December 31, 2012

Another month, another year

First of all, a few days ago, on December 29, Natalie turned 15 months old. See what a big girl she's getting to be!

 

Second, it was our turn to spend Christmas this year with Sarah's family, and so we went to Iowa, where we were hosted by Sarah's parents. Here is our immediate family on Christmas Eve:


Sarah's sister, Miriam, spent Christmas with us in Iowa as well and came with her husband, Andy, and two daughters, Olivia and Nora. The cousins had a great time playing with each other, since they are close in age.

Nora, Olivia, Lexi and Natalie

 One night we made krum kake, a traditional Norwegian Christmas cookie.

December 1, 2012

Where does the time go?

I have been super busy at work - no time for personal things - and our weekends and evening seem pretty full, too.  Natalie lately seems really clinging and wants to be held for no reason that we can figure out.  You can tell she is learning things by leaps and bounds though she still doesn't articulate/say any words, except Dad.

Here's some of the things Natalie is doing now.

-Natalie knows to put her arms in her coat sleeves when her coat comes out.
-Natalie seems to be shaking her head no at times
-She blows kisses, waves and gives high fives goodbye.
-She says "more" in sign language.
-Natalie understands when I tell her it is time to go upstairs to brush her teeth - she starts heading for the stairs.
-She is learning how to color (per her sister) - she definitely seems to be holding a crayon in the right grip. :)
-I saw her back down 3 steps - this has only happened once, but maybe she has got it.
-She walked up stairs holding mom's hand and was able to lift her foot high enough to get it onto the next step.
-When we are leaving, she knows to get her socks and shoes and bring them to mom or dad for help.
-When we come home, Natalie knows to take her coat off.

Lexi is learning to read. She read "food market" all by herself and she didn't even have to sound it out.  She knows lots of what her school calls "sight words" and she reads a book each night from school.  She does a really good job of reading though sometimes she does get frustrated.