Two And A Half

This picture sums up Natalie at two and a half perfectly; a little bundle of joy.  There are definitely those daily moments when she makes us want to pull our hair out, but she lines all those moments with joy, too.

She is one happy, bright little girl.  She soaks up everything.  Watch what you say around her, because she'll be repeating it word for word moments later.  She talks non-stop.  

She has no interest in potty training, which is our next goal.  It might be our hardest goal to reach yet. 

Her self proclaimed favorite color is purple, and she's quick to tell you Ryan and Kendall's favorite colors, too.  She's got it all down, and I'm sure she'll run the world one day.  She's definitely amazing at running OUR world.

She has very specific ideas about things, and it's her way or the highway almost all the time.  She has become very particular about what she wears and is taking initiative to dress and undress herself.  This can be maddening but I always welcome a little independence. 

She thinks she has the best sister and brother on the planet, which she does of course.  She hates when they aren't around, and asks for them constantly until they get home.  This makes my heart smile.  I love how much she loves them. 

Natalie is a great shopper.  She sits so nicely in the cart and takes it all in.  If I had to pick one of the three to take out, it would be her.  You can't get too close to the merchandise or it ends up in the cart, but other than we don't mind taking her on errands.  And she always, always, always asks the store clerks for stickers!

Getting her to eat dinner has become a battle.  She only eats what she wants and doesn't care if she gets a treat or not.  A treat would usually get her to do anything, but not anymore.  This is one of those "pull our hair out" moments, and we have recently decided the battle is not worth fighting.  Her dinner sits until she decides she's hungry.  This too shall pass, I'm sure. 

Her favorite thing to do right now is fill her Dora backpack with books.  She drags that heavier than heavy book filled backpack everywhere.  We are amazed she can get herself up the stairs with it on her back.  But she does.

She still loves to color, listen to music, sing and has the best dance moves around. 

We love this girl so much! 

She is definitely not a baby anymore.

Tear.