Ruth is big into pointing out things she recognizes and either making the sound the object makes (if an animal) or naming the object (such as a light)
When we returned from my doctor's appointment this morning I gave Ruth a snack of goldfish crackers to eat. She pointed to the fish on the package and started making the fish sound (bop bop bop - like air bubbles popping). I said, "That's right, a fish." She then pointed to the picture of Dewayne Wade, a black basketball player, on the package (it is goldfish and basketballs cheese crackers) and said, "Daddy!" I tried to assure her that Dewayne Wade was not her father but she would not hear it.
I guess she thinks all men are labeled 'daddy'.
She then pointed to the basketball and said "bubble." She names all round objects (bubbles, balls, the big red ball outside of Target) bubbles. Well, you can't win them all.
And I would pick Brian Berry over Dewayne Wade to be my baby's daddy any and every day of the week. No offense, Dewayne.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times
When Charles Dickens penned that opening line of his famous Tale of Two Cities he was talking about London and Paris during the time of the French Revolution (if my memory serves me correctly). However, I think he must also have known the life of a parent during the toddler years.
Ruth has yet to turn 16 months old, far from the terrible twos you read about in scary magazines like Parent and American Baby, yet Ruth is showing us that being a parent of a toddler is both the best of times and the worst of times. Today we say that every cloud has a silver lining. Ruth is one big thunderstorm cloud with a huge, beautiful silver lining.
As Ruth learns more and more words Brian and I expect her to use these words all the time. However, Ruth will say "drink" one minute and the next just grunt pointing to something in the direction of her cup or our cup or the door, we can't really tell. I can ask her to go get the green blanket off the leather chair and she will fetch it for me. Then I can tell her to pick up a toy and she cries and puts her head down as if the assignment is going to cause her great pain. She will entertain herself quite well going from toy to toy, climbing on furniture, going through bags. At other times she is quite fussy for no apparent reason. Her fits are the worst thing on the planet. But her smiles and laughs and leg kisses and nose rubs and giggles and playing chase and hugs and talking are the best things on the planet.
I think Charles Dickens knew that without hard times one cannot truly appreciate the good times. That, in fact, during the worst of times we will also find the best of times in our lives.
So today, during your Paris times know that the London times are coming. And you won't even have to cross a channel to find them.
Ruth has yet to turn 16 months old, far from the terrible twos you read about in scary magazines like Parent and American Baby, yet Ruth is showing us that being a parent of a toddler is both the best of times and the worst of times. Today we say that every cloud has a silver lining. Ruth is one big thunderstorm cloud with a huge, beautiful silver lining.
As Ruth learns more and more words Brian and I expect her to use these words all the time. However, Ruth will say "drink" one minute and the next just grunt pointing to something in the direction of her cup or our cup or the door, we can't really tell. I can ask her to go get the green blanket off the leather chair and she will fetch it for me. Then I can tell her to pick up a toy and she cries and puts her head down as if the assignment is going to cause her great pain. She will entertain herself quite well going from toy to toy, climbing on furniture, going through bags. At other times she is quite fussy for no apparent reason. Her fits are the worst thing on the planet. But her smiles and laughs and leg kisses and nose rubs and giggles and playing chase and hugs and talking are the best things on the planet.
I think Charles Dickens knew that without hard times one cannot truly appreciate the good times. That, in fact, during the worst of times we will also find the best of times in our lives.
So today, during your Paris times know that the London times are coming. And you won't even have to cross a channel to find them.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water, uh, I mean check the blog....
More beach videos!!! These are from the Saturday we were in Charleston. I can't tell you enough how much Ruth loved the water. Right now I am watching her take the clothes I just folded and left on the floor in front of the dryer and throw them back in the basket. The best laid plans of mice and men....
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Voting Time
On July 30 we will discover the gender of our new baby. Since this is every one's favorite question, I thought we would poll to see what people think. To make it fair to out of town/state folks, here is a run down of the pregnancy:
Ruth: I gained weight mostly in my belly, and it was huge. I was sick for 16 weeks and wanted to eat carbos (rice) all the time. (This really isn't that much different from my normal life). The thought of grease made me sick. Lots of heartburn, trouble sleeping and general displeasure. Had energy.
This baby: Gaining weight in belly and other places (probably due to not teaching ballet, though). Not as sick but it seems to be getting worse rather than better as I approach the 16 week mark this Friday. Potatoes and watermelon are my food of choice. McDonald's' hash browns seems to help (the greasier the better). Some heartburn (3rd trimester is the kicker, however), sleeping fine, bathroom more often. No energy (due to Ruth and heat, I think).
So vote!!! My old favorite ballet class voted with Ruth and the winners were given Baby Ruth candy bars (those who picked a girl) and those who voted for a boy were given another kind of candy bar (minis, of course). This time the winners will be given the satisfaction of knowing they won. And you really can't beat that. Also, I would love to know who is voting so write a comment or shoot me an e-mail.
Ruth: I gained weight mostly in my belly, and it was huge. I was sick for 16 weeks and wanted to eat carbos (rice) all the time. (This really isn't that much different from my normal life). The thought of grease made me sick. Lots of heartburn, trouble sleeping and general displeasure. Had energy.
This baby: Gaining weight in belly and other places (probably due to not teaching ballet, though). Not as sick but it seems to be getting worse rather than better as I approach the 16 week mark this Friday. Potatoes and watermelon are my food of choice. McDonald's' hash browns seems to help (the greasier the better). Some heartburn (3rd trimester is the kicker, however), sleeping fine, bathroom more often. No energy (due to Ruth and heat, I think).
So vote!!! My old favorite ballet class voted with Ruth and the winners were given Baby Ruth candy bars (those who picked a girl) and those who voted for a boy were given another kind of candy bar (minis, of course). This time the winners will be given the satisfaction of knowing they won. And you really can't beat that. Also, I would love to know who is voting so write a comment or shoot me an e-mail.
Friday, June 19, 2009
More Beach Videos (We have many!!)
These were all taken Friday night at the beach. The weather was perfect and very windy, as you can hear. Although you can't see Ruth's face, she was just smiling and smiling. She LOVED the water.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Happy Father's Day!!
I seldom feel compelled to post to Ruth's blog but when I am I should take it seriously enough to actually do it (not like taking out the trash or mowing the lawn).
I remember, quite vividly, saying that I would never get married. I was still in school and couldn't imagine not having the freedom that I had then.
Excuse me while I go to the mirror to laugh in my own face.
I can also remember making the transition to wanting to be married....but never having kids. Who would want that? Kids were loud, annoying, hungry beasts that relied on their parents for every little thing. Why would I want to be the source of life for someone who takes everything from you but your soul? That's crazy talk! I only need to wipe one bottom in my house.
When I got out of school and into a profession I began to think that maybe having kids wouldn't be so bad. It seemed like the natural progression of life. The first social promotion from being single to married naturally leads us to the second promotion of having kids. Who doesn't like to get promoted? Only in this case your income goes DOWN with each subsequent promotion.
Now I find myself with Natalie and Ruth. Two of the greatest blessings God has ever given me. And He has given me some good ones.
I have had the pleasure of working some form of official job since I was 16 (thanks Mom and Dad - seriously). Nearly 20 years in the workforce and I can say without hesitation that having children is harder than any job I have ever had (except maybe turning socks - ask me about it when you have some time). To be fair, it pays way better. As Ruth grows and discovers new things each day I am amazed. It pains me to think that I may forget these moments one day as we reminisce about her childhood or that I may miss them all together. These days, this time, are more precious than any metal or jewel and I can't collect them fast enough. This blog is our way of sharing that joy with you and saving it for ourselves.
Each day begins the same. We choose how it ends. I encourage you to live each day with a purpose and never lose sight of the precious things in your life.
As Father's Day approaches I should be working it in my favor. I get one day a year that I can be lazy without being irresponsible. That I can eat whatever I want without being a glutton. It is my New Years, Thanksgiving, and Fat Tuesday all rolled into one. Instead, I look at my wife and my daughter....and I am just lucky to have made it to the celebration.
Have a great Father's Day!! Celebrate it just like Americans celebrate all holidays...eat, drink, and maybe set off some fireworks. No matter what, celebrate with those who make it possible....your kids.
-BB
I remember, quite vividly, saying that I would never get married. I was still in school and couldn't imagine not having the freedom that I had then.
Excuse me while I go to the mirror to laugh in my own face.
I can also remember making the transition to wanting to be married....but never having kids. Who would want that? Kids were loud, annoying, hungry beasts that relied on their parents for every little thing. Why would I want to be the source of life for someone who takes everything from you but your soul? That's crazy talk! I only need to wipe one bottom in my house.
When I got out of school and into a profession I began to think that maybe having kids wouldn't be so bad. It seemed like the natural progression of life. The first social promotion from being single to married naturally leads us to the second promotion of having kids. Who doesn't like to get promoted? Only in this case your income goes DOWN with each subsequent promotion.
Now I find myself with Natalie and Ruth. Two of the greatest blessings God has ever given me. And He has given me some good ones.
I have had the pleasure of working some form of official job since I was 16 (thanks Mom and Dad - seriously). Nearly 20 years in the workforce and I can say without hesitation that having children is harder than any job I have ever had (except maybe turning socks - ask me about it when you have some time). To be fair, it pays way better. As Ruth grows and discovers new things each day I am amazed. It pains me to think that I may forget these moments one day as we reminisce about her childhood or that I may miss them all together. These days, this time, are more precious than any metal or jewel and I can't collect them fast enough. This blog is our way of sharing that joy with you and saving it for ourselves.
Each day begins the same. We choose how it ends. I encourage you to live each day with a purpose and never lose sight of the precious things in your life.
As Father's Day approaches I should be working it in my favor. I get one day a year that I can be lazy without being irresponsible. That I can eat whatever I want without being a glutton. It is my New Years, Thanksgiving, and Fat Tuesday all rolled into one. Instead, I look at my wife and my daughter....and I am just lucky to have made it to the celebration.
Have a great Father's Day!! Celebrate it just like Americans celebrate all holidays...eat, drink, and maybe set off some fireworks. No matter what, celebrate with those who make it possible....your kids.
-BB
More Ruth and the Beach Videos
I know you will probably be bored of how many beach videos I will post. But hopefully, the family that checks this blog will enjoy, and maybe nonfamily will as well.
Ruth said "thank you" and "welcome" tonight. Now if we can just get her to return to saying "please".
On a more serious note, please pray for the women in North Korea being held captive. I don't know if they are believers or not, so that should be the first prayer request. But if they are, think about the opportunity they have to share with others. I can't imagine being separated from Ruth for 12 years. It hurts me to think about all the pain there is in the world.
So watch the videos and be thankful for your life.
Ruth said "thank you" and "welcome" tonight. Now if we can just get her to return to saying "please".
On a more serious note, please pray for the women in North Korea being held captive. I don't know if they are believers or not, so that should be the first prayer request. But if they are, think about the opportunity they have to share with others. I can't imagine being separated from Ruth for 12 years. It hurts me to think about all the pain there is in the world.
So watch the videos and be thankful for your life.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
The Beach Part 4
Back to the narrative......
After visiting The Battery, Brian, Ruth, Matt, Jocelyn and I went to lunch. We ate at a little Mexican restaurant close to their house which was very good and very inexpensive. Ruth was tired and hot and showed her behind big time. She also made a huge mess. Then it was back to the house where Ruth and I took a delicious, two hour nap.
When Susan got home, we all drove to Folly Beach where her grandmother has a beach house. This house was newly constructed on the lot where their old house stood. The house was so beautiful. Her grandmother was adopted and raised by alchoholic parents, married an alchoholic and then divorced him and raised her two kids on her own while working her way up in Thorton Oil from a secretary to her current position, executive vice-president. So for those who say that America does not provide opportunities and reason that government hand-outs are the only way they can make it probably haven't tried getting a job (or at least haven't turned over all rocks).
But again, I digress.
This is when we took Ruth down on the beach for her first exposure to the sand and surf. The lighting would have been perfect for pictures, but we did video instead. We walked down the beach about a half a mile to eat at a newly renovated Holiday Inn. The food was great, the atmosphere was great and the girls were well behaved, probably tired from walking most of the way. We sent the boys and the girls back with a head start while Susan and I stayed behind to pay the bill. We caught up with them on the beach and played just a little longer before heading home for the night.
On Saturday, Matt had to work. He is a golf pro at a resort. Susan, Jocelyn, Brian, Ruth and I made the trip to Folly Island where Susan's twin sister Katherine and her husband Justin met us for a day playing on the beach. We were able to put the girls down for a nap in the beach house after lunch. When they woke up, we played a little longer and then headed for home.
Susan's parents kept two very tired girls for us Saturday night so the six of us (Susan/Matt, Katherine/Justin and Brian and me) could get dressed up and go to downtown Charleston for dinner. It was a nice evening out with friends.
On Sunday we drove home. It was a great weekend with friends. Brian and I feel so lucky to have the Cardwell sisters and their families in our lives. And I think Ruth has made a lifelong friend.
After visiting The Battery, Brian, Ruth, Matt, Jocelyn and I went to lunch. We ate at a little Mexican restaurant close to their house which was very good and very inexpensive. Ruth was tired and hot and showed her behind big time. She also made a huge mess. Then it was back to the house where Ruth and I took a delicious, two hour nap.
When Susan got home, we all drove to Folly Beach where her grandmother has a beach house. This house was newly constructed on the lot where their old house stood. The house was so beautiful. Her grandmother was adopted and raised by alchoholic parents, married an alchoholic and then divorced him and raised her two kids on her own while working her way up in Thorton Oil from a secretary to her current position, executive vice-president. So for those who say that America does not provide opportunities and reason that government hand-outs are the only way they can make it probably haven't tried getting a job (or at least haven't turned over all rocks).
But again, I digress.
This is when we took Ruth down on the beach for her first exposure to the sand and surf. The lighting would have been perfect for pictures, but we did video instead. We walked down the beach about a half a mile to eat at a newly renovated Holiday Inn. The food was great, the atmosphere was great and the girls were well behaved, probably tired from walking most of the way. We sent the boys and the girls back with a head start while Susan and I stayed behind to pay the bill. We caught up with them on the beach and played just a little longer before heading home for the night.
On Saturday, Matt had to work. He is a golf pro at a resort. Susan, Jocelyn, Brian, Ruth and I made the trip to Folly Island where Susan's twin sister Katherine and her husband Justin met us for a day playing on the beach. We were able to put the girls down for a nap in the beach house after lunch. When they woke up, we played a little longer and then headed for home.
Susan's parents kept two very tired girls for us Saturday night so the six of us (Susan/Matt, Katherine/Justin and Brian and me) could get dressed up and go to downtown Charleston for dinner. It was a nice evening out with friends.
On Sunday we drove home. It was a great weekend with friends. Brian and I feel so lucky to have the Cardwell sisters and their families in our lives. And I think Ruth has made a lifelong friend.
Beach Part 3
Ruth following after Jocelyn. Whatever Jocelyn did Ruth did. When they played in the sand, Ruth watched Jocelyn put sand on her legs, Ruth put sand on her legs. When Jocelyn used her shovel to put sand in the bucket, Ruth used her shovel to put sand in her bucket. Very cute.
Ruth taking a stroll down the beach alone. I love the little shadow.
The little girls making sure no one is watching before they try to escape.
A rare still moment for Ruth.
The Beach Part 2
Ruth asleep at the end of the carriage ride. Notice how hot she is.
Ruth and Daddy at The Battery in Charleston. Ruth is not happy. She wants to run around like Jocie.
Jocie and her daddy, Matt.
The girls sharing a moment after watching a squirrel climb a tree.
Jocie has been splashing water, and Ruth is happy for the cool down it provided.
Ruth on Saturday walking in the surf. She loved the freedom she had. This kid knows no fear and would have walked straight out in the ocean had we let her. Shoot, she is waking up so I will post more later.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
The Beach Part 1
Brian is uploading the pictures to the computer overnight so this blog will be informative only.
We left Thursday morning to go to Charleston to visit my friend Susan and her family. Susan's daughter Jocelyn is 26 months old, and I had yet to met her. I felt it was time we made the trip. I must say that Ruth and Jocie (as her Australian father Matt called her) played very well with each other. In fact, Brian and I discussed today how Ruth seems like an older kid today and is even saying more understandable words. (Tonight she said "bath time" and took her diaper off and carried it with her to the bathroom.
We got there Thursday afternoon and played in the backyard on Jocie's swing set. Ruth even sat in a big girl swing and let Daddy push her. Susan made a great dinner. However, after a day of traveling in the heat, eating fast food and dealing with a fussy baby in the car, my stomach revolted and I got sick. As Susan bathed the girls, I threw up in trash can while my husband was probably rolling his eyes and Susan's husband rushed to get me water and a wet cloth. Susan calmed explained to her daughter (since she was asking what that sound was) that "Ms. Natalie is coughing." I was in so much pain that I asked Brian to take me to the hospital. Matt lead us to an urgent care that closed for the evening. On the way back home, we stopped at Target for Brian to run in and get me some supplies while Matt stood outside with me, probably scared out of his wits since he kept asking if I had had that same pain with Ruth. (I was also moaning like I was in labor. I learned in my birth class with Ruth that moaning was a good way to manage pain and I have used that technique ever since).
Around 10:30pm I finally felt good enough to go to sleep and was fine the rest of the weekend. On Friday, Susan had to work so Matt took us downtown and we took a carriage ride of the city. We learned so many interesting historical facts of Charleston. Ruth slept through the ride. Jocelyn did great until about the last 15 minutes when she announced that she was done. It was so very hot. Thankfully the carriage was covered, and we had ice water with us. Brian, ever the good dad (and despite the rolling of the eyes as I expelled everything from my system, a good husband) held Ruth throughout the ride covering her from the sun when we made turns and the shade didn't cover her. He also fanned her with my hat and brushed her wet hair out of her face.
Well, that takes us up to Friday morning. My sweet (and really very good caretaker) husband has joined me in bed to watch a show on hulu (a website - we forgot to tape one while we were gone). I will post more tomorrow during Ruth's nap and hopefully get some pictures up soon.
We left Thursday morning to go to Charleston to visit my friend Susan and her family. Susan's daughter Jocelyn is 26 months old, and I had yet to met her. I felt it was time we made the trip. I must say that Ruth and Jocie (as her Australian father Matt called her) played very well with each other. In fact, Brian and I discussed today how Ruth seems like an older kid today and is even saying more understandable words. (Tonight she said "bath time" and took her diaper off and carried it with her to the bathroom.
We got there Thursday afternoon and played in the backyard on Jocie's swing set. Ruth even sat in a big girl swing and let Daddy push her. Susan made a great dinner. However, after a day of traveling in the heat, eating fast food and dealing with a fussy baby in the car, my stomach revolted and I got sick. As Susan bathed the girls, I threw up in trash can while my husband was probably rolling his eyes and Susan's husband rushed to get me water and a wet cloth. Susan calmed explained to her daughter (since she was asking what that sound was) that "Ms. Natalie is coughing." I was in so much pain that I asked Brian to take me to the hospital. Matt lead us to an urgent care that closed for the evening. On the way back home, we stopped at Target for Brian to run in and get me some supplies while Matt stood outside with me, probably scared out of his wits since he kept asking if I had had that same pain with Ruth. (I was also moaning like I was in labor. I learned in my birth class with Ruth that moaning was a good way to manage pain and I have used that technique ever since).
Around 10:30pm I finally felt good enough to go to sleep and was fine the rest of the weekend. On Friday, Susan had to work so Matt took us downtown and we took a carriage ride of the city. We learned so many interesting historical facts of Charleston. Ruth slept through the ride. Jocelyn did great until about the last 15 minutes when she announced that she was done. It was so very hot. Thankfully the carriage was covered, and we had ice water with us. Brian, ever the good dad (and despite the rolling of the eyes as I expelled everything from my system, a good husband) held Ruth throughout the ride covering her from the sun when we made turns and the shade didn't cover her. He also fanned her with my hat and brushed her wet hair out of her face.
Well, that takes us up to Friday morning. My sweet (and really very good caretaker) husband has joined me in bed to watch a show on hulu (a website - we forgot to tape one while we were gone). I will post more tomorrow during Ruth's nap and hopefully get some pictures up soon.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Happy Anniversary To Us
Three years ago today Brian and I were married in my little country church in Arkansas. And to my sweet husband who makes me oatmeal and brings it to me in bed every morning, I would marry you again (even sans oatmeal).
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Ruth and Baby 2
Well, Friday was a stressful day to say the least.
My doctor no longer has a tech who is certified to do the 13 week ultrasound so we were sent to Atlanta. Brian and I do not like Atlanta for many reasons. The office that we were scheduled to go to apparently does not communicate well. My doctor's office had to refer me and then the new office scheduled me an appointment without telling me. The only way I knew I had one was to call. They had scheduled me during the time I had another doctor's appointment so I rescheduled, or so I thought.
My little family walked into to the office at 9:20 for my 9:30 appointment. We had fought traffic and finding a place to park to only be told that I had missed my appointment on Tuesday and that they could work me in two hours later. They did not care that it was their fault. I am not sure they believed me. At any rate, Brian, who had taken the morning off from work and now had to take the day, was none too happy. After several phone calls to my office where the nurse told Brian one thing and me another (she didn't see something on the chart until I insisted that it was there..it was), both Brian and I were very stressed with the situation, one another and the fact that unless something changes, our experience on Friday is going to become common place when socialized medicine becomes law. (For you Obama supporters, you realize that he said in Egypt that America is not a Christian nation, declared it to be the largest Muslim country in the world and then got onto Israel for fighting over land. Read the writing on the wall, people. And socialism is the first step. Next, communism and then no Christian rights whatsoever.) But I digress. Where was I? Oh, yes, Brian and I were very stressed and upset over the lack of customer service that exists in the world.
We finally got to have the ultrasound and the tech was very detached. It was not the nice, warm ultrasounds we get in our little burb. (Let's review: cities bad, socialism bad, customer service good, but apparently not cool). The baby is very low risk for downs' and for the other thing they checked. So at least we got good news.
Now some stories about Ruth. She has put two words together. On Saturday, Brian was staffing and Ruth and I took him lunch. While we waited at the counter for him to close for lunch, a customer needed help finding something on the floor As Brian walked away, Ruth said, "My daddy yadada blah mangioiuaod." (or some such string of words) But she did say "my daddy".
For months now I would ask Ruth who loved Ruth and then say "I do" in a fun voice. On Saturday afternoon I asked Ruth the same question but before I could answer Ruth said "I dooooooo!" She has answered this question many times with various voices and length of do's. I am sure this cute little thing will fall by the side like so many others.
Finally, we have learned that Ruth loves to hear stories about herself. She can be throwing a fit, but when I start to tell Brian about something Ruth has done, she gets quiet, listens and smiles. Needless to say we have used this technique to quiet down quite a few fits recently.
I leave you with this. Over the course of the past two days I watched the 1942 best movie "Mrs. Miniver" again. I watched it in high school and loved it and loved it equally as much this time. If you want a simple plot, pretty scenes and the reminder that people can be good, polite and pure, I recommend this movie. It will make you want to take a stroll in the English countryside and have a spot of tea.
My doctor no longer has a tech who is certified to do the 13 week ultrasound so we were sent to Atlanta. Brian and I do not like Atlanta for many reasons. The office that we were scheduled to go to apparently does not communicate well. My doctor's office had to refer me and then the new office scheduled me an appointment without telling me. The only way I knew I had one was to call. They had scheduled me during the time I had another doctor's appointment so I rescheduled, or so I thought.
My little family walked into to the office at 9:20 for my 9:30 appointment. We had fought traffic and finding a place to park to only be told that I had missed my appointment on Tuesday and that they could work me in two hours later. They did not care that it was their fault. I am not sure they believed me. At any rate, Brian, who had taken the morning off from work and now had to take the day, was none too happy. After several phone calls to my office where the nurse told Brian one thing and me another (she didn't see something on the chart until I insisted that it was there..it was), both Brian and I were very stressed with the situation, one another and the fact that unless something changes, our experience on Friday is going to become common place when socialized medicine becomes law. (For you Obama supporters, you realize that he said in Egypt that America is not a Christian nation, declared it to be the largest Muslim country in the world and then got onto Israel for fighting over land. Read the writing on the wall, people. And socialism is the first step. Next, communism and then no Christian rights whatsoever.) But I digress. Where was I? Oh, yes, Brian and I were very stressed and upset over the lack of customer service that exists in the world.
We finally got to have the ultrasound and the tech was very detached. It was not the nice, warm ultrasounds we get in our little burb. (Let's review: cities bad, socialism bad, customer service good, but apparently not cool). The baby is very low risk for downs' and for the other thing they checked. So at least we got good news.
Now some stories about Ruth. She has put two words together. On Saturday, Brian was staffing and Ruth and I took him lunch. While we waited at the counter for him to close for lunch, a customer needed help finding something on the floor As Brian walked away, Ruth said, "My daddy yadada blah mangioiuaod." (or some such string of words) But she did say "my daddy".
For months now I would ask Ruth who loved Ruth and then say "I do" in a fun voice. On Saturday afternoon I asked Ruth the same question but before I could answer Ruth said "I dooooooo!" She has answered this question many times with various voices and length of do's. I am sure this cute little thing will fall by the side like so many others.
Finally, we have learned that Ruth loves to hear stories about herself. She can be throwing a fit, but when I start to tell Brian about something Ruth has done, she gets quiet, listens and smiles. Needless to say we have used this technique to quiet down quite a few fits recently.
I leave you with this. Over the course of the past two days I watched the 1942 best movie "Mrs. Miniver" again. I watched it in high school and loved it and loved it equally as much this time. If you want a simple plot, pretty scenes and the reminder that people can be good, polite and pure, I recommend this movie. It will make you want to take a stroll in the English countryside and have a spot of tea.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
The Week of Doctor's Appointments
Monday was the only day a member of our family has not graced a waiting room of a doctor's office this week.
On Tuesday, Ruth and I went swimming with our friends Candice (mommy) and Caroline (almost 2 year old). Candice is expecting in November so we had fun talking about our experiences. The girls loved splashing in the water.
That afternoon I took a baby who had not had an afternoon nap with me to my doctor's appointment. She actually did very well. Brian didn't get to make it to this appointment. All we did was listen to the heart beat and talk to the doctor for less than five minutes.
Wednesday was Ruth's six month check up at Emory Eye Clinic. We are on a every six month check up just to make sure nothing is changing with her eyes. Although we can't know for sure, the doctor projected that Ruth can see 20/30 or 20/40, which is MUCH BETTER than we were old originally by that horrible doctor last summer. Needless to say, we have switched doctor's to a more positive one (one who allows us to ask questions and answers our questions). Brian and I were saying yesterday that it is a good thing we can't remember that horrible doctor's name because we would bad mouth him to everyone. If anyone lives in our area and is looking for an eye doctor for your child, we will tell you which practice to avoid.
Today, Ruth had her 15 month check up and shots. She has screamed most of the morning about something or other. I am glad she is finally down for a nap and hope she sleeps awhile so I will want to be around her when she wakes up. I tell you, sometimes I just need a break. And today is one of those days.
Tomorrow we go for my ultrasound. I will be 13 weeks tomorrow and done with the first trimester. With Ruth, we had this ultrasound done at 12 weeks and in my doctor's office and was told that she was going to be a girl. However, that tech no longer works there so we have been outsourced for this gig. I hope the tech tomorrow has as much experience as Ruth's tech did and can give us some insight to what the gender will be. I would like to start preparing for this baby.
Thank goodness for the rain we are getting today. And thank goodness babies need naps.
On Tuesday, Ruth and I went swimming with our friends Candice (mommy) and Caroline (almost 2 year old). Candice is expecting in November so we had fun talking about our experiences. The girls loved splashing in the water.
That afternoon I took a baby who had not had an afternoon nap with me to my doctor's appointment. She actually did very well. Brian didn't get to make it to this appointment. All we did was listen to the heart beat and talk to the doctor for less than five minutes.
Wednesday was Ruth's six month check up at Emory Eye Clinic. We are on a every six month check up just to make sure nothing is changing with her eyes. Although we can't know for sure, the doctor projected that Ruth can see 20/30 or 20/40, which is MUCH BETTER than we were old originally by that horrible doctor last summer. Needless to say, we have switched doctor's to a more positive one (one who allows us to ask questions and answers our questions). Brian and I were saying yesterday that it is a good thing we can't remember that horrible doctor's name because we would bad mouth him to everyone. If anyone lives in our area and is looking for an eye doctor for your child, we will tell you which practice to avoid.
Today, Ruth had her 15 month check up and shots. She has screamed most of the morning about something or other. I am glad she is finally down for a nap and hope she sleeps awhile so I will want to be around her when she wakes up. I tell you, sometimes I just need a break. And today is one of those days.
Tomorrow we go for my ultrasound. I will be 13 weeks tomorrow and done with the first trimester. With Ruth, we had this ultrasound done at 12 weeks and in my doctor's office and was told that she was going to be a girl. However, that tech no longer works there so we have been outsourced for this gig. I hope the tech tomorrow has as much experience as Ruth's tech did and can give us some insight to what the gender will be. I would like to start preparing for this baby.
Thank goodness for the rain we are getting today. And thank goodness babies need naps.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Blocks
This video is from May 2 when my sister and mother were here for a visit.
Ruth is repeating a lot of words today. This means we have to be careful what we say. For example, this afternoon I was carrying Ruth around looking for my phone and said "oh crap". Ruth said, "oh crap".
Great. My child the wordsmith.
Ruth is repeating a lot of words today. This means we have to be careful what we say. For example, this afternoon I was carrying Ruth around looking for my phone and said "oh crap". Ruth said, "oh crap".
Great. My child the wordsmith.
Easter Video
This video was taken at Ruth's school the week before Easter. It amazes me how much she has grown up in the past two months.
Today has been a strange day for Ruth. Brian joined a gym with a pool and I have a free visitor's pass for two weeks. Ruth and I were there at 8am this morning. I dropped her off at the kids' care and I went swimming. I mostly did ballet in the pool. It was great to move around and get some exercise. I wasn't sick at all this morning!!
After a quick stop at the grocery store (Ruth did sleep on the way), I put Ruth down for nap. She sang to herself for about 20 minutes and then finally slept for an hour. This afternoon I put her down for her nap and she sang to herself for 45 minutes before I finally caved and got her out of the crib. Now, after playing and snack, I am trying to get her to sleep again. I can hear her singing in there. Will this kid ever sleep today? I will take the singing any day over the screaming she used to do.
Enjoy the video.
Today has been a strange day for Ruth. Brian joined a gym with a pool and I have a free visitor's pass for two weeks. Ruth and I were there at 8am this morning. I dropped her off at the kids' care and I went swimming. I mostly did ballet in the pool. It was great to move around and get some exercise. I wasn't sick at all this morning!!
After a quick stop at the grocery store (Ruth did sleep on the way), I put Ruth down for nap. She sang to herself for about 20 minutes and then finally slept for an hour. This afternoon I put her down for her nap and she sang to herself for 45 minutes before I finally caved and got her out of the crib. Now, after playing and snack, I am trying to get her to sleep again. I can hear her singing in there. Will this kid ever sleep today? I will take the singing any day over the screaming she used to do.
Enjoy the video.
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