Dear Ruby...

Dear 21 Month Old Ruby,


If I had a way to stop the clock, I would. Time is flying by way too fast and I don't like it. It's hard to believe that in less than three months you will be a two year old. You seem to think you are already two though, because whenever we ask you how old you are, your response is a very firm: "two!" 


You recently started going to daycare part-time and love it. I always thought you would be devastated to be away from your mommy all day. I envisioned peeling you off of me when I would drop you off in the morning and you running to me smiling when I would pick you up. Little did I know, that wouldn't be the case. Most days I have to drag you out of daycare kicking and screaming because you want to stay and play. Although it makes me a little sad that you don't miss me all day, I am overjoyed that you are doing so well and making so many friends.


We are in the beginning stages of potty training. You got some new Minnie Mouse underwear and love trying them on. You like sitting on the potty, but have only actually gone in it a few times. You still prefer a diaper most of the time, but I know soon enough you will be ready to take on the potty.


Your dogs are still your world. One of your favorite things is telling them to sit and shake for treats. The other day, you were even pretending to be a dog and sitting and shaking like them... it was way too cute. Winston loves all of the attention you give him. You have fun helping mommy fill up their food bowls. 


You got your first black eye last week, courtesy of the wooden fish tank stand. You also got your first skinned knee, courtesy of your bad temper. :) You are one tough little cookie though and hardly even cried both times. 


This week the caterpillar you and daddy found a few weeks ago hatched from it's cocoon and became a monarch. Your eyes lit up when you and daddy released it and watched it fly around the yard. You love spending time with daddy. You two always have so much fun together.


Yesterday we asked you what you wanted Santa to bring you this year for Christmas and you said a puppy or a baby sister. It was the sweetest conversation to date and I'm interested to see if Santa fulfills your wishes. 


Keep being you and I love you forever.


Love, Mom

First Blizzard

Her monarch...

Incredible Story...

I am a sucker for dogs and this one can truly be called "Mans Best Friend." If this doesn't bring on the waterworks, I don't know what will. Watch the video below as a Navy SEAL's dog remembers one of America's heroes.

Dog mourns at casket of fallen Navy SEAL

Chatterbox...

Over the last few weeks, Ruby has started to put sentences together and chats nonstop. She has also started to tell on her daddy... it's too cute! Here are some of my recent favorites:

"No way!"

"Owies (owls) fly in sky."

"All done!"

"Me potty."

"Mommy, Daddy, Ruby, Darby, Mimi (Winnie)!"

"Go?"

"Baby!"

"Layla go?"

"My butt!"

"P-U!" (while plugging her nose)

"Big shark!"

"Splashy!" 

"Coffee"

"Sweep"

"More please."

I love my little chatterbox!

Wordless Wednesday...

God Gave Me You...

This song is perfect for days like today. After a stressful day a work, I could not wait to rush home to Ruby and Scott. We had a perfect evening of blowing bubbles outside and going out to enjoy some ice cream. I am so thankful for all of the blessings in my life. 

Teacher...

Fill in the Blanks Friday...

1. My go to outfit for a dress-up occasion like a wedding is: A black cocktail dress... you just can't go wrong with that.

2. This week has been: exhausting complete with nonstop yawning. I started teaching again after spending the summer with Ruby.

3. When it’s dinnertime and I’m feeling lazy I’ll usually eat: cereal. Kashi Triple Berry Crunch is amazing.

4. My favorite pair of shoes is: Teva flip-flops... super comfortable in the summer.

5. A random item I own that is completely unnecessary, but that I could never part with is: my IPod. I love music.

6. My favorite person is: I can't pick... it's not a fair question. 

Stress...

   As far back as I can remember, I have been a worrier. I worry about little things (waking up late, cooking, a cough, etc.) and I worry about the big things (paying bills, my family's health, being a good mommy, losing someone I love, etc.). As another school year approaches, I have started to worry. This worrying never really started to "worry" me until last year, last February to be exact. 


   While trying to juggle being a good mom and being a good teacher, I reached my breaking point. One day, in the midst of standardized state testing my left arm started tingling and my face went numb. I panicked and rushed to the emergency room as soon as school was over that day. After numerous tests and many dollars later, they couldn't find out what was wrong with me. The strange tingling feeling continued the next few days and suddenly I developed a new symptom... my skin felt like it was sunburnt, but it was in the middle of winter. I would spend hours Googling what was wrong with me. I was shocked to find so many people with similar experiences. After numerous trips to my family doctor, an MRI, and an MS scare, they still couldn't figure out what was going on and attributed the symptoms to stress.


   I made it through the rest of the school year with the symptoms occurring off and on. As suddenly as these symptoms started, when my summer break began, the symptoms completely disappeared. I had the most relaxing summer with Ruby. I am dreading the thought of that feeling coming back. I am going to try my hardest when things get stressful while juggling work and home, to stop and appreciate these moments I have. I really want to be able to let go of the little things that really don't matter in the end and know in my heart that I am doing the best I can... and that has to be enough. 

Wordless Wednesday...

Train Ride at the Zoo

Last Week of Freedom...

Next week I go back to work after a long, but seemingly short summer with Ruby. We have had a summer filled with swimming, barbeques, vacation, watermelon, library visits, trips to the zoo, walks, playing at the park, etc. As a final summer send-off Ruby and I are going to do something really fun each day this week. Here is our fun to-do list for our last week together:


Monday: We went out for lunch together and got some really neat bubble toys to play with.
Tuesday: We went to the duck pond to feed the ducks bread. All of the ducks were MIA so we fed the fish and a cute little otter. Ruby kept calling the otter "puppy". 
Wednesday: We are planning on a fun day at the zoo. (Pending weather)
Thursday: We are going to visit our friend animals at the Humane Society.
Friday: We will visit the Children's Museum or the Forest.


It's such a bittersweet time when summer comes to an end. I am not looking forward to the long days away from Ruby. Goodbye summer... until we meet again.


Also, I have a major milestone to report: Ruby went potty on the toilet! :) Let the real fun begin...