Our life as a family of FOUR

I am so sorry...here is new pics

2011-06-10T19:15:00.001-07:00

Newest Pics

2011-05-17T16:49:00.000-07:00

Marissa's New hair Cut

2011-05-17T16:47:00.000-07:00

Another fun day at the park

2011-05-17T16:43:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter everyone :)

2011-04-24T17:36:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter to everyone and take a look at Today's Great Adventure. We started with baskets and then after lunch and naps we moved onto the new pool for the girls and hitting the park. It is such a blessing to have a wonderful Easter with my family.

Chesapeake Easter Egg Fun

2011-04-24T17:26:00.001-07:00

Play time in the Back yard

2011-04-19T14:46:00.000-07:00

Nothing is sweeter than days in the back yard with my girls. Enjoy the adorable pictures :)

Jumpin' Monkey Fun

2011-04-19T14:39:00.001-07:00

Today was a fun play date at Jumpin' Monkey the girls had the best time and we are definitely going back soon :)

Emma is 1 year old

2011-04-12T14:02:00.000-07:00

I still cannot believe I am saying this...but Emma is 1 year old. It just seems like yesterday that we were in Annapolis and announced to the family that were were having another little bundle of joy. Emma has definitely filled our lives with more joy and love. Her days involve her standing on the side of furniture and toys, repeating and saying "hi," "stop," "da-da," and shaking her head no.

Marissa's 3rd Birthday Pictures by ME :)

2011-04-12T09:38:00.001-07:00

Its that time again :(

The time that our princess and first-born turns another year older. I felt it was time to do her pictures...so we headed out to the park and with the help of some ducks, beautiful flowers, and yelling DIEGO all over the place...these are the WONDERFUL images I was able to capture. I am beyond pleased with how beautiful they are :)

Easter Event with my mommy group

2011-04-11T10:30:00.000-07:00

Virginia Zoo Playdate

2011-04-09T15:09:00.001-07:00

Happy Easter from Marissa and Emma

2011-04-07T16:28:00.000-07:00

I wanted to wish everyone a Blessed Easter from the Crater Girls...pictures by Natalie Crater Photography (me)

Another few days in our life

2011-04-07T16:18:00.000-07:00

Emma's 1st Bday Party

2011-03-27T18:44:00.001-07:00

Fun pictures

2011-03-27T18:39:00.000-07:00

Sweet Sisters Bday Party

2011-03-13T18:08:00.001-07:00

Yay...Emma and Marissa's Sweet Sisters party with the Grafstrom was a huge success. I want to thank everyone who came and helped make this awesome day happen. The girls loves all their gifts and the yummy food...especially the cake :) So here are some pictures from their special day...ENJOY

Old pics overdue

2011-03-13T18:00:00.001-07:00

Pro Pics By Mommy

2011-03-13T17:56:00.001-07:00

Bad Blogger

2011-02-12T06:16:00.000-08:00

Sorry that I have been a bad blogger, but my days have been super busy lately with the house, my girls, my mom's site that I joined, and everyday life.

BUT I AM BACK...and follow the next posts for some cool new pictures.

So here are the new things for our house and family:

Zach: is doing great, still getting into the swing of school, and being an AMAZING father as always.

Me: My business is picking back up finally, and I am starting to make more friends. Also I am in a mom's group and I am now the breastfeeding moderator-so this well help me stay busy and help others.

Marissa: SHE IS NOW A BIG girl and sleeping in a twin bed!!! Still being the greatest big sister and learning so many words...here is a list of the ones that come to mind:
*Thank you
*Please
*Eat
*Eeep (sleep)
*Dog
*No
*Cat
*Hi
*Babies
*Yes
*YAY
*Bye bye
some more and her newest word is BUTTERFLIES...it is the cutest thing ever.

Emma: She is getting so big...well sorta. She is very petite but she is growing right up. She loves to clap when someone says "yay" and she waves to people now. Also she can get herself in the sitting position and now is even getting on her knees to see higher. Also she is still nursing 5-7 times a day, 2 or 3 jars of baby food, 2 bottles of water/juice, and anywhere from 1 to 2 real meals a day.

I cannot believe how far we have come the last almost 4 years...well I will keep everyone posted.

Will you be Emma's Valentine

2011-02-12T06:13:00.001-08:00

Here is Emma's Valentine's Pictures...Marissa's will be coming soon!!!

Fun times in the Crater home

2011-02-12T05:51:00.000-08:00

Here is some random fun pictures of the girls in the beginning of this month. Enjoy

Yummy Yummy Spaghetti

2011-02-12T05:42:00.001-08:00

So one night we were having spaghetti for dinner, and as usual Emma wanted to eat it all...so we gave her what was left from Marissa...and this is what happens.

And this happens when you take it away!!!

New Professional Pictures by Mommy

2011-01-23T18:45:00.000-08:00

Meet Tank

2011-01-23T18:41:00.001-08:00

Meet Tank, our newest addition to our family. He is a purebred German Shepherd that was born November 29th, and we are proud to say that he is already on a great path to becoming house broken and crate trained!!!

Some Yummy Food

2011-01-23T18:38:00.000-08:00

Check out some of the yummy food I have made recently...and thank you again Nonna for the wonderful cooking set.

Here is the BBQ pork chops with peas and scalloped potatoes...

Here is the almond crusted tilapia with fried squash...

2011-01-23T18:33:00.000-08:00

Just some random pics

Check out the eyes

2011-01-15T07:11:00.000-08:00

So I decided it was time for a new logo with the name change of my photography page...and here are two pictures I edited and added the logo...let me know what you think

A new Stylist is in Town

2011-01-15T06:37:00.001-08:00

It is plain to see that Marissa wants to be just like my Aunt Tammy and become a hair dresser. I would have to say that she can do my hair anytime and it looked so relaxing. Ha Ha Ha

The girl's rooms

2011-01-15T06:33:00.000-08:00

Its about time that I showed off the girl's rooms...starting with Emmas. This is not the final look because we still have to change their themes and get the decorations that fit. Plus in March they will both be upgrading beds...YAY.

Tea Time for TWO

2011-01-15T06:15:00.000-08:00

Nothing is sweeter than a cup of tea with your sister...and the girls loved it

I can do it all by MYSELF

2011-01-15T06:11:00.000-08:00

I finally decided it was time for Marissa to feed herself yogurt and she did such a great job. Mommy and Dad are so PROUD OF YOU!!!

Play Date Fun

2011-01-15T06:06:00.001-08:00

So we recently went to a friend of mines house, Mellissa and her daughters Lara and Bella love to play with Marissa and Emma. The best part is they are close in age and Mellissa and I met back when I was 8 months pregnant with Marissa. So it is nice to finally meet and we even live like 10 houses away from each other. I can see FOREVER friendships in our future.

Our Story For Marissa

2011-01-13T04:53:00.000-08:00

Ok so recently we were blessed with the chance to submit my story about Marissa to a fellow down syndrome friend (she is a parent) and she is having them all printed in a book. So I though I could share my submission with you...so here it goes...

May 9^th 2008 was the day my life changed forever. This was the day I became a mother, and no words could describe the emotions flowing through my heart and the thoughts racing through my head. Marissa Anne had entered the world with a few pushes and tears that filled the room. But then came the whispers as they rushed her to the other side of the room. I could not hear what they were saying but I could feel the concern in the room. They finally let me hold her, and then rushed her away to the NICU. It was four hours later that I would be able to look at my daughter again. She was having breathing problems and her blood work showed problems. But all I could think about was that my daughter was here and I could finally be the mother I had always dreamed of.

A few hours passed, and a pediatrician finally came to our room with news that would turn our world upside down. He uttered the words “we believe she has Down syndrome.” What does this mean? Will she be ok? How will our life be? These questions came rushing in. But surprisingly, I remained strong for my daughter. I knew that no matter what she was my special angel and nothing would change my love for her. So we read the pamphlets they gave us, watched the videos, and began to conduct research of our own. One of my favorite books that they gave us was Gifts, about mothers and their feelings about their children with Down syndrome.

Looking back at that day the first thing I remember was my grandfather saying “finally we have an angel in our family.” I never knew how special those few words would be. But I knew from that day on that I would do everything I could to make sure that Marissa had a full life and that I would never hold her back. The diagnosis is only a part of her and the rest is love, compassion, innocence, understanding, laughter, smiles, and even a funny dance. When someone meets a child with Down syndrome or any other special needs people tend to focus on the physical aspects or movements. But one should actually focus on the laughter, the memories, and the love in their eyes.

This is where our life began with physical therapy, speech therapy, blood tests, eye exams, cardiologists, early intervention, and geneticists. Yet through all this we are blessed that Marissa has yet to have any medical problems and she is racing through her milestones proving to others that SHE CAN DO IT and that she is worth it. Through this experience we have joined the Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville and the Down Syndrome Association of Hampton Roads. From these organizations we have learned that we are not alone, made lifetime friends, learned about others lives, and learned to become advocates for everyone with special needs. It is amazing how one group can make such a difference and it was amazing to watch the community get involved in making a difference and enriching lives.

Now, Marissa is turning three and blessing the lives of everyone she meets. So many people walk up to me saying how adorable she is or laughing at her funny dances when she hears music. She is running everywhere, using sign language, increasing her vocal vocabulary to over 25 words, and was a natural great big sister from the start. She has also grown into the most polite little girl telling everyone “thank you” when she knows she should. Life with Marissa is nothing but the ordinary fun life that everyone wants to have and everyone deserves.

What does the future hold for Marissa? Will she mainstream in High School? Will she have a boyfriend, get married, or even have children? None of these questions matter to me anymore. All I care about is that she is happy and full of life just like any other child. One of the greatest things I was every told was from my mother, “just remember that we are lucky to have a child to teach, play with, and put to bed.” Some people do not even get the chance to meet their children. So I will take my almond-shaped eyed cutie any day; and I will help her succeed and make an everlasting impression on every life she touches.

Natalie Crater

Bed Head at 6am

2011-01-13T04:51:00.000-08:00

Love the bed head when Emma gets up at her new routine time....SIX AM...I am so tired at this point but I love the mommy and Emma time.

Funny picture time with Marissa

2011-01-13T04:47:00.000-08:00

I hope you are ready to laugh...Marissa loves the camera so much...we turned our late night into a funny and sweet picture frenzy...and I LOVE IT. So enjoy the good times and remember why she is such a great joy in our life!!!

Why we love THEM so much

2011-01-13T04:41:00.000-08:00

Nothing is sweeter than the love we have for the girls...its the little things that make it grow stronger like being a great big sister, learning to clap, and cuddling close for ice cream...why do they have to grow up so fast?????

Why you NEVER leave a 2 yr old alone with an unlocked pantry

2011-01-13T04:39:00.000-08:00

AS you can see it is never a great idea to leave Marissa with an unlocked pantry...because she loves her FRUITY PEBBLES

Toy Time with Emma G.

2011-01-13T04:35:00.000-08:00

Headband I will DEFEAT you

2011-01-13T04:11:00.000-08:00

As you can see Emma is no longer LOVING the headband and bow or flower look...so let the fun begin as Emma takes down them ALL.

He cleans and NEVER complains..ha ha ha

2011-01-13T04:10:00.001-08:00

He washes the dishes and never says a word lol....or not. LOVE YOU BABY!!!

The Good times

2011-01-13T04:00:00.001-08:00

In our lives there are so many goodtimes. So take a look at some of our goodtimes. From eating to smiling to Emma wanting our pizza. Our home is never a bore...and the laughter in endless...

Some of the new house...decorate

2011-01-06T19:20:00.000-08:00

We are here and settled in for the most part. Here is some pictures of our new home. I will be posting more this week. ENJOY...

Longwood Gardens Fun

2010-12-31T10:12:00.000-08:00

So it was the Holiday time again, and Longwood Gardens was calling our name. So Zach, Marissa, Emma, John, Andy, and I all packed our cameras and headed to the gardens. The crowd was unbelievable but the beauty and pictures were worth it. So here is some of our memories we made that day!

Mary had a little lamb...little lamb...little lamb

2010-12-31T10:09:00.001-08:00

Meet the Crater duo...nothing is sweeter than our girls playing Nonna's piano.

Surprise Suprise...we have A BRIDE!!!

2010-12-31T09:52:00.000-08:00

So just a regular surprise dinner with the Grafstrom family...BUT wait, it's not. Here comes the bride...here comes the bride. Can you believe it..a surpise engagement and a WEDDING all in one night. I am so happy that Lisa and David were able to take their relationship to the next level and put their love on paper for the world to see. Congratulations and best WISHES to you both.

More family time pictures

2010-12-31T09:47:00.000-08:00

So as usual its always fun spending time with family..so here are some more family fun. Also check out Mom Mom playing Wii...it was AWESOME.

Snow Princesses

2010-12-31T09:34:00.000-08:00

So we decided it was time to introduce Emma to the SNOWY weather...and let Marissa have her usual snow playtime. It was so cool watching Marissa jump up and down in the snow and Emma's cheerful smiles. So enjoy the snow princesses!!!

More Fun New Photos

2010-12-30T09:52:00.000-08:00

Nothing is greater than some more AWESOME pictures of the Crater girls...and family!

Yummy Yummy Dinner in HIS name

2010-12-30T09:46:00.000-08:00

At this time of year people forget to think about the important things in life. Like living in HIS NAME and celebrating family...not who has the coolest or most presents. The Lord has blessed us all in SO many ways, and I am a firm believer that HE is the reason we are all alive and flourishing with wonderful families, great choices, and a life that is worth living. AMEN.

Crater Family Christmas

2010-12-30T09:36:00.000-08:00

Another wonderful Christmas celebration with the Crater family. The girls got even more great gifts, and the love was in the AIR. Thank you all for making this the best Christmas!!!

Merry Merry Merry Christmas with the Grafstrom Family

2010-12-30T09:11:00.000-08:00

They opened their gifts,

and their spirits to share.

It was because,

St Nick had been there.

From tea sets to bows,

and little girls clothes.

Their laughter and smiles,

were heard for miles.

So family and friends,

we thank til' the end.

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

Santa baby girl

2010-12-30T08:48:00.001-08:00

So as always our girls were being super cute...so I wanted to share some of our Santa Baby Pictures...enjoy!!!

Christmas Eve Dinner

2010-12-30T08:38:00.000-08:00

So, we were invited again to the lovely, Cathy's house for the annual Christmas Eve dinner. As always there was DELICIOUS food and lovely company. Nothing is greater than spending the holidays with a family full of love, laughter, and making memories.

So here are the memories we made...

Yummy breakfast with Nonna and Pop Pop; Just some fun pictures with the girls

2010-12-30T07:56:00.001-08:00

We were so blessed to attend breakfast at Cracker Barrell with Nonna and Pop Pop...and can you say YUMMY. This was the girls and I's first time being here and I was so impressed with the yummy food and awesome gift shop.

Also here is some cool new pictures of the everyday life with the Crater Girls.

More cute pictures from my new lens

2010-12-21T10:11:00.000-08:00

Now here are some pictures with my new lens of the girls and other people and Zora of course. One of my faves is Marissa doing on of her favorite things recently...attempting to break into the basement to sneak a peak at her Christmas presents...GOOD thing Santa waits until Christmas Eve to deliver his.

New lens...random fun

2010-12-21T09:54:00.000-08:00

I am super ecstatic because Zach gave me a new lens for my birthday. So I needed to break it in with some new pictures of random decorations around Jacqueline's house.

Megablocks Fun

2010-12-21T09:47:00.000-08:00

What is cooler than playing with medgablocks...NOTHING. Here is the girls playing with their megablocks from Santa. They LOVE them.

There's A Party In My Tummy...So yummy So yummy

2010-12-21T09:24:00.000-08:00

So as most of you may know our girls LOVE TO EAT. So what better images to capture then food and faces. Here are some hilarious pictures of Emma eating her peas and Marissa eating a cookie. Check out the great faces and try not immitate them.

Click Click and Jump Jump

2010-12-21T09:02:00.000-08:00

Nothing is greater than watching our girls play together, laugh, and just have a good time. Here are some shots of a usual playtime with Marissa and Emma. Try not to laugh too hard, and remember Girls really do have more fun.

Breakfast with Santa

2010-12-21T08:26:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa,

My sister and I wanted to write and thank you for letting us have breakfast with you. We loved the yummy food, sitting on your lap smiling, and the great presents you gave us. Can't wait to see you NEXT YEAR...and dont forget we are staying at Nonni's this year so please don't forget about us. Love you.

Love,

Marissa and Emma Crater

Home Sweet Home and Babies Sweet Babies

2010-12-16T07:54:00.000-08:00

DSAJ Christmas Party 2010

2010-12-04T11:10:00.000-08:00

Today, was our 3rd DSAJ Christmas Social. It was sad seeing all the families that we have grown close too and now we are moving away from this WONDERFUL association that can never be replaced. But the laughter and love from the room was amazing. We had a blast playing with friends, eating pizza and the custom down syndrome cupcakes I ordered, riding the train, Marissa and I made a gingerbread house, and the girls even did pretty good sitting with Santa. It is sad to believe this was our last event, but we went out in style. So enjoy the memories we captured

Yummy Turkey Day dinner

2010-12-04T11:06:00.000-08:00

There's a party in my tummy...so yummy so yummy (from Yo Gabba Gabba). This was my first time making Thanksgiving Dinner. We had a delicious Dr Pepper ham and other yummy food....here are some pictures.

8 months old...yummy meatballs...and playtime

2010-11-24T16:42:00.001-08:00

Happy 8 months YOUNG to Emma. I cannot believe how fast her and Marissa are growing up...it just seems like yesterday that I became a mother for the first time, and now Emma is 4 months away from being ONE YEAR old and Marissa will be THREE years old in a little more than 5 months. WOW. So lately our lives have been full of Dora, Yo Gabba Gabba, naptimes, playtimes, school, work, and getting ready for the move. I am so excited that in a month and a week we will be living in our NEW townhome...YAYAYAY.

Well, as most of you may know we will be in PA on the 15 or 16th of December for the holidays and we cannot wait to be surrounded by family, and knowing that from then on we will only be a couple hours away. So pack your bags and come to the beautiful VA with us...we would always love the company.

Also I was asked to make a list of things we want/need for our new place at Target...so if you go to Target, go to their lists section, and search our names you should find it there. Thank you all so much for making this an easy transition!

Love you all and see you soon...oh and here are the new pictures...love the ones with Emma after eating meatballs for dinner!

New pictures

2010-11-22T19:18:00.001-08:00

Our Christmas Pictures by ME

2010-11-18T08:23:00.000-08:00

Sorry I have been slacking...here are the Halloween Pictures

2010-11-09T16:36:00.000-08:00

Sweetest Moments Ever

2010-10-29T11:53:00.000-07:00

This is exactly the reason why I love my babygirls so much. They always find a way to melt my heart and water my eyes. I decided it was time to feed Emma, and wanted to see how Marissa would do. She fed her most the bowl and did an amazing job. Emma ended up with some on her face but barely any on her onsie (and she had no bib on). I am so proud of our big girl. She is so in love with her sister.

Some random pictures

2010-10-29T11:49:00.001-07:00

2010 Halloween Spooktacular at the Zoo

2010-10-29T11:40:00.000-07:00

I am so glad that Connie convinced us to come to the Jacksonville Zoo Spooktacular. We had so much fun trick or treating, and watching Marissa dance to Michael Jackson. It was hilarious, we were walking and she randomly stopped and started dancing to Thriller. You can say she was definitely the crowds entertainment for the evening.

Conners A-Maze-Ing Acres with the DSAJ

2010-10-29T11:26:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from our amazing adventure at Conners A-Maze-Ing Acres with the DSAJ. We had so much fun. Marissa really enjoyed the animals and the cow train of course. Emma loved walking around in the fresh air and spending time with everyone. It is such a joy to be apart of such an amazing organization, and we will surely miss them when we move.

Putt Putt

2010-10-29T11:15:00.000-07:00

We decided it was time to take the girls to play Miniature Golf for the first time. Marissa of course was a natural. Hey secret is to throw the ball in the hole when no one is looking lol. Emma was content with being in her pack and soaking up the sun. Here are some pictures of this memorable moment.

Girls' First time at Chuck E Cheese

2010-10-18T18:46:00.001-07:00

So I finally took the girls' to Chuck E. Cheese's for Jj's 4th Birthday Party. It was alot of fun, and very interesting because Zach was working...and two little girls can definetly give me a great work out....baby weight be gone.LOL. Well Marissa ran the opposite directions and hid when Chuck E came around, but she loves ski ball and the water racing game. But overall it was so much fun so here are the pictures...

Family Time at the Park

2010-10-15T19:50:00.000-07:00

So, we decided to have a fun, family day at the park...and here is the fun pictures we captured.

Fall pictures of the Girls

2010-10-08T20:58:00.000-07:00

So today, I got bored, and decided it was time to do the girls' fall pictures. It was so funny, interesting, and adorable. So I wanted to share the beautiful pictures with everyone. Our girls are definitely the cutest and best thing to ever happen to us.