Nine years ago today

Nine years ago today we met this lovely lass. Of course, she was only a 15 pound infant who couldn't even sit up or grasp anything. But it didn't take long for her to grow strong and healthy and become the lovely daughter she is today.

Sometimes I think back to that fateful day on the other side of the world. I was terrified with a capital T! I thought surely she would take one look at me and head for the hills. But she didn't. The photo I have is of her shyly smiling as she peeked at her new mommy. She was cool with us. Well, until she got hungry....then all bets were off! It didn't take long to learn "her ways"....you do whatever it takes to appease a screaming baby! I really do miss those baby years. I longed to hear her voice and often wondered what her voice would be like once she began to talk. Ha! Those of you who know Natalie know she has a loud booming voice, with a bit of huskiness....must have been all that screaming she did as a baby!

I'm so proud of her. She gets so many comments on her pleasant and helpful nature (which isn't always the case at home...normal I suppose). She excels in her schoolwork and reading and loves to play basketball. She is even becoming much more adept at Guitar H&ro.

In some ways I can see our baby slipping away into the netherworld of tween & soon enough the teen years. But lucky for us, she is the one daughter who always loves to be called "my baby", no matter her age and is always willing to cuddle up and snuggle just like she did nine years ago.

Happy family day Natalie.

We love you with all our hearts and are SO happy to have you as our daughter!!

Out of the blue

OK....it has been almost a month since my last gloomy post. It's been a rough month, but I'm beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel & I'm emerging slowly from my blue funk.

And no....I really don't think it has anything to do with the weather here (it has actually been mostly sunny...not gray). Actually, I wish winter would stay a bit longer & snow alot more. I'm not ready for spring! (But who knows...I might change my mind in a month!) Here a a couple of shots of last weeks quickie snow. Not nearly enough to satisfy me.






So...check this out. Is this not THE most patient cat ever? Honestly...I think he's a dog at heart. The other day, Anna moved on from performing her beautyshop work on her dad to the cat. Simon patiently accepted all the brushing, "blow drying" and barrettes.


BUT.....I did not see this until late that night as I removed his collar.....but see those little clippies on his chest? Yeah...those pink, silver & blue clippies in the photo below? Well those dang little things were actually clipped more to his skin than his silky fur! Poor kitty had been wearing those little darlings all day without complaint. Ouch!! He's an amazing little fella!

Blue skies ahead! Watch out! ;-)