Nat-Bug's First Christmas...

In the blink of an eye, Christmas came and went. But this holiday was extra special for our family and Natalie seemed to really enjoy her first Christmas. We first went to Grandma and Grandpa Yost's house to celebrate with Natalie's grandparents, aunt, uncle and cousins. Then we went to Portland to pick up great, great aunt Julie and brought her back to Bend with us. After we smoked a few turkeys, we headed to Pendleton where we celebrated on Christmas Eve with Grandma and Grandpa Walters, Uncle Peter and Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Walters. On Christmas Day we went to our cousin's house to celebrate with lots of family. We even snuck in a visit with Auntie Rhiannon and James. Then we loaded up the car with Callyn and Maikol and brought them back to Bend with us. It was great they were able to stay for 3 days (but I neglected to snap any pics, so Cally, will you please email me some that you took?).

Here are a few photos of Natalie's first Christmas:

"Santa's Sweetheart" outfit

Natalie with Great Grandpa Walters

Bow Head

Not a very Christmas-y picture, but I love her expression!

First nibbles of rice cereal... she liked it!

Natty-J with her new stuffed snowman friend

Natalie meets Auntie Rhiannon

Hope your holiday was warm and bright!

Merry Christmas and peace in the new year!

From our family to yours, have a safe and merry holiday.

Countdown to Christmas...

It's almost Natalie's first Christmas. Today, she helped me wrap presents. Well, actually, she really just chewed on bows and ribbons most of the time. But it sure got me in the Christmas spirit and I can't wait to visit our families this weekend and next week.

Only 8 more days...

xoxo

Daddy's Girl...

I want to tell you about the special bond I see developing between Natalie and her daddy.

In the beginning when I was home with Natalie, Jeramy didn't get a lot of one-on-one time with her. And to be honest, he didn't really have what she wanted at the time, if you know what I mean. It was nice that I had such a connection with her, but I think Jeramy felt a little left out.

It's been a few months now since he started his "Daddy Days" on Wednesdays. He also picks her up every afternoon from the babysitter's. I think it was a little challenging in the beginning, but now I can tell he really enjoys having her all to himself. And the feeling appears to be mutual. Jeramy can make her laugh like no one else can (it's all of those funny voices he talks to her in!). And on two occasions now, she has been in my arms and stretched her arms out to lunge at her dad, preferring him over me. (Yes, it temporarily hurts my feelings, but she's reached for me too, and I know how great that feeling is.) It's really cute to see them together.

Some days I have to chuckle when I come home to find Natalie wearing a mis-matched outfit ("the pants and shirt both had butterflies on them..."), but she always seems happy when I walk through the door, so I know she's had a good day with Daddy. They frequently run errands together (I'm sure he enjoys the attention he gets from the ladies at Costco and the doctor's office). She even accompanied him to her first boxing practice last night (I'm surprised she didn't come home with baby boxing gloves on her tiny little fists!).

My point is I'm so proud of Jeramy... He is a wonderful dad and I hope he and Nat will always be close, because they're a pretty cute pair. I feel so blessed!

Baby Diva

Just a few new photos of our little "Diva"...

Celebrations at the Yosts!

Today Natalie watched her first Civil War game between the Ducks (booo) and the Beavs (yaaaay!). Of course, she slept through the first half but was on the edge of her seat (metaphorically speaking, of course, as she can't really 'sit' yet) when the game went into double overtime. The Beavers won in the end and we were all exhilarated by the victory. A few friends came to watch the game with us: Mike, Callie, Debbie and Gracie. It was a very fun afternoon.

After the game, we finished decorating Nat's first Christmas tree. There isn't much sweeter than seeing Christmas lights twinkle in the eyes of your beautiful, healthy child. Here are a few pics of Natalie enjoying the Christmas tree.

A few miscellaneous Natalie updates:

• She had her 4 month doctor check up yesterday and was declared healthy once again. She weighs 13 lbs, 2 oz and is 24.5" long. She's a growing girl! The immunization shots were not that fun, but she slept a lot last night and seemed to have forgotten all about them today.


• A relatively new thing is now she does "zerberts" with her mouth. In case you don't know what a zerbert is, press your lips together and blow/spit. It's quite amusing to a 4-month old.


• She wants so badly to sit up on her own. When she is laying down or in a reclining position, she ofter pulls her head up and does a mini "crunch" to try and sit up. She definitely likes to be up and in the middle of the action.


• She's not rolling over quite yet, but gets half way. She likes to swing her legs to one side, but can't quite get her arm out of the way to get on her tummy. I don't think she's necessarily trying to roll over, I think she just likes swinging her legs from side to side.


• And since her legs are spending more time in the air, she's discovered her feet/toes. She likes to grab on and play with them. It's like baby yoga!


• She still likes to put just about anything in her mouth. The doc didn't think she was teething yet, thank goodness. And, have I mentioned the drool? I can't wait until she learns to swallow a little more frequently.

That's all for now. Happy December!

Turkey you could really sink your teeth into (if you have teeth, that is)

Thanksgiving 2007: So much to be thankful for. At the top of our list of course is Natalie. She celebrated her first Thanksgiving at our house and we were visited by her Grandma and Grandpa Yost, Grandma and Grandpa Walters and Uncle Peter. It was fun to think back to last year's Thanksgiving when we spilled the beans about our future baby Natalie. What a difference a year makes!

This year, Jeramy was on a mission to have the perfect Thanksgiving turkey. And boy, did he succeed! But what a process. We brined it overnight, then made a special rub to season it with, then he smoked it for 9+ hours and then we finished it in the oven for a few more hours. This poor bird went through a lot, but we all agreed, it was the best turkey we'd ever eaten! If only Natalie had teeth, she could have enjoyed it too...

She loved all the attention she got from her grandparents and uncle and she even sat on (no, not 'at', but literally 'on') the table with the family for a portion of the dinner.

We spent much of the rest of the turkey-induced-coma-of-a-weekend taking pictures of Natalie for our Christmas cards. Grandma and Grandpa Walters brought their portable studio and got so many adorable shots, that I still can't decide which to use on the card. So, if you happen to get a lot of pictures stuffed in our card this year, you'll know why. I could upload them to the blog now, but why spoil the surprise?

Overall, it was a wonderful holiday weekend and we appreciate the family that traveled to see us. And for those that couldn't come to see us, you were missed! We're so thankful and blessed. Now, it's time to get those Christmas decorations out of the attic...

Giggly Girl! (and some more skunk pics!)

Tonight Jeramy was playing with Natalie on the floor and he invented a sound that Natalie thought was hi-larious! Luckily, they were thoughtful enough to allow me to grab the video camera and document Nat's giggles for the first time. I dare you to watch this video and not giggle yourself! (Make sure your sound is turned on!)

Oh, and here are a few more skunk pics that my friend took at the Halloween party we attended...

The cutest (okay, the only) skunk at the party!

We call this one "Road Kill"

The pumpkin didn't really like her costume as much as Natalie liked hers!

A fall visit to the valley...

This weekend we headed to the Willamette Valley to visit friends and family. I forget how beautiful it is there in the fall. We really don't get autumn colors like that in Bend.

We went to visit Grandma and Grandpa Yost. Natalie enjoyed spending some quality time with Grandpa on the couch and getting smothered in kisses by Grandma! They babysat Saturday night so Jeramy and I could go out to dinner (our first date without the babe!) to celebrate our 3rd Anniversary. At dinner, Jeramy remarked how weird it was to not have Natalie with us. How quickly she's become the center of our world!

We also got a quick visit in with Natalie's cousins, Jared and Chloe. They have grown so much over the past year!

Then we headed to Onie's house where we met great, great aunt Julie. It was a fun visit and Natalie was on her bestest behavior.

Her newest trick is to almost roll over. She gets about 2/3 of the way, but can't quite make it. My bet is she'll be rolling over within a week or two. All of that almost rolling has certainly taken a toll on her beautiful hair! She's got patchy bald spots now, but we're hopeful she'll get it back again someday! She constantly has something in her mouth (usually her hands!) and is drooling a lot more so we think a tooth may be in her not-so-distant future. But, she is very happy most of the time now and is quick to offer a smile to brighten your day.

Much love from Bend...

First Halloween & Other Milestones to Celebrate!

We celebrated Natalie's first Halloween on Wednesday. When pondering what an adorable 3-month old would be for Halloween, of course the first thing you think of is a skunk, right? Yeah, don't ask me how I came up with that one, but she did turn out to be the cutest skunk you've ever seen (or smelled!).

Growing up, my Grandma Jean and mom spent hours every year making one-of-a-kind Halloween costumes for my brother and I. No detail was ever overlooked and my classmates' cheap, off-the-rack costumes paled next to ours. So, now that I have a child of my own, I knew I couldn't let Grandma Jean down by buying just any old $15.99 poly-blend costume. But my dilemma: I have zero sewing skills (Grandma was a perfectionist and after she made me rip out one too many imperfect seams, I gave up my sewing lessons at the ripe old age of 8. Why didn't I have the patience and the foresight to let her teach me???).

So my solution was a hybrid that involved a hot glue gun, some wire and velcro. A black hooded sweat suit, some faux fur and way too many hours (not to mention a few burns from the glue gun!) later, and the lil' stinker had her first costume! I know it isn't anything near what Grandma Jean would have thrown together with less effort, but I know she would have been proud and would have loved to see Natalie's smiling face poking out of the hood.

So, on her first Halloween, she visited mommy's office and then was off to get her picture taken at Focus Pocus portrait studio (Because Grandpa Walters wasn't around with his camera!). She smiled at the camera like a pro and we got a priceless pic. (I intend to upload more photos that show you the entire costume.) Then we took her to her friend Gracie's first birthday party. At one point during the party, Natalie fell asleep, so I laid her on a blanket, face down on the floor. We started calling her "Road Kill" because she was sprawled out with a furry tail sticking up in the air. Where was my camera you ask? At home! We visited more friends after that. So, overall it was an eventful and fun night.

Last night was eventful too. The three of us were relaxing on the couch and I was tickling Natalie's tummy. Out of nowhere she let out a loud peal of real, honest-to-goodness laughter that caught us so off guard that we just stared in disbelief. She laughed several times after that while we played and it was so fun. Of course, today we tried and tried to get it out of her again but she must have forgotten how to do it. Grandma Walters gave her a teddy bear that giggles when you squeeze him. I thought that might trigger her memory, but no luck. But I did get a cute picture of her hugging him.

She grows and develops a little more every day and we're just along for the ride! And what a fun ride it is...

Bed Hair

It must have been a busy night in Dream Land, because Natalie woke up with the most astonishing bed hair this morning. Well, I accentuated it a little of course. The mohawk look is coming back in style, isn't it?

3 months old today!

A brief update: we've survived my return to work, although the past two weeks have been transitionary (half days, Monday through Thursday). Monday I return full-time, which I know will be harder on me than Natalie. But she is getting used to the babysitter's house and her play mates, Sophie and Kaylee. I need to get a picture of the three girls soon! I told Deb, our sitter (and next door neighbor!) that she's going to have her hands full once all three girls get mobile. But I'm really pleased with the transition and feel good knowing she's in a safe and loving environment.

Jeramy has also been doing awesome on his "Daddy Days". He's home with her on Wednesdays and so far it's been going really well. I think he secretly likes having alone time with her, since he's never really had that opportunity before.

It's hard to believe that she's 3 months old today. Time really does fly by. She's grown so much and developed into a fun little personality. I will get some more pictures up (and maybe a video) soon.

Much love...

Our lil' punkin' visits the pumpkin patch...

This weekend Jeramy, Natalie and I met our friends the Crenshaws in Terrebonne for a visit to the fun pumpkin patch. It's very cool, complete with a corn maze, pony rides, caramel apples (they were messy, but so good!), a pirate ship made out of hay and a petting zoo. We also watched pumpkins being shot out of a cannon! It was a beautiful crisp autumn day and we had lots of fun. Here are some pictures from our day...

Natalie: not so keen on the scratchy hay!

Pirate ship made from hay... what fun!

Mom & Natalie

Jeramy and Mike: what a cute couple!

Natalie watching the pony rides... maybe in a few years!

All the fun and excitement wares a girl out!

HAPPY FALL!!!

All smiles!

Just had to share this new picture of Natalie from tonight. She was on her tummy holding her head up like a big girl and smiling at Jeramy and I. He ran and grabbed the camera and lo and behold, we finally snapped a shot of a smile!

All showered and ready to go back to work!

This weekend Natalie and I went to Pendleton to be showered by our Eastern Oregon friends and family. Hosted by the fabulous trio of Raphael, Bev and Lorie, it was a fun and elegant affair! Natalie was a little moody and even slept through some of it, but hey, it's her party and she can cry (or sleep) if she wants to, right?! She looked so cute in her new dress and big girl tights and shoes. And she did great being passed around as much as she was. By the end of the party, the girl was pooped (literally!).


It was great to introduce Natalie to so many people including Aunty Callyn and Maikol who came all the way from Missoula, Montana for the occasion. Maik did an excellent job holding her. She got a lot of neat things including books, cute clothes, three handmade blankets made with lots of love by Callyn, Great Aunt Michelle, and Marie... she even got her first Pendleton blanket and a Pendleton wool pillow! Thanks to everyone who has spoiled Natalie rotten!

Today was a big milestone for both Natalie and I. It was back to work time. I was smart and decided to wean myself and am starting with half days, Monday - Thursday for the first two weeks. Starting the 29th, I will be back to 8-5 and working from the office four days a week and working from home on Fridays. Jeramy will be Mr. Mom on Wednesdays. So the remaining three days a week, Natalie will be right next door. Our neighbor, Deb, is a stay-at-home mom extroidinaire and will be taking care of Natalie along with her two girls, Kaylee (3) and Sophie (7 months).

I didn't sleep very well in anticipation of this day and my anxiety over how both of us were going to do. I nearly burst out crying as I said goodbye this morning, but I pulled myself together somehow. Luckily for me, the day went by fast (I'm not sure Deb can say the same) and before I knew it, I was headed home to see her. Deb said she did very well, taking her bottle and taking 2 half-hour naps. I guess Sophie didn't exactly like sharing her mom's attention and affection, but as we left, she planted a sloppy drooly kiss on Nat's forehead. I think it will work out well once they all adjust. (I hope!) Mid morning, I called to check in on them and Deb held the phone to Natalie's ear and she apparently smiled at the sound of my voice. That made my day! Hope day 2 goes even better!

Natalie is blossoming more and more every day. Her face lights up with smiles on a regular basis now and she holds her head up like a big girl. She likes to sit up on the couch (propped by pillows and people!) and watch TV with Daddy. Her ability to respond to sights and sounds is amazing. It's really fun to see her changing and developing.

Until next time, hugs and love from Bend!

Happy Birthday, dear Natalie...

Today marks Natalie Jean's 2 month birthday. It was a great excuse to bake chocolate cupcakes in her honor! I can't believe how fast the time has flown (and yes, I'm already a nervous wreck about heading back to work in a mere 3 weeks!) and how much Natalie has grown and developed. From a sleeping "blob" (albeit a cute blob!) to an active baby that smiles, coos, bats at toys, observes everything, splashes in the bath, sleeps in her own crib--all in just 9 weeks of life. You've come a long way, baby! It truly is an amazing experience to be a part of...

I spent several hours tonight reading manuals, installing software, restarting the computer, etc., but I think I finally am ready to upload our first ever movie starring, (who else?) Natalie Jean Yost. Thanks again to Grandma and Grandpa Walters for the fancy video camera. Now that I have it figured out, we'll use it more often to share precious moments, I promise!

Anyway, the movie below is of Nat's bath tonight. I tried to make her smile, but she just wouldn't do it (by this time of night, she's pretty pooped). But we agree that we have some great blackmail material for when she's a teenager! So, break out the popcorn and enjoy (and marvel in my new-found movie producing skills)! (Make sure your sound is turned on!)