Walking and talking

My niece sent me the most enchanting video! It was a two-fer: 

1) This was the first time I saw Violet walking. She pulled herself up to standing and then stumbled, gracelessly but purposefully, from the sofa to the chair where her mother was sitting and taping her.

2) Violet is also definitely talking. She said "hi" to the camera! My niece reports that her other word is "baby," spoken when she sees a picture of a baby or when she just feels like saying it.

And to think I was worried! She was so tiny, such a preemie, that I was concerned she'd never catch up. But here she is, weeks before her first birthday, and walking and talking a little ahead of schedule. 

Her first birthday is June 3, but unfortunately I can't make her party. Her grandparents – my niece's in-laws – were nice enough to include me. But my Connie Cat's veterinary adventures were just too expensive, and airfares are too high at the moment, for me to make the trip now. I have a little travel fund set aside for visiting Violet and it has $400 in it, which is just not enough, and until I pay down that Discover card bill, I have to stay put. Maybe the larder will be full enough in the fall.

By Tea Collection

But that doesn't mean I can't shop! I know she is going to the beach this summer, and now she'll dazzle in this little sunsuit. Because the shoulder straps are adjustable and the leg holes elastic, it should take her throughout the summer. I also found her a pair of yellow and pink barrettes to complete the ensemble (though to be honest, she doesn't really have enough hair to need them).

I picked up a souvenir when I was at the TCM Film Festival. It's a little black shirt with HOLLYWOOD in bright pink letters. Violet seems drawn to bold colors, so I think she'll like it.

Everybody reads to Violet, all the time, so I also got her a book. I chose this one because I like the message and because the cover illustration appears toward the end of the book. We know Violet is paying attention at story time because she gets excited when she sees the cover illustration inside on one of the pages.

Yes, you're right, she is brilliant. We are so lucky to have her in our lives.