543121662323.post-80668971802906631662012-07-25T22:34:00.000-05:002012-07-25T22:35:04.862-05:00IdentityLast week our church had 4 night of VBS! It was a lot of fun and very exhausting. Natalia came with me 2 nights and assisted in the babysitting class. Some of the girls in that class happened to be in my photography class, so they were able to meet Natalia. They came to the class and told me how cute she was.<br />
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As the parents were picking up their kiddos, one of the girls walked by and I heard her say to her mom, "That's Natalia's mom!!!!"<br />
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I knew the day would come when I would go from Beth, to Mrs. Harkness, to Mrs. Beth, to Natalia's (Leona's) mom. But, I thought it would be when she was in kindergarten. I sat back after hearing that, and thought about it.<br />
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It is an absolute honor and privilege to be called Natalia's mom. So, when I hear that again from the girls at church or our neighbor boy, I will smile and say, "Yes, I am Natalia's mom," and make sure that Natalia knows how happy I am to be her mom!<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">~Beth~</div>Harky's Soulmatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09000451998574624781noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482842543121662323.post-42926281495923073472012-07-11T22:29:00.001-05:002012-07-11T22:52:40.427-05:00I Hope. . . .When I go to bed and think about the day and all that was said, or what was done I hope for one thing more than anything. . . . that the girls know how much they are loved. I can guarantee most parents hope for that one thing with their child(ren) as well. <br />
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Natalia says, "I love you," and "love you too," but does she really understand what love is at 2.5? She knows that I get meals ready, help in the bathroom, read books, color, ensure her safety in parking lots, in the vans, near stairs, etc, but does that equal love to her? <br />
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I have a list of I hopes. . . . ..read or don't, it may cause tears for some (m&d)<br />
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*I hope Natalia and Leona know how much we love them, regardless of what they do in life.<br />
*I hope I never forget this stage of life, even the sleepless nights<br />
*I hope that I can always remember their birth story, because that is one story that there is only one of.<br />
*I hope I can always remember how they smell (sounds gross, but when Natalia is away for a night, I sneak into her room and grab her blanket. I sleep better that way.)<br />
*I hope I never forgot how they sleep. N is a back sleeper and L is a tummy sleeper.<br />
*I hope I always remember their giggles<br />
*I hope I always remember their sweet pre-toddler voice<br />
*I hope I always remember their first time walking<br />
*I hope I tell them enough during the day how much I love them and how happy they make me<br />
*I hope whatever they do in life is honoring God<br />
*I hope I never forget the way Natalia says certain words<br />
*I hope I never forget how Leona moves her hand when she is playing with toys on the floor<br />
*I hope I am alive when they get married so I know for certain that they married someone like their daddy and Papa.<br />
*I hope they know how special their names are and why they were named after each person. Natalie, Rachel, Grandpa Leonard, and Grandma Marie---It was an absolute honor to have our girls named after the four of you.<br />
*I hope that there is at least one tradition that Dan and I start that they continue with their families someday<br />
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Some photos to look at while I wipe some tears away. . . . ..<br />
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The joys of motherhood are never fully experienced until the children as in bed. Author unknown.<br />
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Children are great imitators, so give them something great to imitate. Natalia will be a great mommy someday.<br />
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I hope I never forget this toothless grin she gives out frequently. Her eyes tell a whole story.<br />
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I hope I never forget the tiny features that make Leona who she is. Her lips, the dimple in her arm, the blue vein across her nose. .<br />
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Neither child will ever be lonely, for they have each other, always.<br />
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Big and little sister splashing around during bath time. Yes, Natalia has a cookie, don't judge.<br />
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My baby is 6+ months now. . . this photo was taken by yours truly.</div>
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I look into her eyes and a see such a bright future. I love you Natalia for all that you are, and all that you will be. </div>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">~Beth~</div>Harky's Soulmatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09000451998574624781noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482842543121662323.post-86258061635722692612012-06-22T23:29:00.001-05:002012-06-22T23:29:08.896-05:00CelebrateWell, we meet again. Thank you to all those that read my blog. It's for my sanity that I "blog" but knowing that my friends (CW!!) and family (mom and Dad) read it, makes me want to write that much more.
So, Natalia is 28 months old and I figured it was about time to get her out of the diapers and into some big girl panties!! I kept pushing it off and finally, I decided it needed to be done. So, on Monday (June 18) we woke up and took off the last diaper that she will EVER wear (until she is old and then it's necessary again.) It was a bitter sweet moment for me. My baby is growing by leaps and bounds and it has been truly amazing to see everything unfold.
So, back to this whole potty training thing. I had NO idea where to even begin. I set a timer, asked her and in a very nice and pleasant way to head to the bathroom every 30 min. I felt like we lived in there the whole day on Monday. Thank goodness Leona is a laid back baby and took naps when I put her down and played while we took trips to and from the bathroom.
By Monday early evening I was frustrated and felt like we had gotten no where. I was searching on google and seeking advice from anywhere and every where. A friend suggested looking into 3daypottytraining.com. She had success with it as well as a few other friends. So, Dan and I bit that bullet and bought the ebook. 56 pages later I felt like I was ready to take potty training head on come Tuesday.
I followed her guidelines step-by-step and Lora (the author) delivered! Natalia is potty trained! We still have the night time to work on, but during the day she is doing a fantastic job. She told her Mimi she wanted ice cream and cake for not wearing diapers anymore and going on the potty.
Well, my parents (Hi Mom and Dad!!) came over today and we celebrated! Celebrated Natalia. She went from diapers and a crib to big girl panties and a toddler bed!!! She did great with that transition.
We went all out with this celebration!! See.....
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwibauPpBhVk2deVYppqjPqizdsrMtUBU4cogFztZGRP2xiCrZEtn4SBktHpPmEeUquA5rEj5BnPUtKk3L6voFvqQ_OrtsTyIjuORULksJHSv1VOGky9uY93E3rpaAq21BJkwQzf2IC9A/s1600/IMG_3057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwibauPpBhVk2deVYppqjPqizdsrMtUBU4cogFztZGRP2xiCrZEtn4SBktHpPmEeUquA5rEj5BnPUtKk3L6voFvqQ_OrtsTyIjuORULksJHSv1VOGky9uY93E3rpaAq21BJkwQzf2IC9A/s320/IMG_3057.JPG" /></a>
*We bring out the fine china to celebrate milestones and to just celebrate life*
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1DTnuX6HNHxi-YZzmceTd8aq35tySGHv3f8Kcpt3VUdGXhV5febItMsp8L5HKIwEsgrd4rKCXeZrM18A1CKlSio6nwd2EWtggFl5jl6pFosRBK5lbbX5tZhynT8a2jbuQ5t7dGKXw_lo/s1600/IMG_3055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1DTnuX6HNHxi-YZzmceTd8aq35tySGHv3f8Kcpt3VUdGXhV5febItMsp8L5HKIwEsgrd4rKCXeZrM18A1CKlSio6nwd2EWtggFl5jl6pFosRBK5lbbX5tZhynT8a2jbuQ5t7dGKXw_lo/s320/IMG_3055.JPG" /></a>
*Til (nickname) We R so proud of you!!!*
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*The 100th time on the potty in 2.5 days. She will just LOVE me one day for taking this picture and posting it on the net.*
So, Natalia, Daddy and I are so very proud of you and your huge accomplishment this week. You and I make a good team. With hard work, and consistency you now get to wear Elmo panties!!! You're a big kid now!!!!! I love you Tilda Beans.
So, we can't forget about Leona (LeLe.) She is 6.5 months and just a cutie patootie! She is a great baby (we were blessed with 2 laid back babes!) While I was potty training N, I decided to "sleep train" L. What does that mean anyways?? Normally during the week we are out and about with friends or running errands (which will still happen) but while we were at home for the 4 days, I decided to pay closer attention to L and how she "tells" me she is tired. Day 1 she took 2 long naps and then slept from 8:30 PM until 8:45. The next day was no different. One thing I will never forget as long as I have a baby living in our house is that "Sleep begets sleep." It's the honest truth. When she gets a few good naps in during the day she sleeps 100x's better at night. So, I need to pay attention to the cues so that Dan and I can get back to sleeping longer than 2 hours at a time.
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*6 month picture taken by. . . . ME!! I love it*
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*Hi mommy! What are you doing up there?
Bye for now family and friends. Feel free to comment. Don't judge on the whole 3daypottytraining.com idea. It worked in 2.5 days and I didn't have a single adult beverage during the whole process.<div class="blogger-post-footer">~Beth~</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482842543121662323.post-8115080461359571632012-05-15T21:15:00.000-05:002012-05-15T21:17:03.481-05:00I Will Miss This. . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I WILL MISS THIS---Yes, the mess that N and L create on a daily basis
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Am I going to miss stepping on an Easter egg or a fork from the tea party set? Heck no, but I will miss playing tea party and watching N's face light up when the Easter eggs come out for a rainy day. Both girls were in bed by 8:30 tonight (huge accomplishment on our part) and by 8:35 the tiniest Harkness tot decided she needed some extra cuddles to fall asleep. So, I scooped her up, kissed her bald head and we headed to our room with the rocking chair. As soon as I started rocking, the little stinker was sound asleep. I could of easily went and put her down, but I choose to rock her. To enjoy these moments where she still wants to be rocked and cuddled. I know all to well that in the near future she will be going to bed on her own without needing her mommy and that just breaks my heart. I love this "help me stage" and at the same time I love the "I can do it on my own" stage that we are experiencing with N.
By the looks of our pictures you would think a tornado ran though our living room. Rest assured, it was just a very happy, energetic toddler (that still doesn't understand "clean up.") I clean up the living room most nights, and there are times when I just leave it for the morning.
I hope that whomever reads this knows what I mean and that you will miss or do miss when your kids were younger and you had legos spread all over your living room floor.
Enjoy them while they are little, because all too soon you will find yourself saying "I'll Miss This!"<div class="blogger-post-footer">~Beth~</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482842543121662323.post-34467312471571072082012-04-12T13:32:00.004-05:002012-04-12T13:48:00.847-05:00I am doing something right. . . .<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-rfD9OOftKk6zlkVaM7IALfQVnbW53Wotz5qJ6JPFUlcvUq0Y8i1x7S7zl_xuCnAS0xjZu1gax1S0muoRp6HKOm3fomBYqzUBOqilMxCAGAvkCt4vosxRJt8OmQp8YbLAdGHyDMSN8E/s1600/IMG_1351.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-rfD9OOftKk6zlkVaM7IALfQVnbW53Wotz5qJ6JPFUlcvUq0Y8i1x7S7zl_xuCnAS0xjZu1gax1S0muoRp6HKOm3fomBYqzUBOqilMxCAGAvkCt4vosxRJt8OmQp8YbLAdGHyDMSN8E/s320/IMG_1351.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730586948634246610" /></a><br />As a mom of 2 now, I pray every morning while I am getting ready, that my girls know how much they are loved by their daddy and I and that all we want for them is to be happy girls. I read a blog today about how all our children want is US. They don't care about the curtains, paint colors, lack of decorations, etc. Natalia and Leona just want Dan and I to be present in their lives and teaching them all that we possibly can. <br /><br />I decided to make grilled cheese and soup for lunch. Not a hard task right---it turned into one, when Leona decided she needed to eat at that exact moment and I was trying to juggle grilled cheese (with Turkey), soup, a bottle, and cereal with apples. Grilled cheese doesn't have the same taste when mommy burns the bread. Natalia must of known that I burnt it and that I was sad. She looked into my eyes and with her sweet innocence said, "<span style="font-weight:bold;">It's Ok, love you</span>." I sent that to my mom via text and she replied, "Children live what they learn." <br /><br />It's so true, the other day she colored on the carpet in the dining room with "washable" markers and instead of getting mad or upset, I said, "It's ok, I love you." There are times when we do get upset about things (biting her sister, throwing a sippy cup at sisters head. . . )but when it's something that small, like coloring on the carpet, all I can do is smile, tell her we color on the paper and clean it up. There is still a small pink mark on the carpet that is not going anywhere and when I vacuum I see it, smile, and know that all too soon I will miss having little hands coloring on my carpet. <br /><br />So, for now I just want to be present in their lives, I want them to say to me someday,"Mom, thank you for being a part of our lives when we were growing up and not getting upset when we did some not-so-smart things." <br /><br />(Thank you mom/dad for not getting upset at ME when I was younger for doing some pretty not-so-smart-things, but choosing to love me instead.)<br /><br />Blessings,<br />Beth<div class="blogger-post-footer">~Beth~</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482842543121662323.post-63683419982625420802011-12-06T22:16:00.002-06:002011-12-06T22:45:00.346-06:00Leona's Birth StoryHere is it, the story of Leona's birth. <br /><br />On Tuesday, the 29th of November I had a doctors appointment with my OB. She checked me and I was 1.5 maybe 2 Cm dilated. That was it. So, we scheduled my induction for Thursday the 1st of December at 12 PM since she would be doing a surgery that morning. <br /><br />On Wednesday the 30th I had my NST (non stress test) and during the test my contractions were about 6 minutes apart, but not very consistent. The nurse joked and said I wouldn't be surprised if you go into labor tonight. I left the hospital, and was ready to go home and get a good nights sleep before the labor began. <br /><br />Wednesday night we went to Logan's Steak House for dinner, the 3 of us, and then we went to the mall. Dan and Natalia were in the play area, while I went to a few stores. As I was walking around, my contractions started up again, but died down by the time we got home around 7:45. When we got home I went down stairs to type up some things for my 3 friends that were going to spend Thursday with Natalia. I sent a text to my mom saying that I just wanted to cuddle with Natalia that night before we became a family of 4. Around 8:28 I was heading up stairs from the basement (16 stairs) is a whole lot for a 39 week pregnant lady! By the time I had reached the top, I knew my water had broken. <br /><br />Dan was on the couch and Natalia was waiting for me at the top of the stairs. I went to the restroom and called my doctor. The answer call service lady had mentioned how calm I was and got my doctor on the other line. I could tell my doctor had been sleeping since she had an early morning, but I told her my water had broke, and she was going to call the hospital to let them know we were on our way. <br /><br />After dropping Natalia off with a friend of mine, we were heading to the hospital around 9:45 PM. We were put into a room for a while to monitor the heart beat of Leona. After a while, I was in my room. <br /><br />I had contractions that came and went, but there was no rhyme or reason to them. So, that was discouraging. I was 2 Cm and that was it. I thought it was going to be a very long night. The labor and delivery floor was very busy this night, so I had to wait until 1:30 until my pick(??) line was put in for the fludids and patocin. I was checked again 2 more times and both times I was a 4, VERY discouraging. The last check was at 4:30 and that was a 4 cm as well. I was on my side at this point for only about 15 minutes and I went from a 4 to a 10!! Talk about amazing. I thought I could feel the urge to push, but wasn't sure if it was the pain medicine that I had been given, that was fading away or if I had to really push. <br /><br />My doctor came in and checked me and said, "Let's have a baby!" I began pushing around 4:50 AM (I made sure to look at the clock.) and about 13 minutes later I was the mommy of 2 beautiful girls. At first I forgot how to push, but then I quickly was reminded. <br /><br />She came out with her right hand next to her cheek, and then her tiny slippery body came out and I was no longer in pain! <br /><br />She was 8 lbs 8 oz and 21 inches long. <br /><br /><br />Well, that is the story of Leona and her coming into this world. It's late, and I need to head to bed. <br /><br />Bye for now. . .<br /><br />Beth<div class="blogger-post-footer">~Beth~</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482842543121662323.post-71646677833396251502011-11-14T14:23:00.002-06:002011-11-14T14:35:56.761-06:00Changes. . .Hello Blog friends,<br /><br />I have been really bad at posting and it's going to get worse before it gets better. Sorry. But, I will post when I have a free moment, like I do right now. <br /><br />Yesterday was Natalia's first day in the toddler room at church. She was with Heather in the nursery for 16 months of her precious life, and we are forever thankful for her for taking such good care of our baby for the 2.5 hours every week. We thought N would have reservations about going into the room, want to cling to mommy and not want any part of it. We were completely wrong. She took off her coat and walked right into the room like she owned it. Our sweet almost 21 month old is so very independent when she needs to be and yet still much a mommy's girl when I need her to be. Yes, that's right, there are times when I just want her to cuddle with me at night before going to sleep, or so grab a hug during playtime or just sitting on the couch watching cartoons and then she lays her head on my arm, as if to say, "I like you." When I got her from the toddler room, she was ready to leave. They got her bag ready and put her picture in it and her sippy and off we went to find Dan. He immediately asked where her picture was. That is one of the differences between the 2 rooms. He looked at it and almost started crying, right there in the middle of the atrium. Then, it hit me, our baby is no longer a baby, but a very active, healthy, fun toddler who now gets drawings every week along with a snack. <br /><br />Leona will be here soon I hope. I really don't want to go to my due date. I am ready to have her out of me and in my arms instead. I forgot how uncomfortable the last few weeks are, but I am quickly reminded that despite all of that, I am so very blessed that my body is able to carry a baby, so then I ponder that for a while and forget about the massive heartburn and frequent bathroom trips I make, and thank God that she is growing and healthy. <br /><br />We have one more ultrasound before we get to officially meet her. I really hope she isn't hiding her face again. Every US we had, it has been hidden, as if she knows we want to get a peek at it and is being stubborn already. Either way, I am excited to meet her and see what she is like. <br /><br />Well, the princess is asleep, so I think I will lay down for a bit too. I am exhausted and I haven't even done much today. I will be posting again very soon. But, it will be for N and L. <br /><br />Bye for now,<br /><br />Beth<div class="blogger-post-footer">~Beth~</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482842543121662323.post-32349539678206256372011-09-07T22:13:00.002-05:002011-09-07T22:23:07.547-05:00Enough love. . . . ???Well, well, well--we meet again. It has been a while since I last posted and the only reason for that is because I am lazy, tired, and busy with a toddler. If I even try to take out the lap top while she is near by, within minutes she is at my side, pushing buttons and turning the lap top off! It's easier this way--to write while she is in bed, having sweet dreams. <br /><br />In 3 months exactly is my "due date" and I am more nervous than a 16 year taking a driving exam! I was fine with Natalia, but this time it's different. I have spent the last 18 months (which will be almost 22 by the time Leona is born) alone with Natalia. It has just been me and her during the day while Dan works hard for the money. I struggle with feeling like a bad mommy for having another baby so close in age with and not waiting until she was older, and maybe in preschool. I know that in the long run they will both benefit from having each other, but right now I want to cry when I think about having to share my time with Natalia and Leona. Does that make me selfish? I hope not, because that's not how I want it to be at all. I love my girls to pieces and would do anything for either of them, but I am worried that Natalia and I are both going to have a hard time adjusting to having another human being in our home. <br /><br />I guess once she is here it will be easier to judge how things will go, right now I am basing it on how she reacts when I hold a doll! Ha. Oh boy, we are in trouble. <br /><br />In case you didn't get it---her name is going to be Leona (our girl version of Leonard--after my grandpa) and Marie will be her middle name after my grandma. Both names have so much importance to us as do Natalia's names. Our girls are namesakes and we wouldn't have it any other way. <br /><br />Well, it's bed time and I need to go take some tums. The heartburn is beyond ridiculous right now. <br /><br />Beth<div class="blogger-post-footer">~Beth~</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482842543121662323.post-42377420391055477192011-07-11T14:58:00.002-05:002011-07-11T15:15:09.257-05:00In HeavenThis is going to be a "Stream of Conscience" post. . . (totally random). . . <br /><br />When I sit on our couch and I look up at the entertainment center there is a frame that ALWAYS catches my eye. It's A picture of Natalia and her great-grandpa, and a picture of my Grandpa, Dad, Natalia and I (4 generations.) My grandpa passed away in early May, and I still can't believe it's real. He was supposed to come for Easter and we put up a snack tray next to the couch for his drink (Squirt--which we still have plenty of) and I can't find myself to take it down. We only put it up when he would come over, mainly because we never sit on the small couch. I feel like it's a bad dream and very soon, we will see him again. My parents and Dan, Natalia and I were at his house the night before he went into the hospital. We brought dinner over. It was my idea to go over there, and I don't regret the decision one bit. We spent 4.5 hours with him, and I think if any of us knew that the following day would be the last day we could get to talk to him where he would understand what we were saying, we would of stayed longer, created more memories, taken more pictures. But, that's the funny thing about life. You just never know what is going to happen in life. I feel like I never really told my grandpa how much I loved him and how much he means to our family. I am sure he knew, but, it's not the same. I get a lump in my throat when I think about the first night in the hospital and I went to see him. He was lifeless pretty much. I was talking to him about the baby that is due in December and how he had to get better so that he could be here for that baby and when I spoke of the baby-to-be he squeezed my hand. Then, at one point he raised both of his hands as if to say "Take me Lord, I am ready." That was so very hard to see because we were selfish and weren't ready to let him go. Before I got married I said, I want my dad and grandpa to be at my wedding. That was done. Then, I said I want them both to meet their first grand/great grand child and that was done as well, but I was not ready to let him go. He lived a great life. Had a wonderful wife (I miss you too grandma) and 4 wonderful children. But, things will never be the same without him. How do we celebrate a holiday when he is not there? How do we welcome another baby into the family, when that child won't have a picture with their grandpa/great-grandpa? I want to try to incorporate his name into the babies name, so we will see what we come up with. <br /><br />I am sure my stream of emotions are due to the pregnancy and just missing him all together. Well, thank you for letting me share that with you all. <br /><br />If you read our blog, please comment. I would love to know who follows me. <br /><br /><br />Go create memories with your family---because you just don't know how much time is left.<br /><br /><3 Beth<div class="blogger-post-footer">~Beth~</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482842543121662323.post-12995062144751220862011-06-29T10:59:00.003-05:002011-06-29T11:27:14.639-05:00Major Updates. . .Wow! I guess I am not very good at keeping up with this at all. I mean it's not like I am busy or anything with an active toddler. A picture is worth a thousand words. . . so let this picture do some explaining (most of you already know what is happening in our lives. . . ) <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpXXx1yrzzin4WbxWuSUOsc9wDtIKRIFet9aiPrEgsDrlOm4nlhyphenhyphen9gGNIAKgck4CcSFJQe9HJF7385jHclIrhyrEtWNmEm7XBMRIh_WajbTIBme8glpVO8zJ4mzEVvigmkA068Qa1mwU/s1600/100_1572.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpXXx1yrzzin4WbxWuSUOsc9wDtIKRIFet9aiPrEgsDrlOm4nlhyphenhyphen9gGNIAKgck4CcSFJQe9HJF7385jHclIrhyrEtWNmEm7XBMRIh_WajbTIBme8glpVO8zJ4mzEVvigmkA068Qa1mwU/s320/100_1572.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623674871206459442" /></a><br /><br />We couldn't happier about this amazing blessing. I am "due" December 7th. Just 3 days before my brothers and cousins birthday. Will it be a trio celebration? I hope not! I don't want to be over due! Yuck. I am thinking around Thanksgiving this bundle of joy will make an appearance. If it was safe for me to go in the middle of November I would to honor my Grandpa's birthday. We lost him in May and it still hurts my heart to think that Natalia and future children never got to know him. I was so very blessed to have known my great-grandpa and enjoy his presence while on earth. <br /><br />Ok. Enough sadness for one post---Back to Natalia. She is 16 months old and is growing by leaps and bounds. She never crawled or pulled up on things until this last month. On her 15 month check up her doctor was concerned with her muscle tone and her not walking so we were referred to a PT. We have gone 3 times and every time she cries because we are not with her (when we are with her, she doesn't want to do anything.) So, we had to show some tough love and something is working. Because I am so very happy to say that she is not pulling up on anything and everything---even stairs! She is starting to crawl as well and I can't help but hoop and howler when she does it! It is so incredible to see her change right before my very eyes. She is a mama's girl for sure! I love it. I love hearing "Mama" in the morning and now I hear "I wove you" in the morning as well and that just makes my heart melt. How can one tiny being take up so much space in ones heart? She does a great job of it! <br /><br />I haven't been sick like I was with Natalia, but I have had sickness in the morning. Natalia caught on and coughs when I cough (which is normally a sign that I will be getting sick.) At first we thought she was choking and then realized what was going on. Stinker. <br /><br />Well, I have written enough to keep you guys reading for a while. I will have an ultra sound at the end of July and hopefully the baby will cooperate with us. :) <br /><br />Blessings--<br /><br />Beth<div class="blogger-post-footer">~Beth~</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482842543121662323.post-6387281231865425642011-02-18T22:50:00.002-06:002011-02-18T22:58:25.712-06:00One Year Ago<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmJ66sjptfHUsi09dK2amjbjUN2h4hHy-reuERFU7ZqGrSMF2jd-0bHarAgWCPWQ1GldG_mFpL-MAK9l8GPiDEcneMu3TfIZem__AZUJDDg32hjY9J4W-sFC48L0DeBlPTgNgHOBnbus/s1600/102_0013.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmJ66sjptfHUsi09dK2amjbjUN2h4hHy-reuERFU7ZqGrSMF2jd-0bHarAgWCPWQ1GldG_mFpL-MAK9l8GPiDEcneMu3TfIZem__AZUJDDg32hjY9J4W-sFC48L0DeBlPTgNgHOBnbus/s320/102_0013.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575258961009798450" /></a><br /><br /><br />Well, in about 24 hours Natalia will be One Year old. I would write tomorrow on her actual birthday, but I will be to busy celebrating the birth of a precious baby girl with our family and close friends. As I look back on the this past year I can't help but think how blessed we are to have a healthy baby. Everyday she brings joy to Dan and myself and I fall in love with her all over again. She can turn my day right around when it's not going as planned. She has the best personality ever and I look forward to all the birthdays ahead with her. <br /><br />Natalia--your daddy and I love you so much and thank God for you everyday. You are very special to us because you did something that means more to us than anything else, you made us parents and we couldn't be more honored than to be your parents. You are a fun, bright, silly girl and make us laugh so much everyday. <br /><br />I hope that you have a fun day tomorrow and that I don't cry to much! :) <br /><br />We love you Natalia,<br />Mommy and Daddy <3<div class="blogger-post-footer">~Beth~</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482842543121662323.post-21205398317766722472010-12-31T21:16:00.003-06:002010-12-31T21:38:19.224-06:002010 In ReviewAs I sit here on NYE with my love, I can't help but think what 2010 was like for us. I love the song "Happy Christmas" and the lyrics "So this is Christmas, another year over and a new one just begun....." As we put 2010 behind us with all of the memories we have created, we are able to look ahead into 2011 with a positive attitude and the expectations that 2011 will rock our socks.<br /><br />In 2 months we will be celebrating the birth of Natalia that happened a year ago. I can't believe that our sweet bundle of joy slipped into this world almost a year ago. I get misty eyed when friends bring up this joyous event that we will be celebrating soon, but they are so very happy tears. I don't know what our live would be like without Natalia. Sure I do, our living room would be clutter free, our counter space would appear larger than what it is, our dining room would not have a Sesame Street floor mat, and we would not be sitting in on NYE in our house. I wouldn't trade any of that in. I love that I have to constantly pick up hand fulls of plastic balls that she has thrown about the room (sure I might grumble under my breath about every one of them) and I hate that I can never find the ONE duck that belongs with his family, and that I always manage to step on Buzz Lightyear's foot! This just simply means we have a healthy, precious baby in our home and with that I am very thankful! Have a look at the dolly----<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1yIah-kj9nCxmqkakzlIATRqeEsk7d8IfLdL4XdFsuD9EEuN8qmDy7trZppnsf9dRjqdpA3kpuKQgB_W8I29nJ7kLuJP39_3vRRJ5j4cbF9S9uznG1oSfRNXpo9RRfe4RwIFDPnQVsOU/s1600/100_1342.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1yIah-kj9nCxmqkakzlIATRqeEsk7d8IfLdL4XdFsuD9EEuN8qmDy7trZppnsf9dRjqdpA3kpuKQgB_W8I29nJ7kLuJP39_3vRRJ5j4cbF9S9uznG1oSfRNXpo9RRfe4RwIFDPnQVsOU/s320/100_1342.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557054397094434930" /></a><br /><br />She is a character and she knows it! She is working so hard on those top teeth. They are just taking their time coming in, and for pete's sake, after a few months you would think they would be in. This girl is a trooper though to deal with them. She has her "off" time at night, and cries and all I can do is hug her and pray harder that they will just pop through already! <br /><br />Dan and I moved into our first HOME in October and 2 months later we have most certainly made this house a home. We are not fully unpacked and won't be for a while, but the important stuff has been placed in it's proper locations. There is a few updates we have made and it's so rewarding to see the after math of a big project. <br /><br />Night night for now. More in 2011! I promise!! :)<div class="blogger-post-footer">~Beth~</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482842543121662323.post-57764895864964119092010-10-29T10:49:00.004-05:002010-10-29T11:03:43.453-05:00MAJOR UPDATESWOW! I have become the worst blogger ever. So much has happened since the last post in July! So, let me get to it. <br /><br />August--- Natalia turned 1/2 a year old. That was a bitter sweet celebration. She is so full of life and I am so happy to say she is my daughter. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYi-xwZXY3GGwo9eQlRR5HkUVMBBn5Ii0sRPaTLtYZV-O7zL366QqyLwNgw6fPrhLOT26YFrIWvTEbE2G9U3VRI8WddKMM6IeHG3XjTKi1-CSftFJutkW_dt-7uPzT3a4Rav_VRI_nxqw/s1600/100_0790.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYi-xwZXY3GGwo9eQlRR5HkUVMBBn5Ii0sRPaTLtYZV-O7zL366QqyLwNgw6fPrhLOT26YFrIWvTEbE2G9U3VRI8WddKMM6IeHG3XjTKi1-CSftFJutkW_dt-7uPzT3a4Rav_VRI_nxqw/s320/100_0790.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533496759202528850" /></a><br /><br />September-- Nothing major happened. We were in the process of buying a house and that ended up taking a lot longer than anyone thought possible. <br /><br />October--- We OWN a house now!!!!! We moved in on Sweetest Day, so Dan thinks that will be my gift for the next 20 years. :) He he. Natalia now says "Dada" and has her two bottom teeth. I know you want to see what she looks like now, so I will post a few pictures. She is going to be a flower for Halloween. <br /><br />I will try to keep up more with this blog, considering family and friends far away like to know what is going on with our family. <br /><br />Love to all!!!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKT5HOtqyCQNZnrQVTb7AVpvqFIcr_f43MBnZQDhHerSSstCjAj3iVB0-JMYELSanZsSNh3JTbFZsBzi0ecLvDys_cB2CtGuwPKD2vjObxSLxaqNMNCrsfZUp4NFMxeg-bXgVJM53BXg/s1600/100_1121.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKT5HOtqyCQNZnrQVTb7AVpvqFIcr_f43MBnZQDhHerSSstCjAj3iVB0-JMYELSanZsSNh3JTbFZsBzi0ecLvDys_cB2CtGuwPKD2vjObxSLxaqNMNCrsfZUp4NFMxeg-bXgVJM53BXg/s320/100_1121.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533498546376242674" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6NkMZgkfgzaDu8nW-V1qWZ-lcqvf9f0kizkazOLzEvQppTcdmVX31J694fjqIY4tJc4h45ZcqzoU9NiucK9AyWc2cDo74UfvfEEshSfD5WgdKUoyLO5sI8usxH50g2qbd8fUCBd0WXXg/s1600/100_1112.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6NkMZgkfgzaDu8nW-V1qWZ-lcqvf9f0kizkazOLzEvQppTcdmVX31J694fjqIY4tJc4h45ZcqzoU9NiucK9AyWc2cDo74UfvfEEshSfD5WgdKUoyLO5sI8usxH50g2qbd8fUCBd0WXXg/s320/100_1112.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533498543214506194" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaG0sXAPvJiJICUvBGlk1-pCSftrtfYWgD9JcQ8APWZXHVqIvUoiFMlIEihr2YzFWfBaVjGTV1ww8AIZk-IIn1sWnPlSrej8Xf7iMaeUp2CGvd1FewDrg8UXXEF7yxp_hKGTmkbtWsHdA/s1600/100_0762.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaG0sXAPvJiJICUvBGlk1-pCSftrtfYWgD9JcQ8APWZXHVqIvUoiFMlIEihr2YzFWfBaVjGTV1ww8AIZk-IIn1sWnPlSrej8Xf7iMaeUp2CGvd1FewDrg8UXXEF7yxp_hKGTmkbtWsHdA/s320/100_0762.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533498533520174082" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">~Beth~</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482842543121662323.post-58865937388516309732010-07-08T21:05:00.002-05:002010-07-08T21:31:51.078-05:00A Tad Bit Behind.....So, when my friend <a href="http://bkniehus.blogspot.com/">kari</a> said that I needed to update my blog, she wasn't kidding. Well, I will share a tad bit about Natalia (pictures will have to wait until tomorrow) and then I am going to share a story about life and death. <br /><br />Natalia is 4.5 months old! I am so scared to blink anymore. She will be entering preschool before I know it!! She weighed 11 lbs 12 oz at her last check up and was 25 inches long. She is doing fantastic. I was anticipating her wonderful doctor to say to start cereal and that's it. But, because Natalia is on the tiny side, she said we could start fruits and veggies. Well, it took about a week or so for Natalia to figure out what to do, and now she loves her breakfast and dinner. She LOVES squash and isn't to sure about the fruit yet. Which is very odd to me. Normally it's the other way around. As long as she eats something I am happy. When I give her squash she is very <s>petiete</s> demanding about how fast I feed it to her. I would NEVER let her lick the container if she is still hungry! What kind of mother do you think I am. Don't answer that! We have been blessed with a baby that likes to sleep at night and take 2-3 short naps during the day. She is almost always happy, unless she is tired or it is near 7 PM and that is when she turns into a witch!! None the less, we love you Natalia.<br /><br />Ok,so now onto my story.<br /><br />My friend had a baby on July 4th!! and I was up visiting her on the 5th. The small details won't seem important to you, but they are what makes the story. I had went up alone--Dan and Natalia stayed in the waiting area. I was so darn excited to hold a new born baby that I forgot her gift on the seat next to Dan. I was up in her room for about 20 minutes or so then I decided I should go only because Dan was with Natalia and she gets crabby around her nap times. So, I ran back to the lobby and got the gift, ran back up to the 3rd floor and then delivered the gift. (Note: I didn't actually run, I took an elevator that took it's time going from floor to floor.) I then took Natalia to get a diaper change and went back to the waiting area. Then, Dan went to the bathroom. Then, IT WAS FINALLY MY TURN!!!! As I was washing my hands I was sort of listening to a conversation a young lady was having on her phone. Here is what I could hear:<br /><br />Young Lady: She had an infection. It spread to her heart. There was nothing they could do. (At this point there are tears streaming down her face. I can put 2 and 2 together.......)<br /><br />Me: Do you need a hug?<br /><br />Young Lady: Yes please!!!!<br /><br />As we are hugging- we are talking/crying-- (Her) My mama,she is gone! (Me) Oh sweetheart! I know this is going to be a rough time for you. Can I pray for you!? <br /><br />I said a prayer for her in the bathroom with tears streaming down my face. I am a Christian but have never done anything out of the ordinary for my character. This was the first time in my life since I have been saved that I finally felt Christ talking to me, and asking me to be there for this young lady. I walked out of that bathroom as a changed person! <br /><br />It was a bittersweet moment. First celebrating a life that was just brought into this world, then only moments later mourning the loss of someone's mother. <br /><br />God is so good!<br /><br />Blessings,<div class="blogger-post-footer">~Beth~</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482842543121662323.post-20706824615262792252010-06-10T17:42:00.003-05:002010-06-10T18:48:07.035-05:00One Year Ago<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8lqRGZ62-tJePDtCyZS9LVkgzBG7dORUUh4SA8DjV5UddPMzA9-XZzvUbHOXwVhXR2G2Hbo5MvzuH2jkcK1XyXl39jydTRQJcLOosHptd7-xE2H01e16PhB4GmWGd7bTZg29CSJVIuAA/s1600/IMG_3696.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8lqRGZ62-tJePDtCyZS9LVkgzBG7dORUUh4SA8DjV5UddPMzA9-XZzvUbHOXwVhXR2G2Hbo5MvzuH2jkcK1XyXl39jydTRQJcLOosHptd7-xE2H01e16PhB4GmWGd7bTZg29CSJVIuAA/s320/IMG_3696.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481280515427927314"></a><br />One year ago today I took this picture......<br /><br />And now I can post a picture that looks like this, because after all she is almost 4 months old! Yes, my precious 5 lb 14 oz. baby is now topping the charts at around 11 pounds. She has some how managed to outgrow size 1 diapers already (her thighs are a little thick.....)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFupY2hwjfoASepY_nmX3Wx7rATiJypN9llz1jxc9kfk0pQhwpzH_eCLK680gmRo1MD32uFC5Ps_56zh0PGOq_2bWnHDeS6dAhqL1MjDW6wYqWsel0_KuLVZzfGcdlP_prQxFyodRlze4/s1600/102_0530.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFupY2hwjfoASepY_nmX3Wx7rATiJypN9llz1jxc9kfk0pQhwpzH_eCLK680gmRo1MD32uFC5Ps_56zh0PGOq_2bWnHDeS6dAhqL1MjDW6wYqWsel0_KuLVZzfGcdlP_prQxFyodRlze4/s320/102_0530.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481282025749428450"></a><br /><br />Her "twigy" arms as Dan calls them are doing a wonderful job supporting her during tummy time which she has grown to not mind as much just as long as it's not for an extended amount of time. <br /><br />It has been a wonderful blessing being able to watch her grow and develop this little personality!! See here.......<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz7RLdRnp9l6RL9nTYehdrHnQNSC08T5rhrJwnMxvSMj5U6ronb2F4z8ycJX1Yfy0s3HvwclJK1RHEzllccFA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><br /><br />Bye for now,<br />Beth<div class="blogger-post-footer">~Beth~</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482842543121662323.post-37598065083792078142010-06-01T12:43:00.002-05:002010-06-01T13:10:01.239-05:00Part 2 of Scariest Moment of My Life....I apologise for the delay in this post. Now I don't even remember where Dan left off. Oh yes, complications. After they discharged Natalia from the hospital on Mother's Day, we came home in hopes she would start to drink her bottle again and things would be back to normal. But, that was not the cast at all. She had bruised the inside of her mouth pretty bad,and in turn she wanted nothing to do with a bottle. So, at 8 PM that same day, we went back to the hospital and after monitoring her and drawing blood and getting an IV put into her tiny little vein, she was readmitted to the hospital. She was getting fluid via the IV but was still having a hard time drinking from the bottle. Monday she was making a little bit of progress and by Tuesday she was back to her drinking self. So, Tuesday afternoon we were released to head home!!!!! Yippie. She was still having trouble sucking, but nothing like before. She had a doctor appointment just for a follow up with one of her paediatricians. He checked her over and she got a clean bill of health. He weighed her and she had gained a bit back but not much. He asked how much she was taking in the bottle and then he said something that stung my heart, "You are starving her." She was taking a 4 oz bottle and drinking it dry. I thought this was great, but he said we need to offer more in her bottle and she needs to leave about 1/2 an oz. to an oz. to know that she is fully satisfied. So, now our twiggy baby takes about 5.5 oz at each feeding. I am looking forward to her 4 month check up! Oh my word, did I just say 4 month check up!?! 4 months!!! How did that happen?? My baby is getting so big. I will post pictures soon. Bye for now.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.AllBlogTools.com/"><img src="http://www.allblogtools.com/MiSc/Signature-Generator/holdz/z4b6884a91c6e2.gif" alt="Blogger Templates" width="344" height="67" border="0" /></a><br /><a style=" font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:9px; text-decoration:none; color:#999999; padding:0px; margin:0px;" href="http://www.AllBlogTools.com/">Blogger Templates</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">~Beth~</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482842543121662323.post-48119372146458547372010-05-10T16:05:00.002-05:002010-05-10T16:46:00.178-05:00Scariest Experience of My Life!!Yesterday was Beth's first Mother's Day. I'm pretty sure it is a Mother's Day she will NEVER forget. Oh her hubby was responsible for the unforgettable memories, alright. They just weren't the unforgettable kind she was probably looking for.<br /><br />The ideal wakeup: <br />"Honey, breakfast is ready. Natalia and I made you a delicious assortment."<br /><br />The actual wakeup:<br />Natalia: <span style="font-style:italic;">blood curdling scream</span><br />Dan: "CALL 911!!"<br /><br />Sunday morning I got up at 4:30 to feed Natalia (she took her whole bottle, which was good because she hasn't been doing that lately since she had a minor viral infection) and then put her back down. I got up again around 7:30 to feed her before making breakfast for Beth. This time Natalia only took 2.5 ounces. That was fine. I figured I'd put her in the bouncy seat and get breakfast started and then try giving her the rest of the bottle. So I put her in the seat, strapped her in and set it on the kitchen counter as we had done many times before. However this time the counter was crowded so it was overhanging the edge a little, but I THOUGHT it was stable enough for a few seconds while I cleared off more room so that I could get it on the rest of the way. This was the biggest mistake of my life.<br /><br />No sooner did I turn to move a bag than the seat tipped off the counter with Natalia in it. Did I see it falling out of the corner of my eye? Did I hear it crash to the floor? Did I hear Natalia scream? I still don't know...It was such a blur. All I know is that a million things went through my mind at once. I screamed for Beth to call 911. The "Falls from more than twice their height can be fatal" from our Baby Safety class last fall kept running through my mind. I kept thinking about her soft little skull and her delicate brain within it. "Is my baby going to die because I was stupid?" "Is she going to have brain damage?" "WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN TO HER??"<br /><br />Well, God was watching over her and protecting her. The ambulance arrived so quickly. The E.R. staff was so good with her. After X-Rays and a CT Scan everything checked out fine. All she ended up with was a minor abrasion on her upper gum, and a small scrape on her chin. <br /><br />This meant she was going to be OK. PRAISE THE LORD, HALLELUJAH!!!<br /><br />Unfortunately it did have complications, but I will let Beth continue.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.AllBlogTools.com/"><img src="http://www.allblogtools.com/MiSc/Signature-Generator/holdz/z4b6884a91c6e2.gif" alt="Blogger Templates" width="344" height="67" border="0" /></a><br /><a style=" font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:9px; text-decoration:none; color:#999999; padding:0px; margin:0px;" href="http://www.AllBlogTools.com/">Blogger Templates</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">~Beth~</div>Harkyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14284919611889872358noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482842543121662323.post-41133731575078137712010-05-06T09:33:00.002-05:002010-05-06T09:46:22.394-05:00Smiles, Coos, and so much more....Well it has been quite sometime since I was last here. Sorry about that! Natalia, Natalia, Natalia. Where do I begin with this precious babe..... She is just about 11 weeks old. I can't believe that at all! My baby, sweet, 5 lb 14 oz Natalia is now over 9 lbs and out growing her new born clothes. Sure this makes me sad, but it makes me so happy to know that her dad and I are doing something right to help her grown into this little person. She is all about smiles and cooing especially when she is <s>clothed</s> naked of all things!!!!! Haha. She is reverting back to her time in the womb. I could literally be having the worst day ever and then she will look at me and coo or smile and then my day gets so much better. Gosh, I love her!! "The talk" about having another one came up already. We both agree that once she is potty trained we will entertain the idea of having another. I think she might be very easy to potty train. As of right now, she <s>does not</s> HATES being wet, so if she wets her undies, she will soon catch on. Oh, I really hope it is that easy. <br /><br />She is still not doing well with tummy time. Sure I make her lay on her tummy for odd number of minutes, but she screams and I just have learned that it is OK for her to be unhappy for a bit if it means she is going to benefit from it. She has got to work on head control. <br /><br />Ok. I am going to end this for now......Toodles!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.AllBlogTools.com/"><img src="http://www.allblogtools.com/MiSc/Signature-Generator/holdz/z4b6884a91c6e2.gif" alt="Blogger Templates" width="344" height="67" border="0" /></a><br /><a style=" font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:9px; text-decoration:none; color:#999999; padding:0px; margin:0px;" href="http://www.AllBlogTools.com/">Blogger Templates</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">~Beth~</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482842543121662323.post-84547539457721245512010-03-28T21:23:00.003-05:002010-03-28T21:29:02.996-05:00A New Kind of Love<div>
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>A week old to four weeks old, what a difference</b></div><div>
<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhayeZckYRqIwoFvpeXUCb9Te2InZgC6x8k-E-8s1trMVVFNNXhtU6bf3jCNSw9DCoXVrwvkTlhYbjLXE8So-OV0Yg55x7rkI0g-F7tuMDDLRml3GgJVvyEtIB3UCp0x16lqSn05KSHKt4/s1600/difference+in+Natalia.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 113px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhayeZckYRqIwoFvpeXUCb9Te2InZgC6x8k-E-8s1trMVVFNNXhtU6bf3jCNSw9DCoXVrwvkTlhYbjLXE8So-OV0Yg55x7rkI0g-F7tuMDDLRml3GgJVvyEtIB3UCp0x16lqSn05KSHKt4/s320/difference+in+Natalia.bmp" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453876184363906946" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Natalia at one month old....7 lbs 14 oz (two whole pounds more than at birth!!) </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>
<br /></b></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPhk5WiPKNKHj5udLls-AiBaLxjFqfHoxbGQuMGhg7K55z0P2eE0Cxsz-sAje5MT-YhcfxeHxnHglPXI4bcK6rKM_xniWnleMaIsccmmGXSkQ_gbl_Z23oHDMxIv_5ooit2FIAZRIo28/s1600/one+month+old.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPhk5WiPKNKHj5udLls-AiBaLxjFqfHoxbGQuMGhg7K55z0P2eE0Cxsz-sAje5MT-YhcfxeHxnHglPXI4bcK6rKM_xniWnleMaIsccmmGXSkQ_gbl_Z23oHDMxIv_5ooit2FIAZRIo28/s320/one+month+old.bmp" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453876176003322594" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Dan, Natalia, and I at a local park. We are a family!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>
<br /></b></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJMny8VR8ThxRnv3w7C9CTR63AP95woKeBXUaHGi2rZvQ0zHCIhWZfQqVFrApC0-LktZpeeBS1mbp3cHekYGfN6fjbSJ_OhgJoMu6zlLIRzr3FSTiLzmgibUnjM7t2eNuxlIQrWgXmYY/s1600/family+picture+at+park.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJMny8VR8ThxRnv3w7C9CTR63AP95woKeBXUaHGi2rZvQ0zHCIhWZfQqVFrApC0-LktZpeeBS1mbp3cHekYGfN6fjbSJ_OhgJoMu6zlLIRzr3FSTiLzmgibUnjM7t2eNuxlIQrWgXmYY/s320/family+picture+at+park.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453876169338709266" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Natalia hanging out with mommy on the couch on her boppy! </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>
<br /></b></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWy7bhBskMkKIsHNEU6VozZzM15h6vztJ5Vq-eWdOyt9cF6MduwqbqUO2D24o80kzhp2Nn0FXbz2nPTu_7Yridt9zxbrpIJSoWO1Q3m7SLcaULP_o-XlyjySFExKxZh94QsqRfwsmvPbA/s1600/my+mini+me.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWy7bhBskMkKIsHNEU6VozZzM15h6vztJ5Vq-eWdOyt9cF6MduwqbqUO2D24o80kzhp2Nn0FXbz2nPTu_7Yridt9zxbrpIJSoWO1Q3m7SLcaULP_o-XlyjySFExKxZh94QsqRfwsmvPbA/s320/my+mini+me.bmp" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453876160427897778" /></a>This is a new kind of love and wow is it ever amazing. I love you Dan and Natalia. <3
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<br /><a style=" font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:9px; text-decoration:none; color:#999999; padding:0px; margin:0px;" href="http://www.allblogtools.com/">Blogger Templates</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">~Beth~</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1