To Vivian, six months old

Dear Vivian,

Happy 1/2 Birthday. I can't believe how fast this 1/2 year has flown and, at the same time, I can barely remember a time when you weren't a part of our family. You are a really big presence around here and all of us are so happy to have you.

You are still the noisiest and smiliest baby. It really seems like you are trying hard to communicate. If no one is talking to you or playing with you, you will let us know that you need some attention. Basically you do this by screaming or singing. You still sing yourself to sleep going "Ahhhhhhhhhhh ahhhhhhhhhhh ahhhhhhhhhh" in our arms or in your crib until you sleep. This is most amazing when Daddy or I are carrying you in the ergo because you will literally sing out right until the minute you fall sound asleep. It is very helpful too because you really let us know when you are sleepy in case we forget that you are due for a nap.

You are rolling over like a champ now. Both from front to back and back to front though back to front is more common. This is a big day in a mommy and daddy's life because it now means that we cannot leave you anywhere. The other day I put you on a blanket in the living room and went into the kitchen for a minute. When I came back you were in an entirely different spot in the utterly un-baby-proofed living room. So now we really need to keep an eye on you. That also means no leaving you on the changing table and running to the closet for a diaper or a shirt. I am writing this as much for your benefit as for my own.

This also makes tummy time lots of fun because you are very confident on your tummy now and can push up really really far. I see tremendous yogic potential. And you can kind of sit up now although you cannot get yourself into this position and can't maintain it for long. We took a tummy time class a few months ago and the teacher said not to put you in a sitting or standing position too much unless you can put yourself there. You really love to stand and I have to remind us both that this is not good for you and you can't do it a lot. But your legs are getting very strong.

You really like to grasp objects (including long flowing hair -- especially if it is Stella's. Good thing she is such a toughie!) and can often be found with a spoon in one hand and a rattle in the other or two little toys clenched in your fists.

You laugh often and all of us enjoy spending time trying to make you laugh and then keep you laughing. The other day, you were on Daddy's lap and Stella was jumping up and down in front of you and you were laughing so hard. You made your sister very happy. Especially because you did not laugh if I jumped up and down or if Daddy did. Only Stella. You love playing peek-a-boo too and you are very ticklish.

We are excited to be taking you on your very first vacation although less excited about taking you on your first airplane. Hopefully you will enjoy flying and will not decide to show all the other passengers what amazing lungs and vocal chords you have.

Thanks for making all of us so happy and for continuing to grow and develop in such a beautiful way.

We love you.
Love,
Mommy

Favorite Fruit

Mommy, do you know what my favorite fruits are? First, bananas. Second, grapes. Third, strawberries.

You know, Stella, I think I like more watery fruits than you do.

I have no idea what you are talking about.

You know, fruits that are juicier, I guess.

Oh, yeah, like watermelon.

Yes.

And peaches.

Exactly.

And tambourines.

Have a good day, Stella

This morning as you were leaving for school, you came in to say goodbye as I was feeding Vivian.
I said, "have a great day" and you replied, "you have a great day!" Then, looking up to the ceiing
you added, "And you have a great day, Grandpa Joe, setting up our party in Heaven. And Grandma Francie.
And Grandpa Louie. And Aunt Jean." Then you happily skipped off to school with Daddy.