Welcome to Nat and Stella's Blog!

Nat and Stella want you to know all about their life. Though it may be mundane, it is occasionally extraordinary, and we love to keep you posted. Follow along with all of their bumps, burps, and buds here!

Friday, October 22, 2010

Our Little Pumpkin and the Patch



We have had an eventful month. Stella is getting so big, and is very eager to show off all of her new "roam the house" skills. She knows where we keep the gift bags, and wants them all over the floor. She know where Mommy keeps her purse, and would like to see that stuff on the floor too. She is well aware of the magical items behind bathroom cabinet doors, and heeds their call. It takes quite a bit of effort to keep up with her!



Stella is now standing independently, and takes about seven or eight steps when she walks. She can make it from the TV to the couch, and when not paying attention, she can walk even farther! She likes to practice standing up on the bed, and I think this has helped her balance quite a bit. Personally, I am excited to not have to carry her everywhere I go- as her baby brother or sister grows larger, hauling Stella is going to become more difficult. Stella is pretty proud of herself when she walks, and will applaud each attempt.



We took our little pumpkin out to Goebbert's Farm to pick out a pumpkin. Stella and I headed out after school, and Chris came out to meet us after work. Stella was WAY into the pumpkins. She thumped and pushed them as though making a thorough inspection. We ended up picking one that looked lonely, and she and Daddy will be carving it up this week.



Before Daddy arrived at the farm, Stella and I had some time to bond over a big, frosted pumpkin cookie. I handed it to her so that I could take a picture and immediately she bit off a humongous piece. She attempted to say, "Mmmmm," as cookie crumbles out. She ate more than her fair share while cuddling me and stroking my arm; she is a very affectionate little girl.

Friday, October 1, 2010

Stella's Television Debut



Here is the link to the NBC First Birthdays clip. This was Stella's first television debut!

http://www.nbcchicago.com/shows/newstoday/First_Birthdays__September_30__2010_Chicago.html

Beautiful Birthday Girl!



Stella turned one yesterday and suddenly became quite amorous! She showered us with snuggles and kisses, and spent ten whole minutes giggling while she tickled my feet. She is uber-adorable.



Stella is up to a lot of new tricks! She has been standing unsupported for short periods and takes a few independent steps to cross her playpen. We have yet to see her try to walk without holding on anywhere else yet, but it is coming soon! Chris will tell her to walk to him and she lunges forward and jumps into his arms!



Stella's top two teeth broke through on her birthday, bring our total tooth count up to six! She did this without any whining or crying, which dooms us for when her molars come through. She does, however, want to chew on my face- so I am giving her some chewy toys.



Speaking of toys, Stella got a lot of awesome loot for her birthday! She is having a blast with her new toys, and as soon as we got home from the party we took them all out and she got to work. She has all kinds of new buttons and levers to push, and is digging her electronic books. She takes time out from button-pushing to give her first baby doll a kiss. Love it!



Stella's birthday party was fantastic. Thanks to Grandma Louise for letting us crash her house! We had forty guests, many of which are Stella's closest buddies. We ate pizza, veggies and fruit, and loads of cupcakes. Stella loves her monkey, so we had a monkey theme. Our little monkey wasn't too interested in smashing up the cake; she gingerly dipped her finger in the frosting and tasted it. Once I cut her a piece, however, she went to town and ate the entire thing.



The kids in attendance got to play pin the tail on the monkey, have a monkey hunt, and smash a monkey piƱata! These games preceded the gifts, and boy were there a lot! Stella received a bunch of new toys, cute clothes and shoes, and great books. We have such amazing and generous friends.



As we approached the close of our daughter's first year, it was hard to not be sentimental and weepy. Time really has flown by so fast. I spend evenings packing away her little shirts and onesies that she has outgrown, and I recall the tiny and sweaty baby that once slept on my chest. This year has been full of many blessings, and I am excited about the prospect of the years to come. Happy birthday, Baby Stella! You have brought us such joy, and we love you immensely!



Here are some other photos from the day..