New words every day!

Every day we here a new word out of Natalie! It is amazing. She is growing up all too fast. She says mama, dada, please, baba (bottle), taco, thank you, cookie, cracker, baby, sissa (sister), DOUGLAS!, grandpa, grandma, bye bye, Dominyck and many more. She shocked us today when she argued with Daddy! He said "you did it" and he said "no didn't".

Growing up

She climbs up on to the couch and sits by her brothers. She wants so badly to be just like them. I can see it already, years of wanting to be grown. Wishing she was in the next stage of her life. Just like I was. Now all I wish is for it to slow down. Life goes by in the blink of an eye; always changing, never stopping. I miss it. I miss the moment I found out I was pregnant with her, the first time I heard her heartbeat, her little toes on the ultrasound screen, the excitement of the upcoming delivery, the joy of her first cries, the itty bity diapers, her sweet smell as I breast fed her, her first smiles, her first steps, every moment since the moment I knew she would be mine. She wants to grow up and I want her to stay little forever. Some day she will be a mom and understand, but for now she is going to follow in her brothers footsteps and grow up all too fast.

Bella Bunny

I made Bella the Easter bunny for Natalie tonight. She is going in Natalie's Easter basket on Sunday! I hope Natalie loves her.

My best friend

My daughter sees me with my pj's on and when my hair is a mess and she still thinks I am beautiful. When I am crazy moody she walks up and gives me the biggest hug! I think she just knows how to make her mama happy. My daughter is my best friend. 

If I died today, what I'd want my daughter to know:

1. You are an amazing little girl, who has blessed my life in more ways than I could count! I am in awe of all that you are. I could not imagine being more proud or more in love with you. 
2. I want you to live life like anything is possible. With hard work and determination you can conquer even the highest of mountains. I know that you are a strong, sassy little girl and if you work hard enough, stand up for what you believe in and never back down, you will go where ever you want to in life!
3. Don't accept "NO" as an answer (except when your mama says it). *wink* I want you to fight for what you want, not just step aside, because some one told you that you can't!
4. Family is the single most important thing in life, my dear. It took me many years to realize that they were the only people who would always be by my side. I pray that it doesn't take you as much time or as much heartbreak for you to realize that. Your daddy is the proudest man I know and he will always love you. Your brothers are your protectors and they only want what is best for you. You sister is your best friend; the friend you gossip with, tell every thing too and ask to be the maid of honor at your wedding. And remember no matter what I am always with you. We all will love you forever and always.
5. I hope that you find the truest of love. Your dad and I found a rare gem. We love with all of our hearts and dance to this beat called life, like no one is watching! I hope you love like you have never been hurt and give your heart to the man of your dreams. I want you to grow old with some one special like I am doing with your dad. It has given me the greatest joy.
6. I hope you jump out of your comfort zone! Try new things, even if you didn't like it the first time. Please, don't get caught in a day to day routine. Live a little. 
7. Travel the world and experience some thing new before you get married and have a family. I can't lie when I say that I dream of the day that you are married in a little house with a family of your own. I envision a bunch of little one's running around yelling "grandma!". But, that doesn't mean that I want you to rush into it! Take your time and enjoy life. I grew up all too fast. I missed out on a lot of adventures that I hope some day you will get to have. There is so much to see and you have a life time to see it! 
8. Stay grounded. Don't fly off too far. While I want you to live a little and experience life, I also want you to remember who loves you the most. Family is so important and we want to see you too. I couldn't imagine our family being scattered around the world on Christmas or Easter. Remember where home is. 
9. Don't worry about other people and their judgments. People are quick to judge and even quicker to assume. No one knows the desires of your heart like God does. He is the only one allowed to judge you. If you are happy with the person you are and are working the best you can to always be in Christ's image, I am sure your Heavenly Father and I will be perfectly proud. 
10. Always be kind and don't pass judgments on others. Not only should you have faith in yourself and your God, but you should also have faith in your brothers and sisters. Everyone of God's children has a story and no one is perfect (not even if dad and I think you are). None of us have the right to place judgement. Be kind and understanding. I pray that you help when you can and pray for others too.
11. You are growing into an amazing little person and I just know that you are going to be such a special woman. Everyday I think of the future we have together and the memories we will share. If it is ever cut short, just know that I love you and will be with you always. 

Poor baby is sick

Natalie is sun burnt and sick. Poor baby. She burns so easy! We need to make sure to cake on the sunblock. I learned how to make a natural sunscreen, so we are going to give that a try on our next outing. she did have a lot of fun at Grandma and Grandpa Kieffer's house celebrating Easter though! She actually looked high and low for her eggs. It was the cutest thing. She didn't mind getting chocolate as a treat either! =) She sure is a girl.

Splash, splash!

She just loved the water park in Brainard!

Natalie's a cowgirl

Natalie's first time on a real horse ride! She loved it. I was so excited to share one of my most beloved past times with her.

First day at the park...

It has been wonderful outside! We have been so lucky to have such an early spring. We are making the best of it while we have it!

Nuk thief!!!

Natalie has a very NEW facination with soothie nuks. She steals them from her sister all the time. LOL Silly girl.

Look at those curls!

Natalie has the sweetest curls all over her head! Almost as beautiful as those beautiful blue eyes!