Miss Vivi gets a pool

I know, I've been a really rotten blogger lately.  I'm sorry.  It's been a bit of a mad month.  But.  Summer is here.  Things are going to calm down.  And...Vivi got her very own pool!   Well, kind of.  It's a pool to share with Noah.  But that's cool.  She likes him.

She had to check it out thoroughly before she would get in.

But then she decided it was okay, and agreed to sit on the edge while Noah (being more daring) dove right in.

Luckily, Noah is also smart, and tempted Vivi into the pool by way of inflatable plastic dinosaurs. 

Awesome!

And tasty!!

All in all, a great day in the pool.

Ottos in the Sun

The Ottos are no fools.  We know well enough to take advantage of the sun when it comes around. 

Sunday was no exception.  It was lovely, and the day found us out in the lawn on a blanket.  Vivi was very eager to show Daddy how to play when outside.

We figured since everyone was in such a wonderful mood, we would get a family photo.

As it turns out, Vivi is a horrible photo hog.

No, seriously.

'Sallright.  It was a wonderful day nonetheless!

Derby Diva

So, yesterday, we held the first annual Otto's Kentucky Derby Party.  It was fabulous!

Vivi slept for a bit, then woke up in time for wonderful hats and the running of the races.

We did not win.  Blargh. 

Whatever, it was a wonderful party anyway!  And though Vivi was not particularly interested in wearing her hat (despite the time I put in to it!), she did consent to wear her high heels with her party dress.



 
So fabulous, dahling!

Sad Day

Yesterday was the end of an era for clan Otto.  We have been so, so fortunate in that my mom, Grandmary, has been taking care of Vivi ever since I went back to work in October.  It was great timing; we got bumped by the daycare we had selected, and Mom agreed to care for her while balancing an incredibly busy class schedule as she studied to finish her degree.

It's been fabulous.  Never once during those first formative months was I worried.  When she struggled to gain weight.  When she refused to sleep on her back.  When she started teething and kept us up (a lot).  We had the best daycare provider God could ever have given us. 

But Grandmary is about to graduate, and so last Friday was Vivi's last day as Grandmary's final daycare kid. 

Vivi graduated!

Mom, thank you.  We know how lucky we have been. For every kiss, every hug, every bit of advice, every book you read her and every bottle you gave her, thank you.  Our daughter has flourished, and in no small part is it because the person who watched her when we could not loves her very, very much. 

We love you!!!

You are my Sunshine

Today, the three of us sat down to watch the Masters.  Well...two of us did.  Vivi, on the other hand, kept looking at the TV, then back at us and frowning.  She seemed to realize that it was a BEAUTIFUL DAY at Agusta National, but it was a beautiful day in our own back yard.  So I decided to take Vivi outside so Russ could enjoy the golfing.


She was most pleased.

We took care to wear a sunhat, and to stay hydrated (very thirsty work, sunbathing).

Of course, she also took some time to be fabulous.  So glad it's warming up, dahling.

Excellent outdoor time with Mommy!

Happy Hawkeye!

So...I slept in this morning.  Russ is awesome, and one of the weekend mornings he gets up with Vivi and lets me sleep (I REALLY like to sleep).  However, this does mean that Russ gets her dressed.  This morning, I came downstairs to find a little cheerleader in our living room.

She was really excited about it!

On a note not related to Hawkeye cheerleading, she is also standing on her own when she holds on to things!

Hoppy First Easter!

Today was Vivi's first Easter!  She celebrated in style, with a dress that her cousin Eva wore to our wedding.  Awww...

Oh.  And some ears to match.  Because I think things like this are hilarious.  Such a lovely family!

I think she makes a lovely bunny. 

Happy Easter, everyone!