Our Baby Violet is 5 Months Old

A few days late with the picture, but our baby Violet is now 5 months old.

Melissa gets sad when she thinks how fast she is growing up. But even if we put a book on her head, it's now going to stop her growth.

I may have to get a little more sophisticated app than Pic Stitch in order to show her monthly pictures. I'm not sure if it goes higher than 5 pictures to stitch together. Violet has her two bottom teeth and now her two top teeth are poking through. She's a master at sitting up and doing the "wiggle, wiggle, wiggle" when she stands. Violet loves to watch Khloe and Lola play but watch out if you get too close. She likes to grab on to your hair. I notice that she tries very hard to mimic a lot of things that you do. The other day I was moving my feet around. She watched for quite a while, then began moving her feet. Melissa is trying to teach her to clap and do the "touchdown" gesture (arms over your head). I'll update at 6 months to see if Violet has achieved that goal.

The Taylors Move In

Wow! The past couple of days have been so hectic. Melissa and Jamie have sold their house and moved in to the finished basement this weekend. They moved their main pieces of furniture and their clothes and put everything else in storage.

They now have a kitchen/dining room.

Combination master bedroom and nursery.

And living room.

Oh, I almost forgot. Violet has taken over the 2nd bathroom upstairs. It's now Violet's bathroom.

After spending the morning helping Melissa finish packing up her kitchen and bedroom, I had a little quiet time while Melissa, Jamie and Violet went to Great Grandpa Taylors birthday party. I believe Jamie said it was his 90th birthday (and Great Grandpa John thinks he's old. He's only 86!).

Although they forgot to take a picture of Great Grandpa Taylor, they were able to get a family picture.

Then it was off to Harrah's buffet where Grandma Laura bought dinner for everyone - Will, Julie, Paige, Gentry, Kanon, Jamie, Melissa and Violet.

Violet had a little chance to chill and show Grandma Laura her new home before bedtime.

I can hardly wait to see what develops tomorrow!

Michele and Bruce - Retirement Cruise

Michele and Bruce are on a Viking River Cruise down the Volga River in Russia. She always seems to find the most exciting vacation spots.

And fun! I haven't heard from her for a week except to get a picture entitled "The Vodka Museum". Now if I went to Russia on a River Cruise, vodka would sure be at the top of my list. I think she's bragging that she's there and I'm home. Can't wait to hear all the details when she gets back in another week.

Jamie and Mini Me

Today is one of those "I really look like my Dad" days.

Jamie caught this picture of Violet checking the WalMart ads. Now I know she's like her Dad because Melissa doesn't do much grocery shopping. Express or Baby Gap is a different story!! Love you Mis!

Violet and Miles - Update

Today Violet got to visit with her future boyfriend, Miles. The first time they met was back in the early part of June. Miles was much bigger than Violet.

But now Violet - at just under 5 months old - is growing faster than Miles. Miles was born in December. But aren't girls supposed to mature faster than boys? I'll continue to check progress on these two and see what develops!

Melissa and Jamie - Date Night

Last night Jamie and Melissa were able to go out for the first time since Violet was born. They went to dinner with friends then to a Bruno Mars concert at the Sprint Center.

So who was enlisted to babysit? Why me, of course. There is absolutely a good reason why you have babies when you're young. Even though she's not quite 5 months old, poor Violet was so confused because Melissa wasn't there.

If you look real close you can see how red her eyes are from crying. And she wasn't crying because she was mad. She actually looked very sad. She did stop crying for about 20 minutes and was very happy. But then the tears came again until she finally got so tired she fell asleep. She was sitting in my lap and her head fell forward. Reminded me of how old people fall asleep while sitting in their easy chairs watching Jeopardy! I slowly walked back to her bedroom and put her in her bed. I was so glad when Melissa and Jamie came home.

Today I continued my babysitting efforts. But this time with Khloe and Lola. Soooooooo much easier. They slept most of the day. But this evening they're barking at all the people taking their evening walks. We'll be joining them shortly.

Happy Birthday Brian - Number 1 Son, Grandson, Nephew and Cousin

Dad, most of the time, refers to his children and grandchildren and now great granddaughter by numbers. Michele is number 1, I'm number 2, Karen is number 3, and Teresa is number 4. It's not unusual to go with Dad to one of his Railway events and have some elderly gentleman call out "Are you number 2?" I just smile and nod my head. Dad's grandchildren have numbers - although this can be a bit confusing unless you know Dad. Brian is number 1 grandson and Michael is number 2 grandson. But Melissa is also a number 1 granddaughter while Courtney is number 2 granddaughter even though Melissa and Courtney are numbers 3 and 4 in grandchildren order. Now Violet is number 1 great granddaughter.

But Brian is also number 1 son born to my number 1 sister, Michele, who is the number 1 daughter born to my number 1 Mother who was Grandma Vi's number 1 daughter. Confused yet? I really don't know where I'm going with this except to say "Happy Birthday, Brian!" I can't believe you're 35 today, but then I can't believe I have a 32 year old son and a 30 year old daughter and a granddaughter. Yikes! Again, I digress.

 Happy Birthday, Brian. I hope your day is filled with fun and excitement. If you happen to find yourself traveling around the country and come close to Kansas City, stop by and I'll take you to dinner.