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.