not to us

Of course, I have several things to share.  :)  Here we go!

Ruby's Humor Is Right On Track

Okay, everyone, I am so sorry if I'm boring you with Ruby's humor, but I just can't get over it.  I love it.  Every week, I get a "development e-mail" from BabyCenter.com.   For Ruby's whole life, all 16 months and two weeks of it (that's approximately 72 weeks, which is approximately 72 e-mails), she has never been doing the developmental milestones that the e-mails said she "should" be doing.  Now, since all children develop at different rates, this wasn't a huge concern to me.  Add her prematurity into the scenario, and I really wasn't very concerned.  Today, however, was a big day.

I opened the e-mail, and it said this:

"Your 16 month old: Week 2

Hello, Lindsay!  Your toddler is learning which of her tricks get a laugh out of you, and which bring your disapproval.  She's studying your reactions, so now's a good time to start teach right from wrong by cheering on "good" behavior and frowning on "bad."  And don't forget to watch what you say and do around your child: imitation is one of the ways toddlers learn socially acceptable behavior." 

Ruby is doing those things!!!  She is testing and trying to get us to laugh!  She is imitating the things we do!  The proof is in the pudding!  Look at my last couple of posts!!!  My child is doing what the e-mail said she should be doing!!!

I hadn't realized how much I had been waiting for that to happen.  I mean, Ruby is fine.  She's not really behind comprehensively.  She's perfect.  She's a little small, but I prefer a petite little girl, anyway.  (That's what I prayed for!)  I mean, I truly, honestly don't worry about her development.  I'm a child development professional.  I would know if something was wrong.  However, it was still so fulfilling to see that in my Inbox.  I laughed out loud, picked her up, and danced with her a little bit.  It was a cool thing.  :)

A Combined Example of Ruby's Humor and Development

It has been warm the past few days, and I've been trying to honor my husband and keep our a/c at a reasonable setting.  78 degrees is pretty good, but I keep Ruby in just a onesie to make sure she doesn't get too hot.  Yesterday morning (the morning of the "Keenkeee Oooobeee" deal), she did another funny thing, but I didn't want to bore you anymore with posts, so I saved it for today.  

I was speaking with a Carpet Installation representative on the phone, and all of a sudden Ruby walks out of her room...

...BUCK Naked.  I mean naked.  She had taken off her onesie and her diaper.  (Wow!  Sometimes *I* can't even get those onesies over her huge noggin!)  She walked out into the living room, carrying her very full nappy in her hand.  I didn't want to post a picture of her full-frontal on the internet, but here's her cute hiney:

Not a Fan of TV just yet

Many of you know that I haven't allowed Ruby to watch television to this point.  She's seen a random bit of television here and there, but she's never really sat and watched a show.  Well, yesterday, I really needed to get the dishes done, and she woke up from her nap in the middle of my dishwashing escapade.  So...I decided to try what many other moms try.  :)

I got duckie, blankie, and a cup of milk.  I propped Ruby up in the corner of the couch, and I turned on a cartoon.  This was the result:

Ruby imitating the hand motions

Ruby staring at the television

Ruby staring at the television in a blank stupor, despite repeated attempts to get her to look at the camera

Ruby *finally* looks at Mommy
(obviously still in some sort of stupor)

 Ruby laughs at Barney
(By the way, even when I do start letting her watch t.v., that won't be an approved show.
That dude is ANNOYING!)

Ruby laughs at Mommy
(who hopefully does not resemble Barney in any way, shape, or form)

Anyway, she watched the show and allowed me to finish the dishes.  However, that stupor still unnerves me.  I'm sure part of it is due to the fact that it's a completely new sort of experience and she's in awe of the fact that the black box actually makes pictures.  However, I think we'll wait until the next little one pops around.  Then, I'll use the stupor to my advantage!  :)

Tropicanoe Cove...with Cameras!!

Yay for mommies who remember their cameras (and pay freaking $2 for a locker to protect the camera when she's not looking!)  Renay and I took the kids to TC again today, and everyone seemed to have a good time.  I didn't get any pictures of TJ or Jake, because they were long gone on their way to fun by the time I got Ruby and myself lathered up in SPF 50.  :)  I did, however, get a couple of pictures of the little ones and a really stunning picture of Renay (in my opinion.)  Please note the fact that I did not say I got cooperative pictures.  :)  Ruby was much too interested in the water, and Owen was much too interested in his hungry tummy.  :)

My First Attempt at a Picture of the Two Little Ones (TLOs)

Cutie Pie Owen

Cutie Pie Ruby

My Next (and Last) Attempts at a joint pic of the TLOs

A Really Cute Mommy Moment

A Really Cute Mommy :)

A Sleepy Ruby

This Week's Tropicanoe Cove Observations:

1.  Arni's Junior salads really are very good.  :)

2.  The Lazy River is so nice...especially when Ruby cuddles.

3.  The sun was really hot today.  It seemed more intense than last week.

4.  This is the serious one:

I am really alarmed at the level of child obesity.  I noticed it last week, but this week it was just as bad.  I can't believe the four and five year olds that have rolls hanging off their sides.  I can't believe the eight year olds that are huffing and puffing from running from the Lazy River to the banana slide. I can't believe the 14 year olds who are holding their towels protectively around their bodies.  My heart just aches for the life-long struggle they have ahead of them.  It's a struggle that I have dealt with and still deal with, and I wouldn't wish it on anyone.

I'm so angry and frustrated at our society for letting them down, too. I mean, it really starts at home.  If they don't learn healthy habits from mom and dad, then that's where the problem originates.  However, TC isn't helping.  There is a concession stand with a list FULL of unhealthy choices: nachos and cheese, pizza, pretzels and cheese, hotdogs, dippin dots, candy, breadsticks and cheese, Coke, and on and on and on...  If you want something healthy, you've got one choice: a salad.  What about some fresh fruit, cottage cheese, carrot sticks, etc...  I'm sure no one would buy them.  I just wish these kids had a fighting chance...guidance from home and support from the community.  Anyway, that is weighing on my heart.  I really hope we start to get the health crisis fixed in the United States.  It could be a bleak future, if we're not careful.

Sorry to end on such a bummer note!  I'll finish with a pic of the ever-adorable Roomeister!  These pictures were taken almost exactly one year ago by my good friend, Angela McBride.  What a talent and gift!  I'm feeling a bit nostalgic tonight.  :)