Look at my (now big) girl!

The bottom two photos were just as she turned two.  The top one was the night we watched Obama win the election in 2008.  The little guy is my friend Steph's little Jackson.

Happy 7th birthday to Natalie

 Little Ms. Natalie is seven today.  I was talking today to Ms. Kumari, Natalie's preschool teacher and Matthew's current headmaster at his preschool about where Natalie is now.  My heart is full of pride for my little girl.  I hate to go back over it, because to someone on the outside, what we went through with Natalie really doesn't seem like that much, and in so many ways I agree.  But anyone who sees their baby sit in ICU because they just can't stop a seizure or be told that their not quite two year old might need a walker would understand that she is a wonder.  Her coordination isn't fabulous, but it isn't horrible either, and along with a little less stamina than her peers, that is all we can see from what she went through as a toddler.  She was struggling some with reading and Steph, one of our good friends, did some tutoring with her and she is doing so well now.  She does well with math and can do a  nice job with her math facts.  She loves her new teacher and is having fun with learning new things.  We recently ended our two years of swimming lessons, so we are looking for something new physical for her to do.  We had a swimming and waterproof tattoo party this last Saturday to celebrate.  As you can see, Matthew had a ball too!

 Matthew loving the kiddy pool.

 Natalie with her friend Stacy.

 Her sweet new friends Matilda and Summer.

 Grandma Sandi, Papa Joe and Papa Bob.  We never could have done the party without their help!  Papa Joe was on Matthew duty and Papa Bob, Grandma Lois, and Grandma Sandi were amazing with the food and decorations.

 My kids' bonus grandparents, Alice and Joe.  We love them.  Adore them, actually.

 Our circus popcorn boxes and circus cake.

 Natalie's buddy Myka.

 Having a blast with the pinata. It was his very first time.  He thought it was very cool to be able to hit something with a stick.

My smart little guy

Tucking Matthew into bed each night, or actually for nap for that matter, is always a challenge.  We go potty, read a million books, say goodnight to all of his friends in his school picture ("Goodnight Lunden, Goodnight Ms. Jorli, Goodnight Slade...."), cuddles, you name it.  Natalie read him a book tonight (that was awesome!  She is doing so well in reading) and I was ready to leave.  He said, "No, Mommy, don't leave.  You are my best friend."  Awwwwww.  I couldn't leave.  I read another book.  Or maybe three.
I went out to tell Andy this, all proud of myself, and when I did he informed me that Matthew told him at naptime that HE was Matthew's best friend.
Clever kid, huh?  I so love how quickly he has become very verbal.  It is fun to see.

Two interesting photos.

 Andy woke up when I went to go get the camera; he and Charli were really cuddled up like this.  Charli definitely adores him.  As for this other photo, Natalie selected Matthew's outfit. He is wearing a blue MandM outfit, a pink stocking hat, a hula skirt, Sperry shoes, and of course, carrying what every well dressed MandM is wearing these days, a tamborine.  Wow. Just wow.