Getting Old...

Well, it finally happened. I turned 30, and now I'm falling apart. My knee is killing me. I've never had joint pain, or aches and pains anywhere really, so this is unfamiliar and unwanted territory for me. On Tuesday I was walking through the school hall and realized my left knee hurt a bit. The next day, it hurt a lot and I'd lost some range of motion. Now it aches to walk up the stairs and I definitely can't kneel on the floor to help get Violet's shoes on.

And no, I don't know what I did to it. I don't remember doing anything, actually. It just started hurting. Although... it hurts a lot more when I hold Violet. In fact, I've had to change the position I carry her because of it. Could it be that the strain of holding my own child has busted my knee? Good grief! (Although she does weight 24.8 pounds, and I've been toting her around for more than a year now, so I guess it's possible...) So, what can I do for knee pain? Besides complaining about it. Because frankly, that hasn't been helping any.

Looking all grown up...

Someone else who is getting old is our cat Spooky. Yesterday we came to the solemn realization that she is deaf. As deaf as a doornail. And possibly has been for some time now. We should have realized something was up when she stopped hiding under the bed during thunderstorms. She's been riding them out on top of the covers, hardly bothered at all, and we've had some pretty violet weather lately. I thought maybe she'd finally grown out of her fear. Alas, it seems she just can't hear anymore.

Checking the fridge for a "nak".

As for the rest of the family, Matt and Violet are both battling sinus infections. So we're pretty much falling apart over here! But only one more day until sweet, sweet Spring Break, so I think we'll survive. Over-achieving plans for the break include painting our bedroom, dentist appointments, getting my hair cut, going to a wedding shower and birthday party, hitting up some thrift stores in search of goodies for next year's classroom, and (drum roll please) leaving Violet overnight for the first time! We'll see how much actually gets accomplished, but right now I'm choosing to be optimistic!

Nak? Are you there? It's me, Violet!

Going Crazy

Currently

I love finding a television show that has been airing for a while, I just haven't been clued-in enough to follow it. Because it means I can start DVRing the heck out of it and always have something new-to-me to watch. I remember when Matt and I finally started watching House. We watched at least an episode a day until, within a few months, we had caught every show. The downside of this method of tv watching is that we tend to overdose ourselves, but boy, is it a fun ride while it lasts.

Right now, we are currently smack in the middle of a Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations gorge-fest and loving every second. Part travelogue, part food-fest, this show combines the best of both worlds. Bourdain, the host, is the icing on the cake. Yes, the show travels to random sites (the rerun I'm watching now takes place in the Azores - Bourdain's eating some boiled eggs cooked by putting them in a sack and tossing them into a bubbling hot spring that happens to smell like (his words) a wet fart) and odd food is consumed. But Bourdain's wry commentary on it all gives a dry hilarity to the happenings. He doesn't spend too much time describing the taste and texture of what he's eating, one of my pet peeves with other foodography shows (because you telling me it has a creamy, nutty flavor is really going to help me experience that bite of food through my tv). Instead, he just eats and nods with appreciation. Or not. On the Icelandic adventure, Bourdain seemed rather disgusted more often than not, and didn't bother sparing the natives' feelings.

Speaking of currently, I just started reading a new book, One Day (Vintage Contemporaries Original). It follows the relationship of Dexter and Emma over twenty years, but here's the catch- the story visits them on the same day each year, revealing snapshots of their lives over the two decade span. It sounds like an interesting gimmick, and word is that the story has already been optioned for a movie. So perhaps it will end up being one of my book club picks.

And speaking of book club, next month we'll be reading (or in my case, rereading) Water for Elephants: A Novel. The movie-version comes out in theaters mid-month, so we'll be catching it on the big screen, yay! If you haven't seen the trailer, check it out here. It always makes me nervous when Hollywood takes a great book and attempts to turn it into a movie, but so far I like what I see. Do you agree?

Walking (on camera)

Well, I finally managed to capture Violet's steps on film. It's a little too late, I know, since the awe of her first steps has worn off by now. But at least I have it saved for posterity, and for your viewing pleasure.




Now that she can walk, it's so much easier to not follow directions. Girlfriend is still obsessed with climbing the stairs, and while we've managed to install a gate at the top, the bottom is still fair game. One of these days I'll have a baby proofed house, I promise. Until then, Violet will just keep giving me those sly smiles and then do exactly what she wants to do anyway.

PS There a bazillion other videos on YouTube titled "Violet Walking" or some variation. I really have to start coming up with more creative titles.

All in Favor, Say Eye

So you might remember how, a few weeks ago, I was bemoaning the fact that Violet's clogged tear duct may require surgical intervention. It's funny, because at the time, her eye wasn't all that bad. I was just venting 12 months worth of on and off frustration.

Then, right after I had to open my big mouth, Violet's eye got as bad as it's ever been. I had been praying for a clear-cut sign from God that we should go for the surgery, and her eye got so bad that I immediately called the specialist and booked a consultation. It looked like I had my sign. For about a week, I was convinced we were going to do the surgery and I was slowly coming to terms with it. I asked around at work, on Facebook, to see if anyone could give me a first-hand account. But to my great ire, most people reported that their child's clogged duct opened naturally just days before the scheduled surgery or something else similarly convenient.

So I turned to the internet and did a lot of research online, reading forums to see what other parents have experienced. While you have to take these forums and message boards with a large tablespoon of salt, it was good to at least hear that other parents were dealing with the same fears and questions I had. What the general consensus seemed to be is that a) the worst part of the procedure is the anxiety parents experience as they have to let their babies be put under general anesthesia, and b) everyone is glad to have it done. Most of the time the eye doctor reports the blockage was so bad it would have never opened up on its own, so parents feel justified in their decision. And all the medical websites emphasized that the procedure is short, safe, common, etc.

Then, the week before our appointment for consultation, just as I was gathering steam and gearing up to get this thing done once and for all, Violet's eye cleared up. Instead of wiping the ever-present tear off her cheek, I didn't even notice any wet lashes. Could it be that I was about to become one of those bragging parents who could proclaim that we, too, canceled our appointment? And what about my request for an obvious sign from God, showing us what to do? I hate feeling this confused.

So, long story short, we kept the consultation appointment today. (Hey, it never hurts.) And it wasn't as bad as I expected it to be. The doctor, rather than pressuring us or giving us the hard sell, told us to watch her eye for a couple months to see what happens. While he did say he noticed one eye was more wet than the other, and suspects she still has a minor blockage, he didn't seem overly concerned or ready to rush us into the operating room. I posed my favorite question - if this was your child, what would you do? - and he honestly told us he would probably have the surgery done, especially since even a minor blockage can cause problems whenever the baby gets congested (like Violet is now). When I asked him to describe what would go down in the operating room, he told me that explaining it would take longer than actually doing it. Violet will be asleep for less than three minutes. So, my gut is telling me we'll probably end up at Scottish Rite at some point in the near future. But I feel much better having finally talked to an expert. And as he put it, if you're child has to have surgery, this is the procedure you want to do.

So that's that. We'll see what happens over the next couple months. I'm still hoping for that super obvious sign from the Heavens. Hmm, what would be clear cut enough to satisfy me? Perhaps if a truck carrying a load of canned black-eyed peas overturns on the interstate, I'll know we're supposed to go ahead with it. How about, the next time time I'm at a restaurant, the waiter replies to my request for a refill with "aye aye captain!" Or the next time I'm listening to oldies, someone calls in to dedicate "Brown Eyed Girl" to Violet. Any of these would work for me.

Anyway, just wanted to fill you guys in. And now, since you waded so patiently through the wordy post above, I shall reward you with some extremely unrelated pictures below. After all, the latest poll suggests that while you'll indulge me in my ramblings about whatever, you at least want a baby photo for your efforts. So you shall have it! Can't say I never did anything for ya!

Tickling the ivories.

Violet's reading corner.

 PS If you hear of any runaway cans of black-eyed peas, let me know!

Stopping for Gas

The creativity and imaginations of children never cease to amaze me. Today, after a long day of workshopping, plus an even longer trip to Walmart to pick up a few things for my future classroom (there goes a hundred bucks of my own hard-earned money), we came home to a yard full of busy, busy boys. The neighbor kids had gotten together and constructed what every backyard really needs - a gas station. And who was their first customer?

Fill 'er up!

I'm amazed how their little minds work. This "gas tashn" was made with two soccer goals, a couple blankets, a handmade sign, and a willing customer. And it was a bargain at that - only three cents for a fill up! And while they may have accidentally forgotten their customer inside the station a bit too long (she sure is gripping that wheel, ready to make her escape) it's all fair since she didn't have any money. Good thing Dad showed up a few minutes later and settled the bill.

I love how well the boys play with Violet and take care of her. They did most of the entertaining this afternoon, pushing her around in the car, helping her hold the light saber with the proper grip... Ah yes, the unfortunate downside to being surrounded by boys. I see a few too many swords and guns in our future. Still, they are very sweet with her and she loves every minute in their company.

Spring!

Spring is here! It's official. As if the flowers bursting out and bees starting to bumble about and pollen count soaring wasn't enough to clue you in, the calendar has just made it official. Spring is here. And to celebrate, I decided to get Violet all dressed up in one of the outfits I've been dying to put on her. It's still a little too big, and it definitely makes crawling difficult, but it is so sweet, I couldn't resist. When I spotted it in the store (and by the way, Baby Gap makes cute clothes and all but good grief I can't remember when I spent this much on clothes for myself!) it totally made me think of Sweden, so I splurged (and used a gift card, so that lessened the guilt somewhat).

Look at those lashes!

Ignore the random facial expression, I just needed a shot of the dress.

Once she was all dolled up, we needed somewhere to go, and fortunately our pals Wendi and Travis decided to host a little get-together to take advantage of the perfect weather. Violet put on her flirtiest face for everyone and showed off her walking skills. In fact, this weekend marked a turning point in the whole learn to walk milestone. Now, Violet's first inclination is to walk, rather than crawl, if she wants to get somewhere. If she stumbles and ends up on the floor, she'll crawl, but otherwise she tries to get around like the rest of the human race - on two feet.

Walking to Marla. Isn't she just good enough to eat?!

We enjoyed some burgers and other goodies outside on the patio (I love patio weather!) and Violet fit right in with the rest of us, happily munching away on her dinner and contributing her opinion to the conversation.

Where's Violet?

Mmm, spaghetti al fresco!

Other accomplishments from the weekend included finally installing the top 'o the stairs baby gate, so Violet can stay safely out of the hands of that gravitational pull. It's really appalling how long it is taking us to baby proof our house, but it is a lot of work! And it takes time to assemble all the necessary hardware needed. Many thanks to some friends for contributing the baby gates. Those suckers are expensive, and now we have a fancy one for free! Plus, considering it's going to be a fixture in our home for the next, oh, five or six years, it's nice to have a good looking one. We also have all our outlet plugs in, plus a few of the more dangerous cabinets locked up. Of course, as Violet gains speed and mobility, I'm sure we'll find all sorts of other things that need to be moved, locked up or covered. There's no stopping her now!

First Word!

You how I've been lamenting the fact that Violet hasn't issued any first words yet? And I'm not talking about nonsense babbling, or even rather impressive echoing of things she hears. I'm talking about a legitimate, spontaneously generated, independently uttered word that I can understand both in pronunciation and meaning. Tall order? Hey, we set the bar high in the Loughman household. Well hold the phone, because all that has changed!

I give you Violet's first word...

"NAK!"

Translation: SNACK!

(I hang my mortified head in shame.)

We have ourselves a talker!

That's right, my daughter's first official word is snack. As in, feed me, woman! She said it for the first time one day this week when we had just arrived from school. She said it deliberately, insistently and repeatedly while she crawled right up to her high chair and pulled out a bib, waving it like a flag in my direction. Just in case I didn't get it. And I received her message loud and clear, no doubt in my mind.

I don't know whether to be excited or embarrassed.

Okay, I'm excited, I admit it. Although it would have been awesome for her first word to be something really profound. Or "Mommy". But hey, I'll take what I can get. So, snack it is!

And speaking of food, I officially packed up all the bottles, accessories and bottle drying rack last night! The kitchen feels so much more spacious without them. And Violet is officially on a toddler schedule at daycare, meaning she gets a set breakfast, lunch, snack (NAK!) and nap time (only one nap now, help us all!), and also gets to enjoy things like venturing outside with her classmates. Oh, and I was officially hired as a full-time first grade teacher at my school for next year! So yeah, big week all around!

You Give Me Fever (Bieber Fever)

So I don't know much about Justin Bieber, although I'm sure my first grade girls could fill me in on all the details. Does he qualify as dreamy? Hottt (with three t's)? I feel so out of touch.

Here's what I can say with all confidence, however: He's young. He sings. And he has massively weird hair. What is up with the forward comb? This kid is going to turn into Donald Trump in a few years if he's not careful!

But there's something oddly familiar about this guy...

I've seen this hairstyle before...

Ah yes, that's it. I knew I'd seen that look somewhere else. Give it a few more years to thicken up and fill in, and Violet could give Bieber a run for his mousse money.

I have got to do something about her hair. How do I get Violet to leave her hair bows alone? What can I do about the 'do?

Bye Bye Bottle

So we had that pesky little Daylight Savings time change this weekend. Mercy, it was almost the end of me. We straggled on to church on Sunday and Violet survived another day in the nursery there. And after playing outside in the beautiful weather for a few hours, I pulled myself together enough to make it to a friend's wedding.

Here's the one picture I managed to snap on my phone (forgot the camera at home). The event took place at Opera, a nightclub in Atlanta. Weird venue, right? So I thought. But it was actually so pretty! A little Phantom of the Opera, I dare say. The couple did something I'd never seen at a wedding before - they had written each other love letters that they sealed up and ceremoniously placed in a wine box with a bottle of wine, to be opened on their fifth anniversary. Or, should they ever end up in a place where they need a little reminder of how they fell in love and what they mean to each other, they can break into the box and read the letters. A cool little tradition, I thought.  The evening was beautiful, I only wish I could have stayed out longer celebrating. But alas, I headed home early so I could attempt to get some sleep before school on Monday.

Can you say exhausted? Too little sleep, plus the time change, plus another round of allergies/sinus infection, and I was hurting when the alarm went off to start the work week. Thank goodness we had a major breakthrough last week that I've been meaning to share.

Violet is done with formula! Which means I don't have to remember to make bottles for her each morning. Or remember to actually take them to daycare with us (you'd be surprised how often I forget). Or try to juggle my child, the empty bottles, her daily report sheet and her jacket when I pick her up in the afternoons. And let me tell you, not having to make or remember bottles come Monday was such a relief.

This is all I have to remember to take in the mornings now.

She has done great on whole milk, it was such an easy transition. I'm not sure she even noticed the difference. Now that she's on milk, she can get it at school rather than me having to provide it each day. And now that she's on milk, we are one step closer to ditching the bottles for good. In fact (fingers crossed) she went to bed last night without a bottle at all. I gave her a bath, brushed her teeth (the next habit I'm bound and determined to create), read a story, and then asked her if it was night-night time. In response, she laid her head on my shoulder and off to bed she went! 

I was really worried about dropping that bedtime bottle, and I'm not saying we're done with it yet. But this is definitely a step in the right direction. Next up, the paci wars. Although she's been so easy going so far, maybe Violet will give up her pacifier just as easily... (oh who am I kidding!) But I'm not ready to tackle that battle yet anyway. One step at a time.

Push It

 Violet loves pushing things around the house now.

But sometimes I really don't know why we bothered with all those fancy push toys and walkers.

Violet is making do just fine with found objects.

Work it, girl!

Never Taken for Granted

Some of you who mosey by this blog may also click through to another blog I read faithfully. It has been chronicling the journey of a sweet little boy born months too early, and the journey of his family as they have struggled and fought and ultimately succeeded in bringing him home. Adrienne, his courageous mother, doesn't take a single day with him for granted, and I am so excited that baby Bennett has been doing so well lately.

It was through Bennett's blog that I came across another family that needs just as much grace and prayer as Bennett's. One day, Kate's blog looked a lot like mine - full of photos and updates about the latest achievements of their newest family member. Then just four days later, the blog revealed the heart-wrenching news that their youngest daughter Lucy is battling cancer. Their life has been turned completely upside-down in the blink of an eye. As Kate wrote from the hospital on Monday, her daughter's fifth birthday, "Things that mattered before don't matter now.  They may never matter again.  All that matters now is getting you well and bringing you home."

I know I preach about cherishing the moments but I have never meant it more than now. I think about how much I worry about Violet, like her clogged tear duct or her language development. Then I read Kate's story and realize my struggles pale in comparison. Kiss your babies. Tell your friends you love them. Never take a single moment for granted. And please, pray for Lucy




 

Dollars and Sense

I ran across this article the other day in which a new mom discussed how life post-baby had changed in a dramatic way - hitting the family budget. While some costs are expected - the hospital bill, all the gear that must be accumulated, the never-ending parade of diapers - for this author, the surprising and previously unconsidered cost was in utility bills. With an infant in the house, the heat has to be set higher. With someone home all day with the baby, the lights stay on longer. And the laundry... don't even get me started on how the laundry has increased.

Is there something on my shirt?

I totally agree with the article. And the frustrating thing is, there's not much we can do to stop the torrent of money flowing through our wallets. After all, heat is rather necessary in the middle of winter. Clothes have to get washed, even if it's in cold water, and even if the machine is packed so full that one last baby sock is just not going to make it in, sorry.

The article got me thinking about what unexpected changes to my daily domestic chores has surprised me the most. And right now, laundry is at the top of the list. And it's not Violet's clothes I'm talking about. I know she's going to get dirty, be it snot or drool or food smeared everywhere. This is not news. What has shocked me is how filthy my clothes get. And I know how to use silverware! It seems like all Violet's grubbiness is destined to end up on my clothes about four seconds after we reunite at the end of a school day. It's reached the point where I change into "house" clothes (aka sweat pants) as soon as I'm home because I can't handle the washing and ironing and dry cleaning that goes along with my work clothes. Today I showed up at school in what I thought was a totally fine sweater, only to discover once I was in my classroom that there were at least three Violet stains (food, snot, something indeterminate) gracing me with their presence. I swear, there are some days I end up more covered in goop than she does.

So our laundry bill has definitely gone up because of our child, just not necessarily in the way I expected.

Eat Your Veggies

Violet loves fruit. Be it mandarin oranges, pears, or applesauce, the girl has a sweet tooth and I'm glad I can offer her a healthy version instead of letting her eat ice cream and cake.

The problem is, she would much rather eat her fruits than veggies. (She'd rather eat fruit than almost anything else on the plate, but definitely more than veggies.) I'm guessing this is a pretty typical problem (unless you're my husband, who prefers cauliflower to almost any fruit). But I'd like to start Violet off on the right foot when it comes to trying things on her plate and appreciating, nay, enjoying vegetables. So far, the vegetable she seems to like the most is the tomato, which, no surprise, is in the middle of the age-old it's a vegetable no it's really a fruit tug-of-war. Tomatoes and Pluto, poor things never can quite figure out where they belong.

Anyway, here are some vegetables (and fruit) that both Violet and I can agree on.

Aren't these sweet? Violet got this set of enticing produce for her birthday from Mimi, and they look almost good enough to eat (Violet has indeed tried). The detail is adorable, right down to the banana that really peels and the head of lettuce with removable leaves. Plus they are soft and squishy and just right for little hands. And completely machine washable (mom bonus!).

Only the Swedes could come up with a produce mix for little children that includes not just your standard grapes and carrots, but mushrooms, leeks and a head of garlic. (Perhaps they have a bit of a vampire problem in Sweden.)

Here's a bit of trivia for you: the name of this Ikea product is duktig, which happens to mean "clever". I love Ikea's protocol of using random Swedish words to name their products. That being said, this little set is rather clever. Ikea's website claims these toys will "encourage role play". Here's hoping they inspire Violet to take a bite out of a real vegetable one of these days!

It's Not a Competition, But...

So finally, finally, someone I know has had a baby. And I am thrilled, not only because I love this couple and know they are going to make great parents, and not just because their little baby is as absolutely precious and perfect as you could ever want, but because I finally have someone on whom to bestow all the reams of advice I've been gathering since I became a mom. Not that I'm some kind of expert. All I have is my own experience, trials, discoveries, errors, ah-has. But I relied so much on all my mom (and dad) friends when I had Violet, I'm excited to finally pass it on.

Unfortunately, my friend is such a cool and capable mom, she hasn't come calling for much advice. And I try not to foist it on anyone without being asked (it's hard sometimes, but I try). So whenever I get that random text asking the tiniest question, I jump on it with all my motherly might.

The other day, I did get a question and it was about a topic I happened to have first hand experience in. When Violet was just a week old, I noticed her eye was getting gunky, like when you wake up in the morning with sleepy boogers in the corner of your eye. After a bit of googling, I realized it was probably a clogged tear duct (common) and to be safe, I called the pediatrician. The doctor confirmed my diagnosis, ordered up some eye drops, and we moved on.

Note her left eye... it always looks wet like she's been crying.

Well, my friend called me up to describe her baby's gunky eye and asked if I'd ever seen anything like that before. Had I?! Quickly I sketched out my past experience, gave her plenty of reassurance, offered some home remedies (a squirt of breast milk in the eye - who knew! Note: I did not attempt this treatment. For one thing, I wasn't sure how good my aim would be!) and told her to call the doctor in the morning for some eye drops. Problem solved, big pat on the back to me.

The next day, being the concerned friend that I am, I called to check up on the wee one. Wasn't I right? Hadn't the doctor been impressed at the self-diagnosis? Weren't the eye drops the right fix? Aren't I the best advice-giving mommy friend ever?

But it turned out, they hadn't been to the pediatrician. The eye was much better. My friend had simply prayed for her baby's eye and God had answered [her] prayers! (her exclamation point, not mine).

And before I continue, let me stop here and say that this friend of mine is one of the kindest, most generous people I've had to pleasure to have in my life. She is a wonderful mom (other than her lack of needing advice) and is the last person in the world anyone would wish ill toward. She knows nothing of my reaction to her words and deserves none of the ire that I might have conjured up. And honey, if you're reading this, well.... just stop reading it. I know you had absolutely zero intention of what follows and it's totally not your fault, so forgive me.

Because the instant I heard her chipper words about God answering her prayers, the competitive, bitchy, disgustingly human side of me reared its ugly head. Instead of being thrilled for her and her child, I got snarky. And mad. And jealous. See, I've prayed for Violet's eye. I've had others pray for her eye. And what do I get? Multiple rounds of eye drops (and now the girl squirms so much I can't even get them in there) and Violet is still battling the clogged tear duct. (Eventually, if it doesn't clear up on its own, it will require a surgical procedure under general anesthesia to unblock it... not my fondest thought.)

Cue my pity party. How come my prayers don't work, huh? Why does her kid get to be all perfect while mine is still dealing? (I'm cringing even as I write these thoughts. They really are revolting. But into my head they popped, unbidden, because I'm human that way. Good thing my God is the forgiving type. Hopefully my friend is too.)

Then God, noting the hissy fit I was pitching, decided to reach down and slap some sense into me. Because that night I got the devastating news that a fellow grad school alum was in the hospital. His week-long flu had developed into pneumonia, he'd had a seizure, coded, and was now lying in a hospital showing no brain activity with his heartbroken fiance holding vigil beside him through the darkest night of her life. He passed away the next day. And that was despite the prayers that were sent flying Heavenward on his behalf the minute we heard the news.

So what's the moral to this story? Well, what I took from the experience was this. God's always listening. And sometimes, true, He's not going to answer our prayers the way we want. But that's because He knows the path we're walking. And for some of us, that path ends abruptly, with no reason we can fathom. And it sucks. But God knows. And if my path involves a little eye gunk, I'm not going to complain about it. Because He's answered a thousand other prayers of mine - Keep Violet safe, let her know how much we love her, give me patience, help me find my wallet, give me a sign, help Violet feel better - just to name a few. And He's answered countless more that haven't even made it to my lips, that have just welled up inside, a wordless cry in the darkness. And whether or not He chooses to heal Violet's eye or instead sees her safely through the procedure, He's got it under control. There are a million worse things I could be dealing with than a tear duct that won't drain properly.

12 Month Stats

Violet had her 12 month well-check Friday and she came through with flying colors. She weighs 23 lbs, 14 oz (90th percentile) and her height is 30.5 inches (again, 90th percentile). She got three shots and boo-hooed big time. It's interesting to watch these appointments change as Violet becomes more aware. It used to be that she took everything with ease (until the needle stick). Now she starts crying the minute the nurses open the door with their tray of evil needles.

Who's number one?

At this check-up, we learned that Violet should be weaning from the bottle (score, two feedings down, two to go!) and ride in a read-facing car seat as long as possible (already knew that). I got to answer a proud yes to the questions of pulling up, standing, cruising and walking. And when I asked if I really needed to go buy fancy shoes at stride-rite,  the pediatrician (a woman after my own heart) assured me that she bought all her kids' shoes at Target, no need to drop 40 bucks on a pair Violet will wear for a month. Whew!

Who needs to buy shoes when you have free hand-me-downs?

I also learned I should be brushing Violet's teeth. Uh-oh. Can't wait to see how that goes down. Because forcing her to do things in the past (ie: take a breathing treatment, hold still for eye drops, let me wipe her hands off) has gone down so well.

While at the appointment, I asked the doctor about Violet's language skills. See, while she babbles constantly, I still haven't been able to distinguish a first word. Alas, I'm afraid this line in the baby book is going to remain blank. (Who am I kidding, I don't even have a baby book for her! This is my baby book!) While I have no doubt she has said lots and lots of things, I just haven't been able to interpret them. Her first word might be "yes" or "this", both sounds she makes a lot while pointing at things or answering a question. But truth be told, I just don't know. Maybe it's a first-time mom thing. Maybe I'm setting the bar for her first word a little too high, expecting it to come out clear as a bell. But I'm holding out for something that at least sounds like English. However, speaking aside, what really matters is her receptive language development - how well she can listen and understand what we're saying. And Violet definitely has that down. She can follow commands, whether it be "no" or asking her to bring me a book or point to my nose.


So all in all, I give Violet an A-plus for this go-round. We head back in three months. It's funny, Matt was reminding me the other day how I used to live for Violet's check-ups to find out how much weight she'd gained, if she was developing okay, what we were supposed to do next as far as feeding her, what milestones she had hit. For some reason, the stats don't seem as vital anymore. I mean, I can look at her and tell she is a healthy baby (perhaps a little too healthy around the midsection, if you ask me). But it's still fun to get the official a-okay from those in the business who know what they're talking about.

Look at my belly!

Disappearing Food

Violet thinks her Daddy is sooo funny when he makes her snack disappear and reappear. Her laughter is priceless. But my favorite part is her expression right after Matt tells her that the puffs are "all gone".

Sleeping Beauty

Here's the problem when your child figures out how to stand up in their crib. They stand up in their crib! And once she's on her feet, Violet is rarely persuaded to lie back down, regardless of whether her nap has been long enough (in Mommy's opinion).

Of course, the real problem will be when she learns how to climb out of the crib. Which is a feat I can't even fathom, but since it's happened to everyone else, I guess I better accept the fact that the day is coming (and install that stair gate).

Sleeping Beauty? More like Grumpy...