Violet at 11 Months

Violet has kept us busy this past month!  She cannot be left alone for a second, as even if the potential choking hazards have all been picked up, she will try to climb any vertical surface.  She can now climb up onto beds, the couch, chairs, the dishwasher, the piano, and the bathroom sink.  I feel like she has put everything but the kitchen sink in her mouth and if I pay close enough attention, she always offers the item she is about to taste to me first.  I've asked her so many times to show me what's in her mouth that she automatically responds by saying, "Awwwww" and opening her mouth.  Another tell tale sign that she has put something dangerous in her mouth is her excessive drool increases even more.  

Lucy and Emma may pose the biggest threats to Violet's well being with all of their tiny Legos, Barbie accessories, rubber band bracelets, and used Disney Princess Band Aids, but they are also very helpful about making sure the gates are always closed on the stairs, and noticing if Violet has any of the above mentioned signs of choking hazards in her mouth.

Violet's favorite word to say this month is "wow" which she says while pointing at whatever interesting thing has caught her eye.  She is loving the warmer weather and is now big enough to swing with Lucy and Emma.  There are so many things outside that inspire her to say "wow" - Charlie, the chickens, a blade of grass, the swing, the slide, the stroller, a rock, some wood chips…the world is an amazing place for her to discover and explore and it makes me appreciate spring time even more as I experience it through her eyes.

Violet loves making us laugh and has gotten really good at peek a boo. 

Violet's bottom two teeth appeared this past month, and has enjoyed chewing on mango pits and stale sour dough bread to ease the pain.  She also has discovered it is easier to pick up slippery bits of food like banana or pear by just sucking it off of the table or pouring the pieces directly from the bowl into her mouth.

This past month Violet's God Father Uncle Johnny came back from spending the winter in Florida and stopped by for some snuggles.  She was a little shy at first, but then flashed him her standard grin with a smile so wide her teeth show and her eyes squint shut and she apparently forgave him for leaving her for warmer weather. 

 Violet also celebrated her first Easter and last Easter where she will be able to fit into her Easter basket.

Violet may be my third daughter, but I am as much in awe of her as I am of her big sisters.  This is such an exhausting age as I have to remain constantly vigilant so that she stays safe.  Fortunately, her sweetness makes it worth it.  The wonder in her eyes at every little thing the world has to offer is amazing to me, and I am so proud of her.  I really only have one complaint.  Her lack of sleep is still so challenging.  I know that she will eventually sleep, just like her big sisters eventually did too, but in the meantime it is survival mode.  I am trying to stop fighting the genetic tendency that seems to be in each of my children, and have been putting my feet up with a good book during the day while I hold her for her naps to ensure she gets some solid sleep.  I no longer care about creating bad habits or what people may think.  It's what works today, and I will worry about what works tomorrow when it comes.  

Today, I have this sweet baby in my arms and she fits so perfectly.  Her head is fuzzy and warm under my chin, and her chubby little feet rest just so in my hand.  I am so glad that I get to be Violet's mom!