Clackamas County Fair

Momma Post: We've made it to the Clackamas County fair three years in a row! Even more incredible is that we went on one of the hottest day of the year. The heat kept the crowds down, but made me a little ill and grumpy (I'm a total baby in hot weather and am thankful to live in the Northwest). The girls were great and excited to see all the animals. The sheep and goats were favorites, as both Ruby and Willa were able to pet their noses and ears. Matt had prepped Ruby on the rides this past week. With a little hesitation at first, Ruby ended going on the helicopter, dragon and bumper cars, all with a parent escort. We already have Ruby in training to go on roller coasters with her Grandma Joan. Ruby tasted ice cream for the first time at the fair in 2006 and we were able to continue the tradition with Willa.

This past week Ruby and Willa have taken their sister relationship to a new level. Willa bit Ruby. This caused Ruby to cry because her feelings were hurt (the bite mark went away within a few minutes). Ruby will snag toys away from Willa. Willa is beginning to fight back by slapping her hands towards Ruby. When Willa is mad she'll flap her arms, cry, and then put her head down between her feet, while in a seated position (so sad Willa). We're working on the "baby trade" tool, which is when Ruby takes a toy away from Willa, she has to immediately replace it with something else. Thankfully these moments are only one small component to their relationship. Most times involve a captured hug like the first photo above.

Backyardigans

Momma Post: We celebrated Janet's Birthday yesterday. After dinner at My-Cahn, our local Vietnamese-Chinese restaurant (otherwise known as Jimmie's), we let the girls burn off "energy" or their combined sugar high from Baskin and Robbins. Fifteen minutes of running/crawling like crazy before over tired hysterics ensued. It was fun seeing the girls playing together.

This past week Ruby has taken a sudden interest in the potty training we've been phasing in the last four months. The new focus was initiated by orange flavored TicTacs that are now given for every successful stint on the toilet. We continuously had dry diapers today, due to all the bathroom trips (power of the mini-bribe). A reminder that I need to switch to big girl panties when we're home during the day.

Willa's top front teeth broke through this week. It's bittersweet for me. I'm excited to see her smile progressing, but it's another reminder that my baby's becoming a wobbler (pre-toddler). Can't believe she'll be nine months tomorrow.

My friend Beth came over for a playdate this morning and I snuggled her five-week old Amelia...would of held her more, too. I'm good with the baby stage, sometimes the 2-1/2 year old stage is a little scary for me...Ruby knows how to out smart her mother all ready. Matt and I are beginning to have pep talks or strategy sessions on how best to work with Ruby on defining boundaries, but acknowledging her spirit.

Willa is also learning the word "no". Every time she's on the floor in the kitchen she goes straight for the dog food and water. Occasionally I'll put the bowls up, scatter toys on the floor or try other tactics, but the Jack's bowls are just too tempting. Just like her big sister, I've already had to retrieve dog kibble from her mouth. I'll put on my stern face and voice, say "Willa, no!" and she'll watch me with this gleeful calculating expression...oh boy, do we have our hands full.

Again, happy birthday to Janet. And a happy birthday to my mom today. Ruby pointed to my mom's picture this afternoon and I said it was Grandma Michele's birthday. We sang to her and it felt good.