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.