2013...

We are looking forward to many happy memories in 2013. I can't wait to see what the new year holds. From my family to yours: Happy New Year!

My Whole World...

"I brought children into this dark world because it needed the light that only a child can bring."
 ~Liz Armbruster

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year...

Baby Violet...

We decided on a name for our new baby girl. Violet. I thought since we already have a Ruby, we better just stick to the color theme with our girls. I am foreseeing a lot of purple baby clothes in our future.

So far this pregnancy has been a breeze (knock on wood).  I was absolutely terrified when I found out we were expecting because of my multiple sclerosis scares recently. I honestly haven't felt this good in quite a while. I'm hoping it stays this way. The only thing I have struggled with is fatigue. By the end of the day teaching a class full of second graders, I am utterly exhausted. When I get home from work all I want to do is relax, but my mommy duties are always calling me. It's very hard to take care of a three year old while pregnant. I know it will all be worth it in the end.

Ruby is getting very excited to have a sister. Each time we are out shopping, she would rather pick out stuff for the baby than for herself. She still can't quite wrap her head around the fact that I am going to be this baby's mommy too. :) I think she is going to be a great big sister.

In 4 short months we will meet our little Violet (Wow, I have a lot to do before then).

We love her already.

The Big 3...

Ruby's birthday has come and gone. Here is a recap in pictures:

Started the morning with some present opening...

 A camera...

 Jumped at Pump It Up...

 Happy Girl!

 After lunch at a pizza shop, we painted pottery...

 Very serious business...

 Dinner at Cheesecake Factory with Mommy's family...

Oreo cheesecake; you were in heaven.

 That weekend we celebrated with family and friends... ladybugs were the theme.

 The cupcakes were amazing...

 More gifts... you are very blessed.

 3 candles...

Blowing out the candles...

 Delicious...

Chocolate smile...

 Pinata fun..

Ruby had an amazing time celebrating her 3rd birthday!

Gratitude...

"If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice."  ~Meister Eckhart

It's a girl!

I have so many things to be thankful for this year. From my family to yours: Happy Thanksgiving!

Dear Ruby...

Dear Ruby,

Two days ago we celebrated your third birthday. I can't even believe how fast these years have flown by. You are an amazing little girl and you truly do light up my world. We have had so many great memories this past year.

You have become quite the talker and are becoming less shy everyday. You say the funniest things and make me laugh constantly. I always joke with your dad that you are exactly like him with your sense of humor. Your laugh is contagious.

This year you started ballet classes and you get so excited when it's time to go to class. As soon as we get home you have to practice your new dance moves while you spin and jump around the living room. You have also really enjoyed wearing tutus. You would wear one every single day if I would let you. I can't wait to see you in your first recital.

You are very much looking forward to being a big sister. I can't even count how many times you have tickled my tummy to make the baby laugh. I can already tell that you will be a great sister. You told me the other day in the car that the baby can sit on your lap when we go places. I can't wait to see the two of you together.

As you get older, I hope you remember all of the fun we have. You are such a sweet girl and always tell me and daddy how much you love us. We love you more than anything. I can't wait to see what another year will bring. Hopefully this next year will slow down a little.

I love you!

Love,
Mom


3 year old stats
Favorite Cartoon: Caillou
Favorite Food: Panera's Mac and Cheese
Favorite Songs to Dance To: Baby by Justin Bieber or Single Ladies by Beyonce
Favorite Toys: Barbies and Babies
Favorite Vegetable: Broccoli
Favorite Hobby: Putting stickers in your sticker book
Favorite Animal: Zebra
Favorite Snack: Fruit snacks or goldfish
Favorite Saying: "Whoopsie"
Favorite Dessert: Cheesecake

Ruby 3.0

In one week from tomorrow my little peanut will be three years old. I always wish time would slow down a bit, but I love watching the little lady she is becoming. She has a zest for life that is contagious and she constantly makes me slow down and appreciate the little things. I can't wait to celebrate her special day with her and her daddy.

Last week we had our annual photo shoot to capture another year older. Needless to say, she had a great time striking her various poses. I've never met an almost three year old who loves getting her picture taken as much as Ruby does. Enjoy:

10.31.2012

We had so much fun celebrating Halloween this year. We started the week by carving a Tinkerbell pumpkin. Ruby wanted nothing to do with pulling out the guts. "Eww," was Ruby's quote of the night when we were carving our pumpkin. She preferred to watch mom and dad do all of the work.

This year Ruby really wanted to be a purple fairy. She has been obsessed with the movie Thumbellina for quite some time so a purple fairy costume was a must. Ruby was not into trick-or-treating as much as she liked it last year. Every time someone would open their door, she would immediately stare at the ground and say nothing. It was pretty cute how shy she was. By the end of the night she started to warm up to the idea.

Overall, it was a great night and we were all exhausted by the end of the night. Here are few snapshots from our festivities: