We have a Soccer player Video

We put a ball in front of her and she started kicking it and not missing.....

Happy Thanksgiving 2009

Sept. 2009 Natalie at 2 years and 11 months

July 2009 Having fun

June 14th marks one year since God gave Natalie to us and made us a family. So blessed!

My First Mother's Day

For many years I lived out the scripture, "hope deferred makes the heart sick".  I longed for a child to love to this degree.  At times I felt as though my heart would burst.

My heart still feels like it will burst, but now it is out of great joy and her name is Natalie.  She is my sunshine.  I cannot even fathom life without her now and I am completely amazed at the sublime goodness of my God for this amazing gift in my life.  He chose Natalie for Steve and I, and He chose us for her.  Knowing that we all needed each other and that together we are stronger for the Kingdom.  

Everyday Natalie teaches me how to love without judgement or bias.  She teaches me how to appreciate all that God has created (even bugs; dead and alive).  She is fearless and compassionate, strong and tender.   I pray daily for wisdom and grace as this little girl looks to me for nurture, protection and love.  

I love being a mom, more importantly, I love being Natalie's mom.  This is the first of many Mother's Days where I will stand and give God all the glory for bestowing me with such an honor.  God is faithful!

Natalie's been home for almost 11 months!

Natalie is growing up so quickly! She now has close to 200 words in her vocabulary and parrots almost every word we say.  Tonight she said "pickpocket" because that's what Steve called her when she took his pen out of his shirt pocket.  Makes you very aware and careful of what you say!

Everyday is  a new adventure for Natalie and I love seeing the world through her eyes.  She wakes up saying "good morning" and "hello" and is quick to greet everyone in her path with "hello, goodbye, and have a good day" as she leaves restaurants, church, shopping malls....you get the picture.  I think we have finally taught her that kisses are for family and special people, although I believe all the waiters and waitresses in the past have enjoyed her sweet smooches.  So much love in this little girl she can't help but give it away.