A January Update

January update on Natalie

New Cousin

Natalie celebrated the arrival of a new cousin. She is enamored with her little baby cousin. Anytime she sees the baby, she signs, “baby” and asks that we “share” the baby and let her hold the baby. She is very gentle with little ones and loves to greet them wherever we go.

Christmas

She became very interested in identifying anything related to Jesus, and then would sign Jesus. She enjoyed when we read and acted out Luke chapter 2 with friends. She definitely knew that it was a special time of year. When she came downstairs and saw the presents she starting smiling, giggling, and then rolled on the floor ad jumped up. She was very appreciative, giving hugs and kisses, and running around signing, “I love you” to everyone. For Christmas she got a Dollhouse, indoor trampoline, and other items.

Birthday

A few of her little friends came and we had lunch and played in the backyard. When she saw the cake and candles she knew exactly what to do (we think because she remembered her brother’s birthday). We sang and signed happy birthday, then she blew out the candles and when everyone started clapping it then dawned on her that this celebration was for her! Her smile got bigger and she started laughing.

Pictures of her Birthday Party
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=51441&id=1224591204&l=4171668fc0

School

She began attending ½ day of school for the Deaf. It’s a total communication program that teaches sign language and vocal speech. Her first day she ran to the front door of the school and was eager to go to the classroom (she had visited a few times before). Her teacher is phenomenal (also adopted two children). We watched through the window while they were in wellness/physical education. It was a hoot, one of the activities was walking in a circle to the song “Single Ladies” by Beyonce, when the music stopped they would get on all fours and make a bridge. Every morning she is excited to go to school.

During the holidays we went to a friend’s house to relax in their hot-tub and some of the kids decided to jump into the very freezing pool. Next thing we know Natalie is dipping her toes in the pool, and asking us to hold her hand and jump in, which we did. She is a bundle of energy and adventure.

Natalie has had her second hair cut. She was getting a mullet, the back was long and the sides and front was short. We think her hair is growing so fast because she is eating so well.

Natalie continues to thrive.