Natalie eating with a spoon

Here is a video of Natalie eating with a spoon. For lunch, I made her some whole-grain white rice mixed with garden vegetables baby food. When she really likes something she says "mmm..." She also says "rice" very well.

Now that Natalie started to use a spoon/fork to eat with her meals, she will not let Mommy or Daddy feed her anymore. She turns her head away, and says "no." She wants to do it herself. Now and then, when she is struggling to get food on her utensil, she will let us help her. Natalie's independence is starting to show...

Time to try a fork

So, we decided it was time to give Natalie a spoon or fork to eat with her meals. The thought of food flying all over the place made me cringe, but Natalie has to learn eventually. One night, we gave Natalie a fork to eat her dinner. Right away, she began to dip her fork into the mashed potatoes and ate off of it. It was so cute to see! Daddy even showed Natalie how to use her fork to spear some meat and broccoli. Later, she began to try it on her own. How awesome is that?! It was messy towards the end, but not too bad. Now, as I sit and type this, I am thinking of various foods for Natalie to try with her new tool--Ha!

As you can see from the pictures, the start and end result of Natalie's dinner ;)

Stacking toys

Natalie has had these stack cups for a while. When she was a few months old, she loved to put them in her mouth and play with the dark blue one. (Blue became her favorite color early on.) She liked knocking the cups down after we stacked them up high for her (and still does). Well, Natalie finally figured how to stack some of the cups on her own. I couldn't believe it! At 16 months, she is one smart cookie!

Natalie walking!

Friday morning after Thanksgiving day, we see Natalie going the distance with walking. Yay Natalie! Mama and Papa are soooo proud!

Happy Turkey Day!

Thanksgiving at the Roels' house was good. I made my two "number one" dishes--roasted turkey and home-made cranberry sauce. My two sisters, Reggie, kids, and Raymond (Alain's dad) came over and brought over a variety of side dishes and a home-made apple cobbler for dessert. Everything was delicious!

Natalie, who is our picky eater, tried some turkey, mac-n-cheese, and stuffing; however, she did not eat it. Her Thanksgiving feast ended up being green beans, rice, and grapes. She is getting better at trying new things. Slowly, but surely ;)

It was a huge milestone day for Natalie: walking! She walked on her own for most of the entire day! Of course, she stumbled a lot; but, when she fell a few times, she kept saying "oops." Then she would get up and tried it again. Everyone watched and rooted for her as she tried to find her balance to go further through the house. Natalie had this a huge smile on her face! Aww!

This year, Alain, Natalie, and I are THANKFUL for having families and friends who love and support us every day. And to our families overseas: We MISS and LOVE you! XOXO