the girl is back

Oh my.  Ruby has been sick for almost a week but I'm happy to report that she woke up today with her  signature personality in tact.  I was beginning to get worried.... 

It all started last Tuesday at supper time when I picked her up and noticed she was basically on fire.  She had a fever of 39 degrees and no appetite.  We were at a BBQ the weekend before and the parents of another sick kid didn't realize he was sick..... with HFMD.  (yuck..... hand foot and mouth disease.  sounds terrible and it is!)

Her worst day was Wednesday (and I hope she doesn't get mad at me for this some day in the future), but here's a shot of poor Ruby feeling the worst she has ever felt in her short life.  

no comment

She was absolutely miserable and didn't know how to express it.  It broke my heart to see her in so much agony.  She had a fever and sores in her mouth that made it difficult to eat... (so she didn't ..... for days.... ).  How would I have felt if she needed to be hospitalized or have an operation... or if she was injured?  I hope I never have to find out.  

It's become clear to me over the past few months that Ryan and I are so fortunate to have been blessed with two healthy children.  So many parents have to face challenges that, thank goodness, we won't have to face.  My heart goes out to moms and dads who have kids with special needs.  It's hard enough being a parent to a 'normal' child.  (forgive my ignorance .... I'm tired and can't think of a better word).  

Anyway..... that's enough about that.  I'm glad she's getting better.  If you can believe it, she has never been sick before in her life.  She had a fever once... that lasted for 24 hours, but that's the extent of  it.  I hope she doesn't get sick again for a long, long, long time.  But... she's starting gymnastics in a few weeks so she'll be mingling with other kids....  It's bound to happen again and I can't stop it.  I guess I better get used to being helpless with regards to my kids cuz I have a whole lotta years to get used to it. 

I love you Ruby.  I'm so glad you're back.  :)

this is a big deal

A couple pretty awesome things have happened recently.

One - Leo took a soother.

Very first soother experience.  Seems he likes it.  

The soother subject is a contentious one, I know...  I was caught up in it when Ruby was a baby.  

... are they good? are they bad?  will it ruin her teeth?  I was reluctant until the crying really started to take a toll.... 

The truth is - a soother soothes and that's a pretty good thing in my book.  I'm not sure if it's pure luck or if we did something right, but Ruby has never had her soother outside of her bedroom.  (there's also one in the car for emergencies).  I think what gets people worked up over them is the fact that a lot of kids have the soother in their mouths during the day, when they would otherwise be talking and interacting.  This I would consider to be problematic for my kids.  Ruby still uses a soother for sleeping but she understands that it's just for sleep.  When she wakes up in the morning and comes down to the kitchen, she actually takes her soothers and puts them up on the counter for me!  At nap time, when I show her the soothers she knows it's time to go up to her room.  Yes, I said soothers, plural.  There are two.  She's formed somewhat of a connection to her soothers and can't sleep with only one in her mouth.  She  also needs one in her hand.  It's cute.  Some kids get attached to blankies, teddies, or bunnies...... our Ruby is attached to her soothers.

Very first bottle.  We both like it!  

The second awesome thing that happened just happened tonight!  Leo took a bottle of milk.  Yay!  This spells FREEDOM (well... a tiny bit of flexibility anyway).  I'm very pleased.   Way to go Leo.  He took it first try, no fighting it at all.... he drank the whole thing and went to sleep.  What a good baby.  

all smiles

It's amazing how fast things change with a newborn.  Leo's 7 weeks old and to be honest, a lot of it has been a blur to me.  I can't believe almost two whole months have passed.  Two months?  

I'm starting to see a pattern develop with regards to Leo's sleep and he's becoming more of a "little person" every day.  He's much more alert during his waking hours and actually smiles when we make those stupid faces at him.  

One of his first grins.  So sweet.  

I was able to take him to the beach one evening last week.  Much to my chagrin, I know it's much too hot to take him during the day.  It's been such a long and hot summer that I've been anxious thinking it's almost over but really, we've still got several weeks to go.  As he continues to develop and become more of a little person, hopefully we'll get out to enjoy more summer fun.  

Here's Miss Ruby at the beach.  She loves it!  

Excitement personified.

good times

This summer has been one to remember, for various reasons.  Obviously, it marks the arrival of our second child, Leo.  Ruby is almost two and developing quite a character.  She's quite a comedian and we're having a lot of fun with her these days.  The weather has been completely and utterly beautiful.  Hot, hot, hot.  Sunny every single day.  It's insane.  I say this with mixed emotions because I am a sun worshiper at heart and I've been a bit land-locked this summer due to Leo being so young.  Normally, I would be out and about, beaching it and just plain living it up in the sun, but these things just haven't been possible with a newborn in tow.  We've been kinda stuck at home for the past 6 weeks and I think I'm going a wee bit crazy.  Tonight marks the beginning of a new day.  We were invited out for supper.  

Everyone had a blast.  We were a bit late snapping shots, but as you can see the kids were dancing up a storm.  Leo was well-behaved and calm all night and Ryan and I  got to enjoy some much needed adult conversation with our friends Aimee and Cody.  (Thank goodness for them and their patience with late guests).

So, this marks the beginning of a new attitude - get out with the kids as much as possible.  Staying home is boring, plain and simple.  Summer is too short as it is...... we must suck up every single minute that's left.  Bring it on!  :)

What is she up to now? 

Ruby loves Kate.  

Hmm??  

Oh.... uh?  

Little Elliott... flaunting his summer physique.

Yay!  We love you Jorgensens.

Sincerely, 

The Grants. 

hello

Enjoying the heat  ??  

After her nap, I walked in with Leo and
Ruby asked if he could join her in bed.  Cute. 

Just had to get the picture of me sitting on the toilet away from the top spot.  

timing is everything

Along with patience, unconditional love and the importance of a good night sleep, our kids teach us about timing.  

I've been trying to get Leo into a sling for several weeks now only to be disappointed by his immediate discomfort, time and time again.  Carrying him around is killing my back so I've been persistent with my attempts.... all of them in vain..... until last night!  

The weather has been so hot that I haven't been able to try him in the 'backpack' style sling... until yesterday.  There's an insert for newborns that's basically like a cozy sleeping bag which would have cooked him to a crisp in the 30+ degree weather we've been having.  We finally had a reprieve from the heat yesterday so I gave it a shot.  To my complete amazement he settled right down and fell asleep - no back pain for me.  There was only one problem..... I had to pee.  I should have gone before putting the sling on but it was a spontaneous decision.  So, I did what I'm sure most mom's in my position would have done - I went pee anyway.  :)

He stayed asleep and it was a good night.  Amen.