Toddler Labor

We figured it was time Vivian started earning her keep. You can never start them too young, right? So, in addition to her already existing responsibilities of being super-cute, she now helps switch lights in rooms on and off and feeds the cats.

The feeding of the cats is definitely my favorite. I say "Let's go and feed the kittens" and she toddles over to where the food dishes are and impatiently waits until I have scooped food out of the big container. Then she grasps the plastic cup with the food in both hands, and tips it over (with me trying desperately to guide her hands so that the food ends up in the dish and not on the floor). Next, she opens the door to the bathroom, and I pick her up so she can turn on the light. She then turns on the water, I fill the water dish, she turns off the water (with lots of help), turns off the light, and we put the water down. Then, Vivian often starts picking stray cat food off the floor and tossing it in the food dish. As long as it doesn't end up in her mouth, I'm ok with that, too :)

Better Late Than Never ...

... Christmas photos are finally done. They can be found by clicking here.

Navel Gazing

Vivian's made a new discovery that is sooo fascinating. It's ... the belly button! Endless fun is being had at diaper changing time by touching her belly button, then pushing up my sweater to check out mine, then touching her belly button again, checking mine ... easy entertainment, all I have to do is stand there and listen to the stories she's telling about the belly buttons ;)

Fashionista

Reduce, Reuse, Recylce

The Christmas decorations are down. We've settled back into our own rhythm after the whirlwind tour of visits in VA. I was about to recycle the Christmas cards people so generously send us even though we don't ever seem to get around to sending some ourselves. But then I thought, hang on, let's see if Vivian would get some enjoyment out of them. Did she ever ... and I was able to make breakfast/lunch/dinner for her uninterrupted several times now. Let's hope the fascination with throwing the cards on the floor lasts a while. A special thank you to those of you who sent the bug-eyed cat and Santa joke. We got a great chuckle out of them.

And, yes, I am working on the Christmas photos. Coming soon, I promise. I've finished about half of them.

Traveling Baby Show 2008

The traveling baby show 2008 was a full success. We had lots of fun, saw a great number of family and friends (and stayed at a different place every night) and Vivian was of course the star of the tour. More photos to come, but here's at least one from Christmas Eve.

Like Father, Like Daughter

Yesterday, Vivian was wearing a long-sleeved t-shirt under a short-sleeved one (Daddy dressed her) and then insisted that she wear sandals over her socks when we went out. Clearly, I'm outnumbered :)