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 :)

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!

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!

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

14 Months!!

I have such a big girl! I can't believe she is 14 months old already. One more month to her next appointment, I feel like we just went yesterday and endured all the shots!! I keep meaning to weigh her to see how much she has grown the last 2 months, but I usually remember when I get in the shower. Me showering these days means she is most definitely sleeping. Showering with her awake is a thing of the past. Never thought when we bought this house 3 years ago that I would be bothered by not having a bathroom door in the master. Thing number 973 I will have to remember the next time we are house hunting. For now, I guess until she is old enough to be safe unsupervised (Middle school??), I shower when she sleeps. 


On wednesday last week I picked up Nama from the airport to hang with us for a good long week. I was invited to meet Nick in Louisville, KY for the weekend. Its been so nice to have Peggy here. She is awesome with bean and such a huge help! I didn't have to worry one bit while we were away. There was a memorial weekend planned for one of his co-workers who passed away four months ago. It was a beautiful ceremony and golf tournament to follow. More of a celebration of a great mans life at his favorite country club. Lots of tears still, I was sad for all his friends and family, I unfortunately never had the chance to meet him. 


On a nice note though I did get the opportunity to meet a good portion of Nick's co-workers. It was nice to put a name to some faces. He works with a really great team. We stayed at his boss's house, what nice people. Kentucky is beautiful. I didn't get to see much of it due too our busy, event packed, quick weekend. But lots of wildlife, hills, big trees, and my personal favorite....fire flies!! I ate a fried bologna sandwich...god help me. And drank a good amount of bad beer. My body still hasn't forgiven me, and my efforts to get to the gym the next few days will probably fail. 


I missed bean a ton, I only got a glimpse of how hard it must be for Nick to do all the time. Even two nights was rough for me. I welled up multiple times on sunday just knowing I was going to see her that afternoon. Crazy! 


We head to Wisconsin on Thursday! I couldn't be more excited for everyone to see Natalie. She has just changed so much since the last time all of our family up there has seen her. We have lots of fun things planned, a music fest, a July 4th party, a bridal shower/baseball game, and even some Chicago fun! Until Thursday Nick and I both have a very busy work week. He has to head to tampa for a bit and also catch up on lots of work after been on the road for the last, well, month basically. Poor dude. Luckily Name is still here making it all much easier for us. Natalie loves to play with her and Peggy is really enjoying her time just hanging with the bean! We are really lucky to have her here :)


The last two weeks Natalie has picked up a few more tricks. She is now making walking look like old news. Total Cake. When you ask her what a fishy says she makes a bubbly noise (Nama taught her that). She fake snores (also a Nama teach). Getting pretty good at going backwards down the stairs and off the couch. She mastered climbing from inside her car, out the window and on the to couch. NOT GOOD! When you ask her a question she throws her hands up gesturing "I don't know", even when she knows the answer lol. She shakes her head NO now...dang it. And when we FaceTime with Daddy she really gets excited. Before she would smile but kinda still do her own thing. Now its a full on Nat-Tat spaz attack! IT's so cute, and I know it makes Nick so happy. It's a common occurrence when he comes home from a long trip, but now just seeing him on the phone causes the same excitement. It's awesome. She loves to rough house with her daddy, and is quite tough for a little girl. She is a dare devil, climbs everything, falls backwards purposely, slams herself into pillows, yanks herself onto the couch, and tries very hard to jump lol. She can catch (she is athletic like her mommy...duh), and has a pretty good throw as well. But the sweet side is my favorite. She hugs all her animals and shares her snacks and drinks with them. Loves to snuggle before bed, she carries around her baby and pats her back saying "awww". And now gives kisses on command!! Just a sweetie pie :)

Ma! Put water in the pool! Come on! My little Italian!

We did get a good one for daddys birthday but this one was just funny lol. 

I think I covered everything. It will be a while till I post again, we don't get home till July 4th and then I work the rest of the week. Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday :)

Bottle-free Bean!! :)

Natalie was putting on quite the show at my moms last week. This video will show some of the silly-ness. 

This may or may not come as a surprise, but I apparently was having a harder time giving up Beans night-time bottle then she was. She was mildly aggravated for ONE night. Then totally forgot about bottles like she had only had them a few times....wow. Another Mommy lesson learned lol. When her friend Maizy came over on friday and had her bottle, Natalie “Na-Na”ed and pointed a few times but then continued to play. We still sit on the couch together while she winds down watching mickey...just with a cup of milk instead. I’m sure she isn't getting as much as she was a few months ago, but I just make sure I push her milk cup a few times a day to get the ounces in. She will drink a good 4-6 oz. out of the cup before bed so thats comforting. 

So now, along with saying “hi” we added “oooo wow” to our vocabulary! It’s pretty funny, to hear her belt it out, and she seems to use the phrase at the perfect moments. The speaking will come, this is such a fun age, I’m enjoying watching her learn! We are working on clothes this week a bit. She knows where her shoes and socks go when you ask, she points to her feet. So I want to master the rest of her attire. 

I made Nat some banana ice cream yesterday that she loves. So easy, just frozen a banana, put it in the food processor with some milk...boom. 

We had a packed weekend. Lots of good family times, and daddy/nat tat time. We did get to have a nice visit with my dad, his girlfriend and Winston today. It was really good to see them, but even better that they brought Winston with along. We spent some quality time with Winny, while my dad and Annie played with Natalie. It’s been super hot the last few days so lots of pool time was had. She loves the pool and loves to be outside. She stands in front of the slider crying when I say no :( 

Bean and I had another little pool day with a few friends on Friday. My friend Steph from college recently moved down to S.Fla and joined us with her little man for the first time. He is absolutely adorable, little boys clothes are so cute! It was fun to add another mommy, however, the weather this time of year keeps us indoors more than I’d like. Que lastima! 

Miss Natalie is also becoming permanently Velcro-ed to my leg around almost everyone. She has never really done the separation anxiety thing, but I think she might be testing it out. It’s adorable (only to me), but I’m sure she will grow out of it soon enough. It makes me feel bad when she pushes people away like a little stinker. 

Our babysitter, Anna, is fantastic. We really like her and she is great with Natalie. However, her school schedule is only allowing her to watch bean on Wednesday’s for me, so Mondays will be “Take Nat to work day!” :)

We will probably be using her on the weekends when she can as well. I just rather Nat be with the same sitter every time we aren’t home. 

Daddy and bean swinging :)

Nat and Maizy!