Sitting Pretty

Natalie is now starting to sit up on her own for short stretches. It's amazing how quickly her balance has improved. Just a week ago she would topple right over! I shot this video this morning; feel free to mute my commentary - I don't realize how annoying I sound until I play the video back ;)

Thanksgiving Half Marathon

Allen ran in the Atlanta Half Marathon on Thanksgiving morning, finishing in an impressive 1:31:31. Natalie and I drove down to the finish line at Turner Field to pick him up so we could head home and get ready to drive to Watkinsville for Thanksgiving dinner. Maybe next year I'll be able to start running this race again too!

Too Cool for School

Natalie and I went for a walk today, during the cool, drizzly afternoon. It was the perfect opportunity for her to sport the totally fashionable hat that my friend Catherine sent her from Portland. It's actually a really neat hat - it's "recycled" cashmere. I think Natalie knows how cute she looks wearing it too.

Vogue.

What? Baxter told me that the cool kids wear it like this.

5 Months Old

It's hard to believe that our little Natalie is already 5 months old. She continues to amaze me with the new skills that she is developing. She's now really good at grabbing things (including her feet) and can play independently with her toys. She is also enjoying tummy time a lot more these days. (Yay!) Here are some of her favorites things:

Favorite toys: Sophie the Giraffe, Love Bug, Color Alligator
Favorite song: Rocky Theme Song (Gonna Fly Now)
Favorite thing to watch: Baxter

Now I lay me down to sleep

Natalie was definitely fighting her nap yesterday afternoon. She finally drifted off to sleep in her bouncy seat holding onto her elephant chime. When she let go of the chime, she folded her hands and looked like a little angel.

You're mine elephaaaazzzzzzzzz.

Sweet dreams, baby girl.

2009 Heart Walk

Allen, Natalie, and I drove down to Turner Field on Saturday morning to walk in the Atlanta Heart Walk with the Emory Team. Bruce and Wendy have done an excellent job again this year, helping Emory raise over $250,000 for the American Heart Association. Heart disease and stroke hit close to home for a lot of us, and I think it's great that they have put their time and energy into such a worthy cause.

Natalie with Meega and Pop Pop.

Team Bray.

Who turned out the lights? Natalie is pooped from all that walking.

Hello Deer

I was finally able to get a few pictures of the deer that live in our neighborhood. We see them from time to time and can sometimes get pretty close to them. Apparently they're bad about getting into people's gardens and flowerbeds, but I kind of like having them around. That is, until we plant flowers or a garden.

You can barely see the third deer just on the other side of the fence.

They spotted me. Apparently I didn't seem very threatening.

Happy Birthday, Allen!

Mmm...this sign looks good enough to eat.

Uh oh! I think I ate Daddy's sign.

Whew, here it is! And still legible too!

Happy birthday, Daddy! I hope you have a great day!!!