Ruby is growing up so fast. I can't keep track of it all. The last few weeks she had been acting a little out of sorts: not sleeping as well, occasionally fighting naps, wanting a new going to sleep routine, clingy at times and wanting to nurse every 5 minutes. That was clearly preparation for the amazing period we're in now--a completely happy, relaxed, babbling babe. Although I could do without the screeching as a form of communication; a phase I am sure no parent is spared.

Here are a few of the new things she does:

• She has fun opinions--like wanting to put on her shoes before we've put on a diaper or her pants. Why ever not?! (Thankfully she agreed to a diaper, pants and even a jacket when we out an hour later. By the way--that top was mine when I was a babe!)
  

• She seems to be learning one new word a day. Yesterday she said Marie for the first time, the day before it was Sammy, before then dog, and bird, and the list goes on and on.

• She is more comfortable with us leaving her, and is more able to anticipate our arrival. Marie told us that about an hour before David gets home, Ruby will start talking about dada and the chats and David says she does the same about mama. The people she loves are on her mind. Last night, the last thing she said before falling soundly asleep in the rocking chair was "Sammy."