Sunday, September 21, 2008

3 months and a day.......

Well, Steve and I have tried to keep you updated with pictures of little Natalie, but it has been awhile since I actually posted something. Here we go--

I can't believe we've been home 3 months already. Natalie is doing so well in her adjustments and transitions. She usually takes everything in stride and is quick to let us know if something is amiss in her world. Her vocabulary is growing and if she can't actually say the words, she uses the vocal intonation and the correct number of syllables to get her point across. She has said her own name using two words she has down pat: dada and wee (for when she is on a swing) become "dadawee" for "Natalie". I think she is genius! :)

This week in particular she has eaten like never before. Every meal she cleans up and I know she is growing because some of her 12 month shirts just won't fit. YES! Finally getting into those 18 month clothes! Natalie continues to try new foods but she still has her favorites. I keep her snacks on the lowest shelf in the pantry and she'll go get a box and bring it to 'mama' to open. We want her to know that she can have food whenever she wants it and I am thrilled that she is understanding this concept.

The end of August brought transition as I returned to work on a full time basis. On Tuesday she is with her Aunt Angie who is spoiling her every chance she gets. Natalie adores her. Natalie has playtime with cousin Jake before he heads to afternoon Kindergarten and then she gets to play with JP and Jake when they come home from school. On Wednesday she is with Miss Kitty and also has playtime with Danica. I would love to be a little girl at Miss Kitty's house---she is soo much fun!

Other things Natalie loves: the carousel rides at Dulles mall; tunnels, slides and swings at the park---any park; chocolate milkshakes; watching 101 Dalmatians with Daddy; singing with Mommy; giving slobbery kisses, sealed with a 'mwah'; petting her 'deacon' dog; being chased; tickle time; bike riding with Mom and Dad in her new 'tyke trailer'; having her hair blow dried; trying on shoes; playing, playing, playing!

Everyday we are humbled and blessed by this little girl God has chosen to share with us. She belongs to Him and yet He has entrusted us to love and nurture her as her life unfolds. Wow!

Have I mentioned that I love being a mommy?
Karen

p.s. Please keep us covered in prayer for Sept. 30. Natalie will have an MRI of her head/brain at Children's in DC. The doctors are concerned with the lack of growth as far as her head circumference. We will keep updates coming.

4 comments:

Heather Brandt said...

I will be praying for Natalie as she goes to the dr. on Sept. 30th.

God bless,

Heather
www.russianblessings.wordpress.com

Anonymous said...

I will be lifting all of you in prayer. She is so cute, such a pretty little girl I love your website and look at it every couple of days. My husband and I in the process of an adoption in Russia. Amazing journey.

I will be thinking of her.
Janet

Anonymous said...

continuing to pray for you all, especially Miss Natalie. i just went through a day full of ct scans & MRIs and my Mom had a hard time seeing me go through that, all the other procedures & tests and knowing i most likely will need 2 brain surgeries very soon. i can only imagine how hard it is for you with Natalie - i'm 22 and she's so little!

IDEA: if she likes the carousel, while in DC for her appointment, there's a carousel we rode every sunday growing up. it's next to the smithsonian castle. i was at gwu hospital yesterday which is near the lincoln memorial and i think we were at the wrong end of the National Mall for that.

just a thought, something to brighten her day after what can be scary for such a little girl.

SUGGESTION: if Natalie will be awake during the MRI, bring earplugs!!!!!!!! my imaging center (kaiser) supplied disposable ones because it is LOUD in there. it definitely helped, as i could still hear quite a bit even with them in.

please let us know how it goes. praying for you!!!!!!

in Him,
michelle

sandy said...

It is just wonderful to read your updates about Natalie. I can't believe that three months have passed so quickly since we met on your flight home from Moscow. Natalie has blossomed in your care!

We will have been home one month on the 30th with M. She has grown so much too! (Like a "Ballpark Frank", I joke.) Coincidentally, it is also her first birthday! One of these days I'll actually have some time to put up a post about her!

Wishing you the best with the MRI on Tuesday. I hope she can stay still through the test and that the results are positive.

Warmly, Sandy