I can finally say Natali is potty trained. The cruise where she saw her cousins potty trained seemed to really put the spark inside of her to just do it.
For over a week she's been wearing underwear during the daytime and a diaper overnight. She only had one accident at school where she had a #2 while sleeping at nap time.
I still have a problem getting her to go to the bathroom. I think it's just the "being told what to do" that's the issue. Every now and then she will tell us she has to go and for the most part she goes.
Natali appears to have my (Darren) iron bladder as she can hold it forever. Mine comes from flying around the country and not being able to go whenever I want (say while landing a plane or preparing for takeoff.....or just not wanting to walk all the way back on a short 40 minute flight).
She has really come into her own lately. Natali is talking more and, for the first time ever, will talk to people on the phone and in a video chat. In the past Natali would giggle or remain silent while on the phone. For video chats she would just stare. Recently she has talked to me and her Grandma Richmond.
In other exciting news....Natali has learned her full name. Since I was "blessed" with two middle names we gave her two middle names, Amelia and Winnell. Amelia because Kelli and thought it was pretty and the whole flying thing. Winnell is for my late mother.
Showing posts with label Natali. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Natali. Show all posts
Monday, September 16, 2013
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Getting closer
Natali is almost potty trained. Almost.
The cruise really seemed to get her going. She is very influenced by her peers.
When Marin came over about a month ago Natali noticed Marin was potty trained (of course as Marin is more than twice her age). Natali went to the potty and took off her pants and diaper in an attempt to use the potty.
During the cruise she noticed her cousin Renee was potty trained. That really pushed Natali to at least pee on the potty.
Since we've been back Natali has been in just underwear most of the time. We've had only a few accidents, but many more happy moments. Natali is doing very well with #1....not so good with #2.
She appears to have her fathers iron bladder as she appears to "hold it" for a long time sometimes.
Yesterday Natali and I (Darren) took a trip to the zoo. I put her in just underwear from the time she woke up. We stopped and used the potty a few times...or tried to. She never went, but more importantly didn't fight it and had no accidents.
As far as Natali telling us she has to go.....it happens....but not very often. More often is that we bring her to the potty and she goes. Still progress.
We're getting closer.
The cruise really seemed to get her going. She is very influenced by her peers.
When Marin came over about a month ago Natali noticed Marin was potty trained (of course as Marin is more than twice her age). Natali went to the potty and took off her pants and diaper in an attempt to use the potty.
During the cruise she noticed her cousin Renee was potty trained. That really pushed Natali to at least pee on the potty.
Since we've been back Natali has been in just underwear most of the time. We've had only a few accidents, but many more happy moments. Natali is doing very well with #1....not so good with #2.
She appears to have her fathers iron bladder as she appears to "hold it" for a long time sometimes.
Yesterday Natali and I (Darren) took a trip to the zoo. I put her in just underwear from the time she woke up. We stopped and used the potty a few times...or tried to. She never went, but more importantly didn't fight it and had no accidents.
As far as Natali telling us she has to go.....it happens....but not very often. More often is that we bring her to the potty and she goes. Still progress.
We're getting closer.
Monday, May 6, 2013
First ear infection
We had a really good run....2 1/2 years of no ear infections.
Natali had a really rough night last week on Thursday. She woke up crying and screaming. She said her ear hurts, but we dismissed it as her sleeping on it funny.
The next day she was really moody. She never complained about her ear, but she had big mood swings.
Saturday she was normalish, but late in the afternoon she said her ear hurt. Sure enough she had a yellowish ring around the exterior of her left ear.
Off to the urgent care clinic. I felt bad for not looking at her ear closer on a weekday.
Ear infection confirmed. Thankfully Natali likes taking medication.
Still not potty trained. With all the house selling stuff we haven't given potty training much attention. Now that we replaced our vinyl flooring with carpet....we think we will just wait until we move into the new house, which should be in late June.
Natali had a really rough night last week on Thursday. She woke up crying and screaming. She said her ear hurts, but we dismissed it as her sleeping on it funny.
The next day she was really moody. She never complained about her ear, but she had big mood swings.
Saturday she was normalish, but late in the afternoon she said her ear hurt. Sure enough she had a yellowish ring around the exterior of her left ear.
Off to the urgent care clinic. I felt bad for not looking at her ear closer on a weekday.
Ear infection confirmed. Thankfully Natali likes taking medication.
Still not potty trained. With all the house selling stuff we haven't given potty training much attention. Now that we replaced our vinyl flooring with carpet....we think we will just wait until we move into the new house, which should be in late June.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
The pacifier is gone for good!!
Natali has always been quite fond of her pacifier. However, we are not those parents that let their toddler run around all the time with a pacifier in their mouth. I can't remember when we made the pacifier only at bedtime rule, but I'm pretty sure it has been over a year at least. There were exceptions of course. She always had one on an airplane and we let her have it a lot when we were in Germany. It helped make her comfortable in those different situations. For daily life though she was only allowed to have it for naps and at night. Recently however, Natali had started to wake up in the morning saying her mouth hurt. Of course the obvious culprit was the pacifier, so I decided it was time to get rid of it for good. We went to New York to visit my brother and his family early last week, so I let her have it during the trip, but when we got back I decided that was it. Darren wasn't totally on board with the idea yet, so I waited until he was gone. Then I hid all of the pacifiers in the house. That first night Natali was in her normal routine of brush teeth, get pacifier, go to bed, so there was obvious crying at first when I told her the pacifiers were all gone. That only lasted for a minute or two though and then she went right to sleep. I was pleasantly surprised. I thought it would be a much bigger battle than that. Of course, she sleeps at daycare without a pacifier, so that might have helped a bit too. I thought we might also have a problem with her waking up in the middle of the night asking for it, but that didn't happen. She slept right through the night. The next night she asked for a pacifier again, but didn't protest at all when I told her they were all gone. Since then she hasn't asked again. It has been a whole week now. My little baby is growing up!
On another note, we are going to try potty training again this weekend. It has been since Thanksgiving when we tried previously. Recently Natali has started announcing every time she pees. Of course, then she asks to go potty after she has already gone in her diaper, so it really isn't helpful. I'm hoping this is a sign that she is really ready this time. We'll see how it goes.
On another note, we are going to try potty training again this weekend. It has been since Thanksgiving when we tried previously. Recently Natali has started announcing every time she pees. Of course, then she asks to go potty after she has already gone in her diaper, so it really isn't helpful. I'm hoping this is a sign that she is really ready this time. We'll see how it goes.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Sleeping on the plane...without the car seat
We took a quick trip to Atlanta, Georgia this weekend.
Natali has flown around 50 times. For at least 46 of them she was in her car seat.
We bought the CARES harness a while ago but only used it once on a short flight down to Houston. We were worried Natali wouldn't be able to sleep in a regular seat on a longer flight while being strapped into the harness. We were wrong.
On the flight to Atlanta Natali was fine in her seat with her Ipad and pacifier (it's only for bedtime and airplanes).
On the flight back Natali fell asleep before we took off while strapped into the harness. She slept the entire two hours. We did make a makeshift pillow with a blanket.
It's nice to know next time we fly (which will likely be to New York) Natali can sleep just fine in a regular seat. Things will get even easier when she can use a booster seat instead of a car seat.
The Georgia Aquarium was fun. It's definitely not stroller friendly which is why we left ours at home. The dolphin show was also not toddler friendly. It had a lot of dark scenes and strobe lights that didn't really help the really unnecessary story.
Natali has flown around 50 times. For at least 46 of them she was in her car seat.
We bought the CARES harness a while ago but only used it once on a short flight down to Houston. We were worried Natali wouldn't be able to sleep in a regular seat on a longer flight while being strapped into the harness. We were wrong.
On the flight to Atlanta Natali was fine in her seat with her Ipad and pacifier (it's only for bedtime and airplanes).
On the flight back Natali fell asleep before we took off while strapped into the harness. She slept the entire two hours. We did make a makeshift pillow with a blanket.
It's nice to know next time we fly (which will likely be to New York) Natali can sleep just fine in a regular seat. Things will get even easier when she can use a booster seat instead of a car seat.
The Georgia Aquarium was fun. It's definitely not stroller friendly which is why we left ours at home. The dolphin show was also not toddler friendly. It had a lot of dark scenes and strobe lights that didn't really help the really unnecessary story.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Lactose Intolerant?
Natali has had this odd quirk for a while.
Whenever she sits at her table she will often tense up, strain and squirm....almost like she's full of gas or trying to shoot out a #2. She does this for minutes at a time. It's not comfortable to watch her do this. No gas comes out....and she doesn't make a dirty diaper.
We have tried different chairs...and putting her on the ground...she does the same thing.
I (Darren) finally thought, maybe it's her diet.
Milk products and I don't get along very well. I get cramping, gas or both. Natali is ,at my guesstimation , 45% Black. Lactose intolerance is huge for people who are classified as black. The rates are as high as 75% of people classified as black are also lactose intolerant.
So on Saturday we tried replacing her milk with Soy milk. She drank it at first....but has since shunned all milk (likely due to taste).
Sunday she squirmed a little. Today (Monday)....no squirming, straining or tensing up. Not even once. This has been a common occurrence every morning (when she has the most milk) for a long time.
I feel bad that she has shunned all milk. Time to do some research and taste testing of lactose free milk. Also not good as she likes cheese. She eats A LOT of cheese via slices and sticks.
This is an ongoing study as Kelli is high skeptical of Natali being lactose intolerant. From what I've seen over the last 36 hours....I'm thinking I'm right.
Whenever she sits at her table she will often tense up, strain and squirm....almost like she's full of gas or trying to shoot out a #2. She does this for minutes at a time. It's not comfortable to watch her do this. No gas comes out....and she doesn't make a dirty diaper.
We have tried different chairs...and putting her on the ground...she does the same thing.
I (Darren) finally thought, maybe it's her diet.
Milk products and I don't get along very well. I get cramping, gas or both. Natali is ,at my guesstimation , 45% Black. Lactose intolerance is huge for people who are classified as black. The rates are as high as 75% of people classified as black are also lactose intolerant.
So on Saturday we tried replacing her milk with Soy milk. She drank it at first....but has since shunned all milk (likely due to taste).
Sunday she squirmed a little. Today (Monday)....no squirming, straining or tensing up. Not even once. This has been a common occurrence every morning (when she has the most milk) for a long time.
I feel bad that she has shunned all milk. Time to do some research and taste testing of lactose free milk. Also not good as she likes cheese. She eats A LOT of cheese via slices and sticks.
This is an ongoing study as Kelli is high skeptical of Natali being lactose intolerant. From what I've seen over the last 36 hours....I'm thinking I'm right.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Growing
Natali is 2 feet 11 inches tall. She grew 6 inches last year. Kelli is only 5 foot 3 inches tall. Yep Natali is more than half as tall as Kelli. I am pretty sure Natali will be taller than Kelli.
When I was younger my mom told me I would be 6 foot 4 inches tall. My brother was to be 6 foot 5 inches tall. She had our wrist tested/measured.
My brother really is 6 foot 5. I am just 5 foot 11...with the hands and feet of a 6 foot 4 inch frame. I can easily palm a basketball...and wear size 14 shoes. I had some health issues in my teenage years that stunted my growth. My genes still say I should be 6 foot 4.
Beyond her height Natali is growing on the inside as well. Her speech in very developed. I remember my niece Haley being very intelligent at 2 1/2 years old.
For Christmas Natali made out like a bandit. She got her first play kitchen, a shopping cart (she loves shopping carts!), Doc Mc'Stuffins light up shoes, Doc Mc'Stuffins doctor kit and more. She really likes her kitchen.
Our friends Eric and Angela recently had their second child. We've been over to visit a few times. Kelli heled the new baby....but not I. I have zero desire for another child. Cute....and neat....but not for us.
This is a good thing as the new house we are buying has one less bedroom than our current house (3 vs 4). Since we will maintain a guest bedroom, we have no room for another child. It won't be fair to make Natali share her room.
Finally a few photos.
When I was younger my mom told me I would be 6 foot 4 inches tall. My brother was to be 6 foot 5 inches tall. She had our wrist tested/measured.
My brother really is 6 foot 5. I am just 5 foot 11...with the hands and feet of a 6 foot 4 inch frame. I can easily palm a basketball...and wear size 14 shoes. I had some health issues in my teenage years that stunted my growth. My genes still say I should be 6 foot 4.
Beyond her height Natali is growing on the inside as well. Her speech in very developed. I remember my niece Haley being very intelligent at 2 1/2 years old.
For Christmas Natali made out like a bandit. She got her first play kitchen, a shopping cart (she loves shopping carts!), Doc Mc'Stuffins light up shoes, Doc Mc'Stuffins doctor kit and more. She really likes her kitchen.
Our friends Eric and Angela recently had their second child. We've been over to visit a few times. Kelli heled the new baby....but not I. I have zero desire for another child. Cute....and neat....but not for us.
This is a good thing as the new house we are buying has one less bedroom than our current house (3 vs 4). Since we will maintain a guest bedroom, we have no room for another child. It won't be fair to make Natali share her room.
Finally a few photos.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Conversations with my daughter
Natali is chugging along great.
We've started potty training again. It's going decently. Her day care teacher thinks we will have her trained by the end of the year.
In preparation we picked up the carpet in the living room to avoid any stains and bought a 10 pack of toddler underwear.
We're in it for the long haul. We used the "Potty Boot Camp" book.
She let's us know when she needs to go while wearing a diaper. While wearing underwear.....not to much.
On a more positive note Natali is speaking in fairly complex sentences. When in the car she often says the following:
" Let's go home."
"I want to go home and see doggies."
"I want to go home and see mommy."
"I want to go home and see daddy."
"I want to go home and eat dinner."
"I want to go home and each lunchable."
"I want hot dogs and carrots for lunch."
Not bad for barely a 2 year old.
She has other sayings. We are almost to the point of having real conversations with Natali.
Beyond that she has adjusted well to her new bed. She hasn't fallen out once and really enjoys having steps.
With the new bed came a new camera. The old camera was wired. Worked fine for a crib. Not for the bed. The new one is wireless. I bought a Foscam 8910W from Amazon. Great Infrared performance. Easy to watch via an app on our Ipads.
Finally we stopped by the Dallas Zoo today. It was a bit cold. I forgot to bring her jacket so I had to dress her in two shirts. She had a great time with the goats....she hugged a particular white goat several times.
[nggallery id=62]
We've started potty training again. It's going decently. Her day care teacher thinks we will have her trained by the end of the year.
In preparation we picked up the carpet in the living room to avoid any stains and bought a 10 pack of toddler underwear.
We're in it for the long haul. We used the "Potty Boot Camp" book.
She let's us know when she needs to go while wearing a diaper. While wearing underwear.....not to much.
On a more positive note Natali is speaking in fairly complex sentences. When in the car she often says the following:
" Let's go home."
"I want to go home and see doggies."
"I want to go home and see mommy."
"I want to go home and see daddy."
"I want to go home and eat dinner."
"I want to go home and each lunchable."
"I want hot dogs and carrots for lunch."
Not bad for barely a 2 year old.
She has other sayings. We are almost to the point of having real conversations with Natali.
Beyond that she has adjusted well to her new bed. She hasn't fallen out once and really enjoys having steps.
With the new bed came a new camera. The old camera was wired. Worked fine for a crib. Not for the bed. The new one is wireless. I bought a Foscam 8910W from Amazon. Great Infrared performance. Easy to watch via an app on our Ipads.
Finally we stopped by the Dallas Zoo today. It was a bit cold. I forgot to bring her jacket so I had to dress her in two shirts. She had a great time with the goats....she hugged a particular white goat several times.
[nggallery id=62]
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Big Girl Bed...part duex
So tonight is Natali's first night in her real big girl bed.
Previously we converted her crib into a mini big girl bed.
In that bed she did pretty good. She rarely got out...even during naps.
In her real big girl bed....well she has to get used to it.
During her attempted nap she balanced on the railing. As you can see...it's a very high railing. Nap cancelled.
Now it's night...she's walking around a bit. Looking out the window she could never look out before a bit. Not sleeping.
Hoping the night goes well.
Previously we converted her crib into a mini big girl bed.
In that bed she did pretty good. She rarely got out...even during naps.
In her real big girl bed....well she has to get used to it.
During her attempted nap she balanced on the railing. As you can see...it's a very high railing. Nap cancelled.
Now it's night...she's walking around a bit. Looking out the window she could never look out before a bit. Not sleeping.
Hoping the night goes well.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Our funny daughter
Natali has been climbing out of her crib for a while. Her new big girl bed is on order. In the mean time Kelli converted her crib to a toddler bed. Natali has adjusted well...but still climbs out...instead of GOING OUT OF THE HUGE OPENING...kids....they make ya laugh!
httpv://youtu.be/DHDZwCQDRSo
httpv://youtu.be/DHDZwCQDRSo
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Swimming Lessons
Natali has been taking swimming lessons once a week for the last three months. I take her to a place called Emler Swim School. They have several locations throughout the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. They are more expensive than the city lessons, but the pool is indoor, which was very important to me for several reasons. We can do lessons year-round at an indoor facility and I don't have to worry about the weather. Our first lesson was back in early June. We did a free trial lesson and Natali cried the entire time. It was pretty awful, but I signed her up anyway. Darren came to that first lesson and he was ready to pull her out of the pool in the first 5 minutes. He hasn't been back since. He didn't quite understand my need to get her in lessons at such a young age, but I think it's extremely important for her to have an appreciation for water and to know how to not drown. While we don't have a pool at home, we do travel a lot near water and 2 of my siblings have pools in their backyards. I want Natali to be able to enjoy herself in and around the water. So, after that first lesson I was more determined than ever that she would do those lessons.
Natali was in a class called "waterbabies" and the kids could be as young as 6 months old. Her class was mostly kids in the 1 to 2 age range though. The parents are all in the water with the kids and we did a lot of songs. The goals of the class were to just get the kids comfortable in the water and to be able to start moving through the water on their own, mostly by kicking, and to be able to hold on to the wall and move along the wall and even pull themselves out of the water. All of these things together would hopefully allow the kids to be more comfortable and not drown if they ever somehow fell in. Theoretically Natali could move to the wall if she fell in and at least know how to grab it and hold on so she wouldn't drown. This is something that every child should learn. By the end of the 12 week class she was supposed to be able to hold her breath underwater for 10 seconds. I was really skeptical about that last part. Our first "official" class was the next week after the trial lesson. Natali did not want to go at all and she cried for the first 5 minutes. She finally calmed down though, I think when she figured out we weren't going to leave. Of course she didn't really want to do anything during the lesson and she clung to me like it was a life or death situation, but I was just happy to have the crying stop. Progress was made!
As the lessons continued each week got a little better. Natali started to get comfortable and enjoy herself. She really liked the songs and even started singing them throughout the week when we were just around the house. The underwater part was difficult though. We started off just having her jump to me without putting her head under. Then it progressed to just putting her mouth under, and then the next week she went fully underwater for the first time for 1 second. That really shocked her, but she did it and then kept progressing from there. I didn't think it would happen, but by our last lesson on Friday she actually did go underwater for 10 full seconds and she came up smiling! I was extremely proud of the progress she had made. I have of course signed her up for the next session. I was expecting to just put her in another session of the waterbabies class, but after a lengthy discussion with her teacher we decided we will try moving her up to super waterbabies. I am very nervous about this transition because I will not be in the water with her anymore. I did get the opportunity to watch a little bit of another super waterbabies class and it made me a bit more comfortable about it. I decided to go for it. I signed her up with the same teacher so the transition will be easier. She has an excellent teacher so I'm glad she will get to stay with him. Of course, if it doesn't work out in the new class we can always step back and do the first class again, but I think it will be fine. I'm excited to see how it goes.
While I wasn't sure at the beginning of this whole thing, I am extremely happy we stuck with the lessons. It has been a fun and valuable experience and Natali is better off for having gone through it. I think the first week or two in her new class might be a bit rough, but we will get through that too and she should be able to do a whole lot more in the water by the end of it.
Natali was in a class called "waterbabies" and the kids could be as young as 6 months old. Her class was mostly kids in the 1 to 2 age range though. The parents are all in the water with the kids and we did a lot of songs. The goals of the class were to just get the kids comfortable in the water and to be able to start moving through the water on their own, mostly by kicking, and to be able to hold on to the wall and move along the wall and even pull themselves out of the water. All of these things together would hopefully allow the kids to be more comfortable and not drown if they ever somehow fell in. Theoretically Natali could move to the wall if she fell in and at least know how to grab it and hold on so she wouldn't drown. This is something that every child should learn. By the end of the 12 week class she was supposed to be able to hold her breath underwater for 10 seconds. I was really skeptical about that last part. Our first "official" class was the next week after the trial lesson. Natali did not want to go at all and she cried for the first 5 minutes. She finally calmed down though, I think when she figured out we weren't going to leave. Of course she didn't really want to do anything during the lesson and she clung to me like it was a life or death situation, but I was just happy to have the crying stop. Progress was made!
As the lessons continued each week got a little better. Natali started to get comfortable and enjoy herself. She really liked the songs and even started singing them throughout the week when we were just around the house. The underwater part was difficult though. We started off just having her jump to me without putting her head under. Then it progressed to just putting her mouth under, and then the next week she went fully underwater for the first time for 1 second. That really shocked her, but she did it and then kept progressing from there. I didn't think it would happen, but by our last lesson on Friday she actually did go underwater for 10 full seconds and she came up smiling! I was extremely proud of the progress she had made. I have of course signed her up for the next session. I was expecting to just put her in another session of the waterbabies class, but after a lengthy discussion with her teacher we decided we will try moving her up to super waterbabies. I am very nervous about this transition because I will not be in the water with her anymore. I did get the opportunity to watch a little bit of another super waterbabies class and it made me a bit more comfortable about it. I decided to go for it. I signed her up with the same teacher so the transition will be easier. She has an excellent teacher so I'm glad she will get to stay with him. Of course, if it doesn't work out in the new class we can always step back and do the first class again, but I think it will be fine. I'm excited to see how it goes.
While I wasn't sure at the beginning of this whole thing, I am extremely happy we stuck with the lessons. It has been a fun and valuable experience and Natali is better off for having gone through it. I think the first week or two in her new class might be a bit rough, but we will get through that too and she should be able to do a whole lot more in the water by the end of it.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Two!
I've been busy flying lately. I was home to celebrate Natali's 2nd birthday.
She KNEW it was her birthday. Natali walked around saying "It's my Birthday!" and "Birthday Cake".
We had a small party. Just us, her grandmother and our good friends Eric, Angela and Marin Bridges.
Natali got a Minnie Mouse rolling backpack from Kelli (Natali LOVES pulling it around) and a mini-trampoline (with a safety bar) from me.
I'll try to post more later...and more often.
-Darren
For now.... Click on the photo for a full size...uncovered view!
She KNEW it was her birthday. Natali walked around saying "It's my Birthday!" and "Birthday Cake".
We had a small party. Just us, her grandmother and our good friends Eric, Angela and Marin Bridges.
Natali got a Minnie Mouse rolling backpack from Kelli (Natali LOVES pulling it around) and a mini-trampoline (with a safety bar) from me.
I'll try to post more later...and more often.
-Darren
For now.... Click on the photo for a full size...uncovered view!
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Going retro
We took our first family road trip yesterday...and it was a marathon.
My dad lives down in Houston. Even since October 2007 Kelli and I have flown down to see him. Natali has always flown down to see him.
Most of the time we fly up and down the same day. We have stayed the night at least once.
Yesterday some friends of ours were having a birthday party for their 3 year old. They just moved to Houston from the Dallas area.
We discussed the benefits of driving vs flying. Complicating things was the fact that I had to work tonight. If we stayed the night in Houston it would be a very long day for me traveling and then working later.
The last flight back to Dallas on Saturday nights leaves at 6PM. The party started at 3PM. Not a lot of time to enjoy the party. Flying wasn't an option.
I gassed up the car Friday night. At 5:01 AM I picked Natali up out of bed, changed her diaper and put her straight into her car seat. We backed out of the driveway at 5:04AM.
We thought for sure she would sleep....nope.
Long 4 hour and 30 minute drive. Non-stop. My 2004 Prius average 47.8 MPG while driving 75 MPH (the speed limit on most of I-45). If I had gone 65 MPH I would have easily cleared 50 MPG.
Early lunch with my dad. Natali had a ton of built up energy after having being strapped in for almost 5 hours.
We left his house just after noon with the intention of driving around so Natali would nap. It kinda worked.
Natali napped for just over an hour.
At the birthday party Natali was her normal self....being super shy. It took her about 30 minutes to warm up to the people at the party.
Our friends hosting the party, Chris and Wendy, are on the shorter side, thus their son is on the shorter side. Natali is a good 3-4 inches taller than the birthday boy, Liam. Another toddler there is 2 1/2 years old and is a good 5-6 inches taller than Natali. Kinda odd seeing the oldest kid in the room being the shortest.
After Natali warmed up she had a good time.
Wendy is very detail oriented and had lots of activities for the kids. In addition to having lots of toys around they all painted boxes, made their own magnetic picture frames and of course she had cupcakes in addition to birthday cake.
We left the party at 6PM. Natali watched Little Einsteins and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on her Ipad for most of the ride home. We thought she would fall asleep. Nah. Not until we turned the Ipad off did she finally doze off. We did get 49.5 MPG on the return trip. I attribute the high MPG due to less AC usage (the Prius uses an all electric air conditioning system) and more highway driving vs stop and go driving.
[nggallery id=57]
My dad lives down in Houston. Even since October 2007 Kelli and I have flown down to see him. Natali has always flown down to see him.
Most of the time we fly up and down the same day. We have stayed the night at least once.
Yesterday some friends of ours were having a birthday party for their 3 year old. They just moved to Houston from the Dallas area.
We discussed the benefits of driving vs flying. Complicating things was the fact that I had to work tonight. If we stayed the night in Houston it would be a very long day for me traveling and then working later.
The last flight back to Dallas on Saturday nights leaves at 6PM. The party started at 3PM. Not a lot of time to enjoy the party. Flying wasn't an option.
I gassed up the car Friday night. At 5:01 AM I picked Natali up out of bed, changed her diaper and put her straight into her car seat. We backed out of the driveway at 5:04AM.
We thought for sure she would sleep....nope.
Long 4 hour and 30 minute drive. Non-stop. My 2004 Prius average 47.8 MPG while driving 75 MPH (the speed limit on most of I-45). If I had gone 65 MPH I would have easily cleared 50 MPG.
Early lunch with my dad. Natali had a ton of built up energy after having being strapped in for almost 5 hours.
We left his house just after noon with the intention of driving around so Natali would nap. It kinda worked.
Natali napped for just over an hour.
At the birthday party Natali was her normal self....being super shy. It took her about 30 minutes to warm up to the people at the party.
Our friends hosting the party, Chris and Wendy, are on the shorter side, thus their son is on the shorter side. Natali is a good 3-4 inches taller than the birthday boy, Liam. Another toddler there is 2 1/2 years old and is a good 5-6 inches taller than Natali. Kinda odd seeing the oldest kid in the room being the shortest.
After Natali warmed up she had a good time.
Wendy is very detail oriented and had lots of activities for the kids. In addition to having lots of toys around they all painted boxes, made their own magnetic picture frames and of course she had cupcakes in addition to birthday cake.
We left the party at 6PM. Natali watched Little Einsteins and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on her Ipad for most of the ride home. We thought she would fall asleep. Nah. Not until we turned the Ipad off did she finally doze off. We did get 49.5 MPG on the return trip. I attribute the high MPG due to less AC usage (the Prius uses an all electric air conditioning system) and more highway driving vs stop and go driving.
[nggallery id=57]
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Just a few weeks away
Can you believe we are just a few weeks away from Natali being 2?
Everyday she is changing. Sometimes I want to squeeze her tight to keep her from growing up.
Her speech and use of words is rapidly expanding. She often forms 2-3 words sentences and has started to use "Thank you," and "Welcome". She mastered "Please" a long time ago.
She is still very shy in public and meeting new people. Last night we went over to a friend of mine from work. He is also a pilot and is a bit senior to me. Another family came over with a 1 year old and 6 year old (the dad was also a pilot with my airline).
Natali was VERY shy at first. After about 40 minutes she warmed up to everyone. She played with the 1 year old quite a bit (the 1 year old weighed MORE than Natali...he was a boy though). At the end of the night Natali hugged everyone goodbye. Very cute.
The baby chair she's been using since she started eating solid foods still works...but Natali doesn't want to use it.
Natali has been climbing onto regular chairs for a while. Tonight for dinner she REFUSED to sit in her baby seat and instead sat in a regular chair. Guess we need to buy a booster seat eh?
[gallery link="file"]
Everyday she is changing. Sometimes I want to squeeze her tight to keep her from growing up.
Her speech and use of words is rapidly expanding. She often forms 2-3 words sentences and has started to use "Thank you," and "Welcome". She mastered "Please" a long time ago.
She is still very shy in public and meeting new people. Last night we went over to a friend of mine from work. He is also a pilot and is a bit senior to me. Another family came over with a 1 year old and 6 year old (the dad was also a pilot with my airline).
Natali was VERY shy at first. After about 40 minutes she warmed up to everyone. She played with the 1 year old quite a bit (the 1 year old weighed MORE than Natali...he was a boy though). At the end of the night Natali hugged everyone goodbye. Very cute.
The baby chair she's been using since she started eating solid foods still works...but Natali doesn't want to use it.
Natali has been climbing onto regular chairs for a while. Tonight for dinner she REFUSED to sit in her baby seat and instead sat in a regular chair. Guess we need to buy a booster seat eh?
[gallery link="file"]
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Clingy
Natali has become clingy lately...but only with me (Darren).
I think it's because....every few days I leave. A few days later I come back. Natali has picked up on this pattern.
She is very happy to see me when I first get home. The next day things are normal. The day after that though...she becomes aware that I might be leaving soon.
Natali will follow me room to room...even when Kelli is home. She will randomly stop whatever she is doing and hug me or sit in my lap.If I am sitting on the ground she will walkup behind me and rest her head on my shoulder. Clingy.
Yesterday I was sitting on the ground when Kelli sat next to me and hugged me. Natali did not care for that and walked up and told Kelli "Back" and tried to hug me. We all then had one group hug.
I leave on a trip tomorrow....and I know Natali is aware. Each day her clinginess has gotten worse and worse. She knows I'm leaving.
At first I felt bad about leaving so often. I then did some math.
The average middle class Dad works 5 days a week. Thus he only sees his kid after work and on weekends.
I work 3 days a week...sometimes 4 days...but rarely every more than that. Thus I see Natali 4 full days a week while the average Dad sees his kid just 2 full days a week. I win. Kinda. The average full Dad is home every night. Eh.
As far a milestones. Natali can count to 12 out loud, can make all the sounds of the ABC song thru Z. She REALLY knows the letters A,B,C,D and W by sight. Natali is a whiz on the Ipad. Still not potty trained...but she knows when she goes and what it's called. She can climb the super high bed, couch and ladders. Finally she can adjust the timing on a 1975 Ford F100 just by listening to it idle.
It's almost been two years since Natali was born. Crazy how fast time has gone by.
I think it's because....every few days I leave. A few days later I come back. Natali has picked up on this pattern.
She is very happy to see me when I first get home. The next day things are normal. The day after that though...she becomes aware that I might be leaving soon.
Natali will follow me room to room...even when Kelli is home. She will randomly stop whatever she is doing and hug me or sit in my lap.If I am sitting on the ground she will walkup behind me and rest her head on my shoulder. Clingy.
Yesterday I was sitting on the ground when Kelli sat next to me and hugged me. Natali did not care for that and walked up and told Kelli "Back" and tried to hug me. We all then had one group hug.
I leave on a trip tomorrow....and I know Natali is aware. Each day her clinginess has gotten worse and worse. She knows I'm leaving.
At first I felt bad about leaving so often. I then did some math.
The average middle class Dad works 5 days a week. Thus he only sees his kid after work and on weekends.
I work 3 days a week...sometimes 4 days...but rarely every more than that. Thus I see Natali 4 full days a week while the average Dad sees his kid just 2 full days a week. I win. Kinda. The average full Dad is home every night. Eh.
As far a milestones. Natali can count to 12 out loud, can make all the sounds of the ABC song thru Z. She REALLY knows the letters A,B,C,D and W by sight. Natali is a whiz on the Ipad. Still not potty trained...but she knows when she goes and what it's called. She can climb the super high bed, couch and ladders. Finally she can adjust the timing on a 1975 Ford F100 just by listening to it idle.
It's almost been two years since Natali was born. Crazy how fast time has gone by.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Zoos make great places to wear out kids
We have a family membership to the Dallas Zoo. Natali and I go about once a week. Free parking + Free addmission + Lots of walking = great for the both of us.
Natali knows many of the animals names. It's huge zoo so we don't always get to the whole zoo each time. If you live close to a big zoo and have a toddler I highly recommend a membership!
Natali had a first swim lesson yesterday. She has been in a big pool a few times, most notably while in Hawaii. She has a smaller pool here that she plays in often.
At the swim center she was terrified. I think it was mostly all the strange faces. Natali was THE screamer. The only screamer in the group of about 7 toddlers. Kelli was in the pool with Natali.
Natali screamed for most of the 30 minute session. There were moments of happiness...then she saw me....and screamed more. She alternated between screaming "all done! all done!" and "outside! outside!". The pool was indoors.
She will have to continue screaming as Kelli signed Natali up for weekly lessons through the end of August.
Finally a few recent photos from the zoo and her swimming lesson.
[nggallery id=55]
Natali knows many of the animals names. It's huge zoo so we don't always get to the whole zoo each time. If you live close to a big zoo and have a toddler I highly recommend a membership!
Natali had a first swim lesson yesterday. She has been in a big pool a few times, most notably while in Hawaii. She has a smaller pool here that she plays in often.
At the swim center she was terrified. I think it was mostly all the strange faces. Natali was THE screamer. The only screamer in the group of about 7 toddlers. Kelli was in the pool with Natali.
Natali screamed for most of the 30 minute session. There were moments of happiness...then she saw me....and screamed more. She alternated between screaming "all done! all done!" and "outside! outside!". The pool was indoors.
She will have to continue screaming as Kelli signed Natali up for weekly lessons through the end of August.
Finally a few recent photos from the zoo and her swimming lesson.
[nggallery id=55]
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Communication meltdowns
Natali is still amazing the both of us.
She has started to use multi-word sentences such as "I see the park", "Go home get gogurt, see doggies" and, "When will Obama leave?"
That last one took Kelli off guard.
Sometimes though her desire to communicate causes a meltdown because she doesn't have to words to say what she wants. It's frustrating for her and me. She will make sounds and look at me waiting for a response. Since I have no idea what she wants I have to start guessing. She repeats her request with gibberish. Tantrum ensues.
Natali has been forward facing in the car for a while. Most of the time she is just observing the ride, listening to her Elmo CD (we all listen to the Elmo CD!) and talking.
I find it interesting just how much she observes. When heading to the park...even a mile or two away she will say, "Go Park?"
As I make the final turn she gets very excited and says, "I see it! I see the park!"
Similar things happen as we head home.
Potty training is going slowly. Kelli and I talk about taking the challenge on full steam....but then forget about it. We had a great 3 day weekend to do it. Nope.
Natali announces when she goes #1..sometimes before she does it. As far as the other end...eh she only announces AFTER she does it. She will "request"...ok she DEMANDS to go sit on the potty every now and then. Sometimes the small potty...sometimes the big potty. It's a learning process for all of us.
We are doing a pretty good job of managing her Ipad use. We find it interesting Natali only associates the word "Ipad" with her Ipad. When we take it away she has zero desire to use ours. She uses it about an hour in the morning and about an hour in the evening.
She spends about 40% of the time watching Elmo/Mickey Mouse/Yo Gabba Gabba (all locally stored on her Ipad), 20% of the time watching baby videos of herself (also locally stored) and 40% of the time using her apps (Educational and just fun apps). She has memorized almost all of the food flash cards and a few of the animal flash cards.
Natali knows the sounds of most of the ABC song and can count to 4...sometimes 5. We sing the ABC song when we brush her teeth. One full time for the bottom set and one full time through for the top set.
Finally, this website is officially 5 years old. Five years ago this month we decided to have a kiddo. It was a very rough road. Many have had it worse, but it was worth it. I don't want to go down that road again (Kelli still wants to) as one perfect, crazy, tantrum throwing child is enough for me.
She has started to use multi-word sentences such as "I see the park", "Go home get gogurt, see doggies" and, "When will Obama leave?"
That last one took Kelli off guard.
Sometimes though her desire to communicate causes a meltdown because she doesn't have to words to say what she wants. It's frustrating for her and me. She will make sounds and look at me waiting for a response. Since I have no idea what she wants I have to start guessing. She repeats her request with gibberish. Tantrum ensues.
Natali has been forward facing in the car for a while. Most of the time she is just observing the ride, listening to her Elmo CD (we all listen to the Elmo CD!) and talking.
I find it interesting just how much she observes. When heading to the park...even a mile or two away she will say, "Go Park?"
As I make the final turn she gets very excited and says, "I see it! I see the park!"
Similar things happen as we head home.
Potty training is going slowly. Kelli and I talk about taking the challenge on full steam....but then forget about it. We had a great 3 day weekend to do it. Nope.
Natali announces when she goes #1..sometimes before she does it. As far as the other end...eh she only announces AFTER she does it. She will "request"...ok she DEMANDS to go sit on the potty every now and then. Sometimes the small potty...sometimes the big potty. It's a learning process for all of us.
We are doing a pretty good job of managing her Ipad use. We find it interesting Natali only associates the word "Ipad" with her Ipad. When we take it away she has zero desire to use ours. She uses it about an hour in the morning and about an hour in the evening.
She spends about 40% of the time watching Elmo/Mickey Mouse/Yo Gabba Gabba (all locally stored on her Ipad), 20% of the time watching baby videos of herself (also locally stored) and 40% of the time using her apps (Educational and just fun apps). She has memorized almost all of the food flash cards and a few of the animal flash cards.
Natali knows the sounds of most of the ABC song and can count to 4...sometimes 5. We sing the ABC song when we brush her teeth. One full time for the bottom set and one full time through for the top set.
Finally, this website is officially 5 years old. Five years ago this month we decided to have a kiddo. It was a very rough road. Many have had it worse, but it was worth it. I don't want to go down that road again (Kelli still wants to) as one perfect, crazy, tantrum throwing child is enough for me.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Ipad as a learning tool
Natali REALLY likes the iPad we passed down to her. She has quickly learned how to use it for entertainment and learning. In addition to playing her Elmo and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse videos she plays a few educational games. Normally she is 5 out of 5 on getting the right animal on this game (main app is Phone 4 Kids) She did make one error this time.
httpv://youtu.be/KHQ5PxVQeUs
httpv://youtu.be/KHQ5PxVQeUs
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Night, Night
Natali is improving her speech and social skills daily....which is a good thing.
Her latest thing is to put us to bed.
At her day care the kids are spread around the room on mats. We will be in her room playing and Natali will say "Night , Night Daddy" and wait for me to lay down. She will then place a blanket on me.
Natali will then grab her dolls and spread them around the room while carefully placing a blanket on each one and say " night night baby". I'm guessing this is how the day care employees put her to bed for nap time.
She will then go around her room moving dolls and blankets around. If I try to sit up she will point at me and say "no! no! night! night!"
Whenever she is moody...which happens more and more...she makes sure we know she can be independent.
Natali has been feeding herself for months. Every now and then we can help, but she really likes to do it herself.
More and more often Kelli and I have to leave the area while Natali eats. Natali will put up her hand and say "back! back!" instructing us to back away while she eats. Cute...but annoying.
[singlepic id=358 w=320 h=240 float=center]
Over the weekend she took her 47th and 48th flight...I think that's her current number. We flew down to Houston to visit my dad.
Kelli and I find it interesting how Natali and her grandpa interact.
[singlepic id=357 w=320 h=240 float=center]
[singlepic id=359 w=320 h=240 float=center]
Natali is very standoffish with new people. She has never been that way we her grandpa. She hasn't seen him in about 5 months but was totally at ease. Quite interesting. When Natali interacts with her Aunts (who she has spent more time with) she is always quiet and reserved at first. ...maybe it's the afro?
Her latest thing is to put us to bed.
At her day care the kids are spread around the room on mats. We will be in her room playing and Natali will say "Night , Night Daddy" and wait for me to lay down. She will then place a blanket on me.
Natali will then grab her dolls and spread them around the room while carefully placing a blanket on each one and say " night night baby". I'm guessing this is how the day care employees put her to bed for nap time.
She will then go around her room moving dolls and blankets around. If I try to sit up she will point at me and say "no! no! night! night!"
Whenever she is moody...which happens more and more...she makes sure we know she can be independent.
Natali has been feeding herself for months. Every now and then we can help, but she really likes to do it herself.
More and more often Kelli and I have to leave the area while Natali eats. Natali will put up her hand and say "back! back!" instructing us to back away while she eats. Cute...but annoying.
[singlepic id=358 w=320 h=240 float=center]
Over the weekend she took her 47th and 48th flight...I think that's her current number. We flew down to Houston to visit my dad.
Kelli and I find it interesting how Natali and her grandpa interact.
[singlepic id=357 w=320 h=240 float=center]
[singlepic id=359 w=320 h=240 float=center]
Natali is very standoffish with new people. She has never been that way we her grandpa. She hasn't seen him in about 5 months but was totally at ease. Quite interesting. When Natali interacts with her Aunts (who she has spent more time with) she is always quiet and reserved at first. ...maybe it's the afro?
Thursday, April 12, 2012
First Dentist Visit
Natali had her first Dentist visit this week. It went well...it was quick.
The dentist we went to was recommended to us by a friend for being great with kids.
Kelli filled out all of the paperwork ahead of time. Since I typically work 3 days a week I was able to take Natali without having to take time off work.
New patients are only seen after 11AM. Natali normally takes a nap around noon. Her appointment was for 11:30AM. Yeah.....about her being in a good mood.
The dentist met us in an office type room...not the normal patient setup.
We talked for a bit while Natali sat in my lap and clung to me. After a few minutes the Dentist had me place Natali's head in her lap. Natali began screaming. This helped the Dentist look at her teeth and apply fluoride.
I was told that if we want to give Natali juice (even diluted juice) we should only give it to her with meals and not let her walk around with it. Fine.
Her next visit is in 6 months.
Beyond that Natali has started using two word sentences. "Go Bye Bye" "Come Doggies," "I'm coming", "Yogurt Please", "Brush Teeth" "No Obama". It was either "No Obama" or "No more".....pretty sure it was the former. Ha.
While watching NBC Nightly news we learned we have our car seats installed incorrectly.
We assumed we could use JUST the latch system in the seats meaning just one latch on each side of the seat. I had seen the top latch on the back of the car seat, but thought that was for a different kind of car. Nope. Sure enough on the back of our seats (We both drive Prius's) there is another LATCH anchor. Oops. Done. The story showed how far forward the car seat can move in a collision. Yeah about that reading the manual thing. I know I read the manual when we bought the seats. Eh.
I've noticed most of my friends who have had their first kid are already on their second. Just cranking them out. One friend has a kid younger than Natali and is expecting their next November 3rd. Wow.
I'm still in the "one and done" camp. Kelli is indifferent.
The dentist we went to was recommended to us by a friend for being great with kids.
Kelli filled out all of the paperwork ahead of time. Since I typically work 3 days a week I was able to take Natali without having to take time off work.
New patients are only seen after 11AM. Natali normally takes a nap around noon. Her appointment was for 11:30AM. Yeah.....about her being in a good mood.
The dentist met us in an office type room...not the normal patient setup.
We talked for a bit while Natali sat in my lap and clung to me. After a few minutes the Dentist had me place Natali's head in her lap. Natali began screaming. This helped the Dentist look at her teeth and apply fluoride.
I was told that if we want to give Natali juice (even diluted juice) we should only give it to her with meals and not let her walk around with it. Fine.
Her next visit is in 6 months.
Beyond that Natali has started using two word sentences. "Go Bye Bye" "Come Doggies," "I'm coming", "Yogurt Please", "Brush Teeth" "No Obama". It was either "No Obama" or "No more".....pretty sure it was the former. Ha.
While watching NBC Nightly news we learned we have our car seats installed incorrectly.
We assumed we could use JUST the latch system in the seats meaning just one latch on each side of the seat. I had seen the top latch on the back of the car seat, but thought that was for a different kind of car. Nope. Sure enough on the back of our seats (We both drive Prius's) there is another LATCH anchor. Oops. Done. The story showed how far forward the car seat can move in a collision. Yeah about that reading the manual thing. I know I read the manual when we bought the seats. Eh.
I've noticed most of my friends who have had their first kid are already on their second. Just cranking them out. One friend has a kid younger than Natali and is expecting their next November 3rd. Wow.
I'm still in the "one and done" camp. Kelli is indifferent.
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