picture day

They say that pictures are worth a whole boat load of words- So I am hoping that these four little beauties will do the trick. I admit I have been super slack these days and I am beginning to feel the tiniest bit of blogger shame.

But not too much.

To say that I have been having the time of my life would be an understatement. I am absolutely in LOVE with my daughter and aside from a few vanity issues I am loving motherhood too. I am exceeding my own expectations of being competent and having patience. Sure, I have my moments, and I am almost positive I will be losing it come February....but I really do love being a mom. And, I really don't miss work that much. Who knew?

I've even cooked dinner for the Hubster on a few occasions. Look at me go! Next thing you know I'll be cleaning the house. Har Har.

Ruby is growing like crazy. She'll be 5 months on the 16th and at her 4 month shots she weighed in at just under 17 pounds. She is 25" long, has two teeth, and judging by current mood swings and chomping she'll be getting more soon.

She is usually an absolute delight. Her personality is exactly how I imagined it. Sassy, curious, busy, independent and loud. She loves her routines and her bedtime -just like Mommy and Daddy.

We got her an Exersauser last week. I am not big on huge hunks of plastic cluttering up our wee nest but this thing rocks. Literally. It is a monstrosity and it is encrusted with hideous made -in- china farm themed toys...but she loves it.

To ease my consumer guilt we got it second hand. I think it was worth it because our little play mat definitley seems to be losing it's mystique. The baby chair is also looking a bit small next to Ruby's massive self.

So, she is enjoying bouncing, spinning and rocking while smacking and yelling at the barn yard animals. Lets face it- they had it coming.

Okay - Now for the photos:

Family apple picking day - October 2008

Girlie snowsuit picked out by Daddy - October 2008
First Halloween party with my little devil - October 2008
Whisler Road Trip (in the ferry line up)- October 2008

There really are a million little things that amaze me about this child. About this journey.

Each day, each hour, each minute even... milestones are reached, smiles and giggles are exchanged and hearts are warmed and filled with joy. I feel so blessed, so special and so sappy as I furiously try to archive an infinitely growing number of special moments into my forever memory.

Like the scissor kicks at diaper changing times, the routine unicorn sniff and face rub when sleepiness strikes, the dog fur snatch and the koala bear clutch while riding snug in the ergo. Or, the way leaves catch her eye when we walk in the wind and the way her restless hand grabs my face as we nurse on the couch. The way she yells at her toys or hums at my breasts. The way she studies the world around her with intense curiosity and sleeps so soundly. So peacefully.

All of these things amaze me.
All of these things bring me joy.
All of the things... are what I've always dreamed of.
They are real and they are priceless.
They are special.
And they're ours.

Forever.
Love.