Natalya - 2004, A Year of Firsts

2004 was quite a year for Natalya. Here are just a few of her milestones...first smile, slept through the night (3wks), rolled over (3.5m), ate solids (4m), sat on her own (4.5m), held own bottle, held sippy cup, spoke first words (dada, mama, dog-dog at 6m), learned to crawl (7.5m), waved "bye-bye", and got her first tooth (8m.)
In addition she went on her first camping trip, took her first trip to the zoo, and took her first airplane ride.

Mommy-Tally Time

"Cheese!" They caught us on the stairs.

One of many moments playing at Grandma-Jennie's house.

Naptime with Daddy

Daddy & Tally taking a break from a busy day of playing, cooing, giggling & eating. Only thing is that they forgot to make it back into a soft, comfy bed.

First Photo Shoot

Natalya's first photo shoot at only 2 weeks.

She was fortunate enough to have a seasoned professional there with her. Cousin Mia helped Tally make it through the session, and Mia even stood in for a picture with her.

Happy Easter

We got to bring her home Easter Sunday. What a gift she was! She got to take pictures with a few of her cousins. They are all dolled up in their Easter dresses. Aren't they just adorable?

Sunbathing Tally

When Natalya was born she was jaundice, so she had to stay at the hospital for an extra day & as a result got her first chance at a tanning bed. This is a picture of her in the billi-bed. We had a really hard time leaving her in the hospital for an extra day. We just wanted to take her home and start enjoying the reality that we were actually parents!

Natalya's Hospital Visitors

After placement some of the family came by the hospital to meet Natalya for the first time. Those who visited were Grandma-Jennie, Grandma-Leah, Grandpa-Bruce, Grandma-Helena, Aunt Heather, Uncle Ryan, and Cousin Mia. In addition to family she also had another special visitor, the Easter Bunny! It was a pretty neat treat.

Proud Parents

Mommy & Daddy spend some time with their new daughter.

Isn't she beautiful?

Just the 2 of us...plus one

OK, so we couldn't stay "just the 2 of us forever." Not with such a little cutie coming into the picture. So, with further explanation, this is us at the hospital with our adopted daughter, Natalya, three days after her birth. Yes, we are the proud & tired parents in the center & she is the little bundle who is eating away (she was a great eater from day one).

She's Here!

Natalya Lyne

April 2004

Born at 8:33 a.m.

7 lbs. 7 oz.

20" long

A beautiful, healthy baby girl

It's a...baby!

Three days before Natalya's birth Becca got to go to an appointment with Tally's birth mother. This was the first look we got at her, only we didn't know if she was a boy or girl at this point.

Tally has always had a mind of her own. Despite many efforts, she just wouldn't let the doctors get a good look at her. Needless to say it was a surprise when "she" arrived.