Ashworth Alcove

Well, this is late. Back at the beginning of the month we took Violet down to Panama City Beach to see the ocean for the first time. It's only about an hour and a half drive for us, so we drove down, had lunch, and spent some time on the beach before heading back home. Violet has always liked the wind, so the beach was a real treat for her. It was pretty hot that day, but there was a strong cool breeze. As soon as I stepped out onto the beach and she felt the wind glide across her face, she was all smiles. We journeyed down to waves, which were warm and inviting. After giving her a few minutes to take it all in, we put Violet's feet down in the sand where the waves could dance around her ankles. She let out a few squeals, but mostly maintained an intense focus on her surroundings.   It was really special. I've experienced the beach and the ocean many times, but in watching Violet it felt like my first time all over again. Part of what m...

At her four month check up Violet's pediatrician said that she was ready to try solids. What she ate today was hardly solid, BUT - It was at the same time. The doctor recommended beginning with rice cereal mixed with breast milk. I've read that there aren't really any nutritional benefits to be reaped from the single grain cereal and that some opt to just jump straight to vegetables. The doctor said this is mostly true. However, she said the cereal is the easiest to digest and it's just for fun. It will help her learn how to move food with her tongue and to swallow. Then, once she gets the hang of the ole tongue, we can introduce veggies. Behold, rice cereal. It went something like this: taste, eat, play, cry. She knew what was going on from the start. And she was happy about it. I thought she would spit it all out, but she actually ate most of it. We allowed her to play around and "explore" the food (yay, bathtime!). When the bo...

Dear Violet, Your 4 month checkup was yesterday. 16lb. 5oz. - 90% 26.5 in. - 97% Once again, I was dreading the shots. But you did so good - even better than last time. You stopped crying before I even had the chance to pick you up. The nurse said that you need to show all of the babies how it's done. I'm so proud of you. You are happy and healthy. Right now you're carefully watching my hand go from a bag of Reese's Pieces to my mouth. You make my life fuller. Love, Mama

Growth & Appearance: You're growing fast. Like, real fast. You seem incredibly long. We went for a walk a few days ago and ran into another couple we know who have a 7 month old. You were the same size. Maybe the other baby was small... Or maybe you're a chubs. Whatevs. You're flaunting a nice set of rolls on your thighs. My favorite is your wrist, it's just one big roll. And you have dimples for knuckles, which I'm perfectly okay with. You're hair has gotten longer, especially on the top. Some of your newborn hair never fell out, so there are random really long strands that stick straight up like little weeds. It's still pretty dark. Due to your glamorous cowlick, it swishes up, and then over, and then back down again like a little hurricane. You weigh 16 lbs, 1 oz. (85th percentile), 26 inches long (90th percentile). You're wearing size 3 diapers, size 6-9 month onesies/shirts, 6 month pants/bloomers, and 9 month sleepers (you have a...