Violet's Ice Cream Parlour

Violet's birthday party was a fun night of ice-cream, hot chocolate, presents, family, and fun. Violet had mixed emotions about some of evening's activities, though. For example, Violet didn't nap the whole day and was a little overwhelmed when guests started to arrive, as her picture with my Mom will show! But then, Uncle Josh came and redeemed himself for giving her a scary penguin toy at Christmas with his giant teddy bear, which she loved. It was no big surprise that she loved the doggy bank that Grandma Stowell gave her, too. Notice the big kiss she gives the dog on the nose in the pictures! Yes, I'm jealous of that stupid dog! Also, Vi didn't love her sparkler candle that I put on her cake. In fact, she was a little terrified of it! I thought it was a great idea since I knew she wouldn't blow out a candle. Once it was removed, she dug right into her cake and got nice and messy, as every 1 year old birthday girl should.

Violet: A Cause for Celebration

One year has passed since beautiful Violet joined our family. I am amazed at how quickly time went by. Bret and I both agree that every moment with Violet has been a gift and we love her more than words can say. Violet's most noteworthy characteristics became apparent early on. She is a happy and easy-going, and wears a big smile all day long. She is her Daddy's sunshine and her Momma's little buddy. Violet has a tender heart and bursts into tears whenever she hears the word "no," even when it is spoken in passing conversation and isn't directed to her! Violet used to say "bye bye" and wave her tiny wrist so cute, but now refuses to do it because she realizes that if she does, someone will leave her. Violet adores dogs, and is beginning to really like her baby dolls. While she is very stingy with giving kisses to her Mom and Dad, she freely shares them with any picture of a dog and all her stuffed dogs (she has several). Just this morning she learned how to feed her baby doll with its little bottle. She feeds the baby for a minute, and then tries to have a little sip herself! Violet is very much a "girly girl." She is obsessed with necklaces, more than the average baby, and is attracted to anything sparkly and pretty. It breaks my heart to see her changing so quickly and growing out of her babyhood, but I admit that each new day is more fun and exciting than the last because she is developing into an amazing little girl. Happy birthday, my love!

Our Little Stocking Stuffer

Christmas was magical this year. Having a baby makes everything much more meaningful, and a lot more fun. Seeing Vi's face when she first saw Santa, Christmas lights, and wore a donkey costume for the Christmas Pageant are priceless memories. Having Violet also made the gifts under our tree a lot more colorful than usual, too. For a long time, I've looked forward to staying up late and setting out the gifts for my kids, just like my parents did. I loved how our living room looked with all the toys, and clothes, and presents. Here are some pictures from our Christmas. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season!