Miss Ruby Claire

So much to post.....

2009-10-22T09:22:00.003-05:00

so little time, yada yada, yada. I've decided instead of dreaming up all of these long, fancy posts with pictures and videos that I never get around to actually blogging about, I will start short and sweet, slightly themed posts of random things that should be remembered.

For instance, today, the title would be "Weird things Ruby eats." And the entry would be: For breakfast today Ruby asked for cereal, and a bologna sandwich with cheese and lettuce inside. We never even eat bologna! Where does she get this stuff?

So, she has just eaten her cereal, and I'm off to make a turkey and cheese sandwich. With lettuce inside.

The Potty Training Chronicles: Part Two

2009-10-22T08:55:00.003-05:00

Holy Crap!!!!!

Well, I actually should have posted this a little while ago, but you all know how it goes with me! Ruby did go poop on her potty one time, without any encouragement, or even our awareness! She was just hanging out naked, which is usual around here with me, and Aaron and I were looking at something on the computer. Ruby came in very excited saying, "I went poo-poo! I went poo-poo!" And I was of course thinking, "Oh crap!". So I said, "okay Ruby, show mama where the poo-poo is," as I was already preparing myself to the task of cleaning up poop off the floor. Needless to say, I was pretty shocked when she proudly displayed a huge turd in her potty. We were so proud of her! I wasn't expecting poop on the potty for a long time to come. I was very pleased with the progress she had made so far. Dada and I made a big fuss over her accomplishment, and she also seemed very pleased with herself.

Fast forward to today, which is probably two and a half weeks from the potty poop. There has been no more poop on the potty, or any interest to try that again. But, after a few days of regressing to not wanting to pee on the potty, Ruby is in a very good habit of always using the potty to pee. If she happens to be wearing a diaper, she takes it off to pee. This is great! The incentive of stickers and treats definitely keeps her constant. However, she will not poop! If she is not wearing a diaper, I think she might hold in her poop, because her "schedule" is not predictable any more. So far I really haven't read any advice about potty training, but perhaps now is the time to add to my repertroire of mommy tricks. We have not started to leave the house (unless for very short trips) yet without a diaper on.

Here is the open call for advice, tips, and tricks to continue on with our potty learning success!!!

The Potty Training Chronicles

2009-09-29T10:57:00.003-05:00

Part One:

I haven't wanted to jinx it by gushing too soon, but at last we have a little girl who is going pee pee on her potty!

I was starting to think she'd be wearing diapers in her teens, because she has maintained such a vehement aversion to the potty for the better part of a year now. I have tried to remain sensitive to her feelings, while still encouraging her to try the potty, but not making a big deal out of it when she would refuse. So, just like all other milestones with Ruby, last week she just made up her mind that it was alright, and actually replied yes when I asked her if she wanted to try and sit on the potty! My first instinct was always to be very nonchalant about the whole potty thing, but this is Ruby we are talking about! The little performer that she is, she has responded very well to generous accolades and encouragement, as well as stickers to put on her potty, and.... yes, sugary treats. I never wanted to stoop so low as bribing my kid with promises of ice cream, cookies, and m&ms, but hey, whatever works. Mama can't afford diapers anymore!

We have a long road ahead, but at least we have started the journey. It is funny for me to think about, because when Ruby was a baby, she was so fiercely determined to achieve those initial physical milestones of pushing up, rolling over, standing up, and walking. She did all of those things extremely fast it blew my mind, and left me more than a little bit wanting that she would stay a "baby" just a little bit longer. Yet as a toddler, the emotional milestones of weaning and learning to use the potty have been difficult for her to fully embrace, and it seems as Aaron and I are encouraging her to become independent, she desires to remain a baby. I can identify with this mental state. Change is hard, and can be really scary for some people who are comfortable with routine and knowing what is to come next.

But I digress, Ruby is doing an excellent job at navigating this transitional time in her life, and I am so overwhelmingly proud, touched, and honored to be her mother, and witness the beauty of her blossoming spirit. One thing hasn't changed, the girl is a firecracker!

Port Aransas, June 2009

2009-09-28T17:52:00.002-05:00

Finally here is the promised video of Ruby experiencing the beach for the first time!

Coming soon.....

2009-07-13T09:11:00.005-05:00

Lots of new posts, updates, pictures, and (drum roll, please), even a VIDEO!!!! Yes folks, you heard it right. My new camera and software makes it super easy to upload videos. Well, I haven't exactly tried it yet- but it seems Sarah friendly, only time will tell. Here is a little tease of our family vacation to the beach:

BUSY!!!

2009-05-26T10:10:00.003-05:00

School is over. Commencement is complete. The move is heating up! We will officially be at the new place by Friday, so until then, it's all boxes and stairs.

Someday I will find the motivation to update this blog, and post new pics of Ruby in her ever-increasing cuteness. In the meantime, enjoy this post by my longest running and dear, dear friend, Alicia. And while you're at it, check out her wonderful arts and crafts site!

Monday, May 18, 2009

Sarah

What can I say...at least one of us made it! I am unbelievably proud of you...

Of course, I'm talking about your graduation this past weekend {not that I'm not proud of you for other things, like being a great mommy!}

It took a lot for you to keep at it, and while pregnant, and then with a baby, and to graduate while said baby is now a toddler! Whew!

You are my oldest friend, one of the dearest people in my life. I think one of my happiest days ever was when I had you, Aaron & Ruby at my wedding. I want to go over some of my favorite memories, I wonder how many of these you will remember...21 years is a long time to keep them!

1. Doing gymnastics {cartwheels for me} in your front yard at your 5th grade birthday party.
2. Daniel Day Lewis...enough said.
3. Your music collection
4. DJ the cat
5. Raja the cat and his fat belly {I loved getting to see him this weekend!}
6. Mrs. Blaylock and our MASH books!
7. Yanni concert
8. Tennis
9. Lunch at the country club
10. Your dad asleep on the couch with a game on.
11. Vegas
12. La Femme Nikkita
13. UTA mornings
14. Going to El Arroyo the 1st time I came to Austin and drinking margaritas
15. You being my wine buddy
16. Your mom...Oh how I love her!
17. Planning your baby shower
18. Seeing Ruby the 1st time at a Denny's on the side of 35 because we were both sooo busy with the holidays to have time to spend together...she was so precious...
19. Your apartment in Arlington
20. Being there this weekend to watch you graduate college & celebrate with the Baker Clan.

At Graduation: Jennifer, Joyce & Ruby
They Are Sarah's: Sister, Mother & Daughter

Trying to get our kiddos to cooperate

2nd attempt

Sarah & Ruby at her graduation dinner

Her sister Jennifer & her new beau

Ruby really enjoying her orange at brunch

We had such great plans this weekend, and they got rained out...
so the girls wanted to just play in the rain!

You are such a beautiful person Sarah, and I love you for all that you are. In your own words, your a witchy, woodsy woman...my words, your my nature loving, free-spirited, semi-hippie friend. Basically your you, and that's what I love. There are a lot of differences between us, and I guess there always have been, but we have never cared about that, and I don't think we ever will.

Ruby Claire

You share my love of tea tree oil, patchouli, nag champa, aveda, literature, oils, candles, wine, food and being a mommy. We never fail to have a good time. We can sit for hours and talk, not just girl talk, but deep, mind titilating discussions. In our younger years, we could stay up all night talking and polish off quite a few bottles of wine, I'm not so sure about that now, we didn't even finish one bottle this weekend!

I truly hope you know how much I love you & Ruby, although, I'm guessing you do...

Sláinte!

MEMORY

2009-04-16T09:22:00.004-05:00

Yes, you are supposed to sing the title, because that is one of Ruby's favorite past times at the moment. That, and reading. Which leads me to the purpose of this blog. Ruby has made, of course, beyond a ton of developmental leaps since my last posts. She is still quite the little performer, and I'm already preparing myself for dance classes, theatre camps, or stand-up comedy. Everyone is always impressed by Ruby's vocabulary and language ability, as am I, but I think I'm just used to it. But the other day I have to confess I was so proud of my little girl, and in awe of the developing toddler brain. Ruby was reading her books in her room, and she has several memorized, but until now the memorization has consisted mostly of random words, strung together in "Ruby constructions" to describe what she knows is happening in the pictures. So when I walked into her room, saw her open one of her favorites, "Night Walk", and heard her read the opening page- "Outside in the garden, the blackbird sings her morning song" perfectly verbatim, I was so delighted!

Also, her Spanish vocabulary is growing, in part, thanks to Dora, but remember I took four semesters as well! She can now count from 1-5 en espanol, and has added "Hicimos!". She already says "vamanos" instead of let's go, and is working on "adios", "gracias", "permiso", and "salud". It's so much fun! I'll have to teach her "beso", so she and Julian can give each other muchos besos.
She also loves to toast now, and says "CHEERS" every time we sit down with drinks. So precious.

On to the singing. When we weaned, we replaced nursing before sleepy time with rocking in the chair and singing songs. I have been kept quite on my toes trying to learn words to tons of new songs, so neither of us get bored. Insodoing, Ruby has memorized quite a few herself and loves to belt them out to her heart's content. I'm not joking when I say belt, the girl is LOUD, and let me tell you, she can hold a note. Watch out American Idol, you ain't got nothin' on my little Ruby Claire.

I still can't believe how fast they transition from crying, helpless babies, to walking, talking, intelligently thinking, running, jumping, counting, singing, dancing, joking little people! It's still incredibly hard sometimes, to be the parent of a two-year old, but man the love is overpowering!

more posts to come about our wonderful Easter weekend visit, Scarborough Faire, and..... dadadaDA...... my impending graduation! Keep hangin' on, pictures are coming!!!!!!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

2009-02-15T17:03:00.003-06:00

Ruby had a wonderful day, filled with outdoor fun and friends, pizza and cupcakes, stickers, and a new Dora movie. Mama and dada had steak, asparagus, and herbed risotto cakes. Not to mention Ghiradelli chocolates. Mmmmmm. Still working on the camera, but here are a couple of pics of Ruby playing at the park with a new friend, Connor.

It's been a while....

2009-02-03T08:47:00.002-06:00

There are more updates to come. I promise. I'm changing a few things, and adding a few things. I'm learning a new computer, new printer, new camera- it's taking me a while!

For now I can just simply say that Ruby is absolutely a joy right now. Well, most of the time. She is such a little girly girl, and yet a complete tomboy at the same time. We have a ton of fun wandering around and playing in the woods, leaving presents for the fairies, building rock towers, and playing in the dirt with sticks. She is obsessed with her My Little Ponies, and the pony castle she received from Santa- she wakes up at 6:15 everyday with the primary intention of playing with her ponies! She is so silly. She'll tell you that. She can tell you most anything now, but there are a few remaining "toddlerisms" she says that melt my heart, which I will write about another time. For right now, the little monster is tugging on my arm, no longer to handle that my attention is not fully focused on her- the little diva!

"Me, too"

2008-10-29T11:00:00.002-05:00

I'm taking a linguistics class this semester and we recently watched a film over language and gender, and the difference in conversational styles and rituals among boys and girls. Girls, for instance, seek for connections and similarities in conversation, while boys seem to be in competition with each other. To demonstrate this, the video showed pairs of boys and girls at different ages just talking to each other. The five year old boys on the play ground were very animated about how high each one could throw a ball, and each one would "one-up" the previous speaker. The five year old girls at daycare sat very close to each other at a table, constantly looking at each others' eyes, and touching hands, etc. One of the girls told her friend that her daddy wore contact lenses. Her friend replied that her babysitter also wore contact lenses. The first girl took a moment to process the statement, and then very happily replied, "The same?".

It's a wonderful thing to be around an almost two year old and witness first hand the development of speech, and the acquisition of language. It is even more exciting for me, when my almost two year old provides validation for what I am learning in class, and I am able to perceive language in an entirely new fashion. So, the story is this:

Ruby and I were outside on the patio playing the other day when some birds started singing. She looks at me, taps her ear, and says, "I hear a bird?". I reply, "You hear a bird? I hear a bird, too." She looks at me and smiles, and says, "me, too."

How precious is that?

Texas Renaissance Festival

2008-10-15T13:40:00.006-05:00

The pictures say it all!

"Look Mama, a sailbut"

2008-10-15T13:24:00.003-05:00

Ruby's language and imagination skills are really taking off these days! One of my favorite words at the moment is 'boat', because she pronounces it 'but', and it just sounds so adorable! I sound like Beevis and Butthead, "huh huh, she said butt, huh huh huh." All kidding aside, I was very impressed when Ruby ran up to me with her legos exclaiming she had made a sailboat!

proud of her work

"Cheese!"

Weekends are for barbecues

2008-10-15T13:04:00.004-05:00

I have wanted to do a poolside barbecue for sometime now, but it just had not worked out... until last weekend! It was very last minute, but we had a very nice little gathering of friends and neighbors to enjoy the weather, eat, and be merry! Just a few pics of the fun:

Another Wedding

2008-10-15T12:19:00.006-05:00

I was not going to post this so late, but the pics were so cute I thought I would go ahead! Back in July?, we headed up to Dallas for Aaron's cousin Marcus' wedding. There was also a wedding shower for Marcus' brother Michael, who was getting married in August (Ruby and I missed that one). It was a whirlwind weekend that went from Waxahachie, to Duncanville, to Denton, to Crumb, and finally back home to Austin. It was a bit trying at times, but we had a blast! Just look at everything Ruby got to do!

Bathing her animals

Charlie Dog

Aaron, Courtney, Taylor, Braden, Luke and Cathy

My family

Pretty fruit

Pretty girls in pretty dresses

Mmmmmm

Sweet Catherine

feeding the horses- she wasn't scared at all!

Always gotta end with a sleepy baby!

"Moh yuga?"

2008-10-03T15:09:00.003-05:00

Ruby has been chanting "om" for a while. We mostly use it as a cool down technique when she's feeling especially fiery. :-)

So it was no surprise (though still utterly adorable) today when Ruby and I were snuggling on the couch and she looked over at the yoga mat folded up against the wall, then asked to do some yoga. Well, yoga for Ruby starts out with a pretty darn good dog pose, which then becomes a series of somersaults. Hence, "moh yuga?" She signs 'more' vigorously while saying it, then assumes the somersault position, and waits for me to push her over.

I can't count how many times my heart melts these days- the sweet innocence, constant curiosity and hilarious display of humor and imagination from our little Ruby is never ending. It's almost too much to process. Almost.

A Trip to Dallas

2008-08-13T12:23:00.008-05:00

My sister and her two kids, Lauren and Brett, visited from Las Vegas the first week of June, so absolutely Ruby and I made a trip to Grandmama and Papa Jim's house. We had such a blast! It was so great for Ruby to spend some quality time with her Aunt Jennifer and her cousins. LaLa (Lauren) was such a little "big sister", dressing Ruby up and playing with her, sharing her lemon chill at the zoo, and even buying her a little present. So precious. Brett was impressed with Ruby's new animal sounds and vocabulary skills, and his was the first name she said when we arrived. We had many adventures: swimming, eating, going for walks with the dog, shopping, eating, going to the zoo, playing in water fountains, and eating and shopping some more! We can't wait for our next visit; we miss you all dearly!

Playing dress-up with LaLa

Here she is... Miss Goofball 2008

Ruby's fierce look

Making music with a wooden cup and a pewter bowl...

Who knew it could be so fun?

Lookin' coooool at the pool

Awwww, kisses.

Those curls kill me!

Big girl walking at the zoo

This big guy walked right over to us!

Can you see the giant croc?

Chillin' out

She was a bit weary of the sculptures.

Making friends: "Hey, nice shoes!"

Loving the waterfall

A little after-zoo coloring

Mama's little Monkey Girl

A Texas Spring Wedding

2008-08-13T11:02:00.008-05:00

Our friends Ian and Addie, parents of Ruby's long time boyfriend Julian, officially dove into the boundless sea of marriage this past May. It was a very lovely (and hot!) backyard union in the beautiful Texas hill country. Surrounded by friends and family and under the trees, Ian and Addie spoke their vows to each other, to Julian, to the universe. Ian got a bit of flack for his "it happened naturally..." speech, but at the heart was a very beautiful sentiment, that their love had blossomed easily and simply, as it should have, and seemed to flow along like the river, always instinctively traveling toward larger waters. (You know I had to use a water analogy to describe the love of two water signs!) So it was definitely beautiful, and emotional, though I did miss most of the words of the ceremony because I was chasing after little Ruby while Aaron manned the camera, and of course, (like the little fire sign she is), did not want to be still for even a moment. Many thanks to Uncle Tom and Becca, and the families for their gracious hosting. It was such a wonderful, special day, and we are so glad we were able to share the experience! I've added some highlights below, but be sure to check out Addie's pictures, and as always you can view my slideshow here.

They say it's in the eyes...

Hula hooping, anyone?

This one's for you, Papa Jim

The happy couple

The rockin' groom

and the blushing bride

vows, complete with baby

the other happy couple

friends of nature

does it get any cuter?

yep, sure does!

Sitting pretty and happy with DaDa

Uncle Tom and Becca

Virginia

2008-07-22T12:03:00.006-05:00

As I mentioned before, it was a very lovely trip to Virgina this past May. It was so great to get out of Texas and head to the cool, lush and verdant, mountainside town of Charlottesville for some rest and relaxation with family. My aunt and uncle are blessed to have their four children and grandchildren living close, so we in turn were able to visit with everyone. Granny was there, my aunt Sonja from San Diego, two new babies in the family.... yes, quite wonderful.

Ruby had a fantastic time meeting and playing with her cousins, my uncle's new golden retriever, and of the course roaming around children's paradise, aka my uncle's backyard. I didn't have a shabby time myself, waking up and drinking coffee on the back porch, watching the budding Virginia spring backdropped by the Blue Ridge Mountains. Simply gorgeous.

We went shopping, we visited Granny's new place, we ate, we went for walks, we had a party for my aunt's 60th birthday!, we ate, we had Mother's Day, we ate, and ate, and ate. Oh it was wonderful. It was sad having to leave, but I was ready to get back to home life. And, oh! It was Ruby's first plane trip, and she did grrrrrreat! I was sorta worried, since she was just getting over her first ear infection, but thankfully it wasn't an issue. People commented they didn't even know there was a baby on the plane! The way back was a slightly different story. There had been bad weather the last couple days of our stay, and we had a two-hour bad weather delay, while on the plane! I had to let Ruby run up and down the aisles to get the wiggles out, but luckily she was having a great time, and charming all of the other passengers, flight attendants, and pilots. She fell asleep after a little while in the air, and stayed asleep. Ahhh, success!

We stayed in Dallas for another day to decompress from traveling and relax a bit more. Ruby, as always, had a great time and bonded with Charlie dog and Papa Jim.

You can view the whole album of pictures here.

And some of the highlights:

Already comfy in the play room

Smelling the pretty flowers

Wandering through Paradise

A stroll in the gardens

Nature's Perfection

Mud Play

On an adventure with Uncle Mike

Earth Mama and Garden Girl

Four Generations

Finally! (again), update and new posts to come

2008-07-01T15:32:00.005-05:00

So much has happened in the two months since I've posted last! I can't say for sure I will get better at consistently posting, though I would like to, sitting at the computer is not my favorite activity when I have a free moment to myself!

Ruby has grown and grown. I cannot believe we have an eighteen month old little girl, and she amazes me at every turn. All of her triumphs and personality nuances deserve their own post, though, which will come later. For now I will sum up. In May I finished a very tough semester, but it was followed by a wonderful trip to Virginia with Ruby and my mom to visit family. Ruby and I were finally able to see Granny, which was so deeply special. We haven't seen her since Ruby was a week old, and I felt horrible about not being able to be there at Papa's funeral. But we had a very lovely visit, which culminated on Mother's Day, and although we spent the large part of the day traveling, it was appropriate that I spent it with my mother and my daughter. We had a blast!

We've had other trips to Dallas, visits here from MeMe and PaPa, friends and family members have gotten married, and Ruby has had so, so much fun playing outside, and with her friends! At least the one positive to all this record breaking heat is the necessity to play in some water! I know all toddlers seem to obsess over water, and our little monster is no exception! Whether she's drinking it, splashing it, pouring it, running through it, swimming in it, or bathing in it, this girl loooooooooves water ("wahduh", or "wahyuh")!
In short, Ruby is freakin' precious, and I smother her in kisses all day! I figure I better get my cheek kissin' in while she still likes it! Well, most of the time.....

Here are a few photos dated shortly after the last post. Enjoy!, and stay tuned for more!

Running into the middle of the drum circle at Eeyore's Birthday

Sitting pretty on the back porch

Beautiful, happy girl

Making music

This Week's Cuteness

2008-04-24T12:12:00.005-05:00

it's been a while since I've posted... As usual things are hectic and crazy, and poor little Ruby's been sick with a respiratory cold the better part of a month. We finally saw the doctor today and we have our first ear infection. :-( The girl's in great spirits, though, which is very helpful for momma! Here are some recent pictures until I can post some better updates:

A little morning artistry

"Pretty Bracelet"-- for you Grandmama

Mmmmm, yummy!

Play Pals

She wore a raspberry beret....

I think I love her!

Little Escape Artist

2008-04-03T08:08:00.004-05:00

So, Ruby has some new tricks:

Aaron and I walked in the living room and caught Ruby in all her liberated glory- she took her own diaper off! Some of you know we've already had an episode of "poop play", so you bet your britches mama's being ultra diligent on keeping the onesies on these days! Don't worry, she still gets her naked time. :-) Doesn't she have the perfect mischievous, proud of herself look on her face? Dada and I are so in for it...

Easter 2008

2008-03-25T09:09:00.004-05:00

Wow! We had a wonderful whirlwind weekend visit to Dallas to celebrate Easter with the fam. Of course we wanted to stay and play and be spoiled a bit longer, but alas, life goes on! All of Ruby's grandfolks were amazed by the big and exciting developmental changes she's been going through lately. She showed off all of her tricks, words, and sounds, and maintained her happy little self through many hours spent in the car and lots of environmental changes. We're so proud of our little girl, her personality is just blossoming and brings us tons of smiles and laughter every day! Here are a few snapshots, but check out the full album to see all of Ruby's cuteness on her first egg hunts!

Storm Moon

2008-03-25T08:46:00.003-05:00

Queen and Huntress, chaste and fair,
Now the sun is laid to sleep,
Seated in thy silver chair,
State in wonted manner keep:
Hesperus entreats thy light,
Goddess, excellently bright.

~Ben Johnson, Cynthia's Revels, c.1601

Festival of Flowers

2008-03-20T09:25:00.003-05:00

Happy Spring! Today is the Vernal Equinox, where day stands in equal balance with night, signaling the coming light and approach of Spring. It is a time of fertility, which here in Austin is abundantly clear by all of the verdant, budding trees and the first appearances of bluebonnets and wildflowers. It is a time for reflection, but also for renewal. As the earth rebirths itself, we rebirth our wintery, sleepy selves, and hopefully emerge with a newfound lightness and youthful spring in our step.

As the holiday weekend approaches, I'm reminded of discussions last year with Aaron about his unwillingness to celebrate yet another holiday stolen by the mass merchandising of material non-necessities. My off the beaten path knowledge of history and interest in mythology was useful in this instance and, keeping with the power flow of the season, I wanted to remind myself and share with you all the real historical and sacred roots of this, my favorite time of the seasonal wheel. So if any of you are wondering where the word 'Easter' came from and why there are chocolate bunnies and coloring eggs, this is for you! Enjoy.

In ancient times, there were many sacred celebrations which honored Mother Goddesses who ruled over Spring, rebirth, fertility, and the moon. Sheelah-Na-Gig in Ireland, Isis in Egypt, Astarte in Canaan, Demeter/Kore (Persephone) in Greece, Luna in Rome, and Eostre among the Germanic tribes, are but a few of many. Women, men and children gathered to celebrate this magical time with festivals of flowers and dancing, and began gifting tokens that symbolized the vital, fertile world around them such as colored eggs, rabbits, and specially spiced cakes.

The word easter is derived from the Old English eastre, which is from the Old High German ostara, originally meaning 'nearest to the east'. The name for the holiday of Easter is believed to be a by-product of the clash of religions between Christians, and the Germanic tribes of England, who celebrated at the vernal equinox the Goddess Eostre, whose name shows that she was originally the dawn-goddess.
(etymological information from the Oxford English Dictionary).

And here some additional links for more detailed info:

* You Call it Easter, We Call it Ostara by Peg Aloi, a raised Catholic, modern Neo-Pagan

* Ostara by Kveldulf Hagan Gundarsson and Gunnora Hallakarva

* Ostara aka the Vernal Equinox

* Ostara's Home Page edited by D.L. Ashlimann of Pittsburgh University, and containing links to more info about German mythology

* Ostara- Goddess of Renewal for ritual advice and altar recommendations

Merry reading and Goddess Bless!

Bradley One Year Reunion Birthday Party

2008-02-14T17:07:00.004-06:00

January 27, 2007

How terrific to still be in touch with our group of birthing class friends. Now we are all parent friends supporting each other on our new journeys and crazy adventures. We had to get all of the babies together for a huge party celebrating the one year milestone and the survival of the parents! Since Addie was in New York shopping for clothes and taping What Not to Wear, Aaron and I brought little Julian along with us. What a blast it was to see all of the toddlers hanging out together- eating, dancing, sharing and fighting over toys... pure bliss. Jennifer, Chris, and Hollis did a fabulous job of hosting and we are so thankful to them for opening their home so warmly!

-the full album of pictures

-more pics from Magda (these are great!)

Christmas 2007

2008-02-14T16:32:00.005-06:00

Another wonderful family celebration. We opened gifts on Christmas Eve first in Waxahachie with Aaron's family, then drove off for round two at my parents' place in Duncanville. Ruby had such a great time in all the commotion, but was still not too into the whole "opening presents" gig- although she received some fabulous gifts! She was very intrigued by the Santa presents in the stockings, though, and definitely caught the Christmas bug playing around in her ginormous tent/crawl tunnel/peekaboo/crawl tunnel/house play gym (another Santa gift). Thank you again to everyone for your generosity; we are so blessed!

Ruby's Big Birthday Bash --- December 23, 2007

2008-02-09T05:50:00.012-06:00

Truly an amazing day! I could not have asked for a better celebration for Ruby. Thanks so much to Cathy and Luke for providing the location and a great spread of food, and to my mom and dad for the beautiful cake and wine! I was so happy that Ruby could share this special time of her life with most of her family! She is so lucky to have such loving and generous people surrounding her, and we look forward to the many family celebrations to come!

with cousin Lauren and Grandmama

She's got all three grandpas wrapped around her finger already!

playtime with cousins Camryn, Kile, and Bradyn

Aunt Jennifer and cousin Brett

Happy Birthday blah blah blah.... CAKE!!!

I will crush you!

Yes! I have dominated the chocolate cake!

Need I say more?

First Fairy Book!

It's too bad nobody loves Ruby...

Every great party has a Joker!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BABY!

2008-02-08T10:18:00.000-06:00

So today, December 18th 2007, is Ruby's first Birthday! You might think that on one's birthday they might consider treating themselves (and their parents) by sleeping in.... nope. We woke up at our usual 5 am, but it was a morning to celebrate! We sang Happy Birthday in bed, cuddled and kissed, and remembered that magical day one year ago that Ruby made her entrance into this world... then we had apple juice and bananas and some family dance time. Later in the afternoon we took Daddy with us on one of our usual walks at the beautiful Town Lake, but this time we stopped at the playground to let Ruby run around like a big girl and try out the slides! She had so much fun running and sliding and climbing and especially loves playing with the pebbles---and trying to eat them when mom and dad aren't looking too close (ah! heart attack!). It was a beautiful day, and I'm so thankful for my little girl.

Tree Goddess

First Slide

The Happiest Birthday Girl Ever

Best Friends

Tuckered Out!

Ruby and Julian = B/F/F-- December '07

2008-02-08T09:36:00.000-06:00

We have the wonderful privilege to have made friends with a couple (Ian & Addie) from our Bradley (a natural birthing technique) classes, and we help each other out from time to time with the stress of new parenthood by trading babysitting days. Julian, their son, is five weeks younger than Ruby but hot on her heels in every way! It's a really great experience for Aaron and me to have such a close relationship with a baby boy, and as you can see, these two share a special bond! So precious.

Christmas Tree!---December 2007

2008-02-08T09:20:00.000-06:00

Here are a few adorable pics of Ruby enjoying her first conscious Christmas tree experience...

Thanksgiving 2007

2008-02-07T14:23:00.001-06:00

We drove to Waxahachie and Duncanville for Thanksgiving this year, and had such a wonderful time visiting with our families. First stop was Aaron's house where Ruby had a wonderful time playing with her cousins. She definitely wants to play with the big kids and absolutely does not like for mommy to tell her she can't do something... this girl sees no limitations as reasonable! Yet her independence and fearlessness continue to amaze me every day.

Next stop was my mom and dad's, which was a bit quieter, and consisted mostly of eating some more, laying on the couch, and watching football. We were lucky enough to see my brother, Jeff, who had come in town from Las Vegas for the first time since last Christmas. Jeff is so great with kids, and as the only uncle, will always have a very special place in Ruby's life!
It was a wonderful and restful quick trip, and I can't wait for Christmas!

Ruby and her cousins enjoying some turkey

Aaron, Nan, and Ruby

Aaron with his sisters Stephanie and Courtney, Bradyn and Ruby

MeMe and PaPa with Kile, Taylor, Ruby, Bradyn, and Camryn

Ruby playing with Uncle Jeff

Charlie Dog

Ruby with Grandmama and Papa Jim

New Posts and Caroline's Birthday Party--- November 17, 2007

2008-02-07T12:21:00.000-06:00

So I'm back in blogland after an extended hiatus, so I thought I would go back and post the highlights of the end of Ruby's first fabulous year. Aaron and I have had high points and low points, many trials and tribulations during our first year of parenthood... but with our girl Ruby Claire, there is never a shortage of laughter and love, which makes life just beautiful.

We went to Waco for miss Caroline's 5th Birthday party. Alicia, Caroline's mom, has been a best friend of mine since fifth grade, and it is so special to be able to share this special journey of motherhood with her. Although Caroline is so much older than Ruby, they both still enjoy each other in their own way. Ruby is fascinated by the older girls, and they assume the caregiver/guide role. It is so sweet. Here are a few pics of the fun- this is one of the first moments that I really started seeing my "baby" fade away, but was so excited by the emerging toddler...

Hooray for two hour naps!

2007-11-10T17:15:00.000-06:00

So I have finally figured this thing called blogging out, and since little Ruby is taking a (gasp) TWO HOUR NAP, I have been able to create our little site. It's exciting! Now everyone will be able to keep up to date with Ruby and see what we are doing without so much of an effort on my part--which I am tremendously thankful for.

Ruby and I are on a mini weekend visit to Dallas to visit with my mom and dad, and to celebrate, a bit early, my 30!th birthday, which is actually next week. I'm surprised that I don't feel that overwhelming anxiety and sense of doom that seems to usually accompany this rite of passage. Instead I feel calm, and a general sense of quiet. I hope this serenity and clarity is not just making a measly appearance before a gigantic meltdown! I know I am not exactly where I may have once envisioned myself at 30, but I am optimistic and hopeful that these are going to be my best years so far, full of accomplishment and perseverance.