Ruby loves to pose for the camera, but she also loves trying to grab the camera. Here you see her in action, innocently chewing her lower lip and then slowly but surely making her way over. Unfortunately the batteries gave out just when she was about to attempt to shove the lens into her mouth.

Latest news: mamie from France is visiting! Pics to follow soon. Ruby already thinks she lives here permanently and expects to be carried to her bed to play as soon as she wakes up in the morning.

Also, I went out and splurged and bought the ergo baby carrier. Pics of that to follow soon also. I love it. Was out today walking for over an hour, in knee deep snow, with Ruby and no sore back. Found out about all kinds of other slings (see last post) and my next purchase will probably be a mai tai. I think I'm becoming addicted to baby carrying items. The advantage of the ergo though is that it's very easy to use (the mai tai requires knowing how to make a backpack from four straps), so that means that our childcare providers, friends and family can all share in the back-friendly Ruby carrying experience. Needless to say, Ruby loves being carried.

Finally, biggest news yet: Ruby fell asleep on her own tonight, first time ever. She seems to have transitioned happily into napping in her bed over this past week and now she seems ready to put herself to sleep. I don't expect easy bedtimes from now on out, but it's great to know that she can do it. Funnily enough, I'm kind of sad she didn't need me...

-- Marsha