Introducing Violet

Mabel has a sister! That's why we haven't updated for a while - things have been a little crazy. Violet Gray Hyland Hanna was born July 14, 2011 at 7:13 p.m. She is gorgeous and Mabel is in love, love, love with her. Mabel is also just about potty trained (and I probably jinxed myself by writing that). She had her first accident-free day today at school which as you can imagine was very exciting. Here's a look at Violet, who was named for her great-grandma, Violet Larson, and her Pop Pop, Thomas Gray Hanna.

Cute Times Three

Mabel went to her friend Ryan's birthday party over the weekend and had a ball. Here she is with her best pal from school, Annie, and Annie's big brother, Bobby.

Pals

Mabel and her BFB (Best Furry Boy).

Pink is the Word

Mabel and I went to our local garden center this weekend because the weather was so gorgeous and I just got the itch to plant some flowers. She 'helped' me pick them out, which is why they are all pink, hot pink or really, really pink. She also wore her favorite hat backwards, because she's just a unique individual. Or it may have been her tribute to the royal wedding, it's really hard to say.

Coconut Cupcakes

A lot of Mabel's little friends at school have had birthdays lately, so there have been many cupcakes to share. So she talks a lot about cupcakes now, and parties, and how her birthday is "Yune fird" (translation: June third) and also how "When my birfday comes to my house, I will be free on Yune fird." I made coconut cupcakes for my friend Julie's birthday last week and was sure to save one for Miss Mabel. Needless to say, she savored every bite.

Primping

Dylan takes Mabel to school most days, which of course involves getting both of them dressed and out the door. This means Dadoo is very good with the nail trimming, hair brushing and whatnot. Here's a typical morning scene in the bathroom.

Under the Weather

Mabel has yet another ear infection ... two of them, in fact. Also, her left ear drum perforated (but 'only slightly', according to the doctor. Phew.), which likely contributed to her extreme fussiness this weekend. She made the most of things by getting in some good cuddling with Hamlet, AKA her 'best furry boy'.