So much love :)

This may be a quicker post then I'd like but I'm sleepy! Tomorrow is a big day for us here in the Tatge house (hopefully). Our new babysitter is coming over for her first visit with Natalie. Hopefully everything goes well and she will be ready to start watching Bean Monday's and Wednesdays while I'm at work. I'm a little nervous with her being a college student. I know how tough it is when you are making class schedules trying to work around a job. I just hope it all works out. I'm tired of this process. It has actually made me consider school a lot earlier then I wanted to. I was hoping to hold out until 2, but I might give in this fall if I'm still struggling to find a good sitter. FINGERS CROSSED PLEASE :)

Natalie is awesome. She understands so much of what we say now - it's crazy. My favorite is when you ask her if she needs a new diaper she shakes her head yes and walks to the changing table lol. She listens to everything, and is really amazing us with her ability to figure out what we are saying. Still not speaking. She is a silent genius lol. We aren't worried though. She knows her animals and can point them out if you ask which is which. She knows all her body parts when you ask where they are. If you ask her how old she is she puts up the number 1. Can hand you all her toys by name, we are getting there. She is quietly taking it all in.

Although she was not so quietly taking in the Museum of Natural History last weekend in NYC. She had such a blast. She was going crazy for the stuffed animal exhibits. Laughing, pointing, leg kicking, OOOOO-ing, at everything. It was so cute, we were cracking up. People were stopping just to watch her run around and enjoy it all. My cousin Britt meet us there also, the museum was way more awesome then what I had expected!!

We had a great time staying in NJ with Jo and Wally. His parents are so nice, and were so helpful with Nat, such a fun filled weekend. My favorite part was visiting the venue where Jo and Wally want to get married, and the Bikram Yoga Jo dragged me too. I set up my mat right under the heat vent - I didnt know any better, but I DO NOW! It was hell, but fantastic all at once.

I'm excited to have a date night with Nick tomorrow night. He has a very busy travel schedule this month. I'm scared lol. I might be crashing at moms in between work days a few times. He did the math the other day and figured out he will only be home 10 nights the whole month. Poopy. It's ok though, because we are heading up to WISCO the end of June! I'm so stoked to see everyone. And for everyone to see Bean!!

A few quick updates on the bean:
-She is eating much better. Pasta and sauce is her new favorite dinner - just like mommy.
-We are down to only a night time bottle. Getting rid of the morning bottle only took two tough mornings.
-She still eats lots of fruit and carbs. I'm limiting her pouches as much as possible.
-I found a play kitchen on Craigslist for $10.00. SHE LOVES IT!
-She still loves the pool, Mickey Mouse, animals, her daddy, touch and feel flashcards, her owl "hoot", and her pink car.
-Recently a bit shy with strangers, needs a solid 15 minutes of clinging then breaks out all her tricks.
-Oddest thing she does: picks up her wooden puzzle pieces, licks them, and puts them back. lol
-Daddy's favorite bean moments: When they play chase each other around the house. She cracks up and gets so excited! And when she gets cuddly at bedtime. Also when he asks her "where's the bellybutton" she lifts up his shirt and puts her thumb into his bellybutton - she laughs so hard.
-Best noises: She is a gremlin, and also has an awesome evil laugh.

Thats all for now. Good night :)

 Excitement at the Museum!!

picking flowers in the garden

Hanging with Aunt Jo

Coloring! Kinda! 

Checking out the view

Best place to be in the summer!

Reading in her tent :)

TODDLER-HOOD (13 Months)!!

Natalie and Maizy having a pool day :)

Daddy's favorite soccer team won the championship!!!!

Look at that belly!!!!

Fun tent from Chalie and Michelle!

This is by far my most favorite age!!! I say that just about every other month but seriously this time....so much fun. Miss Natalie is fast approaching 13 months!! She is a walking machine. The last month watching her go from a few steps to frankenstein walking to a pro has been amazing. Something about your little one walking by themselves makes my eyes well up. The best is when we get out of the car and my hands are full she just follows me inside (with a little pep talk along the way). It may take us 9 minutes to get from the car to the door but it's worth it!!

We had a fabulous time at Liz and Adam Rama's B-E-A-UTIFUL wedding over the weekend. I love seeing all my old girl friends, I miss everyone so much being way down here in SOFLA! They are amazing, its just like old times when we all get together. I love catching up with everyone!

How Nick, myself and bean managed to begin to outgrow our house is beyond me. But it's happening!! There is stuff everywhere...and no we aren't moving. How do you build an addition on a zero lot line property that backs up to the 13th hole???....any suggestion???

I still miss my dogs...I'm not going to elaborate at all, but it's tough being home alone when Nick is gone without puppies to keep me company. We are all still sad...but getting better.

On a happy note Nick will be home all next week!!! Then Friday we are off to NJ/NYC for some memorial day fun with the soon-to-be "Serafyn's!" Our next family trip will be up to WISCO for some family fun! I'm so excited for everyone to see Natalie cruising around like a champ. It would be awesome if she could work out a few good words before then too! Right now we have "mama", "dada", "hi" and "NAH-NAH!! " and a point when she wants something. She is understanding more and more each day, it's unbelievable how fast they catch on.

SIDE NOTE: Tooth number 7 is making it's entrance.

Her eating is still a comedy show lol. She does awesome with breakfast, and usually lunch, but dinner not so much. A few nights a week she will shock me and eat a full meal. She is still anti-meat, even when I disguise it. I'll take suggestions on that too, thanks! She loves PB&J on whole wheat, yogurt, any and all fruit, some veggies especially peas, sweet potatoes, and more peas, granola bars too. What kid doesn't like chicken nuggets?? Oh miss Natalie lol She is a trip. Such a picky stinker. Hand her a pouch of anything and she will suck it down in 30 seconds!! Good things there are some nutritious options to choose from. Kale, Quinoa, Barley, Spinach, she loves it!! Thank goodness for Plum pouches!! We will get there. She loves her milk so that's been great. And we are now weaning her morning bottle. It should be eliminated in the next week or so and then we will only have the night bottle left...oh boy.

I should be cleaning my "office" right now. It's really a playroom, with a desk in it, that I sit at maybe once every other week. But it's "Happy Mommy Beer Thursday" today, so me and my Blue Moon summer wheat brew will take our time. For those of  you who need a description of my made up weekly holiday here it is. After the usually Monday-Thursday without my handsome hubby at home to help me with our favorite little girl, lets be honest, I need a beer. So every Thursday night, after I put Bean to sleep and clean up, I have ONE new beer I haven't tried yet. You're jealous...I know.

It's storming outside, and Nat's out cold with her mouth wide open, ignoring all the thunder and lightening. I love my good little sleeper. She goes to bed on her own btwn 7:30-8:00 every night and 85% of the time I don't hear from her till 6:30-7 every morning. Not sure how long she is going to keep this up but I'm so thankful for my sleep. Now I just have to work on getting myself to sleep before 11:00!

Our every other Friday night sitter might not be able to watch Natalie sleep tomorrow night. Date night may have to be rescheduled. We are very lucky we found such a nice girl to let us go be adults every other week. We are still looking for a during the week sitter though. I have a few weeks covered but it's really getting down to the wire. I have two interviews set up for next week so fingers crossed :)

Natalie makes a new funny face that I must share. She does it all day long and I crack up! She may look like her daddy, but she is funny like her mommy :)

FUN NEWS vs SAD NEWS

FUN NEWS FIRST!!

Miss natalie has decided her crawling days have come to an end!! She has been taking a few steps here and there for weeks. But last Monday she was taking about 5 or 6 steps at a time, and by Saturday she was officially walking like a big girl! It is the cutest thing ever, she is so proud of herself, and insists on carrying things with her while she walks. The remote, elmo, her purse, her milk cup etc. She look like a little mini frankenstein when she walks too. This is sooooo much fun! It also makes me well up with proud-ness and love :)

SOME MORE UPDATES!!

She loves her car. She sits in there
with her baby and her milk and watches Mickey.

We played in our pool from Uncle
Richy over the weekend!

She is also eating a bit better as well, sometimes. Much more big girl food. Still loves her pouches. Only two REAL milk bottles a day, morning and night. No more formula, and we will start weening the morning bottle in another few weeks. She does well with the cup, only water still and milk of course. She is eating 3 meals a day and usually 2 snacks.

We also just planned two summer trips. NJ/NYC for memorial day weekend, and WISCO in late June early July. A little airplane prep before the big IRELAND trip should be fun :)

Natalie is really doing well with shaking her head yes. Still not any meaningful words. She says "Na-Na" and points when she wants something. Babbles lots of mama's, dada's, and makes lots of crazy noises. Uncle Richy is convinced she makes snake noises, and can point out several Animals. If you ask her where mommy, daddy, doggie, elmo, mickey and a few others she also points. Getting better with working on "Hi". Loves to dance, loves music, and sings in the car. She loves brushing her teeth, and her hair (still not much lol). I feel like I'm forgetting lots.

Still no luck with finding a sitter while I'm at work. I only need two days a week. The other day is covered by Mimi! I'm going to miss having Jamie, she is AMAZING with bean! Fingers crossed I find someone soon :)

SAD NEWS :(

Ok...Just over a week ago Nick and I thanked God that our little girl was ok. Our dog Winston (our first child) bit Natalie. We were hanging in the living room on a Sunday afternoon and Natalie was playing on the floor with the dogs (typical activity). Natalie always picks up their toys and hands them to them. She thinks its funny, both dogs play along. Unfortunately Winston lost his patience with Nat and bit her on the wrist. It was extremely scary, we rushed her to after hours pediatrics. He broke the skin in several places. One cut was a bit deeper than the others. The doctor recommended not doing stitches due to the infection risk. He said she would heal just fine, and not to worry. We are soooo sooo grateful she is ok. It could have been much worse. I just keep looking at her feeling so lucky this wasn't a much scarer story.

Once we knew she was ok, and playing fine, using her hand wrist and smiling away a few hours later the reality set in. Winston had to go. He has snapped at her once before, but no damage was done. We said then if it happened one more time, that was it. Saying it has been a very rough week is an understatement. I can't stop crying. Thank goodness my dad offered to take winston last Monday morning until we found him a good home. Nick and I are both devastated. We know we are doing the right thing, but we miss him so much. To top it off our little Mia is so sad, and cries when we are gone. I feel bad for her.

There is, however, a happy ending. My dad came over a few days ago after we had told him we found a potential home for Winston and said he wants to keep him. That way we can still see him, my dad can have a handsome, well trained, smart, fun dog (he has been wanting one lately) and this won't seem so sad. On another good note our friends Lindsey and Adam, who live in our neighborhood, are going to give Mia a new home (maybe)! They are keeping her for a few days to see how she gets along with their other two girls. So far so good. Meanwhile I've been staying at my moms. When Nick is gone and Winston isn't there to protect me and Mia isn't there to cuddle it's way to lonely. I'll get over it. Lots of people have told me their similar stories. It's very comforting. Lots of people said to get a Lab. lol ::sigh::

Ok, I'm sleepy, and my cousin just made some sick awesome cookie brownie...Mmmm!!

Look Whoooo's One!!

Our little girl is officially not a baby anymore! She is a TODDLER!! I can't believe how fast the year went by. I have a million wonderful thoughts right now and not sure if they are going to come out correctly but Ill type anyway.

Words can't describe how fantastic it is to be a mommy. People try to explain it to you but you really can't grasp it until your in it. She is such an awesome little girl, I'm so grateful I get to watch her change, learn, and grow everyday. When I was pregnant I remember being so incredibly excited everyday for her arrival, yet not quite knowing what our first year with her would bring. Even the first few weeks I remember being so tired, and still so excited to have her in my arms. Now that it's been a whole year, I've experienced what the excitement was all about. I'm blown away at how amazing it has been. I fall more in love with her everyday. Even on the tough days. She is a handful, but she is MY handful lol. She is funny, adorable, so smart, always smiling, throws the cutest tantrums ever, and makes me smile even at 3:00AM :)

AAAAHHHHH ok on to the birthday details! It was a rainy, windy, storm-rific weekend. We didn't have enough time to decorate and set things up in time due to the weather, but Bean didn't care! We had a fun time, lots of family and friends came, lots of kiddos running around, and lots of messy cake goodness! We really are blessed to have such great people in our lives, and so many of them came out to help make Natalie's day special. Jo made a "better than bought" banner for us to hang at the pavilion. I'm keeping the part with her name on it to hang up in her room....thats how good we are talking here people. She is so talented! It was wonderful having Nama here. She is such a big help, it's such a nice break for Nick and I as well. Jo, Nick and I got to hit the gym and go shopping at the mall Saturday while Natalie got some good time in with her Nama. It was a great visit! We, as usual, worked on her the whole trip to just come live here a few months out of the year when it's bitter in WI. Maybe one day :)

On Nat's actual birthday we took her to the Palm Beach Zoo. That was also a blast!! It was our first visit to our local Zoo and it's very nice. Clean, shaded, and just the right size for a few hour trip.

This week was full of getting back into the swing of things. Nick and I promised each other to not make ANY plans this weekend, just relax and have family time. I worked a half day today. Nick called me at about 12:45 to tell me he won't be complaining about his job for a while....cause my job (being mommy) is hard lol. I'm not going to lie...his job is way more stressful....but it's nice to hear him say that every now and again :)

Ok, now the the Heat have won, I'm going to keep watching the Magic game with my fingers crossed!!

Easter and the upcoming event!!

I cannot believe Natalie's birthday is already here. We are down to 9 days on the countdown people. BIG. DEAL!!! She had a great 2nd Easter. She was only 1 day old on her first Easter and wore a ducky outfit leaving the hospital to be festive! Nick and I raved about how much better our Easter dinner feast was this year. Last year we were in the hospital and my mom brought us whopper jrs and chocolate milk shakes (not bad, but homemade mac takes the cake). We had a nice day, nick made french toast for breakfast. Natalie climbed in and out of her Easter                 

basket all morning. We went to my moms for the afternoon and hung outside until dinner time. 

Nick and I used our new weekend babysitter last friday! She was great, Natalie slept the whole time we were out. And Keri did a good job of keeping me posted. I was a hot mess. 3 beers later, I was less of a hot mess but still talking about it lol. I'll get better, I promise. We went around the corner and had dinner and drinks with some friends. It was definitely nice to get out with the hubby :)

We had an extra busy week this week. Our Monday babysitter Miss Jamie couldn't work, and Nat came to work with me for a few hours. It was fun, she was a good girl, and played with Maria and the girls while I got some work done. We are currently looking for a new babysitter mondays and tuesdays during the week. Jamie is tied up with her other family all summer. I have two potentials lined up, waiting on some references and an interview or two. Fingers crossed. 

This morning we were supposed to do a "1st birthday" photo shoot with my cousin (who is a photographer) at 7:30. Bean had other plans consisting of teething, and being up from 5:00AM until she napped at 8:30! Needless to say I changed things up and we went at 10:00. It wasn't her best day, thats for sure, but Britt is amazing with a camera and managed to get some great shots! We are going to do a few more tomorrow at the playground just because! 

This whole 1st birthday thing has me all over the place. I'm so excited, so amazed, and so want to stop the clock all at once. SIDE NOTE: I really want another baby all the sudden....badly. We will be waiting another year though...dammit....patience V :)

This week coming up should be a blast. Nama arrives from WI on wednesday, daddy also gets home Wednesday this week, and Aunt Jo gets in late thursday night!! My mom is being a huge help as usual! And I know having Peggy and Jo here will

make things nice and easy as the party approaches. I can't wait. We went over board, way too many people lol. But it's ok, just for this birthday, it's very special :)

On another good note, we are doing much better with food the last week. And drinking one bottle a day out of the cup. We have her straw cup with water every meal for the last two months. Trying to get her used to it now. Daddy gave her regular milk and a peanut butter sandwich when I went to the gym yesterday. Hooray for daddies making mommy panic!! However, glad he did it (and not me) and everything was fine!! CAN'T WAIT TO STOP BUYING FORMULA!! lol. 

I'm failing at this...

So I realize it's been almost a month since my last post. I have no excuse. I really need to make time for this weekly, I feel like I suck lol.

Enough about me though, my little bean is growing up way to fast. She has such a personalty, she is so funny (ahem..gets it from me). She laughs at everything, and makes such silly faces. Now when we are talking if we start cracking up she does too like she is in the convo. She puts the phone to her ear now and is pretty close to squeaking out a "hi". At least we think so, it's probably not even close lol. She throws balls, nick thinks she is lefty and is all excited. But clearly she throws with whichever hand is closer to the ball. duh. She loves the pool, loves the doggies, hugs all her stuffed animals and says "awwww". Getting much better with waving,  and says "na na na" when she wants to be picked up.

She is doing a bit better with eating, more finger foods, still putting up a bit of a stink. She is a little picky, but I'm learning to not stress out about it. I'm pretty sure she would eat fruit, mashed beans, and toast every meal if she had it her way. She loves my fruit/veggie drink (Naked-Green Machine) in the AM which is great. So good for her. Also likes Earth's best french toast sticks, hummus still, sweet potato fries, peas, EVERY fruit you put in fruit of her and anything in a pouch. I've given in a bit in that department. She loves the fruit veggie mixes with quinoa, brown rice, all good stuff!! Lets not forget the breakfast yogurts smoothies with elmo on them! I'm sure I'm screwing something up by letting her eat them herself but she is eating...and eating healthy. I'm not going to fight her...yet :)

I'm a little nervous about the bottle weening and the whole milk switch over we are creeping up on this month. She is having one (of four) bottles in her straw cup. Baby steps. In my head real milk probably tastes way better than formula, so fingers crossed. 

She is standing by herself and walking when we hold one hand pretty well. Maybe by her birthday, but she is a fast as heck crawler so I'm sure she isn't in a rush (I know I not pushing it). The stairs are her addiction, she loves to climb them (with me right behind her of course). I tell her No-No when she starts heading towards them she has no interest and listening to me. She puts one hand on the first step and I say No-No again and she turns around and laughs....it's awesome. 

The 1st birthday celebration is approaching! I'm not sure if I want to throw up or get excited. I can't believe she is going to be ONE!! Holy Cow! She is so amazing, best year of my life :)

We found a new babysitter!! She is going to start watching Natalie on tuesdays while I work and every other friday night so Nick and I can have a night out. His travel schedule is crazy these last few weeks, and the next month also. I'm so proud of him though. He is doing really well with the new position. And he always remembers to tell me how much he appreciates me being home with Nat by myself all the time. I def need to hear it sometimes! She is quiet active lol. I have him home for 4 days in a row this week, he comes home tmrw night! Hooray. 

My little Mia is a hot mess. I'm to tired to fill in all the blanks there, but we love her, she is a sweetheart :)

Such a big girl :)

Hooray! I have time to post today. Bean is napping and I should be napping too. I have Bronchitis. GROSS!! I'm tough though, a bit tired and sick of coughing but I just really don't want to get Nick or bean sick. Nick has been home this week, thank goodness. He has a bit of a sore throat, but my fingers are still crossed. 

We went to Tampa last weekend to visit our friends Tiff and Jonathan. Nat was great on the plane, quick flight, no biggie. I had a ton of anxiety driving to the airport. First time flying with bean by myself. And visiting friends who don't have kids requires a lot of packing!! We had a great time though, went to the beach, and the zoo! Fun filled weekend, and I'm sure the Patch family is happy to have silence back in their house lol. 

This last two weeks she really tests her ability to balance. She will stand up and hold things, shake her hands in excitement, and is becoming pretty good with her push toy. She is such a fast crawler however I think she might take her time on the walking. 

She can full on climb all the stairs...fast. It's scary and obviously she is only aloud when nick or I are with her...she has to learn sometime I guess. She points to everything like she wants it, or wants to show us that it's there. It's so cute. If she really wants something she will yell "dat!" while she points. I'm confined sometimes she is really singing a song. Or at least she thinks she is.

We are doing a little bit better with eating. She will let me spoon feed her a little bit now in-between her feeding herself. I think I'm going to let her try some cheese next week. She really likes the Earth's best teething cookies. And Hylands teething tablets are our best friend. She now has 3 teeth...slowly but surely lol. And the four is looking like it's going to break through any day now. This morning she fell crawling and smacked her chin on the tile. There was some blood...her bottom tooth cut her top gum...that just sounds painful :( I called the pediatrician cause I'm a crazy first-time mom and she said she is fine...duh. I asked about me having Bronchitis as well, and there isn't much else we can do. I've been wearing a mask, and washing my hands like crazy.  

The weather has been stinky her this week, I'm hoping it clears up for the wknd. That way we can open the house up again and get the sick out! Jo is coming to visit next week. I'm stoked to maybe help her do some wedding dress shopping, and celebrate her b-day with her! I miss my BFF...lots. Then we have Liz's bachlorette weekend in Ft. Lauderdale on the 17th! I'm very excited to get some sun on the beach, have some girl time, and celebrate Liz's last whooo-raw! We also may get to see Nick's Aunt Teri and Uncle Bill on sunday! 

On a mushy Natalie note, I really don't have words anymore to describe how awesome she is. I'm positive every mom feels this way, but she is incredible. She makes me so happy, she has such an dynamic little personality already. I feel so blessed that I get to watch her grow up everyday. I wish it would slow down a bit, but I'm happy to have a front row seat for the show :)

Nat with Tiff and J-man!

Checking out the monkeys with Daddy.

Cutest peguin ever!

Excited on the Merry-go-round!

Daddy got her a Third Man Record shirt!