Ruby, your seventh month of life was marked by your new found mobility, your first surgery, your first accident, your first baby food, and your social little personality.
Ever since you became a stomach sleeper, you started getting really strong and rolling EVERYWHERE. I walked into your nursery after I heard a loud crash one day. You didn't make a peep, so I knew you were either fine or unconscious. I found you happily playing with the baby monitor cord that you had yanked down. It fell about 6 inches from your sweet, little head! You also rolled yourself right off the couch when I left you there for about 5 seconds to put a pile of laundry in our room. Oops. You cried for a minute. I made sure cerebrospinal fluid wasn't leaking through your ears, and that you didn't have any apparent swollen areas and we went on with life. Sorry, little lady! I won't make that mistake again :)
This month you also had a little procedure done at Arkansas Children's Hospital to fix an issue you were having at your umbilical site. I think the official term they used on all the paperwork was excision of an urachal remnant. You were so sweet during pre-op. We got up at 5:00 am to be there by 5:30. You waved at each health care professional that came in to take care of you and get you ready for surgery. When they wheeled you off in your little bed, my eyes filled with tears, but you just looked at us as you went like it was no big deal! And it really wasn't...but it felt like it. You went to sleep just fine and the surgery was non-eventful. Your waking up from anesthesia was more eventful. You screamed for an hour or so but eventually calmed down. We left and went home, and you nursed and slept all day. You tried to roll on your belly that afternoon and you haven't slowed down since! Children are quite resilient, and you were no exception. Glad to have all of that over with!
You aren't a huge fan of baby food. You could kind of take it or leave it. I don't blame you. The texture is quite challenging, and I know you really wanting table food. The feeding therapist in me doesn't want to give you any until you have maybe a tooth or at least until you are 10 months old...but, I don't know if we will last that long! You stare at our plates and reach for every thing on them constantly.
Your new favorite thing to do this month is wave hi and bye. You also hit the ground with your hand or pat my arm when you want more of something. I think your Gigi was the first one to notice that you actually were purposefully waving. It's the sweetest thing. You love to see people. This month (your 8th month), we were at a basketball game at Harding academy. With every person that walked by, you waved. Then, you fussed if they didn't acknowledge you! Ha! You've also really enjoyed waking up at 4 am pretty often this month. So, that's a bummer.
Some of your favorite things include tags, bottles and cups, ribbon, your paci, your sophie giraffe, and our iphones. You are wearing 6 and 6-9 month clothes for the most part...and I never put shoes on you, because you constantly are kicking your little legs and the shoes just fall right off.
Every one loves to comment on your strawberry blonde hair, your larger than life cheeks, and your sweet waving.
I loved celebrating mother's day this year with you! Last year, you were just a tiny little monster causing all sorts of mayhem during pregnancy. Now, you are here, and I get to rock you and snuggle you and tickle you and be reminded that I'm going to have to have at least a few more horrible pregnancies, because the product is so wonderful! :)
We love you, little lamb!
Monday, June 10, 2013
Monday, June 3, 2013
Six Months
Time marches on, and six months have come and gone. Seriously? Here is my attempt to recount some of the Ruby highlights...
- First and foremost, You have pretty much the chubbiest most kissable cheeks in the history of the universe.
- Some of your firsts include letting your Aunt Lauren babysit you, letting your Uncle Seth babysit you, first rice cereal, first time at the beach, and your first time in the pool. You loved all of the above minus the cereal. :)
- You love to play with tags, watch your Daddy dance, drink and reach for your bottle or any thing that resembles a bottle, go outside, and sit up to play. You are not very steady yet, so you take a lot of tumbles. They don't seem to phase you!
- You are still just a little lady :) 30th percentile for weight and 70th percentile for height. You are between 14 and 15 pounds.
- You continue to reveal such a sweet little personality. You really do not demand much, but you flash smiles and giggles left and right. Besides a few burly men, you will let most people hold you. You did cry for the first time when we left you with Uncle Seth, but he said you moved on really quickly and didn't make another peep.
- Your first beach trip was fun. I wouldn't say it was a relaxing vacation by any means, but it was fun to watch you try to eat the sand and hold you in the swimming pool. You loved the pool and watching the big waves. You also look pretty adorable in your swimsuit. That's all I will ever say about that so as to not place too much value on appearance in swimwear, lol! You also adore watching your cousins, Spencer and Evie.
- The sad part of this month has been your naps. You decided that you hate them and would like to scream for anywhere from 10-45 minutes before falling asleep. This is a little exhausing :(
What a little lady you are becoming! It is so fun and fascinating to watch you learn and grow! Your Daddy takes countless pictures of you. Here are just a few...
- First and foremost, You have pretty much the chubbiest most kissable cheeks in the history of the universe.
- Some of your firsts include letting your Aunt Lauren babysit you, letting your Uncle Seth babysit you, first rice cereal, first time at the beach, and your first time in the pool. You loved all of the above minus the cereal. :)
- You love to play with tags, watch your Daddy dance, drink and reach for your bottle or any thing that resembles a bottle, go outside, and sit up to play. You are not very steady yet, so you take a lot of tumbles. They don't seem to phase you!
- You are still just a little lady :) 30th percentile for weight and 70th percentile for height. You are between 14 and 15 pounds.
- You continue to reveal such a sweet little personality. You really do not demand much, but you flash smiles and giggles left and right. Besides a few burly men, you will let most people hold you. You did cry for the first time when we left you with Uncle Seth, but he said you moved on really quickly and didn't make another peep.
- Your first beach trip was fun. I wouldn't say it was a relaxing vacation by any means, but it was fun to watch you try to eat the sand and hold you in the swimming pool. You loved the pool and watching the big waves. You also look pretty adorable in your swimsuit. That's all I will ever say about that so as to not place too much value on appearance in swimwear, lol! You also adore watching your cousins, Spencer and Evie.
- The sad part of this month has been your naps. You decided that you hate them and would like to scream for anywhere from 10-45 minutes before falling asleep. This is a little exhausing :(
What a little lady you are becoming! It is so fun and fascinating to watch you learn and grow! Your Daddy takes countless pictures of you. Here are just a few...
Friday, April 19, 2013
Welcome, Spring!
My sister called me to see if Ruby wanted to participate in a spur of the moment photo shoot with her kids. Our mission was to get a cute picture of the cousins to give to my mom for Mother's Day. Since my mom never reads my blog I think it is okay to spill the beans here. Jenny Stricklin was our photographer for the afternoon, and she also snapped and edited a few of just me and Rubes that I wanted to share from this beautiful Spring day in March! Thanks, Jenny! We love 'em.
Five Months
Time is flying, and it makes me cry (kind of like most things). I remind myself often that I would not want to prolong Ruby's infant days, but the thought that our firstborn will someday never be a baby again seems like a loss somedays. I guess we'll have to have a few more :) I know I always say this, but I think I will blame it all on the hormones.
During Ruby's fifth month, we took a trip to Wichita to visit her Nana, Papa Coach, and Aunt Shiloh. From Wichita we traveled on to Lincoln, Nebraska for her to visit her Great Grandma and Grandpa Miller and a host of extended family. She logged 23 hours of car time, and I think she might have fussed for maybe an hour of it total. She didn't seem to mind her carseat too much, and if I kept her fed and changed, she was a happy lady. I am very thankful for that, since it seems like we are going to be quite the traveling bunch.
We also celebrated Easter with friends and family. The Saturday before Palm Sunday we had an Easter party with our small group. On Easter Sunday we celebrated with family at Calvary Baptist and at my parent's house.
Month number five also brought Ruby's first little cold and the beginning of our cloth diapering endeavor. We are mainly using fitteds and prefolds with covers. It is going well, and I have gotten to where I only have to wash diapers about once a week. I have continued to breastfeed, and I think I will keep it up until Ruby turns one. Regardless of whatever I do (supplements, pumping, beer, increasing calories, not working out as much, pumping after feedings, etc.) I am pretty sure Ruby only gets about 4 oz./feeding from me, so we are supplementing with Nutramigen since she has a dairy sensitivity. Anytime I want to quit, I remember that formula is quite expensive and that any nursing is beneficial. So we continue. I think you she is outgrowing her sensitivity, because I have slowly been introducing more dairy into my diet and she does not seem as bothered by it. Her little face and forehead breaks out a little, but it is nothing compared to what it was a few months ago.
Ruby, some of your favorite things include your soft "hello baby" book, your bottle or anything that resembles a bottle, nursing, pacis (taking them out and putting them back in), listening to singing, looking at your Dad's iphone, looking at people, looking at books, hanging your head upside down, and going outside. You are the sweetest little lady that loves to talk and giggle all day long. I think you truly enjoy your days that you spend with Gigi, and this makes work much more enjoyable. I wouldn't and couldn't go if I knew you were at home and miserable. I continue to work two days per week while you stay at home with her. You have been much more fussy when it comes to going to sleep for naps, so I've let you cry a few times. You basically cry when you see me leave the room if you aren't completely asleep. Then when I walk back in, you smile and kick your little legs. So, we're still working on falling asleep for naps now that you are older and more aware. I'm pretty sure you just kind of slept and floated through your first few months of life. I like that you are a little more preferential now.
Levi and I are so thankful for our little Rubix cube. She's the best part of our every day and the light of our lives. When I think about all the joy she has brought us, 6 months of throwing up continuously honestly doesn't sound AS bad. :)
During Ruby's fifth month, we took a trip to Wichita to visit her Nana, Papa Coach, and Aunt Shiloh. From Wichita we traveled on to Lincoln, Nebraska for her to visit her Great Grandma and Grandpa Miller and a host of extended family. She logged 23 hours of car time, and I think she might have fussed for maybe an hour of it total. She didn't seem to mind her carseat too much, and if I kept her fed and changed, she was a happy lady. I am very thankful for that, since it seems like we are going to be quite the traveling bunch.
We also celebrated Easter with friends and family. The Saturday before Palm Sunday we had an Easter party with our small group. On Easter Sunday we celebrated with family at Calvary Baptist and at my parent's house.
Month number five also brought Ruby's first little cold and the beginning of our cloth diapering endeavor. We are mainly using fitteds and prefolds with covers. It is going well, and I have gotten to where I only have to wash diapers about once a week. I have continued to breastfeed, and I think I will keep it up until Ruby turns one. Regardless of whatever I do (supplements, pumping, beer, increasing calories, not working out as much, pumping after feedings, etc.) I am pretty sure Ruby only gets about 4 oz./feeding from me, so we are supplementing with Nutramigen since she has a dairy sensitivity. Anytime I want to quit, I remember that formula is quite expensive and that any nursing is beneficial. So we continue. I think you she is outgrowing her sensitivity, because I have slowly been introducing more dairy into my diet and she does not seem as bothered by it. Her little face and forehead breaks out a little, but it is nothing compared to what it was a few months ago.
Ruby, some of your favorite things include your soft "hello baby" book, your bottle or anything that resembles a bottle, nursing, pacis (taking them out and putting them back in), listening to singing, looking at your Dad's iphone, looking at people, looking at books, hanging your head upside down, and going outside. You are the sweetest little lady that loves to talk and giggle all day long. I think you truly enjoy your days that you spend with Gigi, and this makes work much more enjoyable. I wouldn't and couldn't go if I knew you were at home and miserable. I continue to work two days per week while you stay at home with her. You have been much more fussy when it comes to going to sleep for naps, so I've let you cry a few times. You basically cry when you see me leave the room if you aren't completely asleep. Then when I walk back in, you smile and kick your little legs. So, we're still working on falling asleep for naps now that you are older and more aware. I'm pretty sure you just kind of slept and floated through your first few months of life. I like that you are a little more preferential now.
Levi and I are so thankful for our little Rubix cube. She's the best part of our every day and the light of our lives. When I think about all the joy she has brought us, 6 months of throwing up continuously honestly doesn't sound AS bad. :)
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Good Friday
As I was singing to Ruby while rocking her to sleep this week, the same song kept coming to mind. Stuart Townend's How Deep the Father's Love is one of my favorites.
"How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory."
This Easter season, Good Friday has taken on a whole new meaning in my heart. Now that I have my own child, the word "searing" seems the perfect fit to describe the loss that God felt as His only Son was crucified, taking on the sin of the world. A loss that is extreme, intense, and leaves its mark upon the one experiencing it.
This week I got my panties in a wad when someone cut me off in traffic. I got my feelings hurt , and I was offended when an individual falsely accused me of something. I raised my voice when Ruby was screaming non stop while water was pouring out of my bathroom pipes. I wanted to make Levi feel guilty for not being available during a hard time. I spent an enormous amount of time on facebook and about 10 minutes in prayer. I gossiped. I doubted that God really had any kind of plan for me and my family. I complained. I grumbled. I assumed I was better than the next person. The list goes on.
God's grace has allowed me to recognize (although I'll never understand) His searing loss, His Son's sacrifice, and the implications it has for my stony heart. Christ came for the sick, He served, and He was obedient even to the point of death. The same power that raised Christ from the dead is in me, empowering me to love and extend grace, kindness, and even (gasp!) forgiveness. I am privileged to share in His sufferings. I pray that when searing loss inevitably comes my way that I will count it as an honor to share in Christ's sufferings and will always be mindful of the hope I have in Him.
I just don't really know what to do except keep singing those verses over and over again until they penetrate deeply.
How deep the Father's love for us!
"How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory."
This Easter season, Good Friday has taken on a whole new meaning in my heart. Now that I have my own child, the word "searing" seems the perfect fit to describe the loss that God felt as His only Son was crucified, taking on the sin of the world. A loss that is extreme, intense, and leaves its mark upon the one experiencing it.
This week I got my panties in a wad when someone cut me off in traffic. I got my feelings hurt , and I was offended when an individual falsely accused me of something. I raised my voice when Ruby was screaming non stop while water was pouring out of my bathroom pipes. I wanted to make Levi feel guilty for not being available during a hard time. I spent an enormous amount of time on facebook and about 10 minutes in prayer. I gossiped. I doubted that God really had any kind of plan for me and my family. I complained. I grumbled. I assumed I was better than the next person. The list goes on.
God's grace has allowed me to recognize (although I'll never understand) His searing loss, His Son's sacrifice, and the implications it has for my stony heart. Christ came for the sick, He served, and He was obedient even to the point of death. The same power that raised Christ from the dead is in me, empowering me to love and extend grace, kindness, and even (gasp!) forgiveness. I am privileged to share in His sufferings. I pray that when searing loss inevitably comes my way that I will count it as an honor to share in Christ's sufferings and will always be mindful of the hope I have in Him.
I just don't really know what to do except keep singing those verses over and over again until they penetrate deeply.
How deep the Father's love for us!
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Four Month Socialite
Having a four month old has been so much more fun than all the other months combined. Although, I did go up to the hospital the other day to see a friend of mine and her newborn, and all of the sudden I was convinced that having a newborn was the best thing ever. Wow. Hormones are RAGING.
Ruby's fourth month was quite an adventure. She took a trip with me, her Gigi, and her Aunt Lauren to go see her Aunt Hill in Nashville. She did fine in her carseat, slept most of the way, and really was quite a delight the entire trip. I am trying to warn myself (and Levi) that our next kid might not be this easy going. But, for now, we'll take it!
What else did we do in February? I went back to work part time and left Ruby at home with her Gigi two days per week for the past four weeks. I feel guilty when I get to work and forget about her for a few minutes. Then I remember her when I have to pump every couple hours :) My breasts will never let me forget her for too long. Overall it has been a seamless transition with only one emotional breakdown (me not Ruby) on the eve of my first day back. My mom assures me that Ruby never really fusses and seems happy as a clam, so I hope she isn't lying.
We went to the doctor, and Ruby weighs about 13 pounds. She is back on the charts for weight and is climbing the charts for height. Now that I avoid chocolate, citrus fruit, and dairy, her face is silky smooth. Her favorite thing to do is "talk", and I'm pretty sure the first time she laughed this month my heart melted to the floor. Sweetest thing ever. She thinks I am pretty funny these days as she does anyone who will sit there and make silly noises like an idiot for any extended period of time. Four months old also brought more of a realization to her that she does in fact have fingers and toes. She loves to just look at them, eat them, and grab things. When I rock her she tries to reach out and touch my face with her slobbery little fingers. Also very sweet. Naps were going great until I transitioned her into her crib. I won't complain, though, because the girl has slept through the night since she was 8 weeks old!
Levi is finally done with basketball season, which means he is home more nights of the week. This has been wonderful and really excites me about summer. We are finally into our "groove" of having a baby and it is getting harder to remember what life was like before we had Rubes. It definitely wasn't as smelly, slobbery, or wonderful. She brings us such joy!
Here are some pictures from February...
Ruby's fourth month was quite an adventure. She took a trip with me, her Gigi, and her Aunt Lauren to go see her Aunt Hill in Nashville. She did fine in her carseat, slept most of the way, and really was quite a delight the entire trip. I am trying to warn myself (and Levi) that our next kid might not be this easy going. But, for now, we'll take it!
What else did we do in February? I went back to work part time and left Ruby at home with her Gigi two days per week for the past four weeks. I feel guilty when I get to work and forget about her for a few minutes. Then I remember her when I have to pump every couple hours :) My breasts will never let me forget her for too long. Overall it has been a seamless transition with only one emotional breakdown (me not Ruby) on the eve of my first day back. My mom assures me that Ruby never really fusses and seems happy as a clam, so I hope she isn't lying.
We went to the doctor, and Ruby weighs about 13 pounds. She is back on the charts for weight and is climbing the charts for height. Now that I avoid chocolate, citrus fruit, and dairy, her face is silky smooth. Her favorite thing to do is "talk", and I'm pretty sure the first time she laughed this month my heart melted to the floor. Sweetest thing ever. She thinks I am pretty funny these days as she does anyone who will sit there and make silly noises like an idiot for any extended period of time. Four months old also brought more of a realization to her that she does in fact have fingers and toes. She loves to just look at them, eat them, and grab things. When I rock her she tries to reach out and touch my face with her slobbery little fingers. Also very sweet. Naps were going great until I transitioned her into her crib. I won't complain, though, because the girl has slept through the night since she was 8 weeks old!
Levi is finally done with basketball season, which means he is home more nights of the week. This has been wonderful and really excites me about summer. We are finally into our "groove" of having a baby and it is getting harder to remember what life was like before we had Rubes. It definitely wasn't as smelly, slobbery, or wonderful. She brings us such joy!
Here are some pictures from February...
Monday, January 21, 2013
Three Months Old!
A few days after my 23 hour labor with Ruby my entire body broke out into a hive like rash for a week, my newborn was still jaundiced, my husband was back at work, I was 30ish pounds overweight, sitting and lifting my leg to walk up the 40 steps to our condo was painful, and I was definitely sleep deprived, my sister reminded me of the following: " In a long and simultaneously lightening fast year, you will look
back and only half way remember all of this. And now you know why." I still laugh that she said this to me. It was just so poignant and true! Now, after three months, we are 25% through this first "lightening fast" year, and I am learning to be content in each "stage". The newborn first month or so was definitely the most emotional and the biggest adjustment. The second month threw me a curve ball when the doctor told me my kid wasn't gaining weight. The third month, though, has been such a fun and less stressful time! I know Levi and I will have highs and lows through out the rest of our lives with children. It is almost like there is a piece of you disconnected from your body that is your child...a piece of you that will always cause you to be more vulnerable, feel things more deeply, bring you more joy, and cause you deeper emotions than ever before. I am okay with this, but it makes me all the more thankful for the "fun" months!
Ruby, this month you love to interact. You coo and "talk" all morning and evening with me and whoever else will sit there and stare at you long enough to get you engaged. You have tried to reach for your toys a little bit, roll over from your tummy to your back, and are great at controlling your head. You are finally gaining weight despite your cow's milk allergy and failure to thrive issues. We nurse and supplement all the live long day! You are always moving your long skinny fingers, sucking on your hand, kicking your legs, and making your signature "snort" noise. Probably ten people just in the past week have commented that they love your thick hair and that it is looking strawberry blonde. Your dad was holding you the other night and it was undeniable that you are his child! You both really have the same eyes, forehead, head shape, and little ears that stick out. You have started to use your uncoordinated hand movements to touch your paci when it is falling out. If I was allowed to let you, you would sleep 12 hours every night. Right now I wake up after 6-8 to feed. You also take about 3-4 naps per day, usually for 1-2 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon. You are doing a great job at taking a bottle when it is time. You love your swing and looking at your self in the mirror. You also seem to actually enjoy your baths now, which is great. Now that I am off dairy, your little complexion is just flawless. Sorry for chugging 20-30 ounces of whole milk every day those first 10 weeks...
Your dad and I often sit around and marvel at the fact that you are ours and what joy you bring us even in the mundane of life. You are our precious light...our Ruby Clare, and we love you very much!
Ruby, this month you love to interact. You coo and "talk" all morning and evening with me and whoever else will sit there and stare at you long enough to get you engaged. You have tried to reach for your toys a little bit, roll over from your tummy to your back, and are great at controlling your head. You are finally gaining weight despite your cow's milk allergy and failure to thrive issues. We nurse and supplement all the live long day! You are always moving your long skinny fingers, sucking on your hand, kicking your legs, and making your signature "snort" noise. Probably ten people just in the past week have commented that they love your thick hair and that it is looking strawberry blonde. Your dad was holding you the other night and it was undeniable that you are his child! You both really have the same eyes, forehead, head shape, and little ears that stick out. You have started to use your uncoordinated hand movements to touch your paci when it is falling out. If I was allowed to let you, you would sleep 12 hours every night. Right now I wake up after 6-8 to feed. You also take about 3-4 naps per day, usually for 1-2 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon. You are doing a great job at taking a bottle when it is time. You love your swing and looking at your self in the mirror. You also seem to actually enjoy your baths now, which is great. Now that I am off dairy, your little complexion is just flawless. Sorry for chugging 20-30 ounces of whole milk every day those first 10 weeks...
Your dad and I often sit around and marvel at the fact that you are ours and what joy you bring us even in the mundane of life. You are our precious light...our Ruby Clare, and we love you very much!
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