Waving Maniac
Natalie is a waving maniac these days. She first waved about a month ago as a way of greeting me when I came home from work. It was quite a welcome home! Chris was holding her at the time—it was so wonderful that we both were there to witness her first wave. The next day Natalie waved good-bye to Grandma with such vigor that I thought she would wiggle right out of my arms. Since then her waving obsession has grown to the point where she waves excitedly anytime she arrives or leaves someplace, she sees someone new enter a room, she hears the words “hi” or “bye” or if we go up or down the stairs. One time she waved after hearing a dog bark outside. Occasionally if she’s really happy to see someone, she does a double wave with both arms. Sometimes she adds sound effects—ranging from eager ah-ah-ah-ahs to full-on squealing with delight. Every time she waves, she couldn’t look more proud of herself.
Here she is with Auntie Jodi waving to me from the top of a slide. The photo was taken at the municipal playground in Hillsborough. The whole town, including Chris, Jodi, and me helped build it 15 or so years ago.
I remember building that playground and it was really cool to bring Natalie there with you, Ames. I can’t believe she is almost a year old. Thank you for letting me be such a special part of her life. I am excited that I will soon get to spend even more time with her. She is truly precious and she has the most generous, wonderful parents. I love you guys.