12 Months Old!!

Dear Ruby,

WOW! You made it, or I guess I should I say WE made it!! You are 1 year old! Your first year was just amazing. We've survived, we've grown, we've become a family. That you for that sweet girl!

It's so hard to try and put into words how quickly this past year has gone yet at the same time I feel like you've always been a part of our lives. Not sure how that works?

Every month when I sit down to write you this letter I think about our last month and the first word that always pops into my mind is "Whew!" Needless to say you keep us busy! During your 11th month we travelled back to Kansas City, celebrated mommy's birthday and mothers day, and most importantly celebrated YOUR birthday! You were full of new tricks this month - we heard your first word (duck) and then it seemed like each day that followed you had a new word. A few of your favorites are: Book, Duck, Dog, Nana, and Up. Another first this month - taking your first steps! You still prefer to crawl but you also love the attention you get when you do choose to walk. You even clap for yourself after a few steps which of course cracks us up. We also noticed that you understand SO much more these days. When asked where your nose is you make a piggy nose. When asked "Where is Ruby's baby? You drop down and crawl to pick the baby up and give it hugs. You point to things, nod your head, and mimic us and we just are in awe with each new thing you do. You are our endless source of entertainment!

We went for your 12 month Dr appointment this week and you are definitely a growing girl. I couldn't believe it when the nurse had you step on the scale instead of using the baby scale! You just seemed like such a big girl standing there! You now weigh 21.5 lbs (Between the 50th and 75th percentile) and are 30 inches long (75th percentile). I keep waiting for you to shoot off the chart in the height department because SHOCKER, we think you may be tall!?!?

You are now up to 8 teeth with two of them just now poking through (the two on either side of your upper two front teeth). And because of your love to crawl around and pick up EVERY little tiny thing you come across in your travels I am constantly fishing things out of your mouth. I am sure when you are older you'll be really proud to know that you seem to enjoy dog food. Yep! I've caught you with your hand in the bowl a couple more times than I'd like to admit and you have attempted to eat Bo's food. Yikes! We now keep the food up high out of your reach. Your favorite "human" foods these days are plain pasta that you can feed yourself, string cheese, turkey, cottage cheese, and yogurt. I love watching you feed yourself - you clearly enjoy the independence. Now if we could somehow just teach you to clean up after yourself!

Ruby, you’ve made us grow in the best of ways. You bring out the fun and playful side of your dad and you’ve taught me to be nurturing and even have a little patience. I have loved becoming your mom and watching you become you. What a privilege it is to watch you discover this world. I know our best years are yet to come and I can't wait to spend them with you and daddy. Happy Birthday baby girl!

Love,

Mama and Dada

Photos from your 11th month:

Taking your first step. How fun that it was on Sunday while surrounded by family! Sometimes we wonder what we used to do for entertainment before you came along.

Mama with my favorite girl on Mothers Day

All the Mamas on Mothers Day

You are a BIG clapper. It's so cute to watch.

I know I've said it before but I'll say it again - this playard is the BEST. You are wonderful at entertaining yourself. I owe this playard many thanks for the time it allowed me to prepare for your birthday party this past month!

Opening an early birthday present from the Jacobs. Your very own little adirondack chair!!

Playing with "Betsy Wetsy" at Nana's house. A new favorite...