Natalie is ONE!

I can't believe I have a toddler! It seems like Natalie has gotten so big all of sudden and is doing all kinds of grown-up things. Take walking for instance - babies don't walk, but toddlers do! Seeing her walk all around our house and up and down the sidewalk has instantly made her older in my eyes. Natalie has also started dancing when she hears music. I think her little knee bending and bottom bouncing is the cutest thing I have ever seen. (Boy is she going to love reading that when she's older :-) Ha!) Two of Natalie's presents included a baby doll and a little stuffed penguin. She immediately "cuddled" both of them and has since been giving hugs and cuddles to all her other toys.



Natalie's actual birthday was on a Thursday. We had a good relaxing day, went to the park and had waffles with blueberries for dinner. She sure loves those blueberries! She also opened her presents and was forced to pose for a few pictures with her new loot.

We had an official "first birthday party" on Saturday with some friends and had a fun time. I think she enjoyed seeing all her friends, though the sheer number of friends all at once was a little overwhelming for her. Normally she doesn't have so many people talking and looking at her all at the same time! When we sang "Happy Birthday" and gave her a cupcake she was a little hesitant to dig in. She very daintily stuck one finger in the frosting and gave it a lick. I think she was still getting used to something so different and never really dug in. Later that night however, Natalie saw an extra cupcake sitting on the counter. She immediately started pointing and made it very clear it was what she wanted. I pulled off a piece and she shoved the whole thing in her mouth, then begged for more. I think she's getting the hang of the whole cupcake thing now. :-)

Natalie's one-year well check-up isn't until Friday, so I don't have official stats, but according to our best weighing and measuring skills, Natalie is about 20 pounds and 30 inches long.