It's Tatge-tastic!!: July 2012

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 :)