All I Want for Christmas is Anything But Santa

Daddy Post: These aren't the "official" pictures that we had to buy at Macy's for our visit to see Santa, but they aren't much different. Ruby wasn't as amused as Marty and I were, but I'm sure she will find the humor in it eventually. High School prom perhaps.

Also, congrats to the Fitzpatricks who had their second beautiful daughter today. Her name is Amelia which coincidentally was what Ruby was going to be named until we thought of Ruby as a better fit for her personality.

Memories of Christmas Past

Momma Post: As we're approaching Christmas this year, I'm reminiscing Ruby's birth and being rather nostalgic about my maternal experiences over the past year. I remember the emotional release of hearing and seeing my baby girl for the first time, as the doctor held her over the C-Section tarp. Weakly holding Ruby with one arm in the recovery room for the first time and trying to stay awake to cherish the moment. Smelling her sweet infant skin. Sleepless nights with a newborn snuffling and snoring on my chest. Feeling incredibly proud to have a healthy, fuzzy-headed baby. Feeling like a hormonal Mother Bear for several weeks following her birth.

The pictures shown here are Ruby one day old and Ruby 11 months old with Dad. The red stocking was given to us at St. Vincent's Medical Center, a tradition for Christmastime babies.

Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Momma Post: Thursday of last week, our family drove to Sauvie Island to cut down a Noble Fir from Bender's U-Cut Tree Farm. Matt and I discovered the family-run operation last year, when at 30 pounds heavier with nine months of pregnancy, we were determined to select and decorate a tree before Ruby arrived and was brought home. Creatures of habit, we went back to Bender's and took more time in the selection process, than the actual cut down and tying the tree to the roof of our Subaru. Ruby was a little awed by the green newcomer, hovering in the corner of the living room, but soon made friends and loved wrapping her self up in the tree's string of beads. My dear childhood friend Meg, stopped by for a visit and presented Ruby with a very practical/warm knit hat and mitten set. If the weather improves, Matt and I plan to take Ruby up to Mt. Hood Meadows tomorrow for her first glimpse of snow, so the new warm accessories are perfect. I wish Auntie Meg lived closer than her current residence in Seattle, but it makes our visits that much more special.

We'll...we have quite the little character on our hands. Ruby's quickly approaching "toddlerhood", even those she'll always be my baby, I'm recognizing she's her own person with her own mind and opinions. For example, when she's done with an object (e.g., bottle), she'll toss it. One lesson we're working on is when Ruby starts throwing food/feeding the dog, mealtime is over. Ruby's very expressive about saying no (vigorously shaking her head and waving her hands simultaneously) and is beginning to point at what she wants. Ruby loves books and will carry a book over and plop into a ready lap. She's very adept at turning pages and pointing to illustrations. We're doing a lot more with signs and words. Ruby loves learning and patting/pointing to her body parts, "head", "nose", "belly button" being favorites.

The pictures below involve Ruby attending Jackson's 2nd Birthday Party at Pump it Up, a gym for kiddos. I was co-hosting my friend Carrie's baby shower, so Matt will have to write his observations - looked like a lot of fun.

Where's Ruby? There She Is!!!

Daddy Post: Lots of activity last weekend. Ruby attended her friend Conner's 1st birthday and then we celebrated Marty's birthday at the Russell St. BBQ with Alice, Anne, Bill, Janet, Amy, Joe, Andrew, Tia, & Simon. Happy birthday Marty! The group kid photo at Connor's was a bit unruly. Ruby joined in the crying immediately after the picture.

Baths have been fun and Ruby's new favorite game is peek-a-boo behind the curtains. This is a step up from her former favorite game which was "bolt for the dog bed and roll around as much as possible before dad catches me and lectures me about how gross dog hair is when mixed with drool". Unfortunately, she hasn't completely abandoned that game but I'm working on it.

Hope all is well with everyone and we're looking forward to seeing you all in the coming weeks.

Today Stairs, Tomorrow Everest

Momma Post: Stair climbing confidence has been achieved, now technique and style are being finessed. Other steps in Ruby's growth this week include her parents' discovery of a soon-to-be top front tooth (you can see and feel it, but it hasn't officially cut through); giving more hugs, where she throws her arms around a neck and gives a tight squeeze; and dancing with head shakes and knee bops.

Earlier in the week I had a couple of concerns. First, I thought my milk supply was greatly decreasing by the amount I was pumping at work. It made me seriously consider weaning Ruby. I emotionally decided I wasn't ready, unless Ruby showed no interest in nursing over the holiday weekend. Her desire for "mommy time" stayed the course, so we're going to continue this aspect of our relationship for a bit longer. So funny how I used to think I would stop breast feeding when the kid could physically pull up/at my shirt...now I think that behavior is a honor (in the privacy of our own home, of course). How long am I going to nurse Ruby? I don't know, but each additional month succeeds my expectation.

My second issue was addressing Ruby's continued ear draining due to the ear infection of the week prior. On Wednesday I called the Kaiser Advice Nurse and was told with urgency to set up an appointment that day. As Matt was teaching that afternoon and had the car with our only car seat, I took the afternoon off from work and had the following adventure: 1) 45 minute bus ride home; 2) got the car and drove to Growing Seeds; 3) transferred a just fallen asleep baby into the Ergo Carrier; 4) walked with sleeping baby in the rain to MAX station; 5) 20 minute train ride to the pediatrician office, Ruby awakes at the destination; and 5) made it in time, albeit 5 minutes late, for a confirmed diagnosis of the ear infection and thrush in the mouth, three drugs prescribed. Yeah for motherhood...did I really sign up for this? Thank goodness for those chuckles, tight squeezes and tongue-y kisses.

It's a Crying Shame

Momma Post: No quivering lower lip for Ruby, but definitely for her Dad as the Ducks lost a close game to the Beavers. Ruby enjoyed her first Civil War game at our friends Darryl and Stacie's. Matt and the guys were tempting fate, by abiding by all the impromptu superstitions (e.g., pounding a beer, sitting in designated "lucky" seats, eating an odd number of meatballs...wow, writing this is embarrassing). Ruby was more interested in scaling the Fleck's staircase numerous times, each ascent ended by a drag down on her belly by mom. Heartburn on the game for Matt, but no tummy rug burn for Ruby. In the photos above, Ruby's dressed in her Duck gear, which apparently is another example of our gender neutral baby attire. Matt comments on how often we have people calling her a boy. I have a few thoughts on the matter. First, we dress Ruby in clothes that she can move in and I'm not a huge fan of feminine pastels, preferring bright primary or earthy tones. Secondly, was it just our generation that grew up with Marlo Thomas and Friends' Free to Be You and Me record on challenging stereotypes? I remember the 1974 album pink cover and reciting along with "Ladies first, ladies first...and so she was" about a little girl that demanded to be first and then was eaten up by the tiger or was it the cannibal's? Oh, I think I just added an item to Ruby's Christmas wish list.

Daddy Post: Ruby is now working on kicking field goals. It is hoped that she will be good enough to make the Duck's Roster in 2024 thereby rectifying the atrocious kicking that cost us the civil war back in 2006. 3 missed field goals + 1 missed extra point make Matt angry!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

Momma Post: Well...we missed a lot of photo opportunities this Thanksgiving. When both Matt and I are enjoying ourselves, it's hard to remember that we need to be capturing the moment digitally. Hence we have no photos of Ruby over at Grandpa Bill and Nana Jan's (I think it was the food coma) and only a few shots over at Jack and Cathey's, where Uncle Joe actually caught Ruby strutting her stuff on video (Grandma Joan, you now know who to hit up). Ruby enjoyed her first turkey dinner, but thought most highly of the pumpkin pie, kicking her feet as she ate. Nana Jan's kitchen was very fun to explore and Ruby can't wait to invade the tupperware cupboard in the near future.

As you can see Ruby fell in love with Cathey's stuffed cat, Firecracker. At first she was a little wary of it thinking it may be real, but soon she was giving the stuffed animal big kisses. She also felt right at home being in the center of attention. Good thing Christmas and family gatherings are right around the corner.

E is for Ear Infection

Momma Post: Maybe it was the wet grayness outside or the ear infection battle inside that led for a fairly quiet weekend for our household. This was Ruby's third ear infection and she has been quite a good sport about it. The worst was on Thursday, when she had a low grade fever and just wanted to nap and snuggle. It was obvious we had a sick kid, but it was the howl she let out while I tried to scrub behind her left ear, that the real culprit presented itself. On Friday this infection was confirmed when fluid began draining from her ear. Once the pressure was released, Ruby perked back up to her normal happy-go-lucky self. On Saturday we briefly visited with JJ and her daughter Suzanne. Then Ruby spent a special evening with Auntie Amy and Uncle Joe, while Matt and I had a much needed date. Today was Grandpa Bill's Birthday, so a celebration brunch was enjoyed by my side of the family (Ruby took special notice of the syrupy waffles on my plate, helping herself). The pictures below were taken after brunch and depict Ruby showing off her new walking ability to Grandpa Bill and Nana Jan.

Walk This Way!!!

Daddy Post: Grandpa Zor sent Ruby an early birthday gift today. The entire package was perceived as a gift to play with as you can see in the pics. Ruby likes her new Grinch doll and is looking forward to actually understanding "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas" when we read it to her. As you can also see, Ruby has started walking quite proficiently. What was 2-4 steps before Ruby & Marty left for California has quickly become 10-12 steps complete with stops and changes of direction. When she isn't busy walking Ruby has also learned the joy of dancing. Her style generally consists of bending her knees up and down or shaking her head back and forth like she's at a Beatles concert. A fun kid to say the least. Thanks folks. It was good seeing Zor last week. Sorry Ruby wasn't more available, but we're looking forward to Christmas.

Reunion in Rialto

Momma Post: Ruby and I had our first "girls' trip" this weekend, traveling with Aunt Anne to Rialto, California. Flying was a whole new adventure with Ruby this time. She was much more aware of her surroundings, curious about the air vent and light switches, food cart and snacks, and lunging across Anne's lap to look out the window. The purpose of the trip was to attend Grandma Martha's sister Auntie Barbara and her husband Uncle Jimmy's 60th Wedding Anniversary celebration. The occasion was a good reason for the Federsohn sisters (starting from the left, Barbara, Mary and Grandma) and their families to gather for a reunion. Grandma and her sisters grew up in La Puente, California. While Mary and Barbara settled in nearby communities, Grandma and Grandpa eventually settled on a farm in Phoenix, Oregon to raise our branch of the family. Our opportunity to visit with our Southern Californian relatives have been limited over the years, but Grandma has stayed close with her sisters and those ties extended into the hospitality we received.

Our travel plans were mainly orchestrated by Uncle Tom and Aunt Anne, who made sure we all arrived in one piece. In Ontario our family stayed at aHoliday Inn with Auntie Mary and her daughter Cousin Betsy. I accepted that Ruby's 7:30 pm bedtime would cut short my evening visiting, but was thankful during the day for several family members entertaining Ruby while I took care of my needs and relaxed. This being our first trip without Matt/Dad, I discovered how much of a "team" Matt and I are when it comes to parenting.

Auntie Barbara and Uncle Jimmy live in a classic California 50's ranch subdivision with tree street names in Rialto. A city whose identity is split between the commercialized Route 66 cutting through and the picturesque bungalow lined boulevard, Riverside. A large bogenvia frames Barbara and Jimmy's front yard.

The relaxed celebration took place at the Best Chinese Buffet. Ruby had a little separation anxiety at the restaurant, which curbed me from loading up on sweet n' sour pork. Rather the focus was on conversation with Cousins Bonnie, Peggy and John and watching Ruby gum fortune cookies and glass noodles. Back at Barbara and Jimmy's house for cake and ice cream, Ruby continued her acquaintence with the cousins closer to her size. Cousin Melissa shared new sign language words to add to Ruby's vocabulary, such as, "momma", "momma's milk", "grandma" and "grandpa". The evening wrapped up with long goodbyes widely practiced in the family.

As the pictures demonstrate, Ruby could barely contain her excitement about meeting her cousins, kissing Cousin Julia and wagon riding with Cousin Ella.

Football's no Fantasy

Momma Post: The title of this post has double meaning, taking into account Matt's fantasy football league obsession. Yes, football and the fall season go hand in hand in our house. Yesterday we introduced Ruby to the age old rivalry between the Washington Huskies and our victorious Oregon Ducks. We were initially nervous and debating whether to even go to the game with the extremely wet and cold forecast. Friday evening we decided to behave like true Oregonians and purchased a raincoat for Ruby and an extra umbrella to have on hand. And what do you know...it didn't rain until we were back on I-5 northbound heading home.

Ruby is definitely an easy one (a team player one might say) to incorporate into our lifestyle. Prior to becoming parents, both Matt and I idealized that we'd be the type of parents that would share our lives with a child rather than allowing the kid to dictate our activities. I now laugh at the naivete, but still it's a goal. Ruby's a great traveler and enjoys social situations. We just have to cognizant of booby snacks, exploratory periods with room to move and most importantly nap/bedtime. Maybe it's the lack of evening and weekend babysitters or two parents working full time desiring ample and quality family time, either way, Ruby is number one in the league of priorities and a champion in fun.

A quick child development update, now that Ruby's 10 1/2 months old. Ruby's become a pro at the 7:30 pm bedtime, sleeping until 6:00 am. Last night, after sleeping all the way home from Eugene, we thought she may go to bed a little later. Nope, at 7:30 pm, she promptly laid her head down on the toy-scattered floor. Ruby's walking with furniture assistance and standing on her own for 30-45 seconds. Ruby's starting to use a little bit of sign language. The signs "more" and "no" used mainly. We are also working on "gentle" to address animal relations and hair pulling skills. She's remembering where her favorite bathtime toys are and likes to make a beeline for her rubber fish and duck. Favorite foods of the moment, include Yo-Baby yogurt, Saltines, sliced red grapes, peas and carrots courtesy of Gerber, Gardenburger patty bites and sweet potato fries from Burgerville. Ruby does not like cottage cheese, refusing it every time. Ruby can hold a bottle herself and drinks water from her sippy cup. Ruby so far has just the two bottom teeth. Having her diaper changed and dressing is not such a fight as it was at nine months, but grabbing her feet while on the changing table has picked up interest again.

Next weekend, Ruby and I are traveling with Aunt Anne to Southern California on our first "girl's trip" to attend Great-Grandma Martha's family reunion and the 60th wedding anniversary celebration of her sister Auntie Barbara and Uncle Jimmie. Stayed tuned for highlights of this upcoming adventure.

The Force is Strong with this One!

Daddy Post: Happy Halloween everyone. Ruby had a great time Sunday night at a lantern walk through Fernhill Park that was sponsored by our daycare. Not much candy for her tonight, but we set aside some tootsie pops for later. As you can see, we tried to recreate the Dagobah scene from The Empire Strikes Back but with only limited success. It was difficult to get the lighting right so that is why there is a blurry photo included in this set. I just liked that you could see the lightsaber better without the flash. The downside was that the exposure was longer hence the greater propensity for blurriness. Plus we had to cut our photo shoot short because Yoda wasn't very fond of my new lightsaber and I was constantly stepping in dog crap much like the swamps of Dagobah themselves. In all, lots of fun. Hope everyone else is doing well.

The Missing Link

Daddy post redux: Here's the picture that I originally had on the sugar & spice post. It was meant to be the spice but Marty thought it was too big. Nuts to that. Here she is in all of her glory.

Sugar & Spice

Daddy Post: Just a few more pictures. Ruby's toothy angry face is a precursor to the best Halloween costume ever. Be ready!!! In other news Marty decided that she had had enough of hosting Ruby's all night buffet in our bed. Thus, she sought out the advice of Dr. Ferber and we're happy to say that it worked like a charm. Ruby no longer has to go through a bedtime routine nor does she have to be pampered throughout the night. She knows that her crib is where she sleeps and when she's in it that is what she is supposed to do. Little to no fuss which has been awesome. We're very proud of her and the fact that she's become quite the big girl.

Momma Post: Yes, another picture of our cutie pie and the pumpkins. Thanks for humoring your parents, Ruby. On Saturday, we had a nice lunch with Dad and Janet at Skyline Burger. This was followed by a trip to Sauvie Island to experience some of Multnomah County's finest rural landscape. We quickly learned that Sauvie Island and Saturday's in October don't mix. Traffic on Highway 30 was backed up as folks waited to cross the bridge to reach the island with the main attraction being the haunted corn maze. We bypassed this attraction for a local farm of dahlias, apples and of course pumpkins, my favorite being the moon (white) pumpkins. Ruby enjoyed tackling the gourds, but was dismayed at being strapped up in the car seat again, apparently not getting enough of the farm life.

Fun in the Bathroom

Daddy Post: For the sake of "cuteness" Marty unleashed our beast on the bathroom last week. Toilet paper = cheap fun, but bad food.

It Never Rains in Autzen Stadium

Momma Post: Ruby and the Ducks were equally impressive yesterday. Ruby for being in great spirits throughout a very long day down to Eugene and back. And, to the Ducks for their victory over UCLA. Before the game, we met our friends at Rennie's for breakfast. This was followed by a beautiful, crisp walk through part of the UO campus and joining hundreds of fans across the foot bridge to Autzen Stadium (thank goodness for our new Ergo carrier). Ruby withstood four quarters in a crowded stadium by napping; being passed back and forth between mom and dad; attending her first tailgater during half time; and discovering the duck quacker. We think Ruby has also added the word "Duck" to her vocabulary. A fun day ending with a two-hour snooze in the car ride home.