Natalie loves Elmo - so much that she even rescues dirty diapers from the trash if she spots an Elmo on them. That's just what everyone needs.
I love to squeeze her. I pick her up and hug her tight, saying "Squeeeeze her! Squeeze her!" I did that yesterday and, for the first time, she squeezed me back. As tight as she could! It was precious. I think I will always remember how that felt.
Poor baby has been struggling with constipation since Thanksgiving 2014. We have taken her to the doctor several times, and they advise it is common. We keep her on miralax and give her fruits, veggies and foods that have as much fiber as she can stand. But let's face it, she's 19 months old and she wants cheese. We can be very thankful that she still likes blueberries and watermelon.
I took the kids on a trip to Michigan for two weeks, beginning at the end of July. Natalie was a wild animal on the airplane rides. We met a very kind stranger - a father to four daughters - on the way home who helped with her.
In Michigan, Sam and Natalie got a lot of outdoor time. We went to the lake four times and I learned that Natalie is not a fan of large bodies of water. She clings like a monkey. Oddly, Sam was far braver in the water than she was. I'd have lost a lot of money on that bet.
We found a giant Elmo in the thrift store in Newberry. It was 50 cents and nearly as tall as her. It was ours immediately. Sometimes Natalie lays on him like a pillow.
Grandma and Grandpa Tractor loved our visit. They were wonderful, doting grandparents. I treasured having my children on what will always feel like my true home. Auntie Becca and Uncle Bill were there briefly, too, and we had a big family reunion with people from my father's side. That was special.
In other news, Natalie is just beautiful. She's very funny and very smart. She seems small for her age. Her hair is getting long and curls at the end. She has ten teeth - six on top, including two molars, and four on the bottom with just one molar there. She still loves her tummy, though she doesn't touch it as often as she once did. I often find myself staring at her...I just adore her!
