Natalie Update (Almost 1 Year)

It has been almost a whole year since Natalie came home, and it is absolutely amazing to see how much she has progressed, and how much joy she has brought to our family and friends.

Natalie’s communication has improved so much in the last year - she now can say around 9-10 words, and is continuing to approximate sounds and understand more and more verbal communication. She has upwards of 200 signs, and understands even more. Her teachers at school are very, very pleased and impressed with her progress, and the expectation is that she will continue to grow in her speech and communication. She is so expressive, and literally charms everyone she comes in contact with. She is loving, sweet, very active, smart - and the favorite of all our friends and neighbors.

Natalie knows her letters, and recognizes the names of all her friends and family, as well as a few small words. She is writing T’s, D’s, M’s, C’s, N’s and attempts the rest. She recognizes and knows the signs for pretty much any animal and is very captivated by nature. Her favorite at the moment is dolphins, and she has watched the same documentary about dolphins probably 50 times. She continues to love dogs, and any small children.:) She is a true caretaker, and is always trying to mother kids smaller than her (and bigger, too). She loves to swing and jump on the trampoline. Natalie has started gymnastics and loves it. She is probably the strongest, most flexible three year old we have ever known!

Natalie has grown almost 4 inches in the last year, and continues to get lots of exercise. She will still eat almost anything - but her favorites continue to be cheese, fruit, meat, and candy! Every time I give her a snack, she always wants one for her brother, too - and if I don’t give her one for him as well, there are some serious issues! We affectionately refer to the two of them as “the twins”, and they really act like it at times. They love to wrestle, chase, play, and have fun together. Natalie also really loves her older sister - especially when she lets her wear her clothes, or play with her things. :)

Natalie is such an amazing little girl. Through all the adjustments over the last year, she has come through with flying colors. We can’t begin to understand the beginning of her little life - but we feel so privileged to be her parents. Every day she makes us smile, gives kisses, wears us out, and amazes us with her intelligence and love for life. We love her more with every passing day and cannot imagine our lives without her. God has truly blessed us, and we have great gratitude for those that made sacrifices to give her a better life than she would have had in Russia.