Hide & seek

Grant has effectively taught Vivian to play hide & go seek. Of course, she's always the counter (she can go to 11!), but she doesn't care. 

Yogurt baby

This little girl loves some yogurt. And sometimes, she loves to fight with me on where she will eat it. It's a battle of wills with this sweet little face.

What she's saying

At 17 months old, Vivian understands almost everything we tell her. Using her own words, however, has been a slow process. Since she was 12 months, she's been saying "mo, mo, mo" for "more." Her "more" means everything from "I want" to "pick me up." She's now saying more words -- shoes, dog, meow, moo, yay, nose, mouth, daddy -- but she still uses "mo mo mo" for something she wants. And when I request that she says "up" to be picked up, she stares at me and opens her mouth (with no sound). It's hilariously cute, but totally missing the boat. Ah well, I'm sure we'll be miles along in a few more months.

Passed down

It's a neat thing to see, in the span of 6 short years, traditions being carried out. This is the third child who has used our wooden high chair, gifted to us before Evan was born from my Great-Aunt Nellie & Uncle Rich. 

This is also the third child who has used the toddler table that I purchased from a thrift store back when Evan was around 2. I brought it home, gave it a new coat of paint and recovered the chair cushions. All of the kids have loved it and Vivian is no different. She loves to get on and off of the chairs and take snacks and toys to "her" table. 

What she's up to now

Vivian is 15 months and certainly has a personality! She's smiley, feisty, and independent. She entertains herself easily, but also loves to stand at your feet and beg to be held when she needs a cuddle. She's starting to talk, and her favorite word is "mo, mo, mo," which means everything from "more" to "I want, now, give me, please & pick me up." She also says "dah" for dog and "whoo" for bark. She loves to toddle around the house, opening drawers, playing with old electronics, putting things in bags, wearing things over her shoulder like a purse... she pays little attention to toys.

She still takes her paci for naps and bedtime and likes to grab it from her crib and walk around -- and then throw it so no one can find it. We own about 6 pacifiers, but can only find 2 at any given time! She's a good eater -- with some things. She could eat Cheerios, watermelon, and cheese all day long if it was her choice. I can tell that she understands many of the things I tell her -- when I ask if she wants Cheerios, she smiles and sways back and forth for her happy food wiggle. Her newest thing is to take a tissue or cloth and blow her nose. I am amazed because neither of the boys could blow their nose on command until they were 3!

Vivian loves her brothers -- laughs at their antics (in spite of my frustrations), loves playing in their room with their toys, and smiles whenever she sees them. Her brothers do not quite share the same adoration as they are often caught closing the door just before she can get to their room, yelling "Moooom" when she's in their room and saying "No, Vivian!" when she touches their iPod. And at the same time, I witnessed Grant fiercely protecting her safety while at the park the other day -- he said, "Don't do that -- she's my sister!" Grant also is very concerned about her safety around the house regarding what she can/can't touch and put in her mouth. Evan loves to make her laugh, and does so frequently.

I find that both Jason & I watch her endlessly -- she is so curious, funny, and just darn cute! She doesn't have to do much to make me smile. I remember how much I love this stage of discovery -- I did with all of our kids.

A baby in tights

Has to be about the cutest thing. I am loving the cold weather accessories for a baby girl. 

5 months

And still as sweet as can be!

First real food

It seemed to be time for Vivian to try cereal. I know I'm not ready for it, but perhaps she is.

Vivian's smile

Is ever-present... and stinkin adorable! She's about 4.5 months old now. She is perhaps the world's happiest baby. The most frequent thing people say about her, after "her eyes are beautiful!" is, "is she always this happy?"

Grandma Bonnie's girl

Vivian at almost 4 months wearing the special first outfit sent by Grandma Bonnie.

The things we do to our children

In the name of holidays... Homemade reindeer shirts, hats, candy striped leggings. You know, just another day around our house during the month of December!

Happy girl!

I'm telling you, this is one happy baby! She doesn't sleep well at night, but it sure doesn't affect her mood! Here she is at about 3.5 months.

Those eyes!

Looking stunning in her cheetah-wear.

Smiley baby

Vivian has the most beautiful smile! She just lights up and it's so fun to watch.

Bumbo, take 2

Almost 14 weeks here!

Grandma Bonnie & Grandpa Donnie

The [great] Great-grandparents meet their first great granddaughter.

Grant

He said, "Look Mom, I'm taking a walk with Vivian."

Daily fashion show

Here at the Terreri house. Yes, that is our little girl wearing jeggings. But she can get away with anything -- just look at those eyes!

Baby in a Bumbo!

Each child gets their turn in the Bumbo! Vivian seems to really enjoy it. Here she is at 12 weeks... 3 months -- where did the time go?!

This baby sure can smile! She's so happy.

Ninja

Vivian, this is just the beginning of your mother's experiments in craftiness (example: this hat).