Violet Mary

Dance

2010-05-07T15:16:00.000-07:00

More Christmas

2010-01-31T18:29:00.001-08:00

Vi had fun reading and playing with pop.

Sorry other family members! Didn't take many pics! ;(

Remembering Grandpa

2010-01-08T11:35:00.000-08:00

It has been one year since Rich's dad assumed his place in the celestial hereafter. We miss him dearly and think of him constantly. Our hope is that we always keep his memory alive by sharing stories of his love and kindness. We are so blessed to have our families near so we can share these stories often.

Freddy would be so proud of his grand-girls and their joyous spirits and giving hearts.

We love you, Freddy. It's very encouraging to know one day we will all be together again.

Christmas 2009

2009-12-31T11:25:00.000-08:00

Christmas in Buffalo scheduled for a late Jan time-frame.

More pictures to come!

Almost 3...

2009-12-06T19:13:00.000-08:00

So, talking with Vi at one point today we started to discuss her birthday party (in March). She decided that she wants to have presents atop her birthday cake. OK, I think I can pull that off...

As we were talking about her party I experienced a pang of sadness because she's going to be 3 (I know it's still three months away - but still!). Little Viley is growing up fast.

There are so many things I love about this stage of toddlerhood, and I thought I should list some things that she's doing now so we can remember her as a 2 yr old!

- She can't quite pronounce 'th' in the words "Mother", "Brother", etc. It comes out as "Fairy Godmudder", "Efan (Ethan) is Mal's brudder". You get the point. It's pretty cute.

- Vi loves the idea of being a princess. I have had severe disdain for this concept since I was in high school. They make her happy so I've learned to accept and embrace Disney princesses. The genuine excitement and passion she exhibits when she is wearing princess dress-up is priceless. Now if I can just get her to understand that not every moment of every day needs to be filled with dress-up, princess loving bliss...

- Vi loves her Grandmas (and Grandpas ;). When she talks about them she refers to both of them as "MY Grandma", and if she happens to be playing with a toy or reading a book they lovingly purchased for her she invariably points out "Grandma gave me this" before she proceeds with her play.

- Vi is in love with music and she has taken to singing to herself at random moments throughout the day. I wish I had an audio clip to insert here so you could hear her. It's adorable. "Old McDonald had a farm..."

- When I get Vi from her nap she usually says something funny like "Hi, Mommy Queen, it's dark in here!" or "Oh, it's you Mommy froggy" the moment I walk in the room.

- Lately, every thing's a "competition". No - for real; "See Daddy? it's a little competition." while pointing to a drawing she just created. Or, looking out the window of a restaurant, "Oh, there's a competition." pointing to a car in the parking lot.

- Vi scolds her stuffed animals ALL day long and I REALLY hope she isn't completely mimicking me...it typically goes something like this: "You know what? do you want a little spanking? what? you don't? then LISTEN to what I'm talking about! OK - good job. BUT DON'T BE BOSSY! It's a little competition." oye

- We discovered that she knows letters by their sounds whilst listening to her play a computer game - she has a good audio memory so I think that's how she picked it up.

- Hannah (the cat) went to live at a new house almost a year ago...last week Vi said that when we move into our new house that Hannah will be there ;(

- Watching Syracuse football and basketball with Daddy has become a new tradition. She lays on his chest and they do fist pumps together. I think Rich has a sports watching buddy and I think he's pretty excited about it. ;)

- Vi has been spending two days a week at TT and Uncle Scott's house. I am so grateful to them for opening their home and embracing the opportunity to spend time with Vi. She doesn't bat an eyelash when I mention that she is going to their house, and she talks about Abel and Satchmo with a twinkle in her eye. That makes my heart happy. I wish all of our family lived closer, but I'm also thankful they don't live farther away.

OK - that's it for now. I'll probably get more emotional as her birthday gets closer...consider yourself warned.

Digging through the archives - found this gem:

2009-11-28T12:39:00.000-08:00

Travels with Charlie

2009-10-15T17:44:00.000-07:00

This is Vi's buddy, Charlie.

It is well known that our roads are dangerous.

Charlie is one trusty travel companion.

Violet was (obviously) frightened during a recent hayride, and

Charlie held her hand tightly to protect her from the scarecrows.

Stokoe Farms with Abel

2009-10-12T18:25:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, Abel and TT joined us for a visit to Stokoe Farm. It was a beautiful fall day. The kind of day when a light sweater is needed and sufficient. We enjoyed the day sliding down monstrous slides, watching piglets escape from their pen, getting lost in the corn maze, eating warm donuts and dancing to the sounds of the singing chickens. Vi hardly stopped smiling all day - mostly because Abel was by her side.

Dear Readers, Please don't hate me...

2009-10-08T17:17:00.000-07:00

I'm using facebook as our "look-at-what-we've-been-up-to" site and have obviously, painfully abandoned vi's blog. My autumn resolution is to pick it up again. wish us luck! ;)

A few pics from a walk today. Vi and I shared an apple muffin at a local coffee shoppe. After Vi had successfully introduced hannah the (stuffed) cat to every patron in the shoppe, we set off on an adventure. Very few would consider a walk down a neighborhood street an adventure, but if you have spent any time with a 2 year old you understand. We had a wonderful time counting pumpkins, throwing fallen leaves into the air and gathering sticks (her new favorite). Oye.

Look at this kid. how could you not love that face.

she loves this beach

2009-07-12T18:44:00.000-07:00

CapeCod 09 from Rich Downie on Vimeo.

Perspective

2009-06-30T12:35:00.000-07:00

Although our lives rest in the palm of a loving God - it's sometimes hard to remember how much we are blessed.

Whilst reading Violet books at the library today, I was softly prompted to remember...

When I was quite young, and quite small for my size,
I met an old man in the Desert of Drize.
And he sang me a song I will never forget.
At least, well, I haven't forgotten it yet.

He sat in a terribly prickly place,
But he sang with a sunny sweet smile on his face:

When you think things are bad,
when you feel sour and blue,
when you start to get mad,
You should do what I do!

Just tell yourself, Duckie,
You're really quite lucky.
some people are much more...
oh, muchly, much-much more...
unlucky than you.

Thank you, Dr. Suess.

Latest & Greatest

2009-05-24T07:29:00.000-07:00

Viley-who
TT - thanks for the dress requested first EVERY morning.

Sleepy after lilac festival

Dancing at the lilac festival

One cool cat.

Rabbit food

2009-04-07T11:53:00.000-07:00

In the middle of her bowl of oatmeal this morning, Vi asked for a carrot. "um, ok." came my reply. So I peeled a carrot and handed it over. She finished her oatmeal and then happily ran around the rest of the morning with her carrot in one hand, nibbling as she went.

2009-04-05T11:22:00.000-07:00

Too cute to correct

2009-03-14T19:01:00.000-07:00

Vi says a few words incorrectly. Every time she says them I smile and I'm selfishly not willing to give up those little moments. ;) The word listed first is correct and the second is Vi's interpretation:
1. Oatmeal = Email (Figuratively she's right on the money...we both consume "email" for breakfast)
2. Coins = monies (pronounced "MONEYEZZZ") (Me: Vi, how many coins are there? Can you count them? Vi: 1...2...4..6 moniens!)
3. Mine = mines (as in, "that's mines Hannah, that's mines milk, that's mines slide, that's mines veggie tales, that's mines birthday cake, that's mines...yadayadayada")
4. Milk = Nilk (OK, so I have tried to correct this one MULTIPLE times and she's said it this way for so long that I find myself saying it sometimes)
5. Ice cream = Eye cream (i think this one is just based on the fact that ice cream is difficult to enunciate and yes, I need a little bit of both of these right now)

60 second post

2009-03-11T20:16:00.000-07:00

1. Vi has taken to carrying her Veggie Tales DVD holder around with her. It's really strange. She loves the asparagus.
2. I asked her if she had a dream yesterday and she nodded and said, "Yes, Pop-pop."
3. After receiving 2 shots and a toe prick at her 2 yr apt today she announced, "Doctor. FUN!" on our way out of the office. And yes, she had a rice cake in her hand.
4. I have an awesome babysitter who put together one of Vi's birthday presents today. She must know it would have never gotten done without her help. ;)
5. Vi now runs and hides in the guest room when it's time to change her diaper, change her clothes, put her PJ's on, eat her breakfast, take a nap, go to the store, or clean up her toys. There is NOTHING in there for her to play with and when I come to get her she is standing next to the nightstand doing NOTHING. Interesting.
6. I am convinced there are two types of people who shop at pittsford wegmans. Those who ignore everyone else because they are a part of the beautiful people club and those who compliment froggy boots. I prefer the latter - Vi prefers to be ignored.

dos años

2009-03-07T19:30:00.000-08:00

Untitled from Rich Downie on Vimeo.

A few pics...sorry i've been such a blog slacker

2009-02-19T19:05:00.000-08:00

Grandpa

2009-02-01T17:55:00.000-08:00

We've been through a lot this past month. Rich's father passed away after battling a disease for many years.

It's such a blessing to have memories of Violet with her Grandpa. He would have so much joy watching her play and laugh and he always enjoyed pointing out all of her antics. After Fred was moved to an assisted living home, Violet always looked for him and would point to Grandpa's chair when visiting Syracuse.

We miss him painfully. We are so grateful for the time we did have with him. He was an authentic, caring, funny and generous man. I think Vi has more than his eye color, she has his humorous spirit and that undeniable twinkle in her eye. Truly, I think they were kindred spirits and if given the opportunity, would have probably formed a very strong bond similar to my Grandpa and me.

Each night when Vi is saying her prayers, she says, "God bless Grandpa in heaven." I can picture Freddie smirking at her and patting her little head. We can't wait to tell her stories about her Grandpa and how much he loved her.

Uncle Scott, is that you??? hehe

2009-01-28T18:52:00.000-08:00

Dear Violet (22 Months),

2009-01-14T18:13:00.000-08:00

You're growing up so fast...

Over the past month, you have grown a full inch and started saying so many new words! You've mastered your uppercase letters and most of your colors and you've started learning your lowercase letters. Your new favorite books are I Like CATS!, The Mitten and Hop on Pop.

You stored up many of your childhood illnesses for your 21st and 22nd months...battling croup, pink eye, a cold, an upset stomach and the stomach bug. Yes, in that order and yes in succession. You took it like a champ. I, on the other hand, did not. ;)

"Hi, Rich!" and "Mom's here!" are common ways we are now greeted and kicking your soccer ball and throwing your dora ball are sooooo entertaining. However, shouting, "ready, set, go!" and running the length of the room is your favorite new activity.

You're a ham Viley...I hope that never changes. ;)

There's nothing a new crayon and a good friend can't fix...

2009-01-04T18:11:00.000-08:00

*Photos courtesy of Uncle Scott

A new friend

2009-01-04T18:04:00.001-08:00

New book

2009-01-04T18:01:00.000-08:00

To want for nothing

2009-01-01T20:19:00.000-08:00

During the first day of this new year I am grateful.

Despite growing up in a house where money didn't exactly grow on the tree outside our door, we never needed a thing. We had food aplenty (even if it was a bushel of zucchini), a warm home, loving family, and a safe environment. It wasn't perfect...but it was nurturing and healthy.

And now, as Violet sleeps soundly in her room upstairs and the temp dips below 20 degrees outside, I realize how blessed I am that years later I can still be in a safe, warm environment. We have food, friends near by, and faith in something bigger than ourselves.

At this moment, I want for nothing (of importance). That might not always be the case, but in this moment I am grateful.

A verry merry holiday

2008-12-26T19:11:00.000-08:00

It's sad that you spend months preparing for one day and Christmas ALWAYS goes so quickly. We went to Aunt D's on Christmas eve and spent the night at my parents so we could wake up on Christmas morn with the fam.

Vi had fun playing with Aunt D's 90lb golden retriever, Casey. She was so patient with Violet's enthusiastic (bordering on annoying) attention. Every few minutes she'd run over to her and point out her ears, eyes, teeth and nose and then squeal with delight at her new furry friend. Vi also enjoyed her "dinner" supplied by another of Aunt Shawnie's brilliant recipes and she was pretty worn out after eating 2 bagels topped with sun dried tomatoes, garlic and cheese and two cookies. We put her to sleep in her pack n play and enjoyed a lovely dinner of lasagna. (Vi was too sleepy to wait up for dinner).

After driving to Grandma and Popop's house (with Vi hammin' it up in her car seat at midnight) we all snuggled in for a calm winter's night...that is until Nana got up 5 times and watched her Christmas story on a loop on high volume all night. ;) I really don't believe Vi got a sound sleep - but it was fun to wake up all together on Christmas morning!

Grandma made it a very special day with a yummy Christmas breakfast and dinner (needless to say SHE didn't have a very relaxing holiday...sorry mom). Violet and Abel had fun playing together and coloring and then opening a mountain of gifts from everyone. Vi also found time to chase Poncho (their oversized cat) and entertain the crowd while dancing to a rather scary singing santa.

Despite a meltdown caused by a pair of purple, princess shoes during present time - Vi had a wonderful Christmas and she can't wait to celebrate again with the Downies!

After taking a good nap today (and catching up on what she missed in sleep the past few days) Vi greeted me and Rich with a "Hi Guys!" when we went to get her. She never ceases to make me laugh...

Merry Christmas, Viley. Your second Christmas was a memorable one. I hope the third one is just as fun (minus the meltdown) and hopefully you can help me decorate cookies next year (while watching Little Women and sipping cocoa).

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-23T11:30:00.000-08:00

'Twas the night before the night before...

2008-12-23T11:26:00.000-08:00

Christmas Countdown

2008-12-21T19:10:00.001-08:00

2008-12-19T17:31:00.000-08:00

2008-12-18T18:35:00.000-08:00

2008-12-17T18:26:00.000-08:00

Glasses

2008-12-16T19:51:00.000-08:00

Move over Harry Potter, there's a new nerd in town.

These blue glasses are Vi's new favorite toy. She will not go anywhere in the house without them. Thanks, Grandma G. ;)

Snow day

2008-12-16T19:32:00.001-08:00

2008-12-16T18:57:00.000-08:00

2008-11-26T18:23:00.000-08:00

A few things seen and heard around the house lately:

1. Vi loves to play her computer games. I found this cool site that has games easy enough for a 20 month old. It's fun until after 3 seconds she hits the control key and any other key and a pop up comes on the screen and freezes her play. The "MOMMY!"'s ensue. So basically, my original thought that this could be a diversion for her when I need to get some work done is completely shot. But I love watching her get excited that SHE just made the train say 'choo-choo' or a fish swim by pressing a "button".

2. Now that Vi is enjoying the computer - she and Rich have letter time. Rich says a letter and Vi finds it on the keyboard, strikes the key and then smiles proudly as she sees the end result on the screen. The other night they were sitting on the couch together and every time she found the right letter and successfully made it render on the screen she'd look for me (in the kitchen) and scream, "I did it! Found the X!"

3. Along with this new computer obsession is the obsession with her keyboard. She drags it around with her like a new puppy and pulls it behind her by the 'corn' (cord).

4. Vi has always loved her cell phone, but it's recently turned into an infatuation. She walks around with it in the crook of her neck (while also pushing her doll in her stroller and balancing her purse on her other arm) and she has a conversation with either Grandma, TT or Lauren and it usually goes something like this, "Hi (insert name here)! Upstairs...(pause)...ummmhmmm. Coloring...ummmhmmm. Hannah crying...ummhmmm." Then every few seconds or so she breaks into a deep, fake belly laugh. It's hilarious.

5. Saying her prayers has become a new nightly ritual. She always reminds me that we need to pray by interrupting our nightly song by saying, "Bless Daddy!" and then looks at me like - okay it's your turn. We ask God to bless all of her family and friends (by listing all of you separately!). She then insists that we sing one more song and it begins again. "Bless Daddy!" Friends and family...consider yourself extremely blessed. ;)

Being cheeky

2008-11-22T12:41:00.000-08:00

Walking down the stairs today...

2008-11-20T18:48:00.000-08:00

...hand in hand.

V: Step
L: Vi, you're such a big girl!
V: Good girl.
L: Well, sometimes. You're a BIG girl.
V: Viley, big girl.
L: Right
V: Big Viley
L: Right
V: Big Mommy

hmmm...

Letters

2008-11-13T17:39:00.000-08:00

Vi knows most of her letters now and has fun running back and forth from the living room to the fridge to grab the letters we ask her to find. It's a great game because it's good practice for her and I get to sit on the couch. ;)

New faves

2008-11-07T17:39:00.001-08:00

Vi's new favorite toys are a baby stroller that I got..ughm...on the side of the road on "big" garbage day (and proceeded to scrub down with Clorox) and a little stuffed fox christened, Foxy.

Convenience items

2008-11-03T18:59:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a sad day. It was the day I realized my 'go to' snacks on the go no longer cut the mustard. Said snacks = rice cakes and apples. At one time a rice cake would cure all ills, hunger pangs in the middle of a grocery store, a slow short order cook, the long ride home from a busy toddler time class, etc. Today the rice cake takes a certain second chair to ANYTHING. Vi takes two bites and sets it down and says, "SNACK!"

Apples are a different story. I noticed something was up when she started randomly handing me pieces of half chewed apple skin here and there over the past week. Yesterday she sat on my lap at church and proceeded to bite her apple, spit out the skin, and place it atop the rice cake sitting on the empty chair next to us (and yes, that rice cake was minus two bites). I think I was just curious because I didn't stop her from doing it until the entire rice cake was covered with nasty, masticated apple skin. (I'm sure the people behind us began questioning my parenting skills at that moment).
Later in the day we went to a cider mill and of course Vi was eating another apple. As I was shopping I could hear her walking around the shop saying, "Up here." She was discarding the fruity remnants upon anything she could find (until Rich started to follow her around and collect them). Finally we convinced her to begin to EAT the ENTIRE apple. We'll see how long that lasts.

I'm hoping Vi changes her mind about her two old favorites. In the meantime, I'm going to have to find a few more convenient, healthy snacks to get us through when we're on the go.

2008-10-31T19:47:00.000-07:00

We had fun trick-or-treating at the museum with friends this morning, playing outside in the freakishly warm weather this afternoon, and trick-or-treating with a scary bunch from Artisan this evening.

We had one pooped golfer on our hands by the end of the day.

Great round...

2008-10-31T10:44:00.000-07:00

Catch you guys at the 19th hole.

Awesome

2008-10-29T17:59:00.000-07:00

Not sure where she heard it, but as of this evening this is Vi's favorite word.

R: Here, play with this (as he handed her a produce bag at wegmans).
V: awesome

R: Viley, look at the train!
V: awesome

L: Did you have fun at the store?
V: I sit cart. train. horse. water. cow (as seen on the mural of the wegman's countryside)...awesome.

Is this a conspiracy? Where did she learn this word!?!?!

And so it begins...

Recent conversations

2008-10-24T19:01:00.000-07:00

R: Vi, see the pictures we took when we took a stroll through the misty cemetery?
V:(pointing at the computer screen to a picture of crucifix on a headstone): Jesus. Bellybutton.

V: Daddy? (where is daddy?)
L: Daddy's in the shower.
V: Shower. Daddy. towel. bellybutton.

L: How was your nap?
V: Good. sleep.
L: Did you have a dream?
V (nodding): Horsies. butterflies. purple. blue.

L: We're here!
V: Store.
L: Ready?
V: Viley. Sit. Cart.

R: Vi, how old are you?
V: 2
R: What's your name?
V: Viley
R: Where do you live?
V: Rochacha
R: What's your favorite club?
V: nine iron

A new friend

2008-10-20T20:17:00.000-07:00

2008-10-19T20:24:00.000-07:00

Family Getaway

2008-10-12T18:17:00.000-07:00

Violet had fun last weekend with the Giannoni/Romero crew when we rented a house in E-ville and spent our time picking pumpkins, roasting marshmallows, EATING goooood food and hanging out with the fam (most of whom are not pictured here - sorry guys - didn't take many pics!).

The house we rented was so nice (thanks Shawnie!) and Vi was infatuated with the enormous stuffed Elk head that adorned the fireplace. To help cope with her fear she said 'DEER!' every 30 seconds while in its presence.

It was a great time and Abel summed up the weekend when he proclaimed, "What's with all the yelling!" during our final breakfast together. It was a fun, LOUD weekend. Viley, you had NOTHING to do with the volume level! ;)

Video snip to compliment recent post:

2008-10-12T17:58:00.001-07:00

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

Big girl chair

2008-10-12T17:53:00.000-07:00

Their first sleepover. Think they had fun?

2008-10-12T17:51:00.000-07:00

Grandma, you're under the weather?!?!

2008-10-02T19:14:00.000-07:00

I've packed up my car and I'm on my way!

I love you and hope you feel better soon. Can't wait to visit (for real).

Love,
Violet

Ordering Molly

2008-09-26T07:04:00.000-07:00

Violet has been playing on her purple rocking chair for about 20 minutes now. She just got Molly (the dolly), sat her on the chair and said, "Sleep dolly". She then blew her a kiss and walked away. ;)

2008-09-23T18:13:00.000-07:00

2 to 3 words together

2008-09-22T16:48:00.001-07:00

Words are now being grouped together into phrases (to use the term loosely):

Hi (insert person or object here)
Bye (insert person or object here)
Airplane see it
No Daddy book (telling her father that he can't read the book because she wants to do it by herself)
Blue car
Blue sky
Blue grass
Sit stroller
Push stroller
Cereal please
Outside please

And my favorite...

Pop-pop fish (now said everytime she sees a fish, referring to the fact that Pop-pop has fish and that he was nice enough to walk her down to the basement during her last visit so she could say 'hi' and 'bye' to them)

Cya

2008-09-21T12:12:00.001-07:00

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

Cute summer clothes are being packed away.

2008-09-21T11:42:00.000-07:00

During our walk this eve...

2008-09-16T17:35:00.000-07:00

A-bay

2008-09-15T17:50:00.000-07:00

Chair (r pronounced 'woo')

2008-09-15T17:46:00.000-07:00

Dear Violet (18 months),

2008-09-09T18:02:00.000-07:00

You're a walkin'! After your first two steps...you took a little break to absorb the magnitude of this milestone and now you're using your feet to get most places. ;) As you work to perfect this new ability we continue to walk around the block almost everyday to strengthen your legs and build your endurance. It's amazing how quickly your balance has improved (even though you still topple over at least 99 times a day).

You had a very busy month! Including camping at the Dow's camp in Alex Bay, a visit with your new boyfriend (Gabe, talkin about you buddy), and visiting family. We visited Grandpa D at his new home and Grandma G to celebrate her 57th bday. In both instances you had fun playing with your cousins and exploring.

Your list of new words now include:

pasta

upstairs

cereal
hair
teeth
mouth
arm
elbow
booger
pigtail
two
three
train
abel
shellie
mal
sydney
mia
horse
OK
no way
tomatoes
yogurt
water

Oh, and you love to sing songs now. You fill in a few blanks when we sing ABC's, twinkle twinkle little star, jesus loves me, and itsy bitsy spider.

You are a joy, Viley. We love playing with you and spending time with you.

2 little steps

2008-08-12T18:31:00.000-07:00

As Rich walked out the back door to get our dinner off the grill tonight, Violet stood up in the middle of the kitchen and took two little steps toward me! ;)

We unsuccessfully tried to replicate the scenario throughout the night.
;(

Dear Violet, (17 months)

2008-08-04T17:49:00.000-07:00

What a difference a month makes. You are now cruising around and feeling the excitement of anticipated independence. You watch your cousins and friends walk by and instantly pop up to do the same. You stand, smile and start to giggle with pride - then drop on your bottom and crawl as fast as a hermit crab.

Your sense of humor unfolds with each passing day. When we eat dinner, you'll catch our eye and make a funny face, just to see our reaction. You also think 'scaring' us is pretty hilarious, and take every opportunity to say 'boo'. Dancing the jig, playing ring around the rosie, and duck-duck-goose are now your most favorite pastimes.

This month has also marked a milestone since you've begun to have what most doctors refer to as 'tantrums'. We can be at a restaurant, or your buddy's baptism brunch, or a cafe' with your cuzzin, and suddenly you have a tough time because you're either over-tired or frustrated (or both) and it's difficult to calm you. It's okay though, because one day soon you'll be able to speak very clearly and you can tell us how you're feeling and what we can do to help you. It isn't your fault and we love you tantrums or no tantrums (just don't get used to it! Once you're two, your daddy has already said that he's going to 'give you something to cry about'). ;)

Your love for your Dora car has increased tremendously and one of your favorite parts of the day involves pushing Dora up and down the sidewalk in front of our house. You also love your little Dora ball. You played 'catch' with Aunt Nan this weekend and thought it was the coolest.

You continue to be a 'healthy' eater and receive sideways glances from most onlookers when you 'house' a huge pile of broccoli and proceed to say 'Peas, please, please please' with the urgency of an ambulance. You now say 'down, please' and kick your feet with glee when cheese, yogurt, veggie booty, bananas or mango's are in sight. you also find it completely unacceptable that others can eat ice cream (or anything) in your presence and not offer you a bite (you left your bud, Lauren, stranded at Roman Holiday last Friday due to that very reason).

You've become quite cuddly in your 17th month, but you still remain painfully shy around people you have never met, people you haven't seen in a while, people you saw yesterday, and well...everyone. You still prefer Mom's arms over other's who want to hold you. It does get frustrating at times but then I think about how fast you're growing and I cherish the time when you want to be close to me.

We love you Violet - and we always will!

This little piggy...

2008-07-31T19:26:00.000-07:00

Has two tails. ;)

Thanks DD, you've given me the courage to attempt elastic hairbands. Now we have two of the cutest pigtails...ever.

swimming w/Anna

2008-07-31T18:49:00.000-07:00

We were lucky to hang out with the Dow clan this weekend. Vi had fun watching the big kids and especially enjoyed the pool (as seen in the shots below) and Chad & Laura's little dogs (once she warmed up to them and realized she wasn't on their lunch menu).

I love this shot because it reminds me of a full profile portrait that my mom captured (with me and T) at about the same age. Yes, that belly is hereditary...poor kid.
Anna showing off her disco moves. Vi still taking the water temp. ...and she's in!

Focus on the snack

2008-07-24T20:47:00.000-07:00

V: Man Hannah, wheaties and water? I got better grub during my stint in Folsom.

Cuz

2008-07-20T07:43:00.000-07:00

Untitled from Rich Downie on Vimeo.

2008-07-15T16:08:00.000-07:00

Play time
Cutie
Tango with a mango (pit)
Where's dad? I better finish this thing before I have to share it.
Holy cow, this is goood...

In motion

2008-07-15T16:07:00.000-07:00

Making progress

2008-07-08T16:42:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, we have a slow mover on our hands. Violet has spent most of her 16 months on earth perfecting her fine motor skills (the better to eat FOOD with, my dear). Since she started crawling (at 14 months) she has actually done quite well with progressing in the vertical direction.

We've had a physical therapist visit every week for the past 6 weeks to give us guidance on how to help her gain confidence and muscle strength (since she was diagnosed with low muscle tone at her assessment). Vi also needed inserts in her shoes since she tends to roll her foot outward when she walks and attempts to walk only on the side of her foot. Today Vi was all smiles when she crawled up to her Dora car (which I strategically packed with bags of rice to weigh it down for a shaky walker), pulled to standing, put her two chubby paws on the 'crash' bar on the back and took 3-4 steps across the living room - completely independent of any adult in the room.

If you know Vi, you know this is a HUGE accomplishment. She has made an enormous amount of progress over the past two weeks and for the first time - I really think she IS going to walk before her 3rd birthday! I would be lying if I said I haven't been worrying about her throughout this entire process.

Today I realized just how proud I am of our Viley bag of donuts. ;)

4 cousins

2008-07-06T18:11:00.001-07:00

Shellie, Danielle, and Maytal all celebrate their birthdays together because of the proximity of their special days. This was cause for a major celebration (as well as Aunt Nan and Danielle sharing the same birthday!)! Viley had a great time playing with Maytal (who's only 4 months younger) and getting endless hugs and kisses from Shellie and Danielle.

Notice Maytal's cake erroneously placed in front of Vi? This mistake was quickly corrected, with good reason. ;)

Stoneybrook and Grimes Glen

2008-07-06T17:15:00.000-07:00

Vi saw two NY waterfalls this weekend. Both beautiful examples of God's creation.Hikin' Viley Trekking up to the waterfall.

Neither the cold temps, nor the roaring rapids detered her from enjoying the falls.

Aunt T and Vi refueling with a picnic lunch.

Beans are good...

Fun-fetti is better.

Trying to keep up with Abel at the playground.

Aunt T and 'muscle man' Abel.

Grimes Glen - a hidden gem. ;)

Vi - where's your belly button? Um, Dad, I think I squished a bug...Hmm, that's kinda cool.Lots of fun memories were made on this gorgeous three-day weekend.

Boogs the dog

2008-07-06T17:11:00.000-07:00

16 months

2008-07-06T16:59:00.000-07:00

Me & Mom

2008-07-06T16:56:00.000-07:00

She looks so little in this shot.

@ the beach

2008-07-06T16:50:00.000-07:00

Recently heard around the house

2008-06-24T18:49:00.000-07:00

Vi has been expanding her vocabulary.

Here is a listing of her most frequently used words:

Daddy (or Dada)
Mommy
Hannah

Ball

Please (sounds like 'ssss')

Peas (sounds like 'please')

Car (sounds nothing like it)

Thank you (it's more like the 'um-ew')

Eat (of course!)

Doggy (first heard today on our walk)

Ant (lovely)

Stairs

Bottle (although, we've phased them out as of a week ago)

Yummy

Yucky (I think I'm the only one that can decipher this one though)

Hi ya!

Bu-bye (with a wave and a kiss)

Baby

Puffs

Shoes (sounds like s000s)

Ball

Boom-boom (means down or wants to walk)

Stroller

Glasses (also the word used for 'grass')

Hot (I don't believe she understands what it means yet though)

Banana

Elmo

Poop (nice)

It's hot Vi, stay hydrated!

2008-06-19T19:51:00.000-07:00

Sure ma, no problem!Man, this woman is psycho...

Look- even hannah's falling in line.

Hmm...

I think I'd rather eat. ;)

(Notice golf ball in right hand during breakfast)

Note golf ball, right hand - it's now lunch time...

Um, mom, I don't think my readers are interested in my eating and drinking habits. You're so embarrassing...

Look, I have a molar!

2008-06-19T19:50:00.000-07:00

And yes, that's a piece of my lunch stuck in it. ;)

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-15T19:14:00.000-07:00

I love you daddy. Thanks for playing with me, watching the US Open with me, and showing me how to use a computer (um, I mean a Mac). ;)

Love,
your Viley

A toddler's summer breakfast

2008-06-13T17:15:00.000-07:00

Newport, RI

2008-06-09T19:20:00.000-07:00

Ah...vacation. Violet's first trip to the ocean was a success. The quaint town of Newport is perfectly nestled into the Rhode Island coastline and is rich with history and um, many shopping options. Violet was happiest crawling on the grass (wherever possible) and making new friends (regardless of the other party's level of interest) in the many restaurants we tried.

My hope is that we can take Violet on many adventures during her childhood. Whether they be to the park down the street or a new place like Newport.

I know Vi won't remember this trip in particular, but we will. ;)

Um, yes, this is a rhododendron behind us. The entire town is blanketed with these rhodo'giants' (a word coined by Bob during one of our trips to Gettysburg):
Two bumps on a log and peas in a pod:
The 'cliff walk' wraps the coastline and outlines the famous ocean mansions & estates:
About town:

Beautiful view from the hotel:
Digging in the pebbles...at the Vanderbilt estate:

Oh - hi Mom, i was having trouble sleeping...
A walk cannot be had without two fist fulls of flora:
One tired, little adventurer - headed toward home:

Don't I look cute in pink?

2008-06-08T06:40:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day '08

2008-05-30T11:56:00.000-07:00

Vi had a picnic with her buddies. More pics to come.

Thanks Jen and Kristin for these shots!

Dear Grandma,

2008-05-25T17:23:00.000-07:00

Can you please tell my mom that I want my bangs cut? They're driving me bananas.

Love,
Your Viley

Palmin' It

2008-05-25T17:11:00.000-07:00

Much to her father's chagrin, Violet looks to have a future in b-ball.

Lil' firecracker

2008-05-22T20:02:00.000-07:00

The other day, my dad asked Violet if she had 'combed her hair with a firecracker'. Lately, it looks like she has an arsenal of them in her crib. See 'bed head' exhibits A, B, & C below (click to enlarge):

Saturday afternoon

2008-05-18T20:28:00.000-07:00

Lilacs

2008-05-18T19:20:00.000-07:00

Violet loves lilacs. Their smell, color and yes, taste. The Lilac Festival has just come to a close. It was the first festival of the season and it's the 'queen mother' of area festivals lasting for 9 days. We were there 4 out of the 9. Violet had a wonderful time:

A bicolor blossom known as 'Sensation' (my new fave)

Climbing trees
Vi's friend Hannah enjoying the calming aromas (what a cutie!)
Looks like she's hatching a plan...
V: Hey Mikayla, anyone watching? I'll pick this one and you hide it in your stroller.
Molly enjoyed the festivities too.
Vi could sit there for hours, picking up the petals, dropping them in her lap, collecting them, repeat.

Oatmeal is better...

2008-05-18T19:13:00.000-07:00

...when you eat it yourself.

A couple of months to one year and a couple months...

2008-05-09T18:02:00.000-07:00

Fun with Dear Ol' Dad

2008-05-07T18:58:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend, Rich and Vi spent quality time together while I took a little trip with my girls. :) Their time was spent having fun outside, traveling to the 'cuse, eating ice cream, and playing in the dirt. Here Vi is dirty, sticky, and tired from all of her fun at a picnic at the Adams' house.
I'm sad I missed such a fun time. ;(
Vi had fun with Grandma and Grandpa
One serious cutie
Snack time with her cuzzins & Aunt Nan

Few pics

2008-04-30T20:09:00.000-07:00

Party dress

(Thanks, Tracie D.!)

Hey Vi, I'm one!
Check out my new wheels

(Thanks, Aunt D!)
Hey, who you callin' 'cheeks'?

Guess who...

2008-04-25T18:31:00.000-07:00

...crawled across our front 'lawn' today? The booger above.

I plopped Vi down so she could dig in the dirt and pull up hand fulls of grass (her new favorite thing to do) and turned around to begin weeding. When I turned back to check on her she was on her knees smiling at me. After putting her head to the ground (her signal that she wants to play a round of 'Where's Viley?') she just took off and crawled about 5 ft to the right. I was stunned. Since I didn't believe my own eyes, I sat down next to her and waited for it to happen again. A few minutes later she was off in the opposite direction (slowly, but surely)!

I find this entire incident extremely baffling because afterward we proceeded to go inside and she was playing on the living room rug...got in the crawling position and then boom...down on her belly she 'slithered' to her ball popping machine.

Will she only crawl outside - on grass for that matter? Has she been able to crawl for months and just not found her preferred surface on which to demonstrate her talents? Are the hardwood floors just too hard for her delicate knees?!?!!? What is going on here?!?!

I'm happy she's found her 'legs'...but very confused. ;)

I'll let you know how things progress. Rich swears it's because she was looking for golf balls in the 'ruff'.

Spring flower

2008-04-21T20:15:00.000-07:00

The magnolia trees are in full bloom at our favorite park. That means the lilacs are three weeks away. ;) This Saturday, Violet enjoyed picking the little purple flowers carpeting the ground (she's holding one in the first picture above). I think she would have happily sat on this hill for a considerable amount of time, but the bees seemed to think we were infringing on their territory. I guess we were.

Violet has really been enjoying the spring weather. Her love for the outdoors seems to have increased with each month of her life. If I walk past the front door while holding her, she reaches for the door and screams if we don't walk through it. My favorite part of dinner is when we are finishing up and I ask her if she wants to go outside. Her eyes get big and her chubby finger points toward the door.

Cutie Patootie

2008-04-16T16:43:00.000-07:00

Violet's violet throne...

2008-04-16T16:40:00.000-07:00

Vi, what does a lion say?

2008-04-16T16:36:00.000-07:00

13 Months

2008-04-05T17:53:00.000-07:00

As Vi approaches the end of her 13th month on planet earth, I thought it fitting to provide an update on her latest and greatest. ;)

Violet (and Rich) survived this week sans mom. I was flat on my back for almost the entire week with the flu. Thank God, Rich was not in DC. And thank God, neither of them caught it! Although, I have to admit, I was sad when I would hear them laughing and playing together downstairs because I wanted to be with them. I guess I was also waiting for someone to say, "We need you!"... ;)
No crawling or walking yet! At Vi's 12 month appointment (which went very well - excluding the shots) the doc didn't seem too concerned since she is still progressing in the right direction. I mentioned how she has always been very content to just sit and watch the world go by and the doc confirmed that babies on the slow end of the curve typically have that personality type. So we are enjoying the days of moderate mobility while they last! I'm sure within the next month or two she'll be crawling and walking will probably first occur when she needs to catch the bus to kindergarten.
It is official. Violet gets her appetite from my part of the gene pool. She'll certainly say yes when Grandma G asks her if she wants thirds of Christmas dinner...she loves just about anything - depending on the day, time and weather. ;) Yogurt, beans, scrambled eggs, pastina w/veggies, oatmeal, carrots, kiwi, grapes, blueberries and bananas seem to rank highest on the list.
Vi used to say kitty quite clearly, now it's a bit muddled and I wonder if she's attempting to 'meow' in the middle of pronunciation. Vi's list of words/sounds are as follows: Dada, momma, ki'meow'ty, dot, brock (block), that (which is accompanied by a pointed finger), moo, meow, woof, GRrrr (following the question: What does a lion say?)
Violet has perfected 'bootie-dancing'. That is - moving almost every part of her body to the music, with darn good rhythm, while seated. Dancing is this girl's favorite pastime. Hope to post a video of it soon.
She's getting pretty good (yet still inconsistent) with identifying a few body parts. Rich and I usually have a good laugh when we ask her where X is and she almost invariably touches her head. But ear, belly, head and toes seem to be the most understood.
Violet still loves her stuffed animals! She loves to give them kisses and hold Molly (the dolly) by one strand of yarn hair when sitting in her umbrella stroller. Also, her attachment to her blankies (yes, there are multiple) seem to become stronger every day. Not sure if I mind much (this coming from a girl who had her blankie until she was X years old...).
Shapes seem to be the newest concept Vi is grasping as she is now successfully pushing her blocks through the appropriate shaped cut-outs on a few of her toys.
Her affinity for books only grows, however, if there are more than one in view - time is usually spent stacking them, pushing them aside, dropping them, restacking them and holding one in each hand. Interesting...
Regardless of endless episodes of assault, Hannah the cat remains one of Violet's most loyal pals. I really think that cat is senile...much to Violet's glee!
OK - that's all I can think of right now. Look for another 'Viley' update around her 16th month check up! ;)

A few recent pics:

Snack time:

Don't I look like my cousin Danielle in this shot?

I think there's a monster under my crib...

Violet's first photo - snapped after attempting to push the button at least 10 times. I think we have the next Ansel Adams on our hands:

Viley, where's your head?

2008-03-27T19:33:00.000-07:00