Approaching 1

On our recent trip to Taiwan, I realized just how much she wanted to jump out of my arms to play with other kids. We attended a friend's wedding and I brought Violet with me to the dance floor. Since she doesn't walk yet, we grooved with her in my arms. But the moment a group of older kids came by, she almost successfully flew out of my arms towards them. She loved watching them and stuck both arms out in front of her and did her frog legs from sheer excitement.

Violet has also really taken the liberty to touch strangers who come within reaching distance of her. Usually it's servers at restaurants (she loves smiling and playing with females) but once she grabbed a dude's behind when he wasn't looking and he looked noticeably embarrassed. No one is safe when she's around!

Violet's latest way of showing EXTREME excitement is arms out, clenching her fists. It's so cute!

And here she is playing with the little boys next to our table.

9 months and counting

Violet had some firsts right when she hit 9 months old a few days ago. She crawled forward 2 steps and stood up on those delicious chubby legs. Then she tumbled. Nothing excites me more these days than seeing major and minor motor skill development in my child. I'm guessing the enjoyment of such things is the result of being a first-time parent. When there's a piece of cereal stuck to her lip, she can feel it's not IN her mouth so she uses the back of her hand to push it in. I have no doubt every kid does something like this, but to me, it is 100x cuter when Violet's chubby little fingers are involved.

She has also decided to scream MA-MAAAAAAAAAAAAAA at home and in public. I see the frustration in her face (see picture) as she tries to convey what she wants using the same word over and over again. It's a tough road ahead, kid.

Maybe she's just constipated. I don't know...

She is also grabbing at other kids a lot. One of the moms in my group called her "dexterous." That's a very sweet way of putting it.

On a positive growth note, she is a loving child who really shows her appreciation for my presence. When I leave the room and come back, she greets me with the biggest smile. Jon says when he brings her down to the living room, she looks up towards the stairs from time to time looking for me. These are the things that make me utterly attached to her. I am thankful for this healthy girl.

Emotions

The other night after her bath, Violet refused to settle down for bed. She squirmed so much I could barely contain her in my arms. So I looked down at her with a serious face, said "Viiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiolet..." and made sort of a grunt. Immediately her lower lip curled into the saddest pout and her eyes welled up in tears. That was the first time she displayed such an obvious emotional response to the intonation of my voice and my facial expression. Sweet, sensitive girl.

Sharing a peach - a series

She wins.

Trying to snap better pics with my portrait lens but the baby moves at lightning speed. By move, I mean she wiggles nonstop. She seems content with not being able to crawl yet.

Cool shades

She kept them on long enough for this picture. No purchase necessary.

Selfishly...

I carry Violet around every chance I get. It's the only way I can get her to cuddle with me. She prefers the stroller because she gets to see everything, prop her feet up on the tray, and lean back. But I don't care! She's growing up too fast and my back will soon give in to all 25 lbs of her.

Violet totally poses for the camera.

That head is finally growing out some fuzz. But the bald spot in the back of her head is still there. I'm starting to think it will never go away!

Working from home

Look at those chubby little fingers (Violet's, not Jon's) typing away...

New favorite hat on our favorite girl

Look at these cuuuuuute little teeth!