Playgroup Party

All the babies in playgroup are turning one about the same time, so we had a big party at playgroup today. Everyone brought one gift to trade, and we had lots of yummy food and cupcakes. I might have some more good pictures later as friends send them to me, but here's a few shots, and a video of Natalie with her cupcake. It took a long time for her to realize there was something under the icing. But she really was delicate about getting the icing in her mouth. I only let her have a little taste of the cake part, it was getting messy!

Natalie mooching food from Kelly!

Natalie is almost 1!!

Some of the revelers playing with their gifts, sigh, Natalie kept stealing them. My house, my gifts I suppose!

Natalie trying to steal Pablo from Addison.

11 Month Bunny Pic - Video Added

11 months, only 1 to go til the big birthday celebration. I can't even believe it!

Natalie has a favorite show, The Backyardigans. Everytime she hears the theme song she starts swaying and babbling. Here's a picture of her playing with Pablo!



Here she dances to the theme song.

Weekend Projects *MORE*

We bought some Applicance Paint and turned our fridge from almond to black. Now we are on the hunt for a bargain stove/microwave so all our applicances will be black instead of almond.




We also painted our brass pulls a hammered nickel in the bathroom and are thinking about doing the kitchen ones. All our lights are the nickel type.




THEN, we bought a new stove and microwave!!!

Hairbows and Random Pics

We had mommies over today to make hairbows for the kiddos. Here's Natalie sporting some of her new clips on the way to the doctor with Daddy. I also put up a few from our trip home.

This is Hard

So...as everyone who reads this blog has figured out by now, Kim runs this thing. I'm at work, on lunch/midnight meal/whatever you want to call food at 1 in the morning, and I've got time for once...so I figured I'd throw something up here that has been on my mind in the recent week.

If you haven't heard yet, come February I'll be re-enlisting for another four years. The process to this decision has caused a lot of hurt feelings with friends and family, and many discussions between Kim and I. As such I feel I need to explain a few things that brought this about.
Kim and I knew about my contract ending a full year ago and began contemplating what to do just after Natalie was born. It took us almost a full year to finally come to a conclusion. I spent months debating good and bad, checking other jobs and their benefits, thoughts of returning to STL or staying in Virginia, talking with countless co-workers about their decisions. I prayed constantly and had many others pray that God would point me in the direction He wanted me to go. It was never an easy decision for me.
I know in my heart that re-enlisting is the best for my family and as such I know it is going to hurt feelings. I'm sorry. I love ya'll but I have an obligation to do what is best for my family and ensure that they are taken care of.
For my friends, I'm sorry I'm not the greatest of friends. I go months without talking to any of you, and then I show up in STL for a week and ya'll jump through hoops to hang out for a night. Know that it means the world to me to have such good friends even if I'm not one. I know I don't call on birthdays, holidays, whatever days. I know I don't write a blurb on anything, anywhere. Please understand that everyone of you are my closest and dearest friends. Understand that I miss being around all of you. I want my daughter to hear some stories about how her father used to be, because honestly...I'm not like that much anymore, if at all. Keyword SOME.
For my family, I know I'm not the greatest of sons/sons-in-law. You're lucky to hear from me once a month. Know that this isn't permanent. It's four years and it will go by quickly. Know that I want my daughter to know her grandparents, uncles and aunts. I want her to be spoiled. I want her to see Popaw/Grandma/Oma/Opa and be loaded with joy that they are around. Just understand that even if we aren't there, she will know who you are and will love you just as we do.
Those that have known me for awhile know this isn't an easy thing for me to write. I know I'm not the greatest of oral communicators but writing seems to be my forte, so this is my podium. Most of all know that we miss everyone and everything. Know that this decision was extremely difficult, but it's the right thing for right now. Know that our house is always open to all of you, 24-7-365. We will always be posting on here. We'll always be making those random and not so random trips to/through STL.
Anyways, this has taken me over an hour and a half to write. Lots of deleting paragraphs and retyping to find the right words. The jist is this: We love all of you and we miss all of you.

Hopefully see you soon,
Windle to most
Ryan to some

Natalie Feeds Herself

I don't know what age kids are supposed to feed themselves but we have let Natalie try tonight. She needs some help scooping, but she was getting the hang of it. She would not eat any of the green bean/oatmeal mixture until I let her try it herself, then all of a sudden she was eating them just fine!

Airplane Trip

We just got back from St. Louis! The ride there was hard because Natalie was so squirmy on my lap, especially after an hour delay on the runway. We had a nice time at Susan's shower. We also got to see both sets of grandparents. The way home was better because there was an empty seat next to me so she got to sit all by herself.


The walking progress is still slow, but sure. She's always waving at anyone who walks by Even if she's sitting with you she will get the itch to wave hello! It's very cute!

Busy Bees!

Things are busy at the Windle house. I've been babysitting my friend Rachel's son for the past 2 weeks. Natalie is adjusting to her new friend being here all day, and learning how to share. It might be a full time gig, so I'm excited about that. We still can go out to playdates and things since I have 2 car seats and now a double stroller!

Ryan has been busy with an exercise (play war) at work. He was unconsious one night (for pretend) and had to get carried around on a stretcher all night. The 2 guys carrying him were like geesh you were heavy! The other guy that was 'injured' had only a head wound and was like 150 lbs where as Ryan is over 200. He thought that was funny!

Natalie is still working on her walking. She can squat up to a standing position without holding on to anything. She's also standing and stepping as much as she can.

I'm getting ready to come to STL from Friday-Tuesday with Natalie for Susan's baby shower and to let the grandparents hang with Natalie. Ryan is going to stay here and man the fort, even though it's his birthday on Saturday. Hopefully he'll have something fun to do anyway. We'll celebrate with dinner and presents when I get home.

BIG DAY!!!

She did it! Natalie took several steps several times tonight! 7 was her max. I'm so proud of her! *UPDATED WITH VIDEOS*

Wagon Pals

I'm babysitting Natalie's friend Logan the next few weeks while his normal daycare provider has some surgery. They really liked having someone close in age to play with. He's 6 weeks younger than Natalie. She finally had someone to ride in the wagon with. They like to kick their feet at each other.

Warm Weather

Since it was 75 today, we took Natalie out for a ride in her new wagon. She really enjoyed it! I've been trying to make her wear shoes more often, check them out!


In route...

Natalie's New Tricks

After blogging this morning that Natalie didn't really have anything new to share, she did 2 new tricks today! Watch the videos to see her clapping and clapping her hand over her mouth (a la Battle Cry noise). There is no sound though, but I'm sure you can imagine!

First, the clapping.


The whooping!

Friday Night

Ryan and I had dinner with my friend Rachel and her husband and son Logan who is 6 weeks younger than Natalie.  Then she was kind enough to babysit so Ryan and I could go to Saddleridge, our favorite country bar together.  He played pool upstairs with friends while I danced downstairs.  He did come down for a few songs though.  Here's some cute shots of me, Chrissy, Polly and Jackie.  Natalie is doing well, not much new to report there.  She's standing up a lot more unsupported and has taken 1 shaky step a handful of times.