Halloween Costume

Yes, Violet dressed as an M&M (or, technically, I suppose, an M) for Halloween. We thought the outfit was cute, even if it seems a little corporate.

No, Violet is not a little boy, despite her look here.

The suit made it difficult for her to tie her shoe. Her look here of utter excitement and happiness captures her general attitude about the costume completely.

Halloween Fun

Today our neighborhood had a children's parade with all of the little kids in their cute Halloween costumes. Violet is going to be a blue M&M, but we knew her tolerance for the outfit was extremely limited. To spare her frustration, we let her go to the parade in the Halloween shirt that Granny got her when she stayed with Violet while we were in Mexico.

The parade was a big hit with Violet. She even managed to get her first taste of a Kit Kat (accidentally).

Contemplation

The life of a baby, though exciting, is not without it's moments of deep reflection. Often, Violet will sit still for as many as five consecutive seconds, mindfully making herself present in the moment.

Frequently, we visit a beautiful playstructure in FROG park, which has turned into a sort of hermitage for my little mystic.

She is not, however, one of those hermits who fasts for days on end, believe you me.

Perambulation

Violet Pauline is getting her walk on. It's exciting and frightening at the same time. She's still slower than I am, which is helpful. But as anyone with a toddler knows, the first attempts at walking are characterized by a wholesale throwing of the child's upper body forward, with a make-it-or-break-it split second wherein you wonder "Will the legs work this time?" If they do, all is more or less well until the next step; if they don't, then "faceplant" is the perfect description.

Here are some thrilling stop-action photos of Violet P during walking practice.

Mexico Vacation

Here is little Violet with Granny, who so generously babysat her while Justin and I went to Mexico for our dear friends' Chris and Sandy's wedding. We had an amazing time and for a few brief moments were able to recall our carefree lives prior to Violet. Meaningless, of course, but carefree... As you can see from the picture, Justin was the offiiciant and I must say did an amazing job.

When we arrived back from vacation, Violet was happier than even hacing spent time with her Granny. She (and we!) are so lucky to have such a wonderful Granny Mary.