Saturday, December 29, 2012

2012. What. A. Year.


This blog entry is for me. Sometimes you just have to WRITE from your heart.

New Years Eve will be spent with a few friends at the house this year. Nothing too crazy. I (along with many) am still struggling with the loss of a best friend. She is on my mind daily, and tears still find their way to my eyes pretty often. My heart hurts, mainly for Jonathan. I wish I could grant him the strength to heal quickly, but this may be a long road. Tiff was a truly beautiful person, and I hope he knows he is an amazing dude and we are always here for him! Going into 2013 I hope we all start to heal. She is very missed, and very loved. I will spend this new year reminding myself just how precious life is. You really do need to cherish EVERY moment. Sometimes its easy to find ourselves caught up in the little things. My resolution this year will be to focus on the big picture in life, try and be the best mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend and co-worker I can be...and live everyday to its fullest.

Love you Tiff.

New Years Eve 2011

Lots to be THANKful for, Happy Holidays!

Well, as per usual, it's been forever since I've blogged! It's ok though, we have been a very busy family these last 2 months. This time of year work is pretty crazy/awesome for mom and I. WE LOVE IT. Thanksgiving was beautiful, we had fantastic FL fall weather! We all went to my moms and had a wonderful dinner. Natalie ate NONE of thanksgiving dinner with the exception of the string beans. Super. lol. She is still picky as ever!

Oh....great news!! Jo (my bff) set a wedding date!!!

We also squeezed in a Tatge family Christmas trip up to Chicago! It was really great to see everyone, the weather was gentle on us Floridians and we had a very hard time leaving (as usual). We spent lots of quality time with Nama, stayed at uncle Ryan (birthday boy) and aunt Dana's house (Nat loved all their pets), and also got to visit with uncle Eric, aunt Marissa (newlyweds!), uncle Ian and Amanda (new home owners)! THere was lots to celebrate and we really had an awesome time. We took Nat to the Shed aquarium with Nama, went up to the sky deck downtown, took pics with Santa, saw our friends the Staniaks, partied for Ryan's birthday, and did our secret santa exchange!

....Did I mention Jo & Wally finally set a wedding date?!?!?! Crazy right!!

After our trip Nick had some traveling to do, we both had a few Christmas parties to attend and work was super busy! We had a great Christmas, lots of family time, plenty of presents, and everyone spoiled miss Natalie. She is one lucky little girl! Nick spoiled me as well, but honestly having him home this whole week and next has been the best present ever :)

**NEWS FLASH: Jo and Wally are getting married in AUGUST 2013...get stoked people.

We can officially say Natalie is a chatter box!! It has just exploded the last few weeks and Nick and I can't get enough! She is repeating (finally), and learns new words everyday. It's incredible! As much as we were told not to worry, it was always a little nerve racking that she was a bit slower than most 18th month olds. But 20 months is definitely her magic age. She is an amazing little girl in so many ways. Having a front row seat to watch her grow is a priceless gift. So. Much. Love.

Nailize Christmas Party! <3 you girls :)





Helping daddy with lights!

Nat and her buddies :)

Nama and I being silly!

ready to party. always.

Nat and Nama up at the Sky Deck!

Merry Christmas Eve.


My little 20 month old!

Slide Champ.


Driving the bus....

Christmas Day 2012



Sunday, November 11, 2012

A big, but brief update (oct-mid nov)

I completely slacked last month. It's November and I still haven't written about Ireland!! Or Natalie's 18 month check up!

A quick overview, she is doing great, growing well, and a happy girl. She needs to put on a little more weight, only 15th percentile. Height at 50, and head still huge. She is doing much better with speech. On average picking up a word a week now. Still a bit picky with dinner, and she is on an anti-sandwich kick for lunch now. But she still has a pretty balanced diet, and loves her milk. Nick took Nat to her checkup this time! I was so proud of him to totally offer to take her, and asked Dr. Gina lots of questions! Very impressive daddy skills, I must say :)

Ireland was amazing!! We had such a wonderful time. Natalie was so good, she completely blew me away. I, of course, was way over worried about EVERYTHING. The flights were very long, but we kept her busy, read books, she slept some, and watched lots of Lorax (still her only movie of choice). The first day in Dublin was a lot of adjustment! We were quiet tired, but kept ourselves up and tried to get on a regular sleep schedule. The ONLY thing we had a hard time with in Ireland was miss Nat's sleeping. She would wake up during the night and want to hang out for a few hours before going back to sleep around 4 or 5. Except, of course, for the two night she spent with Nama and poppa Gary...she slept perfect for them! Other than that we had no hiccups. She was great on the bus trips, was fine with snacking lots, missing naps, and by day 4 was BFF's with our tour guide/bus driver. The wedding was absolutely gorgeous. The castle was out of a story book, the wedding party (3 of us included) looked super! Eric and Marissa did a phenomenal job with every little detail! The whole trip was mapped out perfectly, they totally rocked the destination wedding thing! Trip of a life time, so glad we brought miss Nat. So happy we got to spend time with family, across the atlantic, celebrating Uncle Eric & Aunt Marissa :)

Natalie is still my favorite little person. We have so much fun with her. This age is a blast! She is so funny and has the most entertaining personality. Currently she is cutting her eye teeth and quiet honestly, she is such a trooper. She was a dream most of the day today (i've seen swelling since friday). By 4:00 she was a hot hot mess. Felt in her mouth and one toofer broke the skin, OUCH! Poor baby. After some teething tabs and a mushy dinner, by 7:30 she was snuggling with me on the couch ready for bed. Such a tough kiddo (ehem...gets it from me...obvi). She has also developed several fancy dance moves in the past few weeks. She is getting really good, and even added some spin moves. The dance skills daddy can take credit for, I'm horrible lol. She is such a love, and gives the best hugs EVER.

Nick was home the entire month of October so that was amazing. His travel schedule seems to be simmering down a bit. Very happy about that. Holidays are fast approaching, can't wait to play Santa this year! I think daddy is more excited then I am, its cute :)

We went to Orlando for UCF Homecoming last weekend, and Aunt Jo came in town to visit with us as well. She was here for a good 5 days, and really got to spend some quality time with her God daughter.  It was a bitter sweet HC this year. We were missing one of our closest friends, Tiff. It was not the same without her there, but she was most definitely there in spirit. It was great for all of us to get together, reminisce, laugh, cry, & tell stories. We miss Aunt T very much and will always keep our memories of her close to our hearts. Love you Tiff!

LOTS of photos to share this post. NOT in order. And the rest of the Ireland pics are on FB (we barely took out our camera)!

BOO @ the Zoo with her BFF :)

Maizy and Nat having a blast!

Playing in the zoo fountains!

My sweet butterfly :)

Dublin, wearing the hat her Aunt T bought her :)

IRELAND


Silliest bubble blowing I've ever seen lol

Daddy and his girl.

Tiff showed up for a visit <3



At the park!

Being a goof :)

Celebrating our 4th wedding Anniversary! <3 you Nick

Hanging with Aunt Jo in Costco!





Monday, September 24, 2012

17 Months



WHAT A BIG GIRL! Lots of fun this last month! We are so excited for Ireland, 12 days and counting!

We added Owe, Juice, & pop (bubbles) to our vocabulary! She is really starting to babble lots, it's so cute. She abuses the word "owe" lol. It's pretty funny, everything is owe, and she makes such a good hurt face too! Little faker! I've done a ton of reading on language development in the last few weeks. My conclusion is I need to stop worrying. She is just fine, understands everything I say, communicates as best she can, and the words will come at her own pace. I've discovered lots of things my first 17 months as a mom (and I have a truck load more to learn). A big one is this: Anytime your little one does ANYTHING good or bad, slow or fast, wrong or right, you immediately think it's something YOU did wrong. News flash...it's usually not. Ever kiddo is different and realizing that recently, especially with Nat's talking and picky-eating, has simmered me down a TON! She is eating better, but only when she feels like it. She is progressing with her speech, but not yet striking up conversation with us. I'm just fine with all of it :)

Her temper is also progressing nicely. She has a very strong personalty and knows what she wants. We have days when she is as sweet as pie, and days where she is a little terror lol. However, both days are equally as busy, fun and entertaining!

She is really pushing herself and testing her abilities physically lately. Lots of falls, minimal tears, and completely fearless. It keeps me on my toes! Another thing keeping me on my toes is learning how to discipline her when she SLAPS ME...right in the face. At first it was only in front of my mom to get a reaction out of her. She would slap me, look right at Mimi, she would yell "don't you hurt my girl Natalie!" And Nat would laugh. Now she slaps me when she gets frustrated, or when tell her she can't do something. I've put my foot down, my routine when she behaves like this is almost perfected. She still hasn't stopped doing it, but she is starting to hesitate before she does it. Hopefully we will have that under control soon lol.

IRELAND UPDATE: Ok, getting down to the wire. Nick and I have our clothes laid out, Natalie's clothes are tried on and laid out. Everything we think we need is purchased, passports are packed. Oddly, I think I'm less nervous this week than I have been in the last month. I'm super excited, not to concerned about anything specific. A bit anxious about the flight, but other than that just stoked for the trip, THE WEDDING, seeing family, family seeing Nat, exploring Ireland, and spending time with NICK! It's going to be a trip of a life time :)

I miss Nick very, very, very much. This has been a long few months of lots of travel. I, again, don't know what I'd do without my parents (and brother). I've been with them 4 sometimes 5 days a week, and poor Nick has been working so insanely hard. I can't wait for the end of October lol. Another reason I'm stoked for Ireland...10 straight days with my husband!

We have a busy wknd full of packing, Bedner farms for the pumpkin patch, and a 1st birthday party!


Nat is: happy, healthy, tall, packed with personality, funny, smart, ball kicking and throwing, sweet, active, limit pushing, dancing machine, and totally adorable little girl who I love very much. Next update will be after the big trip!

LOVES THE POOL!


Obviously I'm a horrible singer.

trying on Ireland gear...yes she can open the doors now lol. 

So silly :)

BFF's



Loves daddy's juicer, hooray for liquid Kale!

My little goof ball :)


Sunday, August 26, 2012

16 Months!








What's up Isaac? You turned out to be pretty lame. Go easy on the Gulf states though! We are still in for about 24 hours of rain, and some wind gust. Other than being trapped inside and potential power outages, we are safe...this time lol.

The Mohawk!
So Natalie is 16 months old. She cut two of 4 1 year molars, and the 3rd one is trying to make an entrance. She is full on running!! Can almost jump, climbs on and off the couch with no help, stands on her picnic table (not good). And is still a bit of a dare-devil. She listens much better, and is understanding more and more each day. This morning she pointed to her diaper right after she made her pee-ing face. Quite helpful I must say. Our new thing is being totally mean to strangers! Anyone she doesn't know who tries to say hi to her, she shakes her head no at them and whines lol. It's a little embarrassing, especially when I take her to work with me on friday afternoons. SHEESH! But I'm sure she will grow out of it. She has made two attempts to climb out of her crib. I'm not having it. I really want to make it till at least 2 before we have to do toddler bed. DANG IT! She is to little still, why is she growing up so fast?!?!?! The last few days lot of new sounds are creeping out. She says two new words. "Go" and "hop" when she sees a bunny, frog, or kangaroo lol. She does the doggie noise and can belt out a good growl...it's the cutest thing I've ever seen :)

The Badger....coloring :)
Eating is still a bit frustrating. Nick was home half the week and shared in the clean up duty experience after dinner. Such a waste of food. She is so picky, and a texture freak. I think my Ireland concerns have moved from flight to food. I'm sure she will be fine, she is a snacker, but I'd just like her to eat a solid meal...ever. Everything she snacks on is really healthy and pretty balanced though so I try not to worry too much. Although I did make nick look up to see if there was a grocery store close to our hotel in Dublin. hehe.  Ireland is only 39 days away! Getting stoked for Uncle Eric and Aunt Marissa to get hitched!

We did some winter clothes shopping for Natalie too (for the trip, it's cleary not cold here). She is in 18-24 month shirts from gap and old navy, but then the 12-18 month jeans fall off her hinny. I had a few coupons, shopped mainly in clearance and got some really cute stuff. I also scored a big Gap coat for her on eBay! $19.00 BOOM. It's in the wash as we speak, really nice, will keep her warm if we go to WI this winter as well. Good find! Nicks mom sent the stuff I'd never find here. Lots of warm socks, thick leggings, and fleece PJs! Thanks Nama :)

We also packed up ALL of her baby stuff last weekend. And did a little rearranging to make the family room more organized in the toy department. Can't believe how fast time has flown!
She is still funny, and such a little cuddle bug. So sweet and blows everyone kisses. I'm amazed at how much I have fallen in love with this little girl. She is so awesome, I feel so lucky to be her mommy :)


Cracking up!




Saturday, July 28, 2012

15 months!!





We had Natalie's 15 month check up on Tuesday. Our time was rescheduled because of my new work schedule. 11:30 would have been tolerable, but by the time they took us it was 12:30...30 minutes past lunch and exactly nap time lol. Needless to say the appointment was unsuccessful. She was miserable, cried the whole time, and didn't let Dr. Gina touch her...awesome. She had lots of questions for me, I was able to answer a few of them (over the yelling). Didn't get to ask her any of the dozen questions I had ready to go. Before she left the room her words of encouragement were "She's a bit of a handful huh?"...followed by "Don't worry though, if the first one is tough the second child is exceptionally easy, I see this all the time." Ehem....Thanks?!?!?! Luckily for me I have a truck load of patiences and my little handful is the cutest, sweetest, funniest, handful EVER! I've come to term with the fact that nat is a handful. But she is MY handful, I'm perfectly ok with it, and accept the challenge of making it through her toddler years. She is VERY active, has a huge personality, knows what she wants, throws a heck of a tantrum, yet can be such a little cuddle bug, gives hugs and kisses, she plays and builds and learns ALL day! There is no sitting and watching a movie quietly in my lap, however mickey mouse is the only things that holds her attention for more than 3 minutes. I love Mickey. She is still silent...yet very smart, and I continue to fall in love with her more and more each day :)

Stats: 21.5 lbs. (30%), 31.5inches (75%), and 18.25 dome (80%). Her height spiked and her weight stayed in the same percentile, dome is still huge despite the lack of hair lol. 

We have been at my moms a lot the last few weeks due to Nicks hectic travel schedule. Poor guy. I don't know how he does it. This will defiantly be a long busy summer for our family, I miss him lots and so does Nat. He is such a great daddy, we get to have him home for 4 straights days this time!! Very exciting :)

I'm starting to get really excited for our Ireland trip. I almost want to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gina just to ask her some questions about our travels. I have a few concern, and I'm nervous about how Nat will handle all the travel, bus trips, hotel stays etc., I'm sure I will have a harder time then she will worrying about everything lol. We are so blessed to be able to take this trip as a family! We can't wait to watch Uncle Eric and Aunt Marissa get married in a CASTLE! TRIP OF A LIFE TIME! 

My new work schedule has been going well. I really like the idea of not having to work nights (eventually). Mom and I are loving being at the shop more, and so far Natalie does great at Diane's house. Diane is really wonderful, she is so great with kids! Natalie cries when I drop her off for about 30 seconds then Diane comes to the window and gives me the thumbs up so I know she is fine. I'm definitely comfortable enough to put off school searching for right now. Ive done the ground work, so if things change I can always make a move! 

NEW FAVORITES: Mega blocks (baby legos) she loves them! Slamming doors in my face and giggling about it on the other side. Pretending to blow her nose in toilet paper after she pulls it off the roll and drags all over the house. RUNNING! Playing catch, and going to the park. 
Two new favorite books: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse find and seek (she points out ALL the characters by name). ABC Animal Alphabet book. Anyone know what a Urial is?? or a Xenops?? Who comes up with these animals?? We are working on A-E at bath time, and trying to learn our shapes. 



So precious :)

This is how she eats corn lol. 

Don't disturb her...she is blocking. 

Playing with dirt at the park. 

Daddy's caddy!










Tuesday, July 10, 2012

WORK/SITTER Updates

 Since this subject has run my life for the last few months I thought I'd update on it separately lol. We are very sad to have lost our long-time receptionist at Nailize. Miss Francine was offered a great opportunity to switch careers a few weeks ago. We miss her very much and wish her the best. The shop won't be the same without her :(

This has given mom and I the task of sorting out our schedules and finding a few new people to fill in the hours we can't do ourselves. We are lucky to have a wonderful girl working for us on saturdays that may be able to pick up a few shifts. And Andrea, a nail tech, has stepped up to help us out as well (until december). We are also training Lauren, my moms neighbors daughter, to be our new receptionist. She is awesome so far, and just a side note...I used to change her diapers...so we go way back lol. It's really great to have her at the shop, trust with never be an issue, she is like family :)

Now I get to find a new sitter situation all together. Anna, who I love, can only watch Natalie Wednesday afternoons once her fall semester starts....which I no longer need.....UGH. The joys.

I'm probably looking at a future of M,W,F schedule, which is great to have some time in the shop to really help out and do everything I need to do, on time and efficiently. I'm also thrilled to eventually not have to work any NIGHTS!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have been aggressively calling schools the last few weeks and after a not so promising phone call from my number one choice, I had another option come my way. A friend of my brothers has a little girl also and a great sitter who watches little ones out of her house. Chandra was nice enough to share her info with me and made me feel great about this lady Diane. I spoke with her today and I was pleasantly surprised. She sounds wonderful. And having a recommendation from a new mom like myself means the world!! She is in Boca, close to work, is affordable and flexible with my new schedule. Sooo Natalie will be going there this friday (while I work) to see how things go. My fingers are crossed. I'm very nervous, yet calm and excited all at once. Sad about Anna but hoping to keep her as a weekend sitter because Natalie really likes her and so do we.

I'll probably update on this after Natalie's 15 month check up!! Oh my gosh...time is flying.


loves the park!





I love this little girl :)


Cows, Heat, & Cheese...Oh my!


We had an amazing trip to the midwest! As usual we wish we could have spent more time with everyone. It was awesome to reintroduce Natalie to all the Tatge's. She hasn't seen most of them since January, and some since September! I wish we all lived closer cause it was really great having so much family around. Lots of time with Nama, and all her Uncles and Aunts. We arrived late Thursday, it was exceptionally hot in WI. Obviously we brought the warmth with us...and then some. Natalie is getting pretty good about flying. She watches lots of Mickey Mouse (thank goodness for the iPad). Friday night Nick and I went and met some friends at Summerfest! We had a great time and saw a few good bands. Saturday was a big July 4th party at Aunt Teri's farm. That's when we got to see everyone! And also watched Uncle Ian's band play! They were a blast, great covers, great set list, great tunes. Sunday we had Aunt Marissa's bridal shower. It was lovely, so nice to see all the bridal party girls! Getting very very excited for Ireland. Monday we headed to Chicago and spent the afternoon at the mall avoiding the heat lol. Funny to say that about visiting ILLINOIS! We then went to our friends house for pizza and some playtime in a baby-friendly environment. It was so nice to see Ryan, Jenny and their adorable kiddos. They are such a fun bunch, wish we could see them more often. We spent the rest of our trip at Uncle Ryan and Aunt Dana's house. They have two dogs, and a fish tank... needless to say natalie loved staying with them! It's always so tough to leave up there :(

I failed at taking photos, but Nama took a bunch!! Here are some favs :)

Bubbles with Nama

Bubbles with nama
Nat and her daddy :)
Teri's house!







The Tatge boys and their girls :)

Nat and her Tatge Uncles!

Nama and her girl :)
Checking out the cows!


Marissa's Bridal Shower

All of the ladies :)

After theBridal Shower Natalie decided to play in the neighbors sprinklers lol.




Natalie & daddy playing at Woodfield Mall