identity crisis

People have been asking if Ruby knows her name yet. With as many nicknames as the poor girl has, I don't know how she could. The first day she goes to Kindergarten, she isn't going to know who she is... unless in addition to Ruby they call:

• Ruber
• Rubers
• Ruby D
• Roo
• Boo
• Boo Roo
• Boo Roo Chicken
• Babette
• Runt
• Chunk
• Little Onion
• Stinkers
• Rubies
• Jiblett
• Rubeth

so where have you been?

A few weeks ago we headed to Oceanside, California. It was Jeff's brilliant idea to get me out of the house and away from the cold. It was brilliant. We decided to DRIVE there, and Ruby did very well and could usually make it 150 miles before we'd stop, feed her and let her stretch. This is her after being in the car 6 hours:

Of course we ate A LOT of GOOD food:

Ruby went to the beach for the first time... she was underwhelmed and slept:

She sported Jeff's shades with style:

We had a fabulous meal at Ruby's Diner which is a restaurant on the end of the Oceanside Pier. With a name like Ruby's, we had to go:

And now that we've been home for a few weeks... I'm ready for the next trip.

Houston- we have some smiles

time flies...

And yes we are having fun. And who couldn't when this little face is greeting you? We have some fabulously talented friends who are wonderful photographers. Here's a few pictures taken by Carlye Morgan. Pictures from another talented friend of ours to come soon.

I have to admit that sometimes I just laugh when Ruby cries. Not that I think it's funny that she is crying, but it look at that face.


And look at this hair! I love it. But the poor child is already plagued with crazy cowlicks everywhere. Sorry baby.

She was a very good sport for the photos, though she was rather confused as to why I expected her to nap on a chair, and a rocking chair, and a trunk, and a suitcase, and a basket, and naked...

She managed to pee on Jeff, me, the floor, everything else in her path and poop on a few blankets. And why did no one warn me that baby poop is toxic and will stain like nobodies business? Thank heavens for Oxyclean. So they were messy pictures, but definitely worth it.

suckers

This is how Ruby wants to sleep, in our arms or on our chest. And often that's what she gets. We're suckers, and can't help but want to cuddle up to the little thing every chance we get. I can't help but think that in 15 years, she won't be so fond of us. We'll be the lame parents that won't take her to get her belly button pierced or she'll want to walk 10 feet in front of us because we are embarrassing. So now, while we're still her favorite, I'm going to cuddle with her and spoil her all I can. Yes, I do think about things too much.

Yes, we are smitten. We are in deep smit.

But I seem to remember in years past, when I'd be changing the poopy diaper of a nephew or niece, I'd grimace or pull a face at the smell. People would say, "Oh, it's different when it's your own baby. You won't think it smells bad or is gross." ... right... You people were wrong. Still poop. Still smelly. But we're still smitten.

wow, i really AM a mom

Twice now, when I've seen that Ruby has a smudge of ick on her face, I've licked my finger and rubbed it off! I'm a finger-licker? I never would have thought of such a thing. The humilition for the poor child begins. I just need to get this under control before she goes to school. Sorry cute little one.

Ruby Jan

Our little girl decided not to wait for her due date, making her debut on Monday, exactly two weeks early. I introduce to you our little

Ruby Jan

7 lbs 10 oz

18 1/2 inches

stinkin cute

To give the quick version of the story:

I headed into work Monday, feeling a bit uncomforatble, but otherwise fine- definately no clues that I would be having a baby that day. Starting around 2:30p I starting having some pain in my abdomen and lower back. It started getting more intense and regular, every 10 minutes. I figured I had just overdone it that day but headed home to rest. I got home at 3:30p and the surges just increased from there as I spent some time in the tub. At this time Jeff called my doctor and doula who both recommended that I head to the hospital to get checked out. We didn't even have a bag packed so dear Jeff quickly threw some things together and we headed in. We drove to the hospital and by the time I was taken into a room, changed into a gown and checked it was about 6:00p and I was told my water hadn't broken. But that was the only thing "keeping me pregnant" as I was dialated to a 9.

From there it was a quick, unmedicated and intense labor with fabulous people supporting me! Jeff was a wonderful, calming and strong support, my dear doula Claire was a saint as she helped me labor, breathe, and change positions, a bonus midwife helped me progress (eventhough she was dressed up and only at the hospital for a meeting), and my doctor and his magic fingers helped Ruby make her arrival at 7:19pm.

I'm honestly still in shock that I did it and that this little beauty is our baby girl! But, it looks like the little nugget would like to eat now so I'll update more soon!