Violet at 13 Months

Violet is a full-fledged one year old now.  She walks like she has done it all of her life, and even carries items with her while walking.  Below she is two fisting a pair of balloons.  

Violet has discovered the art of putting objects into containers.  She loves putting random toys and clothes into her dirty diaper pail and also enjoys picking things up off of the floor and putting them into the garbage.  She understands most directions and so I try to use her new found skill to my advantage by handing her actual garbage or dirty diapers to dispose of.  I told her the other day that she needed socks to go outside and she came back a moment later with a mismatched pair of her socks from a dirty laundry basket.  Brilliant, I tell you!  She LOVES being outside and is content for hours in the great outdoors, just like her older sisters.  Here she is below carrying her favorite little blue bucket and a piece of sidewalk chalk - it's a favorite habit she has developed when she is outside.

Violet may love being outside, but it is a bit nerve wracking for me.  I am no longer able to sit down and relax while out in the yard, as Violet does not stay in one place for long and there are many potential dangers - making Charlie mad by poking or kicking him, escaping through the fence, sharp objects in the garage, getting hit by a big sister on a bike, walking in front of a moving swing, the vast space of concrete taunting her vulnerable baby skin… you get the idea.  I'm pretty much her shadow when outside.  Will takes a more hands off approach, and because of it she does get hurt on his watch, but nothing ever serious.  I guess you could say Will and I balance each other out when it comes to parenting and I am trying not to be jealous of his ability to not worry as much and sit in a lawn chair.  Here Violet is below with her Daddy.

When Violet is in the house I am able to let her explore on her own, as I am confident that once the proper baby gates are locked and the bathroom door is closed that she is safe to play on her own.  The other day she started squealing in distress from the other room and when I found her she was stuck inside of box that she must have tried using as a step to climb up on the couch.  Silly girl.  She still loves eating almost anything I put in front of her at the table but makes a horrendous mess.  Cleaning up after feeding her takes longer than making the food sometimes.  I am trying to savor the fact that she still enjoys what I cook for her though, as I know soon enough she will develop stronger likes and dislikes.

She already has moved on from the crawling stage, and I miss her crawling to me from across the house with an excited ma-ma-ma-ma with each slap of her hand and knee as she approached me.  My sweet baby is growing so fast!  When we measured her on her first birthday, she clocked in at a whole two inches taller than her older sisters when they turned one.

She is still so much a sweet baby though, and will nod her head in agreement to any question or idea I propose to her.  She is just happy to understand the question and be with me and that just melts my heart.  "Violet, do you want to read a book?"  *smiles while head nodding*  "Violet, do you want to eat lunch?"  *smiles while going to her high chair* "Violet, do you want to get a diapey change?"  *smiles, while taking me to her changing table*.  Thanks to Lucy and Emma, I also know that this agreeableness will be gone soon too.  But don't get me wrong either, she is just as feisty as she is sweet and has no tolerance for big sisters standing in her way.  She can squeal and scream louder than any child I have ever heard and still does not like car rides.  The endurance that it takes to scream at such a high and intense pitch for forty plus minutes is truly amazing.  Maybe she will use those vocal chords to her advantage one day, and sing her heart out for the world to appreciate.  Time will tell, but in the meantime we are staying close to home and avoiding car rides like the plague.  Here she is below, so excited to see a friend.

Since the day our sweet and feisty Violet was born, she has revealed to us various quirks and traits that seemed unique and at times very challenging.  We have begun a journey of discovery with Violet, prompted by the emergence of her teeth this past month.  Violet has very uniquely shaped and spaced teeth which points to the genetic condition of Ectodermal Dysplasia.  We are currently visiting various medical professionals to determine exactly what we are working with so that we can best care for our little girl.  In the meantime, we would appreciate your prayers as we lace up our walking shoes for yet another trail on this path called life.  It is my greatest hope that the light that shines in Violet's eyes will only radiate brighter as my sweet, feisty and beautiful girl grows into her life and destiny.