Halloween 2008

Last Year - Halloween 2007

Watch out for that tail!

Little Stinker

Our first stop this evening (as is tradition) was Aunt Cindy's. Mommy tried to get me to sit still for photos, but I just wanted to play in the sandbox with Tripp (he was a pirate and Tate was a parrot). After eating pizza (crust only for me, please), it was time for trick-or-treating. I made it official by walking outside and then walking back up to the door to ask for my treat. Then I was on my way to make a few stops back in my neighborhood. I wanted hugs more than candy, although I was lucky enough to get both everywhere I went!

As you can see, I dressed as a skunk. Mommy always calls me her "little stinker" so it was most appropriate (and I could borrow it from Tripp). Last year I was a flower because Mommy said the sounds I made were the sounds a flower would make if a flower could talk (sweet!). What a difference a year makes!

First Babysitting Gig

Who's the baby? It's hard to tell!

I remember the good 'ole days!

Holding Tate

Stealing Tate's binky

Today Mommy and I watched Tate. I did really well helping Mommy take care of her. I handed Mommy a wipe when she changed Tate's diaper. I held Tate and handed her toys (even my cow!). Admittedly, there were some issues. I desperately wanted Tate's binky and her bottle, so in an attempt to keep me from snatching Tate's, Mommy let me have my binky (which is reserved for bedtime only) and found one of my old bottles. Mommy's heard that older children can regress when a new baby comes around, but was amazed to see it in action. I was sweet to Tate and excited that she was at my house, but by this evening, I guess sharing Mommy had taken its toll on me. At one point, I was face down on the floor in my Halloween skunk costume (with tail straight up in the air for added effect - and don't think I wouldn't have sprayed if I could have) crying. Thank goodness babies can sleep through anything!

Getting Clean by Whatever Means

Last month, you couldn't get me in the bathtub. I wanted only to take a shower. Now, I love bath time so much, it's difficult to get me out of the tub. When bath time is mentioned, I head for the stairs and start climbing. Mommy and Daddy would love to know why I changed my mind, but as with most things, I like to keep them guessing. It's good practice for the future.

Block Party

Yummy Fried Chicken

Senor, pour me a margarita, por favor!

Drawing with my friend Hazel

What a big spiderweb!

Our neighborhood association had its annual block party this past Sunday. We brought lawn chairs and roasted smores. I enjoyed visiting with everyone (no surprise) and was swarmed by my older friends. They wanted to hold me, walk with me...that is until the football game started in the Joneses' yard. I wanted desperately to play, too, but I am too little. Instead, they assigned me the all important job of mascot!

JW Tumbles

For the past few weeks, I have been going to a fun gym called JW Tumbles. There I get to play, climb, swing, jump and sing songs with some friends my age. Mommy says it's great for my motor skills. I just say I am having a blast!

21 Months

Dearest Victoria Pearl,

Today you turn 21 months old. We just had a fun weekend of visiting with family and friends, with a sprinkling of exciting activities thrown in the mix. While I love every experience we have together, my favorite times are the ordinary, routine days we share. Hearing you wake up and call for me, seeing the joy on your face when I enter your room, having breakfast in our pajamas, spending time playing and reading, watering the plants, baking cookies for Daddy...I love and cherish those special times.

You are developing quite a personality! You have to be the friendliest child around - you greet everyone with a wave, a hug and a loud "HI"! You have started making the most comical facial expressions. You pull us by the hand when you want us to go somewhere, even if it is just to do ring-around-the-rosy with you and your cow (he always has to be included). You so desperately want to talk. I know it will happen soon, and when it does...watch out! You are becoming more confident in your abilities to do things on your own.

What else is going on with you? You have started to gallop or run (left arm straight and right arm bent) instead of walk. You have been waking again occasionally at night, and it is just too easy (and wonderfully sweet) to bring you to bed with us. Your favorite foods are all shades of brown: crackers, grilled cheese, mac-n-cheese, chocolate, etc...the Sneaky Chef (me) has her work cut out. Your favorite books are If You Give a Mouse a Cookie and Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs. Your favorite activity is to play in the car. You love to crawl in and out of your car seat and get in the front seat and "drive". I moved the extra car seat inside the house, and you spend lots of time putting your stuffed animals, babies or yourself in and out...in and out...

In only three months, I think I officially have to stop counting your age in months. I am sorry I keep lamenting on the fact that you are growing so quickly, but I can't help it! Someone once asked me what surprised me about motherhood. I knew that time would pass all too quickly, but it is shocking how true that is. Also, I knew I would love you, but I couldn't have imagined the depth of these emotions I have for you.

Love,
Mommy

Ride 'Em, Cowgirl

Look at me!

Now What?

Reading my favorite book with BaBa

What a fun few days I have had! Mommy and I went to visit BaBa, which means I got to visit with many people around the community where Mommy grew up. They all loved her as she was growing up, and now they love me too! Mommy got me a tricycle so I could learn to ride on the same ground she did (well, that and it is flat - unlike my driveway). I showed little to no interest, so we'll try again at Thanksgiving. There's lot of land to roam and everyone has at least two dogs, so I kept Mommy busy, busy, busy...

We made a quick stop to visit Mommy's friend Jennifer. Even though I don't get to see her often, she has been a major influence in my life. Almost every book in my library is from her. I get packages in the mail all the time filled with new reading material. Earlier this month, she sent me a scary Halloween book that lights up and makes sounds! I love reading books, so I am grateful that Jennifer loves me and keeps my bookshelf well-stocked.

Another highlight of the trip was attending the carnival at Aunt Teri's school. As you get away from the city, things change a bit. In addition to the normal activities/games like the fish pond, ring toss, face painting...they had LIVESTOCK! There were piglets in a pen, a pig poop bingo (yes, you read that correctly and it's just what you would imagine) and pony/horse rides. I sat in the saddle, held onto the horn and rode without anyone even holding me. I did not want to get off! Check out the video below!

Speaking of Independence...

One way Mommy is helping with my independence is the STOOL. It helps me reach things such as the sink so I can more easily wash my hands. Today Mommy heard the water running (never a good sign) and found me giving my monkeys a bath. They were dirty!

Independence

In the big tunnel

I'm ready for the big slide!

I am not the most coordinated kid on the playground. To avoid falls, a typical playground experience for me includes lots of watching other kids, some climbing up very slight ramps, short slides, etc (all with Mommy underneath, practically forming a safety net with her arms)... but today I climbed through a looooong tunnel to get to the big slide! Mommy is working hard to help me gain independence, which is difficult since she would love nothing other than having her baby forever. She is letting me do more and more on my own because it is what's best for me.

Exception to the Rule

You may have noticed in some recent posts that I have been wearing the forbidden color of orange. While we normally avoid that color completely, it is quite difficult this time of year. Therefore, we have an exception for the two weeks preceeding Halloween. As you can see, Mommy's really taking that to heart!

Plumber's Crack

What more is there to say...other than Joe the Plumber has nothing on me!

Car Rides

Gig 'Em Aggies!

I like backseat entertainment!

Yesterday was another Aggie game. The games are exciting, but the drive is oh so long and boring. I don't even like riding to the grocery store, so a two hour trip is tortuous. Yesterday, April went to the game with us (she's class of '98) and sat in the backseat with me. She sang songs, read books, let me play with her jewelry (my favorite was her Aggie Ring - WHOOP!) ...the ride seemed all too short! Her nickname for me is "Baby Girl". She has two little boys, Vaughan (3) and Nash (22 months).

The Hoot

The Fish Pond

Eating the tail off Daddy's cake

WHEEE!!!

Last night, I attended the Highland Park Elementary Hoot. There were games and activities with prizes. I ended up with a bendy alien, a squeeky rubber duck key chain and two beaded necklaces. Daddy's favorite game was the cake walk, and he won! He picked a cake that was decorated like the school's mascot, a Scottie. My favorite part was going down the big slide. Thanks, Uncle Chris!

It's Been One Year

Have Your Mammograms!

Today, I wear pink for my Mommy (well, that and the fact that I don't have any other color in my closet!). It was one year ago today that she was diagnosed with breast cancer and her world turned upside down for a while. A year later, she is cancer free. When she reflects on this past year, her mind is filled with not memories of the tough times, but is filled with happy memories because there is great personal growth during the difficult times AND I have been so much fun!

Typical Girl

Using a key to try to unlock the jewelry box

Is it too much?

I have always been especially curious about what Mommy keeps in her jewelry box. So far, it's been out-of-reach for me (or just locked)...until now. Last night Mommy went to get my milk and came back to find me dripping with "jewels".

Good Oral Hygiene

What fun!
My Toothbrush Collection

My first appointment with a dentist will be when I turn two. I am certain I will get a good report because I LOVE to brush my teeth. Every time I pass by the sink I want to brush them (or at least wash my hands - my other favorite thing). I often end up just carrying the toothbrush around with me. That is until Daddy sees and takes it from me (he is super paranoid about the possibility of me getting hurt - he barely lets me carry my stuffed animals around!). I have four toothbrushes: a (plain, boring) yellow one, a small, pink Winnie-the-Pooh one, a regular Barbie one...and the super, duper electric Barbie one with swirling bristles. I even get bubble gum flavored tooth cleanser (which Mommy dispenses twice, but Daddy only once). Mommy made up this song we sing this song to the tune of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:

Brush, Brush, Brush Your Teeth

Brush Them Twice a Day

Once in the Morning

And Once at Night

Keeps Your Smile

Nice and Bright

Mayfield Park

We have a little slice of heaven just down the road from our house. It is called Mayfield Park, and although there is no playground equipment, there is plenty to see and do. First and foremost, there are peacocks roaming the grounds. In the spring, there were seven chicks, which I have watched grow. One of them is all white instead of the usual bright colors. There are smalls ponds, including one with lily-pads and frogs that I fell into a few months ago. It was only about a foot deep, so I was fine, but Mommy panicked. There are also walking trails and picnic tables, so I can even have my snack there...if I slow down long enough to eat!

The Big Girls

At the Pumpkin Patch

My Friends Chloe and Hazel (Kassie is the photographer)

When I am really lucky, I get to hang out with the big girls in my neighborhood. On Friday, we went to the pumpkin patch and to the park.

Redemption

Giving kisses after a touchdown

With my big sister Amy

Hugging Hunter

Well, I redeemed myself at yesterday's Aggie football game. As onery as I was at the last game...I was that good at yesterday's game (we all wish the Aggies had been that good!). I don't quite have the attention span to watch the game, so my favorite thing to do is walk around and visit with people. I usually get held by at least 10 people I have never met. This game was especially fun because Amy, Hunter and Jake came too. It was Jake's first game, so it was a big deal. Like me, he had a great time at Kyle Field.