Ruby - 18+ months

Ruby, I'm sorry I'm nearly a year behind on starting your random updates.  Mama always promised not to be "that mom," the one that didn't do the same things for both kids. You're my favorite daughter, if that means anything.
  

 

You made it to almost 18 months before you had your first shiner (not pictured).  You're a little dare devil who gives us a run for our money. 

 

We went to the Social Security office in early August to have a new SS card issued with your new legal name. We sat there for over an hour and you were actually pretty good, aside from sharing your pacifier and snacks with all the random people in the lobby.  You greeted each person as they came and went.  You had quite the little fan club before our number was called. 

 
At your 18 month well visit in July, you weighed 24lb 12.5 ounces which put you in the 75th percentile for weight.  You were just a hair over 30", which like your entire family, means you're a shorty in the 10th percentile. 

You make LOTS of noise and have a few words like: mommy, daddy, "Henny", doggie, puppy (you're obsessed with the 4 legged friends), up, ball, cup, eat, Ge-Gee, Nanny, D-Dad, "ivie" and bye. Oh, and you use "thank you" every time someone gives you something and when you give someone an item, even trash off the floor is followed up with a "thank you." 

 Dutch is your favorite, but that might be because he's the only one that will lay there in total submission while you pet him.  Lucy and Lily just aren't too crazy about you, unless you're eating. 

 

You have always been a great eater, but just recently you've decided that saying "no" to every food that is offered is the way to go.  We just ignore that and feed it to you anyway. You would live on bread and sweets if we let you; we don't need a DNA test for you, you're clearly mine. Ha!  You eat vegetables and fruits like a champ and protein like you're refueling after a hardcore workout.  You're rough on chicken breast especially; will eat a whole one without slowing down.  You love your morning milk and after a nap, but outside of that, you're not a big milk drinker.  Ice cold water gets you excited as does drinking Uncle Hugh's iced tea at every family dinner.

 

"Get it, girl."

Speaking of Uncle Hugh, you've definitely got his number.  You run to him when you're in trouble or when you need something.  You know he's got your back.  I love this about you but it makes me anxious to see how your baby blues work in your favor.  Girl. You also adore Lolli and Pop and they indulge you every second they can.  They get (mostly) free reign to indulge you, too.  They've more than earned it as they saw you through some very tough times and they are extra special to all of us.

 

You're starting to look like a toddler, but with the cutest little baby face.

You sleep worse than any baby that has ever come through this house.  You're a mess and the complete opposite of your brother who is asleep when his head hits the pillow and who subsequently could sleep through a nuclear attack.  You fight sleep every night, including throwing all the contents of your crib onto the floor and repeatedly kicking the head board until either Mommy has had enough and gets on to you or until your fat legs have had enough.  You're a beast, Ruby.  You wake up to every little noise, no matter how quiet or even how loud we try to be to train you to sleep through it.

You are still very attached to your pacifier at night and in the car when you get unruly (i.e. too whiny for Mommy to listen to.)  I never thought I would be the mom who let her kid have a pacifier this late in the game, but at the end of the day, you are who you are and it's not the end of the world.  Truth is, I'm gonna defend you so milk it for all it's worth.   You aren't allowed to have it wandering the house so at least we've set some boundaries with you.  Even if it's just that one.

All kidding aside, we've had to start disciplining you.  Granted I catch myself, and others in the room, laughing when you scream maniacally in time out, but you march over there to sit, you know the drill.  Your sass and fire are intense but you're learning that we mean business and most of the time you go about your business like it never happened.  We learned the hard way in the past that a little problem eventually turns into a big one.  Sorry, it's hard to be the second (or 6th kid!) child in the family. You are a wrecking ball and your nickname (one of many) is Bulldozer.  You are headstrong and fierce.  You exhaust me but you keep me laughing. 

 

You also may be the reason for Mama's gray hairs and Daddy's lack thereof.

You make us laugh in ways that make me cry real tears.  Your sense of humor is already twisted, you love to see people hurt themselves or stuff break. Slap stick comedy is your favorite.  You also have an incredible sense of comedic timing, even if on accident. Last night at Nana and Papa's, you were raising hell on the back patio.  Seriously, there needs to be a Hurricane Ruby.  Anyway, I looked at you and said "RJ, I wish you could be cuddly and sweet." In true RJ fashion, you let off a big belch and we erupted into laughter.  Aunt Nikki said that it was very unladylike.  We were wiping tears out of our eyes, especially your Aunt Corinne.  Girl, you are TOO MUCH! 

The toys are always a wreck when you're awake but you've recently learned how to put them away before bed.  

 

Ruby, you are the light of our lives and I cherish my days that I spend with you. I love snuggling you after you fall asleep in the car, getting to carry you in the house while you are snoozing is one of my favorite reasons to leave the house. You love peek-a-boo - you're seriously the cutest in those moments.  We are all incredibly thankful that God brought you to us.  You are a sweet little lady, your eyes are the most gorgeous baby blues I've ever seen and your smile most certainly lights up our world.  Daddy told me just the other night that he still can't believe that you're our daughter.  Your brother is incredibly proud of you, always introducing you and showing off HIS sister.  We love you to Heaven and back! 

 

Mama's little wild haired baby