growing up and out

I'm not one of those parents who gets really sad at the thought of their kids growing up. I rejoice in it. My heart is clearly made of stone (in case you needed more evidence, I'm counting down the days until school starts). It's been a relief that Violet has finally started to vocalize. It's not much but it's starting to happen (granted she's only a week shy of 18 months). 

She had been completely nonvocal (unless you count the persistent tantrums and grunts and screams of frustration at not being understood) until a couple of weeks ago when Elie was watching an episode of Dora. Vi was wandering in and out, causing her usual trail of mayhem, when Dora said, "Say map!" Violet turned to the TV and said, "Map". So... not really your ideal parenting story but it broke the ice for us. She officially has added the words:

mama

dada

woof

duck

fish

cock (as in cock-a-doodle-do)

moo

yes--the biggest break through. 

car

hot

Obviously she won't be giving any oratory masterpieces anytime soon but she seems to pick up a new word (or animal noise) every few day. 

One of her best words is, "mat" from the Bob books. I bought some for Elie and we've read them a few times--she's not so crazy about them. Violet on the other hand loves them, and any time she sees them excitedly exclaims, "mat, mat, mat" I don't know if you've ever sat down and read one of those books 10-15 times in a row, but it's not especially stimulating. I have since hidden them. (Remember, heart of stone.)

All of this growing up is good as she's less than three months away from having a new little brother (we confirmed it's for sure a boy). 

In other growing up news, we bought E a balance bike in the states and brought it back in one of our suitcases. She's getting very good. Granted the bike is geared for 2-4 year olds and she's one month away from turning 5, but at this pace she should at least ride a two wheeler before she gets her drivers license--which was our goal.

We also got her a job at a pizza parlor. 

She's been making a lot of new friends.

 I am also growing significantly and I should probably stop using the ergo carrier soon--but to me it's preferable to carrying Vi in the stroller down the three sets of BTS stairs, slick with rain.

 I'm not grown up enough to pass on cotton candy gelato but apparently Vi is grown up enough to know she was getting shafted when I bought her lemon sorbet and smart enough to insist on trading.