Pool Time

Today at daycare, Miss Jackie took Violet, Niu Niu and Sedona outside. I've noticed that Violet is quite a fan of being outside and really enjoys the recent nice weather, especially a nice swift breeze that makes her gasp. Miss Jackie reports that today Violet and Sedona got to have pool time. At first they were both sharing the same pool but that ended quickly after Violet blarged in her pool. I can just see it now, she got so excited about the pool or seeing Sedona that she couldn't hold back the blarg.

Father's Day

For Jourdan's first father's day, we mostly hung out around the house. Unfortunately, Violet was still amidst teething so she wasn't her normally happy self. But that didn't stop Jourdan and I from enjoying fresh blueberry muffins for breakfast. And sometime during the fussiness she was able to read her Dad's day gift with Jourdan and I.

After a long nap, Violet decided we should go to the nearby Pioneer Park and have a picnic. I picked up some Popeye's chicken and we ate some of the blueberry handpies I had made earlier. We then went off to play on the playground and we all took turns on the swings. Once just mom and Violet and another time just Dad and Violet then Violet went swinging by herself in the special bucket swing. Afterwards Violet and I took a very, very quick trip down the slide.

It was a very full day indeed. And one that we will both remember. And sweetheart, I love that when I look into the eyes of our child I see you. Happy Father's Day to a great dad!

P.S. Thanks to Pappy and Grandpa for being great grandpa's!

Violet at the Park

We took Violet to the Saturday Farmer's Market after we ran a few errands. She's quite the fan of being outside and looking around at people so we figured the Farmer's Market was a sure bet. We were right! After strolling through the crowds we had breakfast (mmm..Indian food!) and headed over to the sand box to play. Violet wasn't quite sure what to make of the sand but she did know it was something she needed to taste. Unfortunately that tricky sand is tough to hold especially when Mom and Dad keep batting it out of your hands. Before our kid ate the entire contents of the sandbox we head to the grass for a little investigation. I figured it was time for Violet to feel soft grass and both of us could use a little R&R. Eventually Violet joined us for a little rest along side Dad.

Infant Cognition Lab

Today, Violet and I went to the Infant Cognition Lab at the Center for Mind and Brain. This program is teaming up with the National Institute for Health to study brain development in babies. We signed Violet up to be a part of the program a few months ago and recently they called for us to come in.

Violet did some quick little tests that involved her wearing a headband with a sensor on it and watching TV. The first test was to see if she could tell the new face from the old face. Violet did quite well at this and picked out the new face faster than I did. (In my defense, they did look quite similar). In the second test, Violet was supposed to find the new item on the right or left screen. Violet heavily favored the right screen and only noticed the left screen occasionally.

It was really interesting to see how she tracked things and fun to hear her laugh at the videos. For her efforts to science, Violet got a nifty new toy and a little diploma with her picture on it.

Tooth Two

All last week's fussiness wasn't without cause. Violet's got a new tooth right next door to her other bottom tooth.

On a side note, I'm scared to think of how many more teeth we have yet to go.

Sleeping angel

Violet,

Sometimes I sneak into your room after you're asleep and just put my hand on your side and stare in awe. You are such an incredible gift to me and your father. I want you to know that seeing you there asleep, slowly breathing and clasping onto monkey makes me cry every single time.

All my love,
Momma

Giving Kisses

Violet shows Daddy some love. While out looking at couches Violet and Daddy took a break to give kisses. Typically this is pretty one-sided but today Violet was holding his face and pressing her open mouth (think fish face) against his cheek. She even made the "mwah"sound!! This girl sure loves her kisses.