Ruby and I spend a fair amount of time alone at home. David leaves for work at 5am five days a week (sometimes six, like this week), so getting ready for the day with her is always a challenge. I also work from home one day a week and have another day a week off.

I have come up with some ways of keeping Ruby happy while I'm working (top pic; that pile of toys probably lasts her about 15mins!) and while I'm taking a shower. Other strategies: get everything ready the night before: her clothes, mine, dishes done, lunch packed if I'm going to work the next day and so forth.

This morning was a real treat, because Ruby played for about 15mins in her bed before wanting my undivided attention, so I got to snooze a little longer! Hopefully a new habit that she'll keep?!

By the way, featured in the bottom pic is her "lapin'ours" (a teddy bear with a rabbit costume). A few months ago I put some soft toys in her co-sleeper and would give them to her in the morning when she woke up. She didn't show the slightest interest, but I perservered. A few weeks later, in a moment of frustratration with the whole going to sleep business, she grabbed lapin'ours, cuddled with it and since then it is her most prefered soft toy of all times.

Last but not least--happy may day everyone! I almost forgot, given that I'm working from home today and so a tad disconnected from the global working proletariat. Here are some words of solidarity also from Megan for all you workers out there.

-- Marsha