All Those Teeth

The majority of babies sprout their first tooth between 4 and 7 months of age.

But our baby Violet is far exceeding those statistics at the age of 6 months. She already has 8 teeth and proudly shows them off. She loves to grab your hair with both hands and pull herself in for a hug. But you have to be careful because if she gets in the right position she'll try to sink those sharp little fangs in your neck, shoulder or cheek. If you're real lucky she'll bite your nose.

Exercise

I'm always looking for new ways to lose weight and exercise besides the obvious of eating healthy and actually exercising. So I decided to buy a hula hoop. I used to hula hoop all the time when I was a kid. Just think of doing something fun and burning calories at the same time. Well when was the last time you tried to hula hoop? I've spent several days spinning the hula hoop around my waist and having it drop to the ground after two or three spins - sometimes not even that many. My hips are screaming from the pain.

Violet has watched my trial and error with the hula hoop. She sits on the floor, picks up the hula hoop then throws it to the ground. I'm a great role model! I even looked up how to hula hoop on the internet. My problem seems to be my hula hoop is too small - yeah right! Melissa can spin that thing for several minutes. But I'm determined to succeed. I'm on my way to WalMart to get a bigger hula hoop!

Calendar Girl

Jamie took Melissa and Violet to a car show in Ottawa. Melissa was a little hesitant to go thinking it was too cold, too far away, too long.

But it looks as though Violet stole the show. This looks like it could be a great idea for a calendar for antique cars. If you look real close near Violet's hands on the fender, you can see Melissa's hand waiting to catch Violet just in case she fell face first into the car before Jamie could get the picture.

Baby Afghan

It's been awhile since I completed a crochet design. It seems I can't just create an afghan without having someone to give it to.

My VIP host at Harrah's became a Grandpa for the first time about 2 weeks ago. I wanted something simple and girlish. This is a pink and white diagonal pattern with 2 inch stripes. I wanted to use Violet as my model but she was napping and I had to leave.

Violet - 6 Months Old

Today Violet turns 6 months old. No cake. No ice cream. Just baby squash that she didn't want.

Formal pictures were taken to commemorate the event.

But we can't forget the 6 month picture with the Etsy stickers. I can't believe 6 months have already gone by. And just think, I get to spend the next 6 months watching Violet grow up.

Two Stepping

Jamie and Melissa's friend, Aaron, came over the other day and told us he went to Whiskey Tango on Tuesday nights to take two step lessons. Whiskey Tango is a country western bar in Grain Valley. I keep telling myself I want to get out of the house more so I told Aaron I wanted to go sometime. Well tonight was sometime. Jamie was off so I convinced Melissa to let him go with me.

I must be out of my mind. This was a lot like an aerobics class but much more fun. After a quick lesson on the step - quick, quick, slow, slow - Jamie and I two-stepped around and around the dance floor. Most of the time our quick, quick, slow, slow was off count. At one point the instructor came over and took Jamie for a one-on-one lesson. Aaron came by and asked what the problem was. I told him Jamie had detention.

Then we switched partners. I danced with Aaron and then with Aaron's friend, Glen. Now Glen is a pro two-stepper and he tried to teach me turns and spins. I tried to keep up but I kept stepping on his toes.

I don't think I'm quite ready for Dancing with the Stars.

Raising Baby and Housework

Melissa took the puppies out for a walk so that left me with Violet. The dryer started buzzing so I scooped up Violet and put her in safe place so I could fold clothes.

When Melissa walked in I showed her you could do housework and care for a baby. I wonder if I could teach Violet how to ride a vacuum cleaner?

Later today Michael came by and we took Dad to dinner at Logan's Steakhouse.

Our Thursday night dinners have been postponed until Michael finishes his training as VIP Host at Harrah's and his schedule is set. Violet and Melissa weren't able to come because Violet has her first cold and she was sleeping.

But she was awake and smiling when her Uncle Michael stopped by to see her after dinner.

Go Chiefs! Big Win for Home Opener

Being a Seven Star member at Harrah's has its perks!

One of them being free tickets to the Chiefs game. I selected the Dallas game. Not because it was the home opener but because I wouldn't have to wear three layers of clothes to fight the freezing cold.

The day started with my own tailgate party with Violet. She got to wear her Chiefs shirt that Karen got her when she was born. By the way Karen if you're reading this, by the time the Chiefs get to mid season, Violet will need another shirt in order to be a part of Red Friday (hint, hint).

Then it was off to the game with Karen. But my thoughts of good weather were quickly squashed when we arrived and it started to rain. So instead of sitting in the rain waiting for the game to begin, Karen and I decided to get something to eat and drink. Now I knew things would be a little pricey, but I was floored when the total was just under $35 for a hamburger and fries, hot dog, beer and coke. Can you believe the girl behind the counter asked for my ID? I was extremely flattered until she said everyone who bought beer had to show ID. In my mind she was unsure of my age.

I sent a text to Melissa telling her it was raining. She texted back telling me to buy a poncho. Karen quickly said "no" telling me we'd probably have to mortgage the house in order to afford one.

Remember when you were young and enjoyed the enthusiasm of crowds and loud noises at sporting events? Well Karen and I left just before half time. We'd had all the fun we could stand. The rain had stopped but it was getting a bit stifling with so many bodies crammed together. So we started the long hike up the hill to Taco Bell where our chauffeur (Dad) was picking us up.

If you notice Dad's eyes are closed. But that's okay because that's how he drives anyway. I got home in time to see the end of the game. The Chiefs beat Dallas 17-16. Go Chiefs!

Dinner with Michael, Ashley, Melissa and Violet

I almost forgot to add the great dinner I had with Michael, Ashley, Melissa and Violet before book club on Tuesday.

We went to Jose Peppers in Lee's Summit. It was a little confusing when we pulled into the parking lot because they had taken their signs down. But they were open and we had a nice family dinner. One of these day I hope to be able to have dinner together with all my kids. Jamie had to work that night.

National Grandparent's Day

Thanks to the magic of the internet, Melissa noticed it was Grandparent's Day - or as I like to call it - Grandma's Day. But Violet didn't have time to shop so we went to dinner.

Next year I'll have to make my list in advance so she can plan her shopping.

40th Year High School Reunion

Last night was my 40th Year High School Reunion. Approximately 90 out of 500 classmates attended. The event was held at the Ararat Shrine Temple in Kansas City. Not my favorite place and in an extremely bad part of town. The area is so uncertain that when we left there was a police car in the parking lot with it's lights on and two security guards followed us to our car in a golf cart.

As we walked through the front door, the first thing I saw was two wheel chairs. Then my friend Jamie made a comment  - "who are all these old people?" In my mind I'm still that 18 year old cheerleader. It's only when I look in the mirror that I realize time has gone by.

As I thought, I didn't recognize too many people. Almost everyone was greeting people by first glancing at their name tags then saying "You look great." Most heard response - "So do you". It seemed as though the women were easier to recognize than the men.

I didn't take any pictures but there were a few pictures posted on Facebook. This is me, my best friend Jamie and Tammy. I found out a few years ago that Tammy's mom and my mom were good friends. They both worked for the City of Independence.

The reunion committee had a photo booth. I convinced my friends Jana, Jamie and John to pose with me. This is a picture of a picture but the scanned picture didn't look much better.

But Melissa made the best comment of all. She thinks I look much younger than my friends. I love her so much!!

Would I go to the next one? Probably. It wasn't a bad experience but I was home and in bed by 10:30.

More Teeth for Baby Violet

Violet's been a little cranky the past couple of days. She's cutting more teeth. That makes 8 teeth for a 5-1/2 month old baby. Is that unusual? I'm not sure. My baby is 30 years old. I can't remember that far back.

Melissa spent the afternoon with her friend Heather whose husband works at the fire station with Jamie. If anything can make her smile, it's riding in the fire truck with her Daddy.

I think it might be against city policy to take a baby for a ride in the fire truck. But nothing about pretending to drive.

Happy 30th Birthday Courtney!

My sister Michele may be older (I love saying that) but her daughter is the youngest in our family (except for baby Violet). And today Courtney has achieved another milestone in her life and turned 30.

I can remember when she was little and was the wildest child you've ever seen. Compared with her brother Brian who was always so well controlled.

Even today Michele and Courtney are still very close even though Michele lives in St Louis and Courtney lives in Chicago. So Happy Birthday Courtney!

Daddy and Baby Violet

I post so many pictures of Violet and pictures of Violet with members of my family. Besides family pictures of the Taylors, I forget to post pictures of just Mommy or Daddy with baby Violet.

Today I was able to get a quick snap of Daddy Jamie holding his daughter. The last time I took a picture of just Jamie and Violet was Father's Day. By the way, Violet really does know how to clap. She still starts clapping when she hears Hot Dog Hot Dog Hot Diggity Dog but she also claps for other songs and when she sees someone else clap. Besides "touchdown" Melissa wants to work on waving bye-bye.

Thursday Dinner on Tuesday

Thursday dinners will be sporadic for awhile until Michael gets a set schedule with his new job. Since he had tonight off, we went to Smokehouse Barbecue for dinner. Tuesday is usually the night Teresa goes to visit Dad so she decided to join us for dinner. Plus with the Labor Day holiday, trash is delayed one day so she has to put out Dad's trash tomorrow.

Violet likes her Aunt Teresa. Teresa can even hold her without Violet screaming "Stranger Danger".

September Goal - Learning to Clap

Two weeks ago I mentioned goals for Violet to achieve before she turned 6 months old. One of those goals was clapping her hands.

I bought her a Mickey and Minnie Mouse from Hallmark and the Hot Dog Hot Dog Hot Diggity Dog song goes through my head all the time. Based on this video, can Violet really clap or is she just responding to the song? I'm counting it as clapping. Goal one achieved. Now we need to work on "touchdown".

Pre-Reunion Jitters

Saturday is my 40 year class reunion and I’ve been stressing about seeing my old classmates. But as one classmate wrote on Facebook “Everyone is getting older, it’s not just you.” Now I’m not an active Facebook poster; in fact I don’t post at all. Many years ago Michael created a Facebook account for me. It hasn’t been updated in over 6 years. But I do look from time to time and see postings from people. Some I know, some I have no idea who they are. Another classmate has asked everyone to post their senior class picture on Facebook. For those who have posted their senior picture, I look at them and think “WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE?” I know my memory isn’t that bad but I’m hoping the reunion includes name tags.

Melissa has been helping me with an outfit for the event that doesn’t look too young, too old or too out of style. Let’s just hope it looks as good on me as it does on the hanger!

Michael - Harrah's Casino VIP Host

Today was Michael's first day as a VIP Host for Harrah's Casino. His day started with hosting a tailgate event for VIP guests. I am usually invited to these events so I was excited to be able to see Michael on his first day of work. The event consisted of guests ranking their preference of games they wanted to go to. My picks were not my favorite teams (I don't usually follow football) but which games were played when the weather was hot. My first pick was the Dallas game scheduled for September 15. When you entered the convention center you were directed to a table for that particular team. You won't believe it but Michael was assigned the Dallas table. Fate or coincidence???

I went up and gave him a big hug. There was another casino host sitting at the next table who made a cute comment - "No hugging the guests". We just laughed. After I picked up my tickets from Michael I went over to the other host and gave him a hug. I was a little embarrassed when I found out it was Michael's boss. But hugging is allowed with VIP hosts and guests.