Truth #19

I miss work.

I counted down every day leading up to Christmas break, anxiously planning all the rest and relaxation I would get over the holidays. Now I think I've had enough. I'm ready to go back to work.

I'm not sure if it's because work gets me out of the house, surrounds me with my friends or because I'm making money (that's probably it), but I generally enjoy what I do.

I'm ready for the new year at work!

Pony Tail!

Natalie doesn't particularly enjoy me playing with her hair, so I've kind of left it alone. For a while now I've been thinking it would be long enough for a pony tail, but never had the opportunity to try it. The other day I decided come Hell or high water, I was styling her hair into a cute little pony. It wasn't easy. She squirmed and fussed, tugged and pulled. The end result was loose, floppy and off center, but it was a pony tail! It's far too cold for pony/pig tails right now, but at least I know once the weather is warmer Natalie is going to be sporting a new 'do!

Truth #18

I love Bon Jovi.

I saw my first Bon Jovi concert when I was in high school. My boyfriend at the time took me to see them, and I fell instantly in love. I've seen them a few times since and have always had a great time. I was really excited when I learned they're coming to the RBC center in Raleigh and asked Chase if he would buy me good tickets for the show as my Christmas/Valentine's/birthday/anniversary present and, of course, he complied. Well, now we can't go. So I think you all should consider buying my tickets. They're great seats, face value of each ticket is $150 ( I know, expensive. But when it counts as a gift for four different occasions it's not that bad.) which includes all taxes and surcharges. Anyway, WILL SOMEONE PLEASE BUY THESE TICKETS?!?!?!?!?!

The end.

I'm baaaaack

Now that I've gotten through Nutcracker tech week, the holidays, had Buela taken care of (those of you closest to me know what I'm talking about, those of you that don't know me that well... trust me, you're better off not knowing about Buela) and several power outages, I'm back. Finally. I apologize for the long delay in Natalie updates and "truths", I'm hoping the new year will bring me more motivation.

I was going to upload a few pictures of Natalie from Christmas and the past few days, but Blogger won't let me. I've been trying now for three days. I officially give up.

Truth #17/ Buela

*If you have a weak stomach you might not want to read this post*

I'm a big baby.

Chase had to take me to the ER in the middle of the night on Sunday and I was a complete baby. Here's the story:

I've had a cyst on my sternum for almost a decade now; it has never caused me any trouble or pain. In fact it was so benign that my former dermatologist recommended not doing anything about it and just leaving it until if and when it started to cause trouble. Well, trouble began about a month ago. One day while cuddling with Natalie she picked her head up off my chest and SLAMMED it down right on top of the cyst. It didn't really hurt, I never thought anything of it until a few days later when it started getting bigger. To make a long story short, what used to be a small cyst the size of a pea grew into a red, swollen, extremely painful and angry mass about the size of a silver dollar. So to the doctor I went. He prescribed antibiotics and referred me to a dermatologist. I took the medicine and made my appointment with the dermatologist (which isn't until January 7th, by the way). Over the course of my meds it got better, and all was well until.... Natalie reared back and clocked me in the chest again. And then all Hell broke loose. It grew even bigger and angrier and more painful than ever before. It was such a constant pain that I never had one moment in the day that I wasn't constantly worried about it and counting down the days until January 7th. It got so bad Chase even named it... "Buela Dacyst". Sunday night Buela hurt so badly I couldn't sleep, I laid there perfectly still trying to will away the throbbing pain and eventually at 4 a.m. I woke Chase up and told him we had to have something done about it. (This is where it gets kind of gross.... OK, really gross). We called and woke Mom up and she came over to watch Natalie while Chase took me to my appointment with certain doom. Luckily the ER was completely empty and I saw a doctor right away. I told him about Buela and that I had been on antibiotics and it's still pretty bad. He took one look at Buela and said "We're doing this now".... grrrrreat, that can't be good. The doc told me he was going to numb Buela really well which completely took my worry away, boy was I dumb. That shot was the most painful thing I have ever experienced, I'd rather have a baby. I mean, it was absolutely excruciating. I cried, swore, writhed and moaned. It. was. awful. And it never felt numb, just achey (It was numb, though... I didn't feel the actual lancing). I'll spare you the details of what happened next, just know it wasn't pretty. After the whole life altering even I'm left with an open wound on my chest stuffed with gauze that's hanging out like a worm. It's so disgusting it makes me shudder. I've had anxiety and nausea for the past two days just thinking about it. I am NOT looking forward to being tortured at my appointment today. I'm such a baby. Pray for me.

Truth #16

I could never live outside of the grid. Our internet has been down since Monday, and I thought I was going to go crazy. Sorry for the gap in "truths", but I had no access to blogspot! Stay tuned.

Truth #15

I do not want another baby.

I know I've posted about this before, but it is a truth.

*DISCLAIMER* I fully support and and am completely thrilled for my friends who do want/have more than one child. I in no way think you're crazy or wrong! I only ask the same in return... I have never once told a woman pregnant or trying to be pregnant with a second child that I think she's wrong and then listed my reasons. Sheesh, people.

Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of a squishy widdle baybee and sometimes I do miss having one (and then I snap out of it, shudder, and pray that our method of birth control never fails) ... so I'll just borrow my friend's, and I have plenty of friends getting ready to burst! But honestly, the idea of revisiting the 24/7 morning sickness, sciatica, heartburn, round ligament pain, headaches, fatigue, cramps, swollen feet/face/hands/everything, PUPPs, high blood pressure, tailbone pain and extreme hyper-emotional weirdness makes me cringe. That's not even taking into consideration the labor and all that lovely after baby junk your body goes through.... sore nipples and sore... you get the idea. AND during all that recovery you're not sleeping, you're and emotional wreck, and you have absolutely no clue what you're doing. Oh and if you happen to have a baby like Natalie, you're dealing with a five hour screaming fit starting at precisely 3 p.m. every single day for about four months. Combine all of that with a deployed husband and you've got an equation for an only child.

I know I've mentioned in previous posts that when Natalie was born, Mom moved in with me for two-and-a-half months. OK, that's just not normal. Most women get the hang of it after a few weeks, and grandma goes merrily back to the land of sugar cookies and grandma-ness. Not for poor Beverley, though. I wouldn't let her leave at night... can you imagine how long I'd make her stay if I had two children to deal with? Ha! She would be a permanent resident. Needless to say, she fully supports my decision to bear one child.

I met a woman yesterday who was tall, thin, beautiful and looked energetic and well rested....I also met her 17 month old and her 5 week old. I did sort of envy her, I haven't looked that good since prior to March 2009, I'm still waging war against the remaining 30 lbs of baby pudge I'm carrying around. I'm not one of those women who can glide through pregnancy so seemingly effortlessly. No, if I ever do get pregnant again I'm going to moan the entire time. I've often told my friends that I'd rather be in labor every day for a whole year, than to be pregnant one more day of my life. I'm pretty serious.

Having said all that, I'd do it over and over again for Natalie. Despite my bitter remarks about pregnancy, I was so happy to be carrying a child, and I prayed for her safety everyday. All the while, though, I knew I would never do it again.

I know myself, I know that I'm the best mother I can be to Natalie. And I know that I wouldn't be able to be the best if I had two (or more) children, I know that one or both of them would not get the attention they deserve. I know that about myself, and to be blunt - all the reasons people give me to try and convince me to have another child, in my opinion, stink. So Heather, Sharon, Steph.... we'll stick together to ward off obnoxious only children comments. Corbin, BB and Christopher will be loved and cared for and nurtured just like they would in any family, regardless of size.

Truth #14

The truth of the day: I need to relax. I've been somewhat of a germaphobe where Natalie is concerned, and I get particularly anxious around other children. I know that Natalie can't live in a bubble and playing with other children is necessary and fun for her, but I just can't relax about it. Recently, it has been REALLY. FREAKING. COLD here and I haven't been able to run in two whole weeks. Anyway, I've been juggling taking Natalie to the child care center at the gym ever since she's been old enough to go. Now I think I've made up my mind. We're going tomorrow.

In other news....

Natalie was invited to a birthday party today, happy first birthday, Nathan! When we got to the party we saw something amazing. Something Natalie has never seen before. Something so remarkable and so truly wonderful it deserves special recognition on the blog.

We weren't sure if we were seeing things correctly, or if it was just our imagination. But shortly we began to realize that this remarkable thing was, indeed, real. It was....


Another little girl Natalie's age!


Natalie had a wonderful time at the party, she was into EVERYTHING, as usual. Despite my aforementioned germaphobia, I'm always glad when she has the opportunity to play with other children her age, especially girls!

****************************************************************************************************************************************
Looks like Santa lost one of his Elves! Check out this little mischief maker:

Truth #13

Nothing gives me greater pleasure than seeing Natalie happy. Today was the Southern Pines Christmas Carriage Parade and Natalie got to watch it. It was her very first parade. There were about 15 carriages in all, each decorated with fantastic Christmas ornaments, even some of the horses were wearing santa suits! We let Natalie watch the parade from inside the dance studio so she could stay warm and dry and still be able to see. She danced and wiggled and stomped her little feet. She smiled and waved and "oofed" at them. Watching her have so much fun made me the happiest I've been in a long time!

Truth #12

These are the things I am most proud of in my life:

Natalie, my degree in dance, owning a home, my soldier, my humor, and my mean a** culinary skills.

These are the things I don't like so much:

I'm short tempered, don't multi-task very well, lack workout motivation (it's been 20 something degrees here lately, give me a break), got a BA not a BFA, don't call people back, and have a minor case of road rage

Truth #11

There isn't one day that I don't think about my Uncle Al, I miss him very much.

My Mom is an only child and my Dad has one sibling, Uncle Al. So, he was my only uncle and I was his only niece. Growing up, I thought Uncle Al hung the moon... I mean I LOVED him! Rather than reading stories, I'd ask my Dad to tell me "Uncle Al stories" at bedtime, and I'd hear all about the crazy/funny/wild/stupid things he did as a young man.

Sometimes he would surprise me by picking me up from dance class; Nothing beat leaving the studio only to find my mega cool uncle in his leather jacket leaning up against his equally mega cool sports car. He just oozed coolness.

Now, I think the thing that hurts the most is that Natalie will never meet him.

He died 18 years ago today; It was sudden and incredibly unexpected. It was a day that changed my world as I knew it in so many ways, none of which are good.

Uncle Al, you are missed, you are loved, you live through us all. We'll see you again some day!

Truth #10

One third of the way through this whole "30 Truths" challenge and I'm already running out of truths that aren't embarrassing or secret. I'm starting to understand the value of this exercise, it's really making me dig deep.

Anyway...

Today's truth is:

I think I might want to go back to school. GASP! I doubt it will ever happen, though. If I were to go back I would want an MFA...from Greensboro. Not only do I not have enough time or money, but I'm pretty sure they've locked their doors to me for good. Considering it only took me seven short years (ha!) to earn my undergraduate degree, I'd probably be there for ten if I were to pursue an MFA.

I thought I'd never want to go back to school, so I'm completely shocked by this realization. Lately I've been having dreams, though. I dreamed that I was performing Gerri's "4x4", just like I did four years ago, but in my dream I forgot the dance on stage. I had another dream that I was late to BJ's class and got reamed. Could these dreams about failing in dance mean I'm not finished yet?

Truth #9

I have absolutely no patience for tardiness. I HATE when I make dates with people and they're late, even just a few minutes. Of course, there are a few exceptions... but not many. Here's a good example of how much I despise tardiness: For every minute my dancers are late to class they earn themselves ten pushups. Usually, they're late only once. Smile. I wish there was some way I could implement my punishment on the rest of the world. Maybe I'll just start handing out watches.

Truth #8

I would rather have a few true friends than several acquaintances. I like to play around on facebook (like most everyone), and I've started to pay attention to how many "friends" people have. When did social networking become a popularity contest? Surely the people who have 1000+ friends can't possibly keep in touch with all of them! I'm starting to wonder if some of the random facebook friend requests I'm getting is just an attempt to up "friend" numbers, not a genuine means to staying in touch with me.

Truth #7

I believe in medicine.

I'm hearing over and over again from various people that they don't believe in our doctors or in medicine. They don't take pain relievers and they don't take antibiotics; they don't vaccinate their children and they don't go for check-ups. I believe God gave us a brain, rational thought and the ability to learn for a reason. Thank you, modern medicine for curing my father's cancer, keeping Natalie healthy and pertussis/varicella/MMR free, and for giving me a painless labor/delivery!

Modern medicine, YOU ROCK!

Truth #6

I have only ever peeked at one Christmas present in my entire life. I was in middle school, and Mom had wrapped a present that kept opening on its own. So one day when the tape lifted, instead of fixing it, I used the opportunity to sneak a peek at what was underneath. I learned my lesson, too. It was something that I had asked for, and really really wanted; seeing it before Christmas without the surprise, anticipation and wonder of Christmas morning ruined it for me. It was a perfume called Sun Moon Stars, which smells God awful, by the way. I think I only wanted it because I had seen it advertised in my YM magazine. It was sold at drug stores if that tells you anything. Anyway, I lost all joy for it because I had broken the rules (and probably because I realized it smelled like bottled garbage), it ended up sitting on the bathroom counter as air freshener for years to come.

Natalie goes to the gym!

Sandhills Academy of Gymnastics has a "Fun Gym" every Friday; "Fun Gym" is a day when you can bring your child and let them play on anything they want without being in a class or registering for one. It's free for children under 16 months, so when I heard about it (thank you, Libba) I knew I had to take Natalie. I thought it was something she would really enjoy, and I was right. She played hard for 45 minutes, she was all over the spring floor, foam mats and trampolines. I got a pretty blah video... I didn't feel comfortable just sitting back and letting her roam, so please forgive the quality. Hopefully Chase will be able to join us some Friday and I'll be able to get a better video. The picture is from their website, it's a good indicator of how much fun stuff there is to do there!

Truth #5

I don't really like talking on the phone. I know, shocking. Pretty much the only person I really talk to is Mom... and that's just because I don't have to make an effort to be funny, interesting, knowledgeable or even normal. So thanks for that, Mom! Anyway, I find most phone conversations awkward and confusing... If we're friends and we don't talk often, now you know why. But I still love you.

Truth #4

I don't like cats.

There. I said it. I feel no explanation is necessary... I don't like them and I'm certain the feeling is mutual.

Natalie Goes to Dance Class

Natalie and I ran by the dance studio today to pick up my paycheck (very important), while we were there we stopped by Miss Kristin's class to say hello. Luckily, the girls were just starting a game of "freeze dance" and Natalie decided to join in.


I don't know... I think I might have a dacner!

Truth #3

I can't wait until Christmas Day. I feel like I've got two whole years of Christmas anticipation built up in my system and I can't freaking wait until the 25th! It's going to be a great day, we're going to eat a big breakfast, open presents, listen to Christmas carols, eat a HUGE English dinner, drink wine and be merry!

Truth #2

I get excited about checking the mail.

Everyday I look forward to it, I guess I'm hoping someone has sent me a card or a hand written letter. I never get any except at Christmas and birthdays, but still I hold out hope. I anxiously sift through piles of magazines, coupon flyers and bills looking for anything hand written. I even get excited about those hand written thank you cards your bank/financial advisors send you... or the hand written reminders of your pet's next appointment. My trip to the mailbox was very rewarding yesterday, I got a Christmas card from my cousins in NY. Thanks Karen and Britt!

30 Truths

Someone else did this on their blog and I thought it was a good idea. This particular "blogger" was looking for some blog fodder and came across a topic called 30 Truths. Basically all you do is blog about 30 truths pertaining to yourself, and then you've got 30 new blog updates, woo hoo! Thought I'd give it a try since my blog updates have be so few and far between.

Truth #1: I like fancy things.

For example, I wish I had an occasion to use my fine china and stemware every day! Cut crystal, napkin rings, silver serving pieces, etc. all make me very happy. A lot of my peers think I'm old fashioned, but I don't care. I hope Natalie enjoys the same things I do, she's going to inherit a lot of fine things from me and my mom!

Happy Holidays

I've fallen a bit behind in my blogging, and I apologize for that. I know all 17 of my followers wait with baited breath for my next update, and so I promise to be better. Starting now.

Thanksgiving was an interesting day for the Blanton family. Chase invited several of his single soldiers (the ones who couldn't go home) over for dinner. That was the interesting part. Let's just say that one of them in particular was less that polite, very annoying and down right crass. I won't go into details on the blog, so call me if you want a good entertaining story.

Natalie was a trooper, she managed all the strangers and loud noise like a champ. I couldn't get her to eat any of the Thanksgiving goodies, but she managed to have a good day. Unfortunately, by the time I got the camera out it was bed time, so our Thanksgiving pictures leave much to be desired.

The next day Chase and I set up our Christmas tree and decorated the whole house. It was neat seeing all of our Christmas decorations again. Since I haven't decorated in two years, I went all out! Natalie had fun "helping" her Dad set up the tree and seems to really enjoy all the fun Christmas things. The next morning when Natalie saw the tree completely decorated for the very first time, her eyes lit up and she she said "wooooooooooow"! She had a look of pure wonder in her eyes the rest of the day.

In other Natalie news: She is getting three molars. Ouch. Needless to say, she hasn't been the most pleasant person to be around the past few days. Poor little baby has had every teething symptom known to man... fever, runny nose, pain, crankiness, restlessness. Finally, just the other day, one of the molars completely broke through. I'm hoping now she's going to get at least a little relief before the next set start pushing through.

To all you Ebenezers out there...

I love this time of year; from about October on I get in the holiday spirit. Halloween was extra special to me this year, because it really marked the kick off of the holidays. I used to be one of those people who would walk into Wal-Mart in mid October, see all the Christmas decorations and think "Seriously? What happened to Halloween?!", but not this year. The first time I was greeted by a spectacular Christmas display was during a trip to Lowe's at the beginning of October, and I smiled. I know that the big stores and venders are motivated by marketing and making a profit, but why should that dampen my mood?

Last holiday season was really hard for me, even though I had my beautiful baby girl and I was thankful, I just couldn't get in the mood. Not having Chase home and not knowing if he was safe really put a hiccup in my spirit. Now that Chase is home and we know he's safe, I'm ready for the holidays! I want to decorate, I've been baking like crazy, I can't stop humming Christmas carols and I love all the Christmas displays! I'm so grateful to have my family happy, healthy and together that the sight of Wal-Mart's Christmas aisle was like Rockefeller to me this year. Having my family together is what really makes the holidays so special to me; being married to the Army, I'm never sure what's around the corner next. Who knows? Chase might be deployed again next year, so I intend to live it up this season!

I've heard several of my friends talk about how they can't stand this time of year, or how they hate that the stores decorate so early, or that Christmas music shouldn't be played until December. BAH HUMBUG to all of you!

I think it would do us all a lot of good to welcome some holiday spirit in our lives no matter what time of year it it. All too often we remember to be thankful only in November, giving in December and believe in miracles only in spring. So when the holidays end and the new year rolls around, I resolve to live with the spirit all year long. I challenge all of you to do the same.

Couch Potato

Oh no.

She's a couch potato.

No, not really. Natalie is a bundle of energy, I can barely keep up with her. This was at the end of the day today, right before bedtime. I just thought her interpretation of how to use her chair was hilarious.

Pumpkin Patch and Birthday Bash!

The past week has been a VERY eventful one! Natalie's California family came out to meet her and to help us celebrate her first birthday! She met her Granna, Grandpa, Great Granny and Great Pa. She's done really well getting to know everyone, and we've only had minor melt downs! All things considered, Natalie is a super star!

Friday we took Natalie to Gross Farms in Sanford for a hay ride and to pick a pumpkin from their pumpkin patch. We all piled into two cars and drove the 20 minutes to the farm only to learn that their hay rides were closed to the public that day because of school groups. I was so mad. It almost hurt my feelings for Natalie, I was sad that she couldn't do something fun. Anyway, she had a blast stomping all around the pumpkin patch and it didn't take long before we settled on the perfect pumpkin.

Saturday was Natalie's first birthday party, and it was wonderful! I decided on a Halloween themed party, I figured this would be my only opportunity. Being born in October, I doubt she's going to want to share her birthday with Halloween ever again. We dressed her in her little jack-o-lantern dress, painted pumpkins, and ate lots of Halloween themed goodies. We had "Monster Snot", "Spooky Salsa", "Mummies", "Snakes", a "Bowl of Bones" and "Witch's Brew". After three prototypes I finally perfected the pumpkin cake. I was pretty darn proud of myself, too; it was quite the masterpiece. Step aside, Cake Boss! Natalie was a little overwhelmed by all of the attention, she didn't even get to open her presents! Over all, though, it was a wonderful party!

Birthday Month

Natalie's like me. She celebrates her birthday all month long. So far she's already had three birthday celebrations and there's still one more on the way! She partied at Granddad's house the day before her birthday, went to the State Fair on her birthday, and then because she was too tired after the fair, had her cake the day after her birthday. Now we're looking forward to her big party on the 30th. Happy birthday month, Natalie!

365 Days of Natalie

365 days ago I had a baby.

While I remain firm that I'm going to be a Mommy of one forever, I do miss my newborn. I remember the day she was born so vividly, it seems like it was only yesterday. Last Fall was such a wonderful yet heartbreaking time in my life; I was celebrating the joy of bringing a new life into the world, a life Chase and I created, without my husband. I'm lucky I had my Mom with me... she camped out on my couch for the first two months of Natalie's life to help get me settled. Without her, I surely would have been committed. Those first days/nights were so rough; Natalie cried almost continuously, I was a nervous wreck and very lonely and Chase was fighting a war over 2000 miles away. Despite all of that, I was happy. Natalie brought me a type of joy I never knew existed and I finally understood what my Mom meant when she would say to my teenage self "One day, when you're a mother, you'll understand." Mom, I totally get it!

Over the past year I have watched my little girl grow into something and someone quite remarkable. From the first night home to first words and first steps, I've had the privilege to share it all with her. She's accomplished so much in her first year and I am so proud that's she's my daughter and I am honored God chose to give her to me.

Happy Birthday, sweet Natalie. I love you.

Here's what Natalie is doing now that she's ONE YEAR OLD!
*Walking
*Talking (in addition to "momma" and "dada" she can also say "button", "doggy", "thank you", "up" and "hi". Which actually sound like "butttssss", "duh duh", "Kayuuu", "uh" and "hiiiiiiiiii", respectively. In the morning when I get her out of bed and Andi is in the room, I will always wave and say "Hi Doggy", and then Natalie says "hiiiiiii duh duh".) I think it's amazing that she's mimicking me so well. The other night at dinner, Mom cleared her throat... and then so did Natalie. She's incredibly bright.
*Sorting things. She'll take an orange out of the fruit bowl... and then put it back.
*Following single step commands.

Natalie has had a big birthday weekend. Saturday, she hung out with her Dad all day long. I had a Junior League function for most of Saturday, so Natalie was Chase's side kick. They went to the drug store and the hardware store together. Sunday she celebrated her birthday in Durham and today she went to her very first NC State Fair! What a great way to spend your first birthday! She loved it, and was such a good girl.

Natalie's First Balloon

Natalie was given her very first balloon today! It was so sweet to watch her discovering her new toy, she absolutely LOVED it! She carried it around everywhere she went, and completely melted my heart in the process. Unfortunately, poor little Andi was a bit jealous that she wasn't given a balloon, too, so you'll hear some objections from her.

This is how Natalie eats a puff.

Natalie Walking

Ladies and Gentlemen, at long last, and after many failed attempts at capturing this with a camera, I give you proof. Here is a video of Natalie walking! Boy was this hard... I was starting to think I had a better chance at getting a video of Sasquatch.



This is what happens when Chase folds the laundry:


Actually, Natalie LOVES helping with the laundry. And by helping I mean climbing in the basket (on her own) and throwing everything out. Usually she follows up by unfolding everything you've just folded. This child gets away with murder.

My Granddad's brother and his wife (my Uncle Alton and Aunt Mary Ann) sent Natalie this sweet outfit. I was trying to get a picture of her in it to send to them, and I thought I'd share with you as well!

My Personal Hurricane

Hurricane Natalie: Category 5

This is one of Natalie's very favorite past times. I don't know how I let it get so bad this time, at least she helped me tidy up.



I've been on a mission to bake the perfect first birthday cake for Natalie. Originally, I had planned on getting her a gourmet cake from one of our local bakeries, but I figured it's a whole lot more special for Mommy to make her cake... and fancy cakes are just a wee bit expensive. Last week I produced "Prototype A", it was OK but needed some improvement. To save what's left of my waistline I gave it to Chase to take to work, he said it was like soldier chum. Now I have the image of a platoon of famished soldiers circling my cake like sharks stuck in my head. Anyway, today I made "Prototype B". Can you tell I'm taking this very seriously? It was an epic failure. I won't go into details, but let's just say it tastes a whole lot better than it looks. As I was struggling with a cake that was crumbling, Natalie was "organizing" my cabinets. Whatever, it made her happy. I'd love to share photos of my cake attempts, but then it would ruin the surprise.

Random photo: Chase and Me on one of our very rare date nights.

Doesn't this look like the quintessential prom photo? That's kind of what I was going for.

Finally...A picture!

I'll bet many of you have forgotten what Natalie looks like! Sorry it's taken me so long to post a new picture. I have turned the photo taking responsibilities over to Mom and Chase, and getting a hold of their memory chips is a little difficult. I promise to resume picture taking very soon.

Chase had the day off yesterday and took Natalie to the park while I was at work. She loves going to the park, and will even cry if we pass it without stopping while on a walk or run. She is growing and changing so much every day. She's taken up to 9 consecutive steps, and can walk just fine, but loses concentration or courage and ultimately ends up crawling. I can't believe that I'll officially have a one-year-old in just 13 days!

On her own two feet

Well, Natalie is almost walking. Today she took another four steps! She's been taking one or two steps here and there, but I'm almost certain she's going to be a biped by her birthday! Doesn't seem real, it can't be. It was just yesterday that I had an immobile little baby that was perfectly content to lay in my arms all day (and all night). Not sure I'm ready for this yet, although it will be a relief to have her steady on her feet. I'm so anxious all the time, worried she's going to fall.

I swear a photo update is coming soon. I've been a little camera lazy lately, but Mom took some gems the other day. Also, Natalie had her christening portraits done at Kim's last Thursday, and they're beautiful. Visit www.kimcrenshaw.com and click on the "blanton leigh" link (it should be the last one on the far left scroll menu), the password is "blanton". Enjoy!

11 months

Dear Father Time,
I am writing to you on behalf of my entire family. We are asking you to please take a vacation. Slow things down a bit, take your time... what's all the rush about?
Eleven months ago, Natalie was born. I can't believe how quickly time has gone since then, are you purposefully speeding things up? In the past eleven months I've watched Natalie grow from a helpless newborn to a strong willed and incredibly independent toddler. I would like a little more time with my baby, please.
Thank you, Father Time, for considering our request. We appreciate any time lapses you might be able to offer.
Sincerely,
The Blanton's

Here's what's going on now that Natalie is ELEVEN MONTHS OLD!
*Says "uh oh" when she drops things and before she's about to drop something (very naughty)
*Says "deh deh" for "doggy" and "buutts" for "button"
*Stands up alone and balances, also squats down to pick things up and returns to standing
*TOOK FOUR STEPS THIS MORNING!
*Has started drinking cow's milk, although she's not a fan
*Has eight teeth, and is currently working on her ninth. We've been up since 4 a.m. thanks, Natalie.
*Gives "high fives". Chase is very proud of this one, he taught her!

I'm sorry there's no picture, Natalie woke up with a bit of a runny nose this morning. I figured I'd hold off on the glamor shots until she's not so snotty.

Celebrations!

Last Monday was Natalie's first Labor Day; we finally managed to snag a family photo... Thanks, Pam! Mom BB-Q'd for us and invited a few close friends to join our celebration. It was great fun, except Natalie didn't bring her party pants. She was a bit ornery the entire time. I guess we all have our "off" days.

Saturday Natalie went to her first birthday party. My friend and coworker, Jeanne, had a Pink Poodle Party for her daughter, Kenley. Kenley turned 2! Natalie had a blast, she listened to a story about Buddy the Dog, and then got to meet Buddy. She played the "dog walk" with her friends Graeme, Ceilidh and Kenley, had birthday cake and rode in a Radio Flyer wagon for the very first time. She loved it! I think I know what she's getting for her birthday now!