Ruby Turns One!

One year ago today, this beautiful little gem joined our family.  My heart was bursting with joy to finally meet her.  And the joy has only grown since then.

Ruby Rose Miller

July 29, 2014

11:15 PM

9 lb. 7 oz. 20 in.

one month

 Her first smile was at five weeks.  I was singing to her, probably some tune from the Taffetas, when she started contorting her mouth and squinting one eye.  Finally it settled into a smile, and she hasn't stopped smiling since.

two months

 At four months she rolled over for the first time.  I missed it, because I was apologizing to Theo for being impatient with him. When I noticed Ruby was not how I left her, I flipped her back over.  She was so mad about it, she rolled again!

three months

 When she was four and a half months, Corbin was letting her chew on his finger.  With surprise in his voice, he said, "teeth?!"  Her first two came on the bottom, and I was a little sad to see the gummy smile go.  But a toothy grin is pretty darn cute, too.

four months

 She had her first taste of rice cereal on January 10, and she loved it.  She is such a fabulous eater, willing to try new things and acting very passionate about the foods she likes.

five months

 Her poor cheeks kept getting hives and looking so uncomfortable, that after a few months of wondering, we had her tested and realized she is allergic to eggs and dairy.  The complete transformation of her skin (and diapers) is well worth the inconvenience of cutting those foods out.  But even through the difficult months, she was a happy girl.

six months

 She was more or less able to crawl for a month or more before deciding to use it as a mode of transportation.  Around nine months, she was crawling all around the town.  I appreciate her willingness to stay close by, and her ability to play and entertain herself.

seven months

 Her first steps were between Mommy and Daddy on July 19, but she still needs to build up a bit more confidence and balance to become a walker.  She stands by herself really well, and has taken a few tentative steps once in a while.  But I know before long, she will be running around, trying to keep up with Theo.  No small task.

eight months

 When Teri came to visit in October, our sweet nine week old baby began sleeping through the night.  We moved her from the bassinet to the crib in Theo's room, and they did wonderfully. But Teri's magic wore off at about five months, because she began waking up once or twice a night.  Despite my fear of the Universe hearing me and jinxing us, I'll say it.  Ruby has been sleeping through the night for the past week (the longest stretch in six months), and it's glorious.

nine months

 Ruby can say words.  Actual words that I understand.  In order of when she first said them: Mama and Dada (now she says Daddy), uh-oh, more, bye, bath, hi, birdie, doggie. 

I have tried teaching her a few baby signs, but she prefers to just say the word instead.  Cut out that pesky middle man.

ten months

 Ruby is such a sweet baby.  She is so amicable, so happy to be around other people.  She is social, without being insistent that she be with others. 

eleven months (don't be fooled, same outfit as before, one month older and wiser)

 

 

twelve months!

 Ruby absolutely loves her daddy.  She talks about him most often (although I've noticed she calls Theo daddy too.)  She lights up and laughs whenever Corbin walks into the room or comes home from school.

 She loves her best buddy, Theo.  They are such good friends.  He is a wonderful big brother.  He loves to roll around with her, comfort her when she cries, and gives her food and toys when she needs a pick me up. I just know the older she gets, the better friends they will become.

To celebrate this momentous occasion, we met with a bunch of friends at the park and shared some Crazy Cake.  It was Ruby's first taste of a treat, and she enjoyed every bite!

 I love my baby girl more than I could have ever dreamed.  I'm so glad she decided to join our family.  I hope I can be the kind of mommy this sweet little spirit deserves, and I'm excited to see how she grows in many more birthdays to come!