Into the New Year!

Just wanted to say Happy 2010! I am celebrating in Columbus with my buddy Parker...more on my adventures later. Hope you all have a great night!!!

My First Christmas!

Well, it has been a wonderful past few days....Grandma and Grandpa Jackson came into town on Wednesday and have been spoiling me all week. I am looking forward to visiting them in January at their house! The Jackson tradition includes Chinese food for Christmas Eve. So we went out to lunch at New Empire and had a great meal. I'm starting to enjoy my time in high chairs, plus I had a santa hat on to keep others entertained. It even made our waiter dance for me! Then I was home for my afternoon nap so I could be well rested to open up presents. The family presents are opened on Christmas Eve and Santa presents on Christmas morning.

Here was my present opening blanket. I love my Christmas PJs!

I was interested in my stocking and tried to help unload it.

Obi got a duck toy from Grandpa and Grandma Jackson. It is currently under repairs and may not fly again.

Me just being cute.

We got some family photos with the tree before I had to go to bed.

I made Grandma and Grandpa a photo book, so they can watch me grow!

Everybody slept well and before you knew it, Christmas morning was here! I gave Mom a bag of giant marshmellows. I think she was impressed. It remains to be seen if she can get a whole one in her mouth.

This dress was worn by Mom on her first Christmas pictures. It was made by Grandma Hiatt! I was really interested in the hat and the long strings to tie it.

More family photos! Mom and Dad left me with Grandpa and Grandma and they went out on a date (woo!) to see Sherlock Holmes. I was on good behavior for them.

My grandparents and my puppy, Obi.

He did it! No, she did it!

I liked my little red Christmas outfit.

Wow, it's been Christmas practically all December! I've been spoiled with gifts from everyone!! Thank you all! I'm set with new clothes, books and toys...

Yup, that's me just hanging out with Grandma. I've been working on my waving skills this past week. My tooth is looking good, but elusive to photograph. I've also been practicing scooting around. For some reason I seem to just have a reverse. Oh well, I'm sure I'll get there. And today was my first ride in a cart and I enjoyed the view. Hope your Christmas was as good as mine!

While I Was Sleeping...

Sometimes you miss the best things when you are in bed....and since my bed time is so early that was the case last night. Mom and Dad told me this morning that Aunt Jess is officially joining the family!!!! I'm so excited! Just a week ago I was playing with Aunt Jess and thinking to myself that I had better remind Uncle Matt to make it official.

So the adults got together on X-Box live to celebrate their engagement. Champagne even!
I know it's hard to see, but Uncle Matt showed it to me earlier and it's GORGEOUS! A pretty yellow diamond in the center and little sparkly diamonds around it....

Smooches! What a great early Christmas present!!!! I love you guys!

Happy Eight Months!

Well, I've been on much better behavior this past few days....Friday night I gave Mom an early Christmas present. I slept from 8 to 6, the most sleep Mom has gotten since I was born! I think it was because I finally got my little tooth through on the bottom, it's been hard work. We've had a very busy weekend. Yesterday was the annual Christmas party at Mick and Maryanne's house and then today we met up with our friends the Filatoffs for dinner. Jacob and Dennis pushed me all around their house in my stroller while I laughed and kicked my legs. They have a fuzzy wheaten puppy too, which I liked. Now we are getting ready for Grandpa and Grandma Jackson to come and visit on Wednesday!! Here's some pictures from the past few days...

Modeling my 12 month outfit from Grandpa and Grandma Jackson.

My Christmas outfit from Aunt Colleen (it says I'm sweet on my auntie) and my new favorite stuffed animal from my friends Floyd and Karen.

I have enjoyed our Christmas tree, just think what I'll do to it next year!

Grandma Hiatt made us all pretty Christmas stockings this year, with our names embroidered!

Matthew and Madeline, my buddies, at Mick and Maryanne's party.

I love my Christmas PJs and to suck on my bunnie's ears!

My eight month photo shoot :)

Everything in the mouth! My teddy bear needed to dry out...

Does this angle make my butt look big?

Yup, I've been a happy girl this weekend. Hope you are all in the holiday spirit! It's snowing tonight and I'm excited it's almost Christmas!

Rough Patch

Well, I had big plans of going through all the Seattle pictures and getting more on my blog....but after last night's "nap" Mom wanted me to get some sleep tonight. Not sure if it's the return to East Coast time or my shiny new tooth that's still working it's way in, but I've been cranky! We had a decent flight back on Monday and even was able to pick up Obi puppy that night. Too bad he has "puppy cough" and has to be on some medication for the next two weeks. Then Tuesday and Wednesday Mom and Dad spent time getting the house back together. Last night was long (or short) because I got up almost every two hours. Kind of a return to my childhood! So, everyone was feeling it today. Well, I'm going to call it a night....will update more this weekend.

Natalie = Baptised

For those of you not able to make it to Kent, Washington last night, here's the big baptism moment. I was baptised at St. John the Baptist Church by Father Jim - the same church (with the same priest) where my parents were married. My godparents are my Uncle Matt and Aunt Court. They did good work last night.

A big thanks to Grandpa and Grandma Hiatt for hosting the Afterparty, and hello to my Grandparents Jackson who are weathering...the weather back in the Midwest.

More Great Grandma Time and the Big Swim!

Well, dinner is almost ready but I really wanted to add some more pics of my adventures in Seattle. Thursday both Great Grandma Hiatt and Great Grandma Matelich came over to play and have dinner. I provided the entertainment of course!

Great Grandma Matelich
Great Grandma Hiatt

Earlier in the week meal time ended up being play time with Auntie Courtiepoo. I wore my favorite bib for her and she gave me a hat. Seems like a fair trade.

Monday night Mom and Dad went out with Aunt Jess and Uncle Matt to a concert in Seattle. I was babysat by Grandma and Grandpa Hiatt. Of course, because I go to bed so early it was a short night.

Uncle Matt and Dad

Tuesday night Grandma and Grandpa's neighbors came over for a little show and tell. I was just EXHAUSTED. Thankfully Grandpa liked holding me.

Photo op on the couch, ready for my close-up.

And one of the big events of the week was my big swim debut! This is my before picture, with Uncle Matt and Aunt Jess. I had been practicing my strokes at home. All in all a smashing success. Although they should design better swim diapers that don't give wedgies.

Time to sign off. Hope you enjoyed my pics and video! Life has been busy! Looking forward to dinner with Auntie Courtiepoo, Uncle Matt, Aunt Jess, Mom, Dad, Grandpa and Grandma!

My First Flight, Hiatt Christmas, and Great Grandma Matelich Open House

Well, I can't decide what time zone I'm in......but the pictures are piling up so I figured I had better get a few out there! I had a great flight out from Detroit. The highlights of the flight were my empty pop bottle (great noise maker) and the barf bag (also crinkled great) as far as entertainment goes. I also had a diaper change in the really tiny bathroom and was told by Dad that my screams were largely unheard. Maybe we need that kind of sound proofing at home.

Hanging with Dad on the plane. Why do people ALWAYS put their chairs back into his knees??
This is my car seat in Grandpa and Grandma Hiatt's Pilot. I think it works out great!

I also have a high chair and my own pack and play. Very well equipped!

Grandma's friend from work even brought over a box of baby toys. This one is a favorite of mine so far. Along with a stuffed butterfly that is great for chewing on.

Aunt Jess can't believe how big I've gotten since July!

Uncle Matt used to be called the "bounce king", maybe now he'll be the "swing king."

Auntie Courtiepoo helped to get me dressed up for the Hiatt Christmas.

It was a long day, but I managed to hold it together and stay pretty happy.

I also sucked on my toes/tights some...

This is me with my buddies Trey (2 months) and Izzy (6 months).

Great Grandma Hiatt had her hands full!

Today was Great Grandma Matelich's party. It was the first time I had met her, although we've talked on the phone a few times.

Uncle Matt showing off his skills.

Me with the Great Grandmas, Grandparents, and Auntie Courtiepoo!

Great Grandma Matelich can't believe how heavy I am!

Mom's cousin Kayla has great hair to play with.

Well, it really has been a whirlwind! On top of that, I'm cutting my first tooth on the bottom left. Life is exciting! And on the plane I said Mama for the first time. It's been a busy trip already and it's just begun!!!