October

Oh, I love October. It's been an absolutely beautiful fall so far, and we have been enjoying every minute of it. It's been awhile since I've posted, and I actually had a friend *request* that I update my blog. And who am I to deny the masses what they want.

Here are some things of note.

Violet took her first several significant steps on September 23. Since then, she has made amazing strides. She can walk on uneven surfaces, stand up in the middle of the room, stop to pick something up and then keep walking... in short, she's a walking pro. 

This means that she can get where she wants to go. Where does she want to go, you might ask? Well, she wants to go wherever Sebastien and Eden are, mostly. Violet more and more prefers to be in the company of her older siblings. There are times, now that she has learned to say her sister's name, that she walks through the house calling "Eeeduh" or what sounds like "Yahhshhh" (which I'm pretty sure means Bash.) Sometimes this is tough on the "big kids," who definitely are used to playing together well, but aren't always sure how to integrate this little person who can't quite do what they are doing and who grabs things from them and is quite inconsistent as well. But sometimes they totally embrace it, and even ask for her to join them. 

I am loving these blossoming relationships. I have always sort of worried that Violet would feel left out; she doesn't have a twin, after all. And she's the 5th member of the family, making it an odd number.  But in the last month I have seen so many tender, sweet, and fun moments between Violet and Sebastien, between Violet and Eden, and between all three, that I just don't worry so much about that anymore.

Violet has discovered that she loves to color. (See picture below.) She also continues to love singing, dancing, babies, and all small stuffed animals (think Beany Baby size.) Violet is discovering her voice as well. Not only using words (which increase daily), but her ability to say "yes" and "no" (through adorable head bobbles) to whatever we suggest. And sometimes it isn't as much adorable as it is clear protesting, clear determination to get what she wants. She is learning to use her voice, which is great.

She is no longer on two naps, but takes morning "rest" time and then a long afternoon nap, anywhere between 2-3 hours. And she sleeps a pretty solid 12-13 hours at night. I'm not really mourning the loss of the morning nap, because it does make us a bit more able to get out of the house.

Sebastien and Eden are loving school. LOVING school. The picture below is on orange day. All week long they count the days until they get to go to school. They come home with new songs an dances and stories and just bursting with new experiences. It's a joy, and it's a blessing. One report that we have now gotten from their teacher - who is fabulous, by the way - is that Eden is very talkative at school and Sebastien is quite quiet. Who knew. But thinking about Sebastien and how content he is to be in his own little world, I shouldn't be surprised. Eden, on the other hand, loves to play with, talk with, be with others. Plus she really likes to figure stuff out and know the answer. So...yes, it makes sense.

At some point I will blog AGAIN about the potty. But I don't want to right now. And truly, I could go on and on about the funny things that Eden and Sebastien say, and the adorable little things that Violet is doing and learning. I could blog for hours about these kids who fill my heart and my life with so much joy. But I think for now, I'll leave well enough alone and go to bed.