1 Year Stats & All That Jazz!

Sorry for the lack of updates. Life with a busy one-year-old toddler does not allow much time for blogging. As we mentioned before, Violet started walking before she was 11 months old and she keeps getting better and better at it. She runs now and sometimes, when music is playing, it's more of a skip. Super adorable and sweet!

Violet had her one year doctor's visit with her new pediatrician. We were still going to one from back home, but finally decided to make the switch. Dr. D is kind, funny and Violet seems to like him a lot! Bonus! Here are the stats: She is 30 inches tall, 22 pounds, 11 ounces and in perfect health, save for some dry skin issues. We thought she had eczema like her dear old dad, but that's not the case. She had two shots and goes back for two more in a month. Of course, she handled them like a pro, as always. We are so proud of our Cuckoo Banana Bean. (Yet, another insane nickname in the Hurst household these days.)

(at the doctor's office)



Since her first birthday party, Violet has gone to the Philadelphia Zoo twice. We got a membership, so we plan on going once a week, if possible. The zoo is open all year round, so even if there's snow on the ground and we feel like visiting the polar bears, we can!


She also went to the zoo at Hershey Park (ZooAmerica) to see her friends and their families. It was a beautiful day and she had a great time.

We also celebrated her dad's 30th birthday. She loved the cake this time (and on her actual birthday - just not on the day of her party!) We decided that we will allow her to have a few bites of cake and a scoop of ice cream on special occasions.


These days, Violet is a huge fan of broccoli, cooked or not. (Just like her mom!)

She loves dancing and singing and all of her new toys from her friends and family at her birthday party. She loves books, too! She turns the pages and points out pictures and "tells us" what each thing is. She likes it best when we read TO her, though. We have her pick out which books she wants us to read before nap and bedtime. (And these days, it's always I Love You, Stinky Face and The Monster At The End of This Book.)

She likes to sing along with the Wiggles' Rockabye Bear song, too. She is learning the "sssh" part. Pretty adorable!


This weekend is Boo at the Zoo so we are heading into the city with our costumed cutie for some fun with friends. We can't wait for Halloween! We actually went pumpkin picking this last Monday. Violet picked a big one and we plan on carving it soon.



We have been keeping busy and having a blast with Violet. She is a joy to be around and makes everyday worthwhile. <3

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VIOLET !!!

We've had so much birthday fun already.  Violet had a photo shoot where she went bananas over balloons and bubbles.  She had a party where her friends came together to sing happy birthday and help rip open presents.  And yesterday Violet went to the zoo for the first time with her parents and Uncle Tip (is this fair to say? she already has an Uncle Tom (or Thom)).  She saw giraffes (real-life Sophie), polar bears, a rhino, the endangered Amur Tigers and other cats like Ender, but WAAAAY bigger.  Violet even met Igor the Amur Tiger, who taught her about recycling and conservation.  Today we are making music and keeping the birthday fun going.

Mom and I both wrote birthday notes for Violet on her special day.  We wanted to share them.

One year ago today, I met you for the first time. I saw your squished up, swollen baby face and instantly fell in love. I have been helping you learn and discover, watching you grow; having a ball smiling, dancing, laughing, singing and snuggling with you since. Thank you for making this the best year of my life, Violet. You make everything in my world much brighter and much better than I ever could have dreamed. I am so proud of you. I believe in you and I love you with every piece of me. You are my smart, sweet wonderful girl. <3

Love, Mommy <3 

Little baby Violet, turning 1 today.  We've had so much fun this year.  It was such a short time ago that you were squishing in my arms.  This year I've watched you turn into a little person.  I can't believe how much you've grown.  You're such a big girl and so smart.  I am so proud of you.  Today, Mommy and I got you a piano.  We want you to make so much noise.  Never stop making music.

Love, Daddy

Check out Violet's First Birthday album, below and on the side.  It is full of awesomeness.

Violet's First Birthday!

And here's a short video roll of Violet's first year.  Watch her turn into a little person, set to cool music.