Grocery Goddess

Momma Post: As you can see above, Ruby is using her sitting up abilities to reign over the reaping of goods at the New Seasons Market. This newfound skill has brought a whole new shopping experience to our little rhubarb. She loves to absorb all the colors and shapes, smile at the other customers and her mom even lets her pet the occasional head of lettuce. This more consistent and stronger sitting ability as also given a new meaning to bath time and splashing, but we'll save that for another post.

Last night, Matt and I ventured out with several other couples for an adult evening out. Two sisters babysat Ruby along with the other kids. While enjoying ourselves at The New Old Lompoc, we received a call from one of the sitters, Ruby had been crying inconsolably for the last hour. Needless to say, we were reunited with our daughter within 20 minutes. The verdict - a bit of separation anxiety. Upon picking up our hysterical little girl, the sobbing was hushed and relief cooing ensued. Our adult evening had ended, but there is nothing that tugs at your heart strings more than cradling your once crying baby and having her melt in your arms.

Ruby is six months old today, June 25, 2006. Due to her Christmas birthday, this half birthday date may be more significant in the future (e.g., pool and slumber parties). We spent Ruby's 1/2 birthday trying to keep cool in near 100 degree weather. During the morning coolness, Anne and Peter came over to watch the England vs. Ecuador game , where Ruby witnessed her first "Bend it like Beckham" score winning goal for England (Matt says I should clarify that it was David Beckham that made the goal) to Uncle Peter's native pride. As the temperature rose, we traveled to Amy and Joe's for Cousin Eric and Matt's post graduation bar-be-que. Congrats to Eric for his graduation from University of Puget Sound. All the Seattle/Tacoma cousins were down for the festivities. Ruby was the social butterfly during awake moments and had a good hour nap in the midst of all the relatives chatting it up.

Happy Birthday to Aunt Anne, Cousin Owen and Happy 36th Wedding Anniversary to Joan and Steve, all on June 26th.

Seattle, There and Back

Momma Post: This weekend was a whirlwind with a drive up to Seattle and back. Alyson, a college friend was married and we attended her and Durham's wedding at the Seattle Tennis Club, which was a lovely setting. On Friday Ruby was feeling a bit under the weather with her second cold virus. We were initially a little hesitant about heading north, but Ruby's symptoms appeared to improve by Saturday morning. We stayed with my dear friend Meg, who thoughtfully allowed the three of us to stay with her. It was great seeing her new apartment and meeting her friend Tom. Thankfully Meg also kept us informed on the status of the US vs. Italy World Cup game, while we were stuck in traffic and the Spanish radio broadcast of the game was just a tease to Matt.

The picture above of our friend Ryan and his son Aidan (the ring bearer in the wedding) was unfortunately the only one we took at the wedding. It was great catching up with college friends, especially since the majority live quite a distance from Portland. Although trying to visit, have a glass of wine, and entertain Ruby was a bit of a juggling act. We enjoyed being a part of the occasion.

This afternoon we made it back to Portland and were glad to be home for what remained of Father's Day, which involved a celebratory family nap (see above) and neighborhood walk. Happy Father's Day to all!

Mmmmmmmm.......toes.

daddy post: i'm sure that ruby's new feat of putting her foot in her mouth is merely the first of many such occurences over her lifetime. she has also been taking some lessons from the cat when it comes to ridding the house of glowing red laser beams. we had a good weekend spending time together and getting stuff done around the house. we also managed to catch up with our friends at a bbq sunday afternoon. pictured with ruby are johnny, stella, and izzy. it's great to watch her interact with and learn from other children. hope all is well with whatever stray souls might come across this post.

Grad Dad

Momma Post: Much celebration over the weekend, due to Matt's graduation from Lewis & Clark College. Joan's work brought her into town, which luckily coincided with Matt begrudgingly deciding to walk in the ceremony. We are all so proud and Ruby is fortunate to be exposed to the college environment early. I was thoroughly impressed that Ruby sat through the entire graduation without a fuss, but Included: much wiggling; attraction to a lady's hair in front of us; gumming Joan's bracelet; and, sour face while members of the orchestra were tuning their instruments. Other highlights of the weekend, included Matt and I having our third date since Ruby's arrival (thanks to Grandma Joan and Ruby's girls' night) on Friday. Matt and I went to one of a favorite date spots - Le Happy, followed by a viewing of the Da Vinci Code. Also, Saturday evening, prior to the Starlight Parade downtown, we had an incredible dinner with family at Higgins with several toasts and fun had by all.

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