6 Months Old!

 Hello World!  My name is Violet and I'm 6 months old!

 I love smiling, oohing, making faces, and screaming as though I'm in training for my first boy band concert!  My Dad says, "It sounds like there's a Taradactale downstairs." 

I'm super sweet, cuddly and happy. 

 I can roll this way and that way, flip my self over and back again.  I like to stand up and play with my toys while Mommy makes sure I don't fall. 

 I'll put anything in my mouth that I can get my hands on.  Everything is worth tasting in life.  That's my new motto. 

Mommy got me cupcakes in honor of my 1/2 Birthday but wouldn't let me taste them.  That's why I look so pissy in this photo.  I mean seriously?  The cupcakes were for MY birthday, not hers, not Crockett's, not Roxi's, Violet's Birthday!  And would she give me even a tiny bit?  Nope.  That's okay though, cause when she wasn't paying attention I snatched the cupcake wrapper out of her hands and stole a taste.  It was good too! 

 Monday's my big 6 month Dr's appointment.  I'll get my routine check up and a few more shots.  They hurt and make me cry but Mommy will be there to make me feel all better.  She told me after the Dr's appointment I get to sit in a big girl chair and eat out of big girl bowls and spoons.  I'm excited because I'll be just like Mommy and Daddy.  This time around I'll get to eat with them and not just watch.  I think I'm ready.  I've been studying and I'm pretty sure I got this whole, put food on the spoon, then stick it in my mouth, chew, and swallow thing.  Should be a cake walk. 

 Mommy's so excited for me to start eating that she moved all of my bottles and gear out of her cabinets and gave me my own space in a different cabinets.  She said something about wanting her adult space back?  Whatever that means?  Either way I now have room for my new bowls, formula, snack cups and there's additional room for when I get my own plates!  I'm so excited!

Mommy said, "first the cabinets, next stop the family room!"  I think she's talking about all my toys?  I don't really see what the problem is?  They're so bright, bulky, noisy and they're everywhere!  How could you not love having all of these things to look at all the time?  Whatever Mom.  

Gigi, Great Grandma, but most of all, Grandma

Grandma I miss you so much already.    

Grandma,
You would have loved your service, mostly because you planned every detail, but really, it was beautiful.  You'd be so proud of your daughters.  Aunt JoAn, Aunt Julie and my Mom did such an amazing job.  They made sure everything was just how you wanted it.  You've never looked more beautiful then when you were layed to rest.    Your friends and family had so many nice things to say about you.  Between all three events, your viewing, funeral and burial, so many who loved you attended.  This past weekend was dedicated to you. 

I had never attended a military burial before yours and Grandpa's.  Grandma, it was so incredibly cool!  The men in uniform were so careful and precise with both your flags.  They conveyed such respect for the both of you.  I was, and am, so honored and proud to be your Granddaughter.  The men in uniform, called commands, saluted both of you, gave you a 21 gun salute (which by the way I was expecting 21 guns and not 7 guns shot 3x, although based on Violet's reaction to the loud bangs, 3 shots was just fine) and presented your flags with great authority and respect to Mom & Aunt JoAn.  This part was probably the hardest emotionally.   

We all got to spend the weekend together as a family.  I feel like now that we're all older it's harder to get us all in one place at the same time.  Seeing Jim was so awesome!  It was like the 7 cousins were whole again.  In church and during the viewing your Great Granddaughters were so good.  They sat quietly and colored.  Even Violet was quiet too!  She did have a record breaking binkie spitting out contest.  We went through 3 during your mass.  I always enjoyed sitting behind babies during church because I knew I'd have entertainment throughout the hour.  Aunt Julie sat behind us and got the show.  I think she was keeping score as to what the current binkie count was up to. 

The Preacher called you a "young spirit"since you attended mass for so many years on ASU's campus.  I couldn't agree more.  I've known you for 31 years and you've always been young at heart.     

Since I was a little girl you've taught me so much in life.  Our talks and visits have molded me into the person I am today.  Including the new Mom on the block who would totally forget to take out the stuffing in Violet's new shoes.  No wonder those things wouldn't stay on during mass!

I thanked you one Mother's day a long time ago for having my Mom as your daughter and making her the best Mom I could ever ask for.  You thought that was so neat of me to say, but I hope you know it wasn't just something I said, I truly meant it.   

This past Wednesday, the day after your burial, we had a meeting at our corporate office.   We sold 20 homes 2 weeks in a row, so as a thank you from our President, he brought in cupcakes.  Guess where they were from?  A little place called, Gigi's!  I mean, I knew you were always going to be there for me and watch over me but could you be more obvious in letting me know?  I loved it! 

I swear, this past week, I've found Violet staring off just over my shoulder and smiling.  I just know it's you saying hello to her.  I can't wait to tell her stories about her Great Grandma and show her pictures and video.  I can already see it now....

V:  "Mom can we buy this for me....?"   

Me:  "No"

V:  "But Mommmmmm.....Why not"

Me:  "Your Great Grandmother survived as a little girl with out toys during the great depression, you'll be fine"

V:  "Great depression?   What are you talking about and what does that have to do with this toy?"

Me:  "You're not getting the toy"

I know there will be many other stories to share with Violet, but I'm definitely looking forward to this conversation.  I'm sure we'll have it often.

Here's to you Grandma.  I will forever drink my margarita's in your honour.  You will always be in my heart and I promise to talk to you often.  I love you and miss you so very much!   

We have a tooth!!

For Violet's six month birthday she'll be getting a tooth!  She looks happy now but she was pissed last night at 4am.  Apparently she's not a fan of sharp objects cutting through her baby gums.  Poor thing. 

She's been very busy.  Violet's sitting up and playing all by herself.  She still does the occasional throw back, so you have to be there to catch her, but for the most part she can sit and do her thing.  Her hair's starting to grow in too.  Her blond peach fuzz that was on top of her head is now coming in darker and her eyes are still blue!  We're still trying to figure out where those came from?  The books say eye color can change up to 9 months.  I'm thinking blue will be her color. 

I checked the monitor the other night and saw this.  Apparently we're now sleeping on our side.  Doesn't look all that comfortable but whatever floats your boat kid.

I love this picture Codi took of us.  We always play together every night after I get home from work.   I do this thing where I fly her airplane style and say WEEEeeeeeee....Kinda like the pig on those progressive advertisements.  It's actually really an obnoxious sound but she seems to like it so that's all I care about.  We also have a dance party.  Footloose is definitely one of her favorites to dance too.  I love that my baby girl loves the 80's like her Mama!

The Club

Awe yes, the infamous club.  The club I had no idea how badly I wanted to be apart of until I had Violet.  Membership dues include never having to wake up on your own ever again, someone will take care of that for you.  Changing incredibly ridiculously smelly disgusting diapers, waking up in the middle of the night, rearranging your wine glass cabinet to make room for bottles, turning your house into a jungle gym of toys and gadgets, finding yourself watching Ice Age when you have a 5 month old who doesn't understand TV yet, and timing your entire life around nap time.  Dues that come at a stiff price but a membership, in this exclusive club, is one I'd pay for over and over again.

 I just experienced my very first Mother's Day.  What a special day!  I never understood why Mom got a day all to herself each year.  In fact, I think I asked her one year why kids don't have their own day?  I was probably 7.  Her response, "Everyday is kids day!"  I can now say I agree.  The one thing I learned  after experiencing my first Mothers day, is that yes, it's a day to recognize and thank Mom for all that she does, but also a day for myself to be reminded of how grateful I am to be a Mother.  I seriously think I'm the luckiest person in the world.  This club is definitely the greatest club I've ever been lucky enough to join. 

 My little Sweet Pea and I spent the day together with the entire family.  We spent time with Nana and Gigi (Great Grandma).  Pretty cool to have 4 generations in one room together on Mother's day.  I told Grandma thank you for marrying Grandpa and having my Mom, so she could meet my Dad, get married and have me.  Obviously you know how the rest of the story goes, but it really was one of the biggest thank you's ever.  Without Grandma and Grandpa I wouldn't have my Violet.  

 Although this little miracle has turned my world upside down I can't imagine my life without her.  She makes everything I do and am worthwhile.  I've been lucky enough to train on a daily basis for 31 years under my own Mother, to the be the very best Mom I know I can be.  Thank you Mom!  This truly has been a day I will never forget.  

What a Month!

What?!?  My first double ear infection and sore throat?!?

My poor baby was so sick this past week.  The Dr. had to clean out her ears just to look at her ear drums and sure enough they were infected.  The pink bubble gum medicine was prescribed along with Vicks on her feet at night, elevating her mattress, humidifier going and hot steam baths to help clear up her nose.  Daddy had it first, then Mommy, next Violet, then Codi (our Nanny), and now Nana (my Mom).  Just one big mess here at the McConkey house. 

It's one thing to be sick, it's another to be sick and have a sick baby too.  You don't sleep, she doesn't sleep, everyone is miserable, no one can breath and the house smells like Vicks. 

Who wears short shorts?

 We're all doing much better now and sleeping through the night once again.  My little Sweet Pea slept a full 12 hours last night.  She's been hovering around the 11 hour mark but she finally made the jump last night. 

 Nana has the best toys!

 I'm getting so long!  These chubby legs won't be here forever.  Seriously love her chubs!

 Baby in a hat!

 Aunt Sarah gave us all of Ella (and Ashlyn's clothes) to wear.  Violet's now wearing size 6-9 month. 

 Mamaw stopped by for a quick visit to see Violet.  I'm hoping we didn't get her sick too!

Meet Codi!  The greatest Nanny in the world!  We love her so much!  She keeps the house in order while I'm at work and my sweet baby girl happy.  We knew she was the one when Roxi walked right up to her and sat down.  Roxi must've just sensed her energy and knew she was a keeper.  She's the most calm, patient, organized and sweetest gal you ever met.  We are so blessed to have found her and love having her as apart of our family!

Violet's First T-Ball Game

 Violet in 3D!

Family trip out to the West side of town to watch Miss Sedona play in her T-ball game.  Violet did so great on the drive out there as well as on the way home.  We rooted and cheered for Sedona and her team.  Violet kept looking around and taking in all the excitement.  There was just so much to see!

Our little T-Ball rockstar!  Miss Sedona!  Her swing is a combo of Babe Ruth & Tiger Woods!  When she's on deck she swings level and with lots of power.  Then she gets up to the plate and turns into a golfer with attitude.  Josh joked her next sport was going to be golf.  She'll get it down soon enough. Sedona ran the bases like a champ and got a few grounders as well.  It was so much fun watching her play.  It's only a matter of time before Violet is dressed in high socks and ready to take the field. 

I get snap shots everyday I'm at work from Codi.  Here's my daily pic of V. Makes me so happy!

4 Months

At 4 months I'm officially a pro at rolling from front to back and back to front.  I talk, I oooh, I ahhhh, I smile like crazy and still poop and fart!  Mommy loves me though!

Awe Mom!!!!  Enough with the kisses already!

Violet's 4 month stats:

25 inches long (76%)

13.6 lbs (46%)

49.67 cm Head Circumference (33%)

Took her shots like a champ!  I read somewhere that said if you blow in the baby's face as they're getting the shot they won't notice the pain from the shot.  Wrong!  She noticed.  In fact she looked at me like WTF Mom?  It's bad enough I'm getting poked but now you're blowing in my face too!?  My poor baby.  I almost cried myself but held it together....somehow.

Violet's first trip to Kierland.  Mom, McKenna and I stopped at Tommy Bahama's for some coconut shrimp and their, to die for, chocolate mousse cake!  Yum-O!  Violet was so good the whole time.  Didn't cry, didn't cause a scene, just ate with us and watched all the people.  I guess I should cut Violet some slack.  She's not a fussy baby or problem child by any means.  I just get worried I'm going to be "that" person in the restaurant who had to come in and ruin everyone elses meal. 

Codi, our amazing, wonderful, so perfect Nanny, takes such great pictures of Violet and sends them to me while I'm at work.  I just can't get enough of her updates and photo's.

Just rockin' the tummy time!

I absolutely LOVE this picture Mom took of Violet.  She's just so happy!

Funny Faces!

I've got my crab pajama's on.  Deadliest Catch I'm ready for you!  Go team Sig!

My happy girl!

I love that I have all these photos on the blog.  I just click a button and am able to see Violet anytime while I'm at work.  It's so much fun to look back and see how much she's grown and how much she's changed.  Time just seems to be flying by.

Nana went out of town for a week to meet up with Sheri and Pam in Georgia.  While she was away Violet would be mesmerized with her Bunny that seems to talk just like Nana.  She gets so focused as if she's trying to figure out, wait....it sounds like Nana, but I don't remember Nana being fuzzy and pink? (as she sticks the bunny's ear in her mouth...Nope not Nana!)  Not only was Violet taken by it so were the dogs.