Violet's first veggie

After all the tummy problems and diaper rash, we decided to give her some sweet potato to try and make her feel better. It seems to have worked! She is doing much better now and almost seemed excited about eating it yesterday! Of course she had orange mush all over her face. I tasted it to make sure it wasn't too hot, I forgot I hate sweet potatoes. I did manage not to make a "yuck" face in front of her though. I guess she likes them. (Mike isn't a big fan either, but I guess if she has nothing to compare it to but rice cereal, it probably is good!) Im sure once she can voice an opinion, chicken strips will be the only thing she will eat (or veggie chick nuggets at home). My friend Kelsey's daughter came to visit last summer and the only thing she would eat was chicken strips. They are good. :)

I don't have any pictures from Thanksgiving yet. I need to get them from other people (our camera wasn't charged-we keep using the juice up!). I will post them as soon as I get them. (and a tooth shot, if I can ever get one!) Here is her latest photo shoot!

Violet's latest amazing feats

So many milestones, so little time! Look at this standing girl! She has actually been putting weight on her feet for quite a while, but her balance and strength is getting so much better! (I love this little frog onesie).

I am also noticing the "beer gut". She is drinking 8 oz a go now. She's a hungry girl. I remember when the Dr. at the hospital told us to make sure she eats 2 oz. Hee! hee! Hardly a snack now! She is doing well with the cereal too. We were on a small hiatus because of her stomach issues. I don't think we will be able to satisfy her hunger with just a bottle soon. (We have been giving just a little taste of cereal, not enough for a meal) She is eyeing all of our food as we eat, and it makes you feel like she is one of the animals with her hard stare. (gimme some!) :) It will be the most fun when we can start giving her actual food and not tasteless rice cereal. Im so anxious to see what she will/won't like.

She has also graduated to her "big girl" stroller that Mike's gran got her before she passed away. I feel so happy to see her in it and I know that Gram Eileen is watching her grow up with love. Its also very nice as she can see the world so much more now - facing forward rather than up. The world is her oyster! (what a weird saying ) She is fascinated with it all and she is such a little sponge right now. (you can see her mind rolling in this last photo, pppplllllllllllll. hee!)

Look for updates for Violet's first Thanksgiving. It should be fun at Aunt Debbie and Uncle Peters with their big loveable (and spazy) puppy!

Teeth!

Well, Violet was really cranky this week. And apart from all the drool, I didn't really notice anything going on in her mouth until she put my finger in there.

Teeth! 2 front ones. And they hurt when she bites you! (just a little) I have never thought teeth were cute before. These are definitly cute. I promise to put a picture of them in here as soon as I get one. Its a little hard to get one with her mouth opened perfectly to see the lower gums, but I will give it a shot.

She is almost ready to sit up by herself now too. I think she will do it by Christmas, and she is holding her own bottle a little bit now too. So grown up! (sniff)

She is also having bathroom issues. I called the doctor today and they told me I basically need to let it "run it's course", in fact, the nurse used that phrase about 6 times after I asked her a number of questions, that was pretty much the standard answer. It's pretty gross, but V doesn't seem to mind too much. It has meant some getting up in the night for Mike to change diapers. That has been kinda hard for him, and it wakes me up too, so neither of us has been sleeping too well. I felt bad, cause my Dad came throught town last night and probably didn't sleep very well either. He is coming back through on Sunday, so I hope everyone is a little more rested and feeling better by then.

More news - Our friends Matt and Ellen have had their baby boy. Darwin Xavier Michelin. I can't wait to meet him. I really should give them a little peace before I try to go over there, because I didn't want to see anyone for a while when I got home out of sheer exhaustion after having V. I don't think I will be able to stand it though.

Check back for teeth shots if/when I get them!

The Dedication was a success!

Look at glamour-puss in her pearls! The Dedication ceremony turned out really well.

For those of you who may not know, a dedication ceremony is basically a celebration of Violets successful and healthy entrance into this world, a time for the family and friends to pledge their commitment to support her and us, and a chance for Violet to wear a really sweet white dress and pearls that my grandma gave me for her to wear (they are a family heirloom from Japan)and look really adorable!

Also - Violet now has her own bank account! Her loot from the party was great - now when she wants those designer jeans, she can use her own money! :)

It is so great that we could have the UU Minister come to our house for the ceremony, but that also means a lot of cleaning! I basically cleaned for 3 days straight before the party. My grandma came all the way from Kansas City to meet Violet on her special day and she and my parents also stayed at the house. My family was a big help though. Helped me set up and keep the place neat for our other guests!

During the ceremony, all the grandparents gave Violet a yellow daisy. She was so interested in the whole ceremony, but especially those flowers! They all "handed" them too her at once, it was very cute. She also had to check out the bowl of water the Minister used "as a symbol of her consecration" and her "connection to the earth". It really was a great ceremony. It seemed very official, but at the same time, really personal. More spiritual than religious. I think everyone else really liked it too.

She was pretty wired for the rest of the afternoon, but finally conked out eventually. (This is a child who sleeps through dog's barking a foot away). (this is Miss V's big girl chair. Sadly, she grew out of her papasan.)

I want to thank everyone again for coming to the party! Violet, Mike and I appreciated it!

Halloween!

Violet had her first Halloween! She looked so adorable in her costume! (of course) We went to a few houses and she did pretty well. Then we sat outside and gave out treats to the other kids. I think she really enjoyed that part. The kids in costumes are fun to look at. (for me too!)

Im very busy today - but look for a post next week. We are having Violets Dedication ceremony at the house on Saturday. I will be sure to post pictures of that and give everyone the lowdown on how it went! It should be fun! (I wish Louie and Scott could make it, they are 2 of the four "godparents".) Check back then!