16 months

Dear Vivienne,

It's been awhile since I've written a long note to you.  The holidays are over, and things have settled down and I finally have a little room to breathe and actually face just how big you have become.  You are massive Tootie.  Of course, you are off the charts big, but it's really hit me lately just how "big girl" you've gotten.  You love being a big girl.  Today we were cuddling on the couch and I had a flashback to over a year ago when we cuddled together on this very same couch -- you in all your under 10 pound glory, and me a brand new mommy.  Those moments seem like a lifetime ago and yet they come flooding back in so intensely that it feels like they just happened.  Laying there smelling your little peach fuzz head and watching your heart beat through your soft spot.  Feeling your breath move in and out so much faster than my own.  Listening to you gurgle and coo and toot as I nurse you back to sleep (while watching Dexter in the middle of the night).  Overwhelmed with the sense of absolute love and awe and responsibility. 

I love watching you race into your second year, ready to take on anything and everything in front of you.  You will always be my baby girl, my first born. 

I love you Vivi!

xo
Mommy

Post-meltdown cuddles

Today was hard on my little Pookie.  She's getting a lot of teeth lately, all in a row, and it's taking its toll.  After no nap, and a happy birthday skype call to Auntie Andi, Viv was at the end of her emotional rope.  Let's be honest, I wasn't far behind her.  It doesn't make sense to her that Grandma and Auntie are in the computer and can't come out.  We also just got back from my dad's house (Vivi's Nono) for a quick over-night stay (so she's really missing Nono too). 

It's nothing a little cuddling with Momma, and Yo Gabba Gabba couldn't take care of.  I'm not sure who needed the cuddles more, her or I.  Nothing beats these moments...

Ch-ch-changes

May be coming soon, in the form of Typepad.  If I make the switch, it will be very clear how to follow, no worries!

x

Love this new chair!

So Viv is obsessed with her new potty (thank you Aunt Joann).  To be honest, the cushion factor on this thing makes me a little jealous.  Besides the really cool modern look of it, I do love the fact that she prefers this seat now to any in the house.  To prevent any emails telling me how my kid is too young to potty train, hold up!  Chill out!  We are not potty training per se.  Just getting her used to the idea.  She already squats down every time she poops, and knows all about how the whole toilet thing works (thank you, Grandpa).  I think it's adorable how she wants her baby to go on the toilet now too!  Mommy may have also bought her the most adorable book "Everyone Poops" for Christmas.  What can I say, I love that book...especially the page where the elephant is...you get the idea!

Didn't know this whole post would be about poo did you?  

Goofing around

Last week Mitch and I went on a date -- kinda.  We went to a wedding reception and got all dressed up, and left the baby behind (that qualifies right?).  It was a great time an these are some pictures of us all spiffy before we went out.

Holding hands (and kissing) with Uncle Jeff

Park days