Author Archive
Budding Artist
Natalie’s Monster Drawing Complete with arms, hands, legs, feet, a body, a head, and hair.
Natalie has always enjoyed art projects of all kinds including crayons, markers, watercolors, stamps, finger paints.
We usually exude enthusiasm for her art, but try to avoid overtly praising the finished work. For children, art is about process, not product, so instead we engage her with questions like “Wow, look at all those colors you used. Can you tell me about them?” Even from a young age when her drawings appeared to be just scribbles, Natalie would point out different areas that she intended to represent certain things or people.
In general, praising her effort helps build her self-image and confidence. Instead of telling her she’s a great artist we’ll just say “Look at all those squiggles, it looks like you worked really hard on that.”
Lately, her drawings have started to become more recognizable—like in this drawing of a monster she drew over the weekend. We were both really impressed with her rendering, but instead one of us just said something simple and observational like “Look at that monster you made!”
Natalie grinned widely and replied, “I’m so proud of myself!!!”
Introducing… Miranda Ruby
Born February 9, 2010 at 4:21pm. She’s 21.5 inches and 8lbs 10oz. Mommy and baby are healthy, feeling good, and catching up on much needed sleep.
“OMG Where am I?” Moments after birth.
“OK, I Guess This Isn’t So Bad” Lots of blond, curly hair just like her big sister.
Miranda & Mom
Under the Bright Lights 
Weighing In At 8lbs, 10oz 
Miranda & Dad 
“Hello Little Sister” Natalie meets Miranda for the first time.
Miranda, Natalie & Mom 
Natalie, Meema, and Miranda 
She’s So Tiny! 
Love 
Natalie, Grandma & Miranda 
Kiss 
Day Two Wonder Bear
Aunt Kary got Natalie the awesome book Wonder Bear for her birthday. It has no words, just amazing artwork that tells a fantastic, crazy story. Natalie has always liked the book, I think because each time we read it, we notice another detail that adds to the story. Lately, she’s wanted to read it every night before bed. You can see in these pictures of her and Kary how much she loves Wonder Bear:
