Ewing Way

Winter Wonderland

2012-01-24T18:21:00.000-09:00

It has been snowing here since Saturday and its foretasted to snow more!

On Sunday we took advantage of the Mendenhall Lake being frozen and walked out on it with some friends Nate, Annie and Jackson.

It was beautiful so beautiful and kind of warm feeling. There were scattered clouds and every once in a while the sun and some blue sky would peek through.

Our friends brought a little baby sled and let Ruby try it out. Dan pulled her fast, slow, down hills, over bumpy ice and anything else he could find. Ruby didn't really have much reaction to the sled ride.

Dan licked the icebergs frozen in the lake

and posed for some cute photo's of him and Ruby!

Ruby on the frozen lake!

Ruby and her bestie Jackson!

today

Today was another day filled with snow, oh how I love snow!

Lucky for us we live in a beautiful place with lots of trails so you can take full advantage of the beauty!

I love this place!

week 52

2012-01-22T22:58:00.003-09:00

we made it! this will be the end of Ruby's weekly photos. its bitter sweet for me, i will miss having the same staged weekly photo of Ruby but since she has been able to crawl they are such a pain to take. Half the time she is just screaming and crying at me because I am requesting her to stay in one spot for a couple minutes. I will still continue to take monthly photos of her until she is two or so!

Ruby is so obsessed with socks. she simply loves them and will crawl around the house all day with them in her hand never letting them go. She'll even try to take them with us when we leave the house. With that being said surprisingly all her socks still have matches she has yet to loose one of her socks. Within the last month her vocabulary has blossomed a lot. She can say (in her way) pretty, what, that, dog, Jack (dogs name), and of course Mama and Dada (even though we kinda like Papa more). She also will say, "whats that" and point at things. She amazes me everyday and my love grows for her everyday. I can't wait to see what this next year has in store for us!

all 52 weeks of her first year!

That is all, goodnight!

(I put Ruby's birthday party photos in the post below)

Party

2012-01-22T21:39:00.002-09:00

Ruby's birthday celebration was fun though I didn't give myself enough time to prepare the food I was serving. The first half of her party I was in the kitchen stuffing and rolling fresh rolls. At least they turned out delicious.

I made her a little crown out of an empty toilet paper roll and felt then glued a clip on the bottom of it. Surprisingly she didn't obsess over taking it out of her hair too much.

In stead of making her a sugary cake I made her some delicious blueberry muffins.

We printed out a giant Ruby face and taped them to sticks for everyone. Ruby thought they were pretty awesome!

she loved that muffin

Birthday bash!

2012-01-21T20:08:00.002-09:00

We had a fun celebration for Ruby's first year of life, at home with family and friends, today!

More pictures to come along with the wrap up of her weekly pictures!!

Happy Birthday Ruby!

2012-01-20T11:01:00.003-09:00

Happy Birthday sweet girl.

I can not believe it has been a year since I welcomed you into this world. I thank God for blessing us with you every. single. day. You have brought so much joy to our lives!

We love you sweetheart.

-Mama

Motherhood is a calling

2012-01-16T16:51:00.002-09:00

I can across this incredibly inspiring article about motherhood, defiantly worth a read.

Motherhood Is a Calling (And Where Your Children Rank)by Rachel Jankovic

week 51

2012-01-13T21:44:00.000-09:00

This little lady will be one WHOLE year old next week.....crazy.

week 50

2012-01-05T18:09:00.002-09:00

Sweet baby girl, your growing up too fast.

standing, crawling, pointing, chatting, eating, bathing,

laughing, grunting, clapping, waving,

hugging and kissing are a few of your favorite things.

I love you to pieces!

-Mama

week 48 and week 49

2011-12-30T13:00:00.001-09:00

My little lady is a few short weeks away from her first birthday. Thinking of that makes me really sad but really happy all at the same time. This past year has gone by so terrible fast I feel like I didn't have time to revel in the newness of her life as much as I had wished too. Being sick for the first three months of her life definitely put a strain on me enjoying her in the beginning. Trying to think back to the days of a cuddly sweet newborn are hard to remember, already. Don't get me wrong, I do love her new big girl skills and her cute personality that shines so bright but I feel sad about how quickly it has all come. When I was pregnant I was given some great advice by an old customer. They said to me, "always be in the present, don't hope for the future or the past, just enjoy what is happen right now." I need to keep reminding myself of this wise advice or I might find myself next year wondering how I missed everything again.

Right now Ruby..

is a crawling machine

points at everything and says, "but?" (translation: what)

attempts to repeat the words you say when telling her what she is pointing at

claps and waves all the time, she'll even stop nursing to clap!

thinks Jack (the dog) is the best thing ever

loves socks, she crawls around never letting them go

loves to eat eggs for breakfast

thinks its the greatest thing to throw her eggs on the floor for Jack to eat

gets excited when she see snow on the ground

hates getting in the cold car

gives whoever comes into her room upon waking a sweet long hug

is super gentle

is still not a hair puller

likes to swipe glasses off peoples faces

still wakes up twice a night.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T06:12:00.003-09:00

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace

Isaiah 9

May all your celebrations be filled with joy, Happy Birthday Jesus!

Gungor

2011-12-23T09:37:00.000-09:00

If you have not heard of Gungor check them out here.
Seriously refreshing you wont regret discovering their music!

11 months and Christmas

2011-12-21T15:01:00.004-09:00

11 months, can you believe it? Really it doesn't seem like she has been here all that long but at the same time I can't remember what life was like without her. So many changes have happen this past year, I was just remembering how uncomfortably pregnant I was at this time last December. Now I have a crawling, jibber jabbering, hot tempered little lady. She really is the best thing God has ever blessed me with.

cutie pants

This year we opted for a small Christmas tree that sits up on a shelf to prevent any catastrophes.

wrapped gifts under my tree for the littlest local family members

best friends

2011-12-19T23:23:00.002-09:00

I love how much Ruby and Jackson love each other. A few nights ago we looked after Jackson for a few hours. When he was dropped off Ruby was napping. While she napped Jackson had fun exploring her toys and our house. Ruby woke up so I went in, got her and brought her out to see Jackson. They both got so super excited about each other. Jackson did this cute little dance where she shook his head back and forth and held his arms up. Oh it was the cutest thing ever. After his dance he crawled over to her and gave a her big, wet kiss on her face and hugged her, it melted my heart!

instagram v. 9

2011-12-19T23:18:00.000-09:00

Ruby had a check up she weighed 19 pounds and was 27.5 inches - Ruby's Christmas gift

Ruby's gift wrapped - folding clean diapers and watching the Help

work

after work snuggles - Ruby's Christmas dress that is too big, but was way too cute not to buy

Ruby making a mess where I just cleaned one up - the night we got engaged (March 10, 2008)

a week after we met (March 17, 2007) - I finally have a clearing on my side of the bed

started reading this book - Ruby watching the tub fill with water

crawling down the hall - I successfully cut some paper snowflakes

mmm, sandwich - Ruby's first fruit bar thing

crazy bed head - playing with her motorcycle engine

organizing - made the Fiddlehead dressing

the best tacos - a super cold windy walk

Ruby loved the cold, windy walk

random things - blanching broccoli for freezing

mmm, broccoli - lunch

Santa! - work

work - a breakfast scramble for lunch

cutie pants - gettin' my sew on

she found the tree! - first scrambled eggs

a vintage look-and-learn hymn book - coffee from a sweet friend

week 46 and week 47

2011-12-15T13:04:00.004-09:00

week 46:

Ruby is getting around really well. She has this "fast" crawl that is super cute, she doesn't really get anywhere fast she just moves her arms and legs fast. Ruby also has some great gibber jabber, it consists of lots of whisper noises and some deep growling. She also loves to point at things.

week 47:

I have mixed feeling about stopping these pictures once she is one. Ever since Ruby learned how to crawl taking these pictures has become such a chore. She tries to crawl away and when I wrangle her back to the blanket she throws a fit. Once she learns how to walk I know its game over. I will miss these cute growth tracking photos. Hopefully she will still let me take her monthly photo's without much protest.

turning over to crawl away

away she goes

some classic Ruby bed head!

Gift wrapping

2011-12-09T16:11:00.001-09:00

One thing I love about Christmas is wrapping gifts.

Ruby's Christmas gift came in the mail today, to refrain from giving it to her early I wrapped it right away. Since I like wrapping gifts so much I decided to take pictures of my process with Ruby's gift.

I wrapped the box with postal wrap then I made some "bakers twine" with embroidery floss.

To make the "bakers twine" I took equal lengths red and white embroidery floss, taped it to a bench and twisted until I was satisfied with the way it looked. I then took the twine and wrapped it around the wrapped gift. I didn't just want to tie it so I took an old button and threaded it with the twine then tied a bow.

To mark the gift I took a pipe cleaner, shaped it into an "R" for Ruby and wrapped yarn around it.

I think I like it!

instagram v. 8

2011-12-08T19:34:00.001-09:00

There are lots of photo's today because I am a huge slacker at posting things. Lately I have not been motivated to blog anything even if its just pictures. Normally if I feel like I have to do something it makes me want to do it even less, so that is why nothings been going on here lately.

the little tree on the shelf - Ruby in my hamper

food pouches are the best - pomegranate

waiting in the car for friends - these strawberries look good but man o man they were bitter

Ruby likes to knock over the stacks of DVDs now - wearing her papa's bib


I was stuck at home with a borrowed broken car for 4 days - Ruby likes to check out and eat the shoes

Ruby also likes to scatter all her toys around the living room and kitchen - Ruby loves homemade juice

cutie pants - our sewing machine in broken so I had to sew these pants by hand

slowly getting somewhere on my project - steeming butternut squash for Ruby

getting her bum changed - the hand sewn pants are finally done

at work which was the first time in 4 days I was able to leave my house - the finished pants on Ruby!

front of finished pants - Ruby's always got something crazy going on with her hair

Avocado on pizza is the best - playing with her food instead of eating it

one of Ruby's favorite toys - some pretty weather

Ruby when she was a couple days old - playing with the drum in the living room

playing with the drum again - put some more twinkle lights up

an old toy of Dan's - playing with Sassy

Sassy fed Ruby her dinner - I got a couch/project on freecycle

Ruby sick - we watched Jackson for a few hours

playing

checking out her bible - Ruby stole one of her aunties donut holes

lots of cuddling for this sick little girl - she loves to stand

week 44 and week 45

2011-12-01T18:14:00.001-09:00

each week is getting more and more challenging to get Ruby's picture without her being upset. She either wants to turn over and crawl away or she wants my camera strap to chew on. She wants my camera strap in this picture.

Although I do think her upset face is pretty cute.

She is getting better at crawling with each passing day, now she gets into EVERYTHING.

In this picture she kept trying to turn over and crawl over to her drum.

on her way to her drum.

instagram v. 7

2011-11-28T14:16:00.001-09:00

My husband faithfully makes me breakfast in bed every Sunday morning
- Ruby pulling her hair clip out even though she was told not to.

I started a wreath project

Jude-licious - Jude trying to eat Ruby's socks

Working on balance

I had a terrible cough so my sister made me some delicious chicken soup - Ruby loved the noodles

Finished wreath - Ruby making her papa proud

Bath time - Pancake eater

Festive lights - Lots of snow <3

We watched Avery and Gavin so our friends Robert and Amy could go on a much needed date!

Eating an orange roll on Thanksgiving morning

Beautiful Thanksgiving morning - Getting ready for the feast

Pie - Family

My dad surprised us on Thanksgiving

A couch that is awesome

Work - Playing

instagram friday v. 6 (on a sunday, again!)

2011-11-20T12:48:00.001-09:00

pulling up - playing drums

lots and lots of snow - watching The Little Drummer Boy

Nasty unplowed road - Chicken soup

lovely view of snow

new bath toys - morning play time

braving the bitter cold - thrifted stuff

moving around and getting into stuff - morning playtime

cold but sunny day - my car went to the shop!

eating rice and she loved it

Peanut butter no-bake cookies for bible study

peanut butter snack for Jack - morning Ruby

Board books and coffee is my life - getting stuff ready for eBay

Zombie soup - first pancake

43 weeks

2011-11-17T15:27:00.001-09:00

Guess what...This little lady has figured out crawling and now she doesn't want to stay still. While trying to take her picture she kept trying to get away.

In order to get this one I had to keep making loud noises and crazy faces.

This is what she was going for its obviously much cooler than getting her picture taken.

41 weeks & 42 weeks

2011-11-14T16:23:00.001-09:00

41 weeks

42 weeks

Ruby can now crawl short distances but only does it if she really wants something bad.

instagram friday v. 5 (on a sunday)

2011-11-13T09:03:00.001-09:00

it snowed - I worked

Ruby with her cousins who were born this year!

Dan went to California to attend the Calvary Chapel Worship Leaders Conference

Ruby and I made a visit to her turtle friend again - the conference

Ruby loves coffee cups

I made Ruby apple sauce

The sun came out

I watched Ruby's friend Jackson for a few hours

Ruby likes to roll everywhere

Dan came home and brought Ruby home some sparkly shoes

I helped my sister-in-law photograph a wedding

Ruby loves drums like her papa.

my little drummer girl

instagram friday v. 4

2011-11-04T15:34:00.000-08:00

best nut mix ever - Jack sat next to Ruby on his own for the first time ever

super crazy high tide

morning playtime and listening to Ruby's favorite record

My PFD spend was a blanket for Ruby from Patapri - last minute Halloween costume making

Ruby turtle and Jack the horse

Ruby trying to give Jude a kiss (or just suck on his head)

My car's transmission broke so we borrowed my sisters jeep for a couple days, Ruby had a great view out the back window. - The power went out so we lived by candle light for a short while.

a fun thrifted button - Ruby's loves to play with magazines

first frost was on the 3rd - egg nog mixed with coffee is so yummy!

First snow was the 4th so we went for a snowy walk!

instagram friday v. 3

2011-10-28T18:56:00.001-08:00

sometimes Ruby is impossible to feed

I got the flu so my diet consisted of just toast, I also downloaded the app. Catpaint which provided plenty entertainment while I was sick

Ruby discovered that she loves shredding paper towels

We went to the local pet shop Ruby loved the reptiles

I did some sewing

My dad sent me an old photo and I thought it was cute how similar Ruby and I look

We went for a walk with minimal rain!

40 weeks

2011-10-28T11:13:00.001-08:00

I think it is just amazing how much a fetus can grow in 40 short weeks. I would say I am just as amazed at how much an infant can grow in 40 weeks also. Every now and then I go through photo's of Ruby when she was younger and it is hard to believe she was that small only a few months ago. Its bitter sweet really, I miss her super smallness and constant cuddles but I also love her new independence and growth.

the little mister

9 months

2011-10-26T15:54:00.001-08:00

at 9 months Ruby...

has no teeth

rolling and scooting is her preferred mode of mobility

nurses 2 or more times a night

lets her papa put her to bed

loves bubble baths

hates wind

thinks her xylophone is the best toy ever

and

has a different laugh for everything.

instagram friday v. 2

2011-10-21T15:33:00.001-08:00

39 weeks

2011-10-20T16:37:00.000-08:00

I can't believe my sweet little girl has been here nearly the same amount of time I was pregnant with her. The 39 weeks she has been here went by 10x faster than the 39 weeks I was pregnant with her. I love her dearly.

38 weeks

2011-10-15T14:27:00.001-08:00

As you can see Ruby wasn't in the best of moods when I took her weekly photo. Her fit was provoked by a necklace I was wearing that I wouldn't give to her. Like I have said before, this little girl has a temper.

Crying and reaching for said necklace

calming down a little

I managed to distract her with a box and took the necklace off, it put her in a better mood.

instagram friday v. 1

2011-10-14T11:50:00.001-08:00

growing

2011-10-11T15:28:00.002-08:00

37 weeks, very late

2011-10-10T16:32:00.000-08:00

the last of it...

2011-10-05T20:08:00.002-08:00

This weekend we bid farewell to some of the last decent weather of the year. The sun was shining but it was really chilly out.

Dan, Ruby and I met Nate, Annie and Jackson at Lena beach after church and had a small BBQ.

The afternoon was filled with good company, good conversation and good weather.

After eating we went down to the water and sat the baby's down and let them suck on rocks

while their papa's threw rocks in the water.

Ruby was really intrigued with the rocks splashing in the water.

The day ended with Ruby reading her papa's motorcycle magazine..

36 weeks, oh my.

2011-09-30T15:58:00.001-08:00

Ruby is a spunky little gal its hard to think she is only 36 weeks instead of 36 months. An attitude like her's at such a young age makes me nervous for the future. Really Dan and I couldn't have expected much else, she is our child after all. She sure is a charmer when she wants to be though, mainly in the presence of strangers, when the camera is out or when someone has something she wants!

My favorite thing these days is watching her personality develop. As much as I loved and miss the stage where she didn't do much other than cuddle and nurse this stage is special in its own way. I am trying hard to stay in the present and not daydream about the past and future, I don't want to miss anything.

I feel like mobility is approaching and have yet to do anything to our house in preparation for it, I am a terrible procrastinator. The nesting phase you have while pregnant should really come along every three months or so after the baby has arrived. It would be helpful in my case.

as of late

2011-09-29T13:06:00.000-08:00

This post is mainly for family members far far away! Its full of lots and lots of pictures taken over the past week.

Ruby had her 8 month check up.

Ruby and I went to story time at the downtown library.

Ruby finally figured out what she is supposed to do with this.

Ruby found a new way to sit.

Ruby doesn't like Halloween.

Ruby in the morning.

Cousin play time.

Always trying to be upside down.

Dan had a birthday!

Birthday celebrations!

New snow!

First ponytails!

Going to the beach!

Naked time!

I got a hair cut!

I finally pulled my sewing machine out and made something!

Play dates!

Ruby is learning how to feed herself!

Trying to crawl?

Ready for the weather

Room

Play date with Owen at Turf for Tots!

Watching Jack poo!

Ruby and Jackson out at Eagle Beach

Jackson helping himself to some ranch dressing and cucumbers!

A beautiful fall day out at Eagle Beach!

8 months, a few days late

2011-09-23T11:40:00.000-08:00

At 8 months Ruby...

still has no teeth

hates getting dressed

makes a big protest when something doesn't go as she would like

is attempting to crawl

loves to stand

likes to babble

is sleeping in her crib

likes to put anything and everything in her mouth

Happy Birthday!

2011-09-22T17:28:00.000-08:00

to my main squeeze.

35 weeks

2011-09-22T16:33:00.001-08:00

This week I am at a loss for words so I'll just say the usual, "I can't believe she is 8 months old."

Our week in instagrams

2011-09-21T21:08:00.003-08:00

I downloaded the Instagram application for my iPhone and I am completely obsessed.

Anyway, this is what our week looked like...

I worked

Ruby's first night sleeping in her crib, she did great!

Family time

crawling?

some standing

waiting for Penelope to be born

Anxiously awaiting to go meet Penelope

Dan and Penelope

Labor (revisted)

2011-09-19T16:15:00.002-08:00

photo from Hannah's blog

My husband's twin brothers wife is currently in labor. If you have a moment please pray for her to have a safe labor and delivery!

DeAnna delivered Penelope on Sept. 19th @ around 8:45 pm, they are doing well!

Jamie Grace - Hold Me

2011-09-19T11:25:00.000-08:00

I really can't get enough of this song.
Also a blog worth checking out - Dear Photograph

A to Z of yours truly

2011-09-16T09:55:00.002-08:00

A. Age: 26.

B. Bed size: Queen.

C. Chore that you hate: Dishes and folding laundry, they never seem to end.

D. Dogs: a yappy black Chihuahua named Jack, he really is sweet.

E. Essential start to your day: Ruby snuggles and kisses, then coffee.

F. Favorite color: Green, Yellow and Teal.
G. Gold or Silver: hmmm, black.

H. Height: 5’9".

I. Instruments you play: I can make fart noises on Ruby's tum tum.

J. Job title: Wife and Mama.

K. Kids: Yep.

L. Live: ALASKA.

M. Mother’s name: starts with a J.

N. Nicknames: I don't really have one, I really just prefer to be called Ashleigh.

O. Overnight hospital stays: Never.

P. Pet peeves: chewing with mouth open.

Q. Quote from a movie: Yeah right, I never remember stuff like this.

R. Right or left handed: Righty.

S. Siblings: I have lots of sisters, they are pretty great .

U. Underwear: Well, I wear them if that's what you're wondering.

V. Vegetable you hate: I can't think of one right now, but I am sure there is one I hate.

W. What makes you run late: Having to come back to retrieve something I forgot.

X. X-Rays you’ve had: Teeth, duh. Hip, back, skull, neck, shoulder.

Y. Yummy food that you make: My husband really likes my Split Pea soup.

Z. Zoo animal: Peacocks are pretty rad.

week 32 & week 33

2011-09-15T15:21:00.001-08:00

Week 32 Ruby was in a terrible mood when I took her photos, the photo above was the only one she wasn't screaming in. This little girl sure lets you know when she is upset. She has started to exert her will and throw fits when something doesn't happen as she wants it to. Dan and I both have pretty red hot personalities so we really could not have expected much else.

...luckily a nap took care of her terrible mood.

Week 33 Ruby is in a much better mood and this past weekend had her first camping (in a cabin) experience. She did pretty great for sleeping and being in a totally different place. This week Ruby has been getting in some crawling positions, but they always end with her face planting the floor. Luckily the face plants have not discouraged her from trying again and again. I feel she will be crawling with in the next few weeks. I haven't done anything to baby proof our house mainly because I have no idea what to do. I am naturally a procrastinator and figured I'll baby proof things when I have to.

Ruby came up with a few new faces, this is one of them.

this ones reminds me of her papa

Still no teeth which I am happy about cause this little girl already likes to bite me while nursing. Its less painful teaching about no biting when there is no teeth. Also I really love her gummy smiles, they can stay around as long as they like!

Family Camp!!

2011-09-14T11:16:00.000-08:00

(warning: tons of photo's)

Family camp was pretty epic this year. We were blessed with beautiful weather and fantastic teaching.

The camp was at Echo Ranch Bible Camp, which is about a 45 minute walk from Echo Cove (aka the end of the road).

We walked out with our good friend Nate, Annie and Jackson.

love birds

Once we got there we went to the mess hall and let the babies plays and stretch their limbs for a while.

We had dinner and a teaching that night.

Our mornings started early with a group devotion before breakfast.

The beautiful sunshine made the entire weekend so much more blessed.

The beach was the perfect place to be.

I love how Ruby stares at beautiful scenery when I sit her in front of it. I really do wonder what she is thinking.

Dan and Leonard went for a short canoe ride, apparently they chose the canoe with a hole in it.

Jacob, Jackson and Ruby.

Ruby and Jackson

Susie took a zipline ride,

so did Dan!

Marcus and Liam, so many babies.

This was our guest speakers daughter Chloe, she was so cute.

Shane asked Susie to MARRY him!!!!!!!

Lots of duck tape sword fights.

Our cabin for the weekend; we shared it with Nate, Annie, Jackson and Susie.

Mushrooms abound

The worship and teachings were amazing

Praying over the newly engaged couple!

a hike with friends

2011-09-08T09:29:00.001-08:00

Yesterday turned out the be a beautiful sunny day so Ruby and I went on a hike up Perseverance (one of our favorite trails) with our friends Annie, Nate and Jackson. We were on a hunt for salmon berries and only found enough for snacking at the very end of the trail.

Annie and Nate

True beauty only God knows how to create

Annie and Jackson

the four of us, plus a runner we accidentally blocked off.

All Sons and Daughters

2011-09-05T13:18:00.001-08:00

All Sons and Daughters is a new discovery of my husband and I. They are worth checking out!

first bike ride

2011-09-03T20:38:00.001-08:00

On Thursday we finally got a break from the rain, Ruby and I took advantage of the weather by going on a walk before Dan got home. I took pictures of the changing leaves and enjoyed the sunshine on my cheeks. On Thursdays we have a bible study that we go to, since it wasn't raining we decided to ride our bikes there.

I personally haven't been on a bike ride in a long time, it was nice feeling the cool breeze in my hair again. Dan rode the road bike with Ruby on it and I rode his fixed gear bike. I tried to get pictures of Dan and Ruby cruising but Dan was too fast for me and the one time I passed him I aimed the camera but was unsuccessful at getting them in the frame. All these pictures were the lucky ones considering I was just holding the camera with one hand clicking away!

All in all I don't think Ruby was too impressed, the said one time I passed them Ruby just looked bored.

the helmet....

fall is here

2011-09-02T12:49:00.000-08:00

There is a crispness in the air and the leaves are changing. If fall consisted of more than a few days of weather like this I would welcome it. But here fall means lots and lots and lots of rain so I am not excited about it.

Soon these leaves will be yucky mush floating in a lake sized puddle.

How do you feel about fall?

32 weeks

2011-09-02T11:56:00.004-08:00

like always...I CAN'T BELIEVE SHE IS 32 WEEKS. My life has changed so much since this little beauty arrived, the funny part, I don't remember what life was like without her.

Ruby had a couple firsts yesterday, I'll be posting about those later.

room inspiration

2011-08-26T14:02:00.000-08:00

bathroom

bedroom

kitchen

livingroom

nursary

office

week 31

2011-08-26T10:09:00.000-08:00

Gah, I love her so much.

I took these right after she woke up, she was still tired.

haha, this one cracks me up.

7 months

2011-08-23T17:22:00.002-08:00

Ruby is 7 months old now and I seriously cant believe it, yeah I know I say that every time but seriously I can't believe it.

at seven months Ruby

babbles at her toys, mama and papa all the time

likes to suck, chew and spit on everything

isn't sleeping

like apples, blueberries and sweet potato's best but not more than mamas milk

likes to charm strangers with a big smile

doesn't have any more bald spots

likes to suck on her toes while getting a diaper change

thinks Jack (the dog) is the coolest thing ever

gets super excited to see her papa when he gets home

wakes up at 9:00 sharp every morning

likes to make big splashes in the tub

loves the baby in the mirror

weighs 17 pounds 12 ounces

is 27 inches long

I know I do a weekly post AND a monthly post, how annoying, but I know I will love looking back on these later in life so bare with me.

As much as I love her at this stage I miss each and every month so much.

Its hard to believe how different she has become in seven short months.

pieces of me

2011-08-22T15:45:00.000-08:00

Being a stay-at-home mama to child that can't talk real words is somewhat lonely. I am finding myself craving two way conversation and getting down about not doing much other than rolling around on the floor, singing songs and making silly faces.

Before I became a mama I worked in a busy coffee stand where I would talk with over 200 customers in a short 5 hour block. I remember looking forward to getting off work so I could have a break from talking. Now I am finding my life is the complete opposite, I stay at home with my little one having no adult conversation counting down the minutes until my husband gets home so I can have some two way conversation! Whats silly is I know so many stay at home mamas in my town but I never actually call any of them to hang out. "I just don't want to bug them," is what I tell myself.

30 weeks

2011-08-18T12:55:00.000-08:00

I really can't believe 30 weeks has already come and gone, time seems to be speeding by. This weeks we have been battling teething and Ruby has also had a cold. This has made for many long nights of getting up each and every hour to sooth her back to sleep. It really sucks seeing her in pain, defiantly not a fun part of being a parent.

rain

2011-08-16T10:47:00.001-08:00

I have been spending lots of time here

with these two

cause it looks like this out, fall has indeed arrived.

I was thinking how silly it is that I spend most days at home just Ruby and I when I know so many people with little babe's. I am going to try and get out of my little house and spend time with other mamas and babe's.

Shop my closet!

2011-08-15T14:51:00.001-08:00

I don't want to be annoying...but....my ebay items don't end for another two days. Score some cute clothes here!
link should be fixed!

week 29

2011-08-12T12:17:00.000-08:00

I love my growing little girl

she really is the greatest

and makes any bad day better

how could I resist this little chub

purging my closets

2011-08-10T12:02:00.004-08:00

...

I went through my closets and decided to get ride of ALOT of clothes, the pictured above stuff will be listed on ebay (HERE) and the rest will go to the consignment shop or be sold at a garage sale! I pulled over 100 articles of clothing out of my closet to rid myself of!!!

This...

2011-08-09T17:13:00.000-08:00

little girl

makes

heart

pitter patter...

Quality Family Time!

2011-08-07T18:17:00.007-08:00

Today was pleasant so after church we packed ourselves a lunch, walked out to "our" island (the one we got married on) and enjoyed the beauty and quiet. It seems like quality family time is few and far between so when it happens I like to sit back and cherish it.

Every time we go out to the island Dan and I day dream about moving to a remote island and living off the grid, maybe someday!

Salmon are spawning which means there are a lot of salmon, dead and alive, in all the little streams throughout the wetlands. As we walked to the island and back to the car we kept stepping on dead salmon hiding in the tall grass, it made the funniest sounds and Dan made the best impression of it.

Ruby was asleep the whole walk and woke up just in time for us to reach the beach.

the view

I sat Ruby down with the view in front of her, she sat and took in the beauty while sucking on a toy!

Family photo!

the said dead salmon

more dead salmon

walking back to the car

24 or more dead salmon

kind of creepy

the grass was super tall for part of our walk, poor Jack

It was great enjoying the beauty God created.

Oh yeah, Jack (the dog) rolled on one of the dead salmons, it was a smelly ride home.

World Breastfeeding Week

2011-08-07T09:48:00.000-08:00

Happy belated World Breastfeeding Week!

Breastfeeding is awesome, try it if you haven't you wont regret it.

on my heart today

2011-08-05T17:02:00.001-08:00

And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

Luke 12:15

week 28

2011-08-04T17:54:00.000-08:00

Another week has gone by, they seem to be going by quicker now.

She has grown so fast I find myself missing the newborn stage sometimes. Although I do love her new found independence I miss carrying her around in her Baby K'tan wrap all day.

Now she loves to sit up and play with her toys on the floor, if I let her she would probably be totally fine doing that for the entire day.

Weekend pictures

2011-08-02T09:44:00.000-08:00

the slide was a little scary for Ruby

Zombie Soup

2011-07-29T16:44:00.000-08:00

This soup is delicious, you wont be disappointed.

for the soup:
2 tsp. olive oil
1-1/2 lbs. Italian sausage
3 c. chopped onions
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
2 T. tomato paste
1 28-oz. can fire roasted diced tomatoes
2 bay leaves
6 c. chicken stock
8 oz. mafalda or fusilli pasta
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

for the cheesy yum:
8 oz. ricotta
1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp. salt
pinch of freshly ground pepper

2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking up into bite sized pieces, and brown for about 5 minutes.

Add onions and cook until softened, about 6 minutes.

Add garlic,

oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute.

Add tomato paste and stir well. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the tomato paste turns a rusty brown color.

Add diced tomatoes,

bay leaves,

and chicken stock.

Stir to combine. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

Add uncooked pasta and cook until al dente.

in the meantime:

In a small bowl, combine the ricotta,

Parmesan, salt, and pepper.

To serve, place a dollop of the cheesy yum in each soup bowl, sprinkle some of the mozzarella on top and ladle the hot soup over the cheese.

ENJOY!

(and I was so excited to eat this soup I forgot to take a final photo)

week 27

2011-07-28T13:57:00.001-08:00

Ruby is trying to crawl, when I put her on her belly she pulls her legs forward and tries to get on her knee's. I am assuming it isn't too far off!

6 months later...

hand me down

2011-07-25T14:48:00.000-08:00

Ruby's aunty Hannah let her borrow one of her old shirts. Oh how I wish I had some infant cowboy boots to go with it!

Also Ruby has been skyping with her grandpa and grandma!

New hair

2011-07-24T20:18:00.001-08:00

Dan has a job interview tomorrow so I gave him a hair cut, isn't he a stud!!

26 weeks

2011-07-21T22:49:00.001-08:00

already, makes me sad to think about how quickly she is growing up.

Flooding.

2011-07-21T15:46:00.000-08:00

We are having some moderate flooding from the release of a glacial ice dam on a nearby lake

6 months

2011-07-20T12:04:00.001-08:00

In this picture her eyes remind me of mine when I was little

Sand

2011-07-20T11:22:00.000-08:00

On Sunday my friend Annie and I took the kiddo's to the beach! The day started out super sunny and warm, once we got to the beach the clouds had rolled in but luckily it was still warm!

I let Ruby have fun in the sand. She was way into dipping her toys in the sand while her friend Jackson just wanted to dig holes!

She face planted!

Ruby is also doing great at eating, so far she has tasted avocado, apples, pears, sweet potatoes and whole grain brown rice cereal.

crawling, standing and bedhead

2011-07-15T16:42:00.001-08:00

When I put Ruby on her tummy she tries get her legs under her to be on all four. To encourage it I have been putting her on her belly and putting everything desirable out of reach. She is getting pretty good at scooting, so yesterday I took her pacifier and put is way out of reach to encourage her more. It ended with crying and me giving in and letting her have the pacifier, I promise next time I will be stronger and not give in!

Ruby also like to stand, if I stand her up and lean her on something she will stand forever. Yesterday after the attempt to get her crawling I stood her up against our ottoman. I put a few toys up on it for her to play with. She stood without falling over for about an hour, she would have gone longer but we had to head to bible study.

Today Ruby woke up with the most rockin' bed head, I couldn't resist taking pictures.

baby bellies are the best

I love her in her pj'

passed out from playing

25 weeks

2011-07-14T11:01:00.000-08:00

This morning Ruby was full of all sorts of funny faces, below are a few!

First food

2011-07-11T22:22:00.001-08:00

Yesterday we gave Ruby her first solid food, avocado mixed with breast milk. I put her in her bumbo and put the bib on her. She was excited about the bib and pulled, sucked and squealed at it.

I cut the avocado in half and let her see it and touch it.

Then I stuck it in the food mill and ground it up,

and added some breast milk.

I put some on a spoon and stuck it up to her mouth. I opened my mouth big and she mimicked me. I put the spoon full of avocado in her mouth and she moved her tongue around and spit most of it out.

She was more interested in grabbing at and playing with the spoon, so after a while we just gave it to her.

All in all I think she liked it.

week 24 (a little late)

2011-07-11T10:49:00.001-08:00

Last night Ruby had her first solid food, avocado, and she seemed to like it (pictures to come).

My little girl is growing up so fast I can't believe that just a little over 5 months ago she was so super tiny. She now sits up, grabs everything, plays with her toys, can out stand anyone, makes lots of new syllables and so much more. Children really do grow up too fast but I am enjoying every fast moment.

Photos

2011-07-07T11:00:00.000-08:00

Dan took this one

a bath in the sink

2011-07-02T19:43:00.001-08:00

Ruby loved it...

Thanks USPS

2011-07-01T13:52:00.000-08:00

For handling my package so carefully.

23 weeks

2011-06-30T17:21:00.001-08:00

Little lady is 23 weeks today, INSANE. She is seriously getting cuter and cuter by the day. We had an appointment today with Ruby's pediatrician and she weighed in at 15 pounds 14.5 ounces, what a little chunk! She also got two shots and only cried for about 5 seconds, a picture on the wall took her attention away from the pain.

my little ham

this one cracked me up, looks like she taking her own picture.

this is her mood today, calm and quiet!

Can't get enough of this cuteness...

2011-06-30T08:41:00.001-08:00

I know I am biased but Ruby is the cutest little girl on this planet!

(lots of cute pictures in this post)

this one is just funny

chewing on Zoey (Dan named this toy)

licking her fists

more chewing on Zoey

dropping Zoey

most people don't have this much eyebrow control, I am so proud of my little girl

thinking it funny that I am trying to get a picture of her big bum

her big bum

Talking

more fist sucking

cute

Memory Lane

2011-06-26T18:24:00.000-08:00

Today after church Ruby, my mom and I headed down to Patagonia. When I lived in Arizona, years ago, Patagonia was the place I lived the longest and have the most memories of. I lived there from the age of 5 until the age of 10, then we moved to Alaska.

The drive down was nice, definitely a different landscape compared to what I as used to.

It took a little over an hour to arrive at the Patagonia city limits.

Once we reached town the memories started flooding in. I have so many fun memories from this little tiny town in Southern Arizona.

Here is the house we lived in, it looks so different from when we lived in it. We had a pretty rose bush in the front with a white picket fence. The two trees in the yard are new as is the fence and the awning over the front door. The house is built on a cliff and has a second story built under what you see here. It has a huge patio/porch/deck thing off the lower story in the back. We drove to the street behind the house to get a picture of the back but it was super over grown with trees. When we lived there the back was clear with nothing obstructing the beautiful view.

Just up the small hill from the house was my elementary school. I loved that school and have so many pleasant memories from there. It was awesome being able to walk around the campus and reminisce.

The gate into the campus

The main school house complete with an old style bell! Third grade, fourth grade, fifth grade and art were in this building. It had super high ceilings and creaky old wooden floors.

The back of the main school house.

This was where kindergarden, first grade and second grade met. The ball court is between the main school house and this little one.

This is looking from outside the school gate down the hill towards our old house (you can see the house if you follow the sidewalk down)

After exploring the school when went and drove around town, looking at old friends houses and playgrounds I use to play on. This was city hall and behind it is three blocks of open grass with randoms trees, Amanda and I played here all the time.

This is the super tiny grocery store the town has, still the same from when I was living there.

It was so cool going back there after 16 years. I remembered it a little differently but I am sure its just from the small change that has happened over the years.

Arizona Sunset

2011-06-24T08:54:00.001-08:00

We drove up and over Grants Pass towards Old Tucson to watch the sunset last night. It was gorgeous...

week 22

2011-06-23T10:42:00.003-08:00

result of a short nap

More Tucson!

2011-06-21T13:45:00.002-08:00

Its going to be even hotter...

Thankfully Ruby doesn't really seem to mind the heat much!

sweet baby toes

Surprisingly beautifully flowers manage to grow and bloom even without rain.

The three of us went up "A" mountain (its got a big A on it) last night in hopes of getting a gorgeous picture of the sunset, sadly after taking about five picture my battery died. Luckily I brought the charger so we can try for a sunset picture again!

South Tucson covered in smoke from the surrounding fires

Cactus, duh.

the little lady and I