Ruby Lorelei and Clayton John

Cousins

2009-12-08T15:53:00.000-08:00

Gymnastics and THE Cheese Pit

2009-12-08T15:22:00.000-08:00

Today Ruby and I joined some friends from a Syracuse Homeschooling group at GC2- a huge indoor gymnastics center that the group rents out for a playdate a couple of times a month. We met up with Kristen, Judd and Libby, which Ruby was very excited about! Ruby was one of the youngest kids in the group at just 2, but that sure didn't stop her from joining in on the fun! The Cheese Pit was a big highlight of our time! It's a 5 1/2 foot pit with a trampoline floor filled with foam squares. I climbed in to help her at one point and thought I would never make it out, it was so hard to maneuver in there! The kiddos had a blast! Sorry for the blurry pictures..
. she couldn't stop wiggling, of course!

Jumping in the Leaves!!

2009-11-19T15:19:00.000-08:00

Still my little Sling baby!!!

2009-11-18T11:04:00.000-08:00

Lately Ruby has been asking to "sleep in the sling" the woven wrap I carried her in as a baby! The magic of the wrap is that it is so adjustable, I can carry a newborn or a busy, wiggling toddler. Ruby has actually taken two snuggly naps recently while I wore her in the sling. What a great way to show her that she is still my baby, and that even though it's Clay that is usually carried in my slings, we're still just as connected as ever!

Daddy's shirt recycled!!

2009-11-15T14:17:00.000-08:00

Using this great tutorial, http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=170402.0 , I used one of Bob's old button down shirts to sew a new dress for Ruby to wear for Thanksgiving. It is still missing the bottom trim, but is otheriwse wearable. I may finish it with some pretty lace detail. It was super easy and would have only taken about 45 minutes if I hadn't been constantly interrupted by a nursing baby and busy toddler!! I can't wait to look through all the local consignment shops for more men's shirts to try this with!! I have plenty of little girls in my life that like to dress up!!

Tick oh Teat!! Happy Hah-ween!!

2009-10-31T19:57:00.000-07:00

The COWHERD-ly Lion

2009-10-31T19:54:00.000-07:00

Grandma Reedy found an adorable Lion costume for Clay to tag along with Ruby (Dorothy), but unfortunately, it didn't fit! His fluffy cloth diapered bum makes a lot of things difficult to fit!! He was so cute in it, I had to post anyway!

Big Smiles! Clay @ 9 weeks...

2009-10-19T12:03:00.000-07:00

Ruby's Twin Scarecrow

2009-10-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

We found this cute girly scarecrow at Joann's Fabrics, and I couldn't resist! She looks like Ruby, pony tails and all!!! Now all she needs are some matching movie star sunglasses!

The Cutest Kids!!

2009-10-19T11:51:00.000-07:00

Playroom Gets a Makeover - Bright, Cozy & Sunny Yellow!

2009-10-19T07:33:00.000-07:00

We've finally painted our sunny little playroom! I could have learned to live with the bright orange-y, salmon-y color that was left by the previous owners, but Bob didn't like it and it really wasn't jiving with the rest of the colors we chose for the house. Inspired by Waldorf schools and blogs from other creative parents, I set out to design a cozy place where our kids can relax, dream, play, imagine and create. The "Golden Slumber" yellow paint that I chose dried a little darker and more intense than I had wanted, but overall it works and I think the color will pep up the dreary CNY winter days ahead of us. One of my favorite parts of the new room is the Flower Fairy letters from artist Melissa Sweet... adorable!! Ruby and I have spent a lot of time dyeing playsilks (hanging from the mirrors next to her art table) in an array of colors, and she uses them daily in her imaginitive play, from dress-up clothes to baby blankets! I also love our cozy little "fireplace" which looks a lot better than a regular space heater would! I'm sure we'll be spending lots of time cuddled on the soft faux- flotaki rug in front of our little fire, reading books this winter! This by far has been the most fun of all the rooms in the new house to makeover!!

Playroom Before - Sherbet Orange!

2009-10-19T07:27:00.000-07:00

Naked Cowgirl

2009-10-19T05:42:00.000-07:00

Ruby seen here, as she was most of the summer.... naked and singing in our backyard!!

2009-07-23T06:48:00.000-07:00

5am Birthday Wish

2009-06-19T02:47:00.000-07:00

Our Soon-to-be Home!!

2009-05-20T15:57:00.001-07:00

What Happens When Ruby Skips Her Nap!!

2009-05-20T15:38:00.000-07:00

2009-05-20T15:09:00.000-07:00

Fort Ficsher Aquarium, North Carolina

2009-05-20T12:56:00.000-07:00

Ocean Bubbles!

2009-04-05T13:22:00.000-07:00

Mama and Me

2009-04-03T17:40:00.000-07:00

On the beach with Aunt Lindsey

2009-04-03T17:13:00.000-07:00

Happy Beach Day!!!

2009-03-30T13:44:00.000-07:00

1st Walk on the Beach with Bopa - 50 mph wind!!

2009-03-30T13:39:00.000-07:00

Windows to the Sea

2009-03-30T13:36:00.001-07:00

Noodle Head

2009-03-24T09:53:00.000-07:00

I'm sooooo over the "food-in-the-hair" phase that Ruby has going on, but she still thinks it's hilarious to smear whatever she's eating on her head. It's a nasty clean-up job, but at least I geta few good pictures out of every meal!!

St. Patrick's Day Poof!

2009-03-24T09:50:00.000-07:00

Ball Baby Overall Mei Tei

2009-03-24T08:44:00.000-07:00

The new addition to my family of baby carriers - The Ball Baby Overall (don't ask me why this pattern has that name!) I made it with scrap fabric, blue corduroy and blue and white with blue floral. Not the prettiest carrier, but it certainly is comfy and sturdy enough for even a toddler. I like this pattern a lot and will have to try it again with some nicer fabric!!

Learning About Crayons

2009-03-24T08:42:00.000-07:00

Silly Snoring

2009-03-12T07:13:00.000-07:00

Baby Doll Mei Tai

2009-03-10T14:01:00.000-07:00

Laundry!!

2009-03-10T13:36:00.000-07:00

Tiny Tots Tea Room

2009-03-06T11:03:00.001-08:00

Tiny Tots Tea Room is a genius blend of a relaxed cafe for moms and indoor play space for kids not far away from us in Clifton Park. I can't get over how smart this business idea is, and every time we go I start dreaming up plans to open my own "mom and kids" cafe someday - maybe in the Syracuse area where something like this would be SO successful. Ruby loves all the toys and interaction with other kids, and I love that I can catch up with friends over a latter or tea while she plays. Today was a gloomy day and just right for an outing like this. Ruby had a blast!!!

Fancu New Yogurt Spa Treatment

2009-03-03T16:01:00.000-08:00

Try the all-new Yogurt Spa Treatment!! It's all the rage with celebrities!

Instructions:

1. After eating an entire container of yogurt and a whole banana, beg Mama for more yogurt ("Go-Gut!! Go-Gut!!"). She'll give in and let you try the Lime flavor.

2. While mama is distracted, rub the entire contents of the yogurt container in your hair. Allow it to soak in until mama notices.

3. Avoid contact with eyes!

4. Enjoy your beautiful lime-scented head of hair!!

Mei Tai Morning!

2009-03-03T12:59:00.000-08:00

I did it!!! I sewed my very own mei tai, an asian-inspired baby carrier. I tried to basically copy the shape of a Kozy carrier, which has a much larger body. I made this carrier intended for the new baby this summer, so it has a smaller body hat a ewborn won't get swallowed up in. I was pleasantly surprised that Ruby is just a little too tall to really fit, which tells me that I will probably be able to use this for baby #2 for about a year!! It's a pretty gender-neutral chocolate brown with baby blue spirals and flowers. I'm in love!!! I can't wait to make more!!

Ruby's baby sling!

2009-03-03T12:48:00.000-08:00

Ruby has been trying to a long time to wear my slings and carry her babies. I made her a purple sling when she was about 9 months old but she didn't really understand it then. Now that we go to monthly "Sling Babies" meetings, she sees babies being carried and worn all the time, and she wanted part of the action. So Voila - a pink baby pouch!! Took me about 10 minutes!!

Kitchen/ Jungle Gym

2009-03-02T16:11:00.000-08:00

Dancing....

2009-03-02T14:59:00.000-08:00

More Snow in March! (of course!!)

2009-03-02T13:44:00.000-08:00

Yummy!!!

2009-02-28T04:19:00.000-08:00

At some point the little brown eyes looking up at you break you down and you give up all of your intentions to avoid too much sugar in the first few years of childhood....... Who doesn't have great memories of liking the beaters while making cookies with mommy?? Ruby was in heaven!

Hi, Gigi!!!!

2009-02-28T04:16:00.000-08:00

On a recent visit to Grandma Wendie and Bopa's house, I also got a chance to catch up with my great Grndparents, Gigi Sandy and Grandpa Rich, Grandma J and Grandpa Bob. Here I am greeting Gigi Sandy with my Bopa's hat on!

Dancing Queen

2009-02-26T06:01:00.000-08:00

Ruby's favorite new hobby? Dance Parties!!! This is her right after dinner (during which she spread mashed potatoes on her head - hence the crazy hair). Just turn on the the music and off she goes!!

Cooking in my Kitchen!!

2009-02-25T14:44:00.000-08:00

The other day while I was cooking I looked over my shoulder to see Ruby copying my every move at her own little cooking station. She even found an old tank top of mine and put it over her head to use as an "apron"....... such creativity!!

Snow Day!

2009-01-28T08:12:00.000-08:00

Hanging with Grandpa on Turkey Day

2008-12-16T15:28:00.000-08:00

All Dressed Up and Nowhere to Go!!

2008-12-16T15:23:00.000-08:00

More messy pics!

2008-11-02T13:18:00.000-08:00

My "Ditty" Pumpkin!

2008-11-02T11:35:00.000-08:00

Thank you, Gigi Sandy, for my Halloween Pumpkin!! Daddy turned it into a Kitty for me!!

Farm Visits and Apple Picking

2008-10-30T06:44:00.001-07:00

Late this summer and early this fall we've had a lot of great family outings that haven't been blogged about! In August, we went to Indian Ladder Farms and the Schaghticoke Fair. This fall we've been apple picking and also visited the Hawthorne Valley Farm Fall Festival. I love people watching (Mullets at the county fair, hippies at Hawthorne, etc...) but I especially love seeing all of the animals. I love to yell out "DITTY!!!" when I see any animal, and then say "Bmoo - bmoo!". Yes, I'm a little confused about animal names and sounds, but I love them all so much I just get too excited to remember what name goes with what sound!! Here are some snapshots from our various family outings!!

Babywearing!

2008-10-30T06:40:00.000-07:00

Mama made me my very own baby sling!! Here are some pictures of me "wearing" my soft little duck from Aunt Sue!

We'll miss you, dear friends!!

2008-10-30T06:16:00.000-07:00

We are very sad to be seeing a handful of our closest friends leaving this month. They have been a big part of our lives!! We've shared great meals, bible studies, and special outings with them.

Mama's good friend Susanne was there on the day I was born. She was one of the first people to hold me and was a very special friend during my first year. She and her husband Dan just moved to swanky Irvine, California and we miss them a lot!!! Joe and Rebecca and little Helena are also moving away, just not as far. Helena was one of my first friends, like a big sister to me! We'll miss the amazing food Rebecca always prepares and visits to their pretty little farm.

We love you all and will miss you so much...

"Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart...." Phillipians 1:4-7

Here are some great photo memories....

Family Photo at Uncle Sam's Rugby Game

2008-10-30T06:15:00.000-07:00

Birthday Girl!

2008-10-06T07:05:00.000-07:00

Talk about "Whole Foods!"

2008-09-17T18:09:00.004-07:00

The other day while mama was unloading groceries in the kitchen, I snuck a huge tomato out of the bag. It was one of GiGi Sandy's fresh garden tomatoes and I LOVED it!!! Now tomatoes and their by-products are my favorite thing to eat! MMMMM.....

Ruby's Soul Food

2008-09-17T18:09:00.003-07:00

Spotted in downtown Syracuse recently......

Jingle Bells

2008-09-17T18:09:00.002-07:00

My very own "Ditty"

2008-09-17T18:09:00.001-07:00

I really, really, really love animals, especially dogs and cats. I can even say "kitty" - it usually comes out "ditty" or "datteeee!!" but mama and daddy know I'm smart and know what i'm talking about!! My crazy Aunt Lindsey couldn't resist getting me this fluffly white kitty the purrs, responds to my touch and seems so real to me. I was so excited to finally be able to hold and squeeze a Ditty!!! Aunt Lindsey's the best!!

Adventures in Babysitting

2008-09-17T18:09:00.000-07:00

Hi, Andrea and Alex! I hear you like to check my blog once in awhile. You are my favorite neighbors and I love when mama babysits for you! We always have so much fun!! By the way, you look fabulous wearing your "babies" the way mama wears me!!!

Berry Picking in August (Summer Memories!)

2008-09-16T09:10:00.000-07:00

How quickly summer turns into fall!! Here are some older pictures from August of me picking wild blackberries with mama and our friends. I got to ride Grampy's 4-wheeler, too!!

My first time at Raquette Lake

2008-08-28T10:13:00.000-07:00

My Own Little Piano!!

2008-08-28T09:54:00.001-07:00

Yesterday Mama and Daddy picked up this great vintage piano for me from Dusk, one of their favorite little shops in Troy's Antique District. Isn't it great??

Look How I've Grown!!

2008-08-26T10:59:00.000-07:00

10 +1/2 months

1 + 1/2 months!

Prunes!!

2008-08-26T05:07:00.000-07:00

MMMMM.... Messes are Yummy!

2008-07-29T10:18:00.001-07:00

I just love to feed myself these days! I practically refuse any baby food unless I can feed myself or steal bites from Mama or Daddy's plates. My favorites are bananas, avocados, cheese, tofu, watermelon and cantaloupe. I especially enjoy getting my food in my hair and eyebrows.... you got a problem with that???

Our Trip to Vermont!

2008-07-29T07:47:00.000-07:00

We recently enjoyed a nice family day trip to the hippie little town of Brattleboro, Vermont. It's about an hour and a half by car, and a very windy drive through the Green Mountains. I did a great job sleeping all the way there and most of the way back (I usually hate the car, so this was a major victory!). Mama found her Mecca while there -a natural parenting store filled with wooden toys and cloth diapers called Sprout.

I love hugs and cuddles!!

2008-07-22T14:28:00.000-07:00

Creative Play

2008-07-22T14:23:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty sure I've created my own genre of music! It's simple - dig through the recycling bin and find a cool empty box or can, and then whack the heck out of it with a spoon or toilet paper roll. Voila! - Baby Mozart in the making!!

Family Play Time!

2008-07-22T12:20:00.001-07:00

Naked Summer Baby!!

2008-07-22T12:19:00.000-07:00

Getting intoTrouble!

2008-07-22T12:17:00.001-07:00

Poor, Poor, Patches

2008-07-22T12:01:00.000-07:00

Patches has been my best buddy since I was about 5 months old, when Aunt Kristen and Uncle Pat gave him to me for Christmas (see the very first entry to this blog for cute pictures!). He makes me laugh and I love to hug and kiss him. So you can imagine how dramatic the scene was when this Sunday morning we were pulling out of the driveway on our way to church and Daddy yelped, " OH NO!!!!! PATCHES!!!!" My poor, poor patches had been stranded in the road in front of our house! Thankfully he didn't look run over and he's still good as new. Mama and daddy had a good laugh at the pictures Daddy insisted on taking!

VOTE FOR RUBY!!!!!

2008-07-02T06:13:00.000-07:00

Hi all!! Mama and Daddy just entered me in a Beautiful Baby photo contest at our local baby photo studio. The prize is a year of free pictures!! You can help me win by voting for me at:

www.ismilestudios.com

1.Click on Beautiful Baby Contest
2.Click on "Babies" category
3. Click on my picture (pink dress, bouquet of flowers)
4. Give me a Thumbs Up!
5. Repeat as often as you'd like!!

Thanks!!!

Special Visitors from Germany!

2008-06-27T10:06:00.000-07:00

I recently had a special visit from my "Auntie" Carolin and her boyfriend, Thomas. They are both from Germany and someday I will go there to visit them , when I am older! I had a wonderful time showing off my musical skills and playing with them!

Narcoleptic Napper

2008-06-27T09:55:00.000-07:00

In the last few weeks I have decided to absolutely refuse to sleep in my crib for daytime naps. Of course I'm still sleepy during the day from all the busy playing and crawling and cruising I'm doing - so I've been prone to fall asleep in very funny place lately! The FUNNIEST nap I ever took is the one directly below, in my bouncy play seat. When mama lifted me up, I still had a mouth full of cheerios!

Happy Birthday, Grandma Wendie!

2008-06-19T09:28:00.001-07:00

Country Baby

2008-06-16T04:45:00.000-07:00

Last night we spent yet another beautiful evening at our friends Joe Rebecca and Helena's "farm". WE loved admiring their HUGE veggie and herb gardens , now in full bloom, and I loved visiting their fluffy hens! Everytime we visit mama leaves with dreams of living closer to the earth, kicking it old school like Laura Ingalls Wilder in The Little House on the Prairie. We love you guys! Thanks for filling our bellies with yummy food, our lungs with fresh country air and our minds with new perspective from city life!!

The men-folk had fun doing manly things - tearing down dead branches and making a fire while the women-folk chatted about cloth diapers, birth and babies..... as usual!!

I took a refreshing dip in Helena's wadding pool!

I has so much fun playing my very favorite game with Helena - Peek-a-boo! I even said "boo!" for the very first time!

I love Anna!!!

2008-06-15T19:02:00.000-07:00

Tubby Time With Anna!!

2008-06-15T18:56:00.000-07:00

Beach Baby

2008-06-12T14:17:00.000-07:00

Today Mama and I went to Grafton Lakes State Park with my buddy Jackson and his mommy Danielle. I LOVE WATER!! I had so much fun crawling around on our blanket, playing in the sand and especially splashing in the waves.

Smile for the Camera!

2008-06-05T08:39:00.000-07:00

The best place for a nap is....

2008-06-05T08:35:00.000-07:00

...right next to Mama's heart.

Beautiful Butterfly

2008-06-05T08:29:00.000-07:00

Here I am wearing a pretty little dress with Eric Carle's Butterfly from "The Hungry Little Cattepillar"book. Someday soon mama and daddy will take me to the Eric Carle Museum of Children's Illustration in Northampton, Massachussetts. Until then, I'll just enjoy his beautiful, colorful stories!

Cowherd Toy

2008-06-05T08:13:00.000-07:00

Notice my cute little purple "Cowherd" toy in the background? My Grampy Hubbard gave it to me!! He's the greatest! He knew I would love it because mama's alma mater's mascot was a purple cow- and this little pull toy has a little "herd" of them!! :)

"Aunt" Katie Loves Me!

2008-06-05T08:09:00.000-07:00

I love my "Aunt" Katie and "Uncle" Frank (or, Kank & Fratie, as mama and daddy call them)....... and I know they love me! We try to visit them anytime we go to Syracuse and they visit us on trips to Boston and back. I'm just crossing my fingers and toes that someday they'll move to Albany and make a baby friend for me to play with!

Froggy Bottom Girl

2008-06-05T08:04:00.000-07:00

My Great Grandma Janet brought me these funny PJ's when I was just born and it took me allll this time to grow into them. Only a cute baby like me could pull of having smiling critters on their rump!!

I'm in Love with a Big, Big Frog.....

2008-06-05T05:23:00.000-07:00

Peekaboo with GG Sandy!

2008-05-16T07:47:00.000-07:00

Cute As Can Be!!

2008-05-16T07:40:00.000-07:00

A Visti with My Cousin Anna!!

2008-05-16T06:14:00.001-07:00

This week mama had some doctor appointments so my Auntie Emma and cousin ANNA came to stay with me and keep me busy! We had trips to the park and even got to take a tubby together!! Auntie Emma had fun dressing us up in matching outfits. Aren't we a cute pair??

That Baby in the Mirror Sure is Cute!!!

2008-04-28T08:12:00.000-07:00

Being Goofy with my favorite "Uncles"

2008-04-28T08:06:00.000-07:00

Yummy Milk and Cookies!

2008-04-28T07:02:00.000-07:00

Ruby in a Rucksack

2008-04-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

Taking A Nap With My Daddy

2008-04-28T06:57:00.000-07:00

My First Taste of Watermelon - MMMMMM!!!!

2008-04-28T06:46:00.000-07:00

Cruisin'...

2008-04-18T06:55:00.001-07:00

I'm getting SO close to crawling!

My favorite toys are not toys! This is my very favorite thing to do - ---

My First Bite Out of the Big Apple!

2008-04-18T06:07:00.000-07:00

Well, Mama has a lot of bloggin' to do today because she's very behind. Of course the most exciting blog is of our little trip to NYC this week. There aren't many pictures of our sightseeing since mama and I were on our own walking around most of the time, and couldn't get many of us together. We had a wonderful time shopping, people watching, and walking from one side of the city to another (Mama carried me in the Ergo the whole time!) I was amazed at the sights and smiled at everyone and lots of strangers oohed and aahhed over me while I was sleeping in my carrier! Now that mama knows how easy it is to take me to the city on the train, we will make many more trips down to see Aunt Robin (Bobbie) and other friends!

I'm so cool, they named a restaurant after me!!

Chillin' out in the comfy King-sized bed in my first hotel room ever, in the Flatotel Hotel.

I loved meeting my Auntie Carolyn from Germany, finally! We met up at the UNICEF plaza where she is doing an internship in women's organizations and social responsiblity at the UN. She is one of mama's dearest friends and I LOVE her!

Aunt Bobbie kept trying to sneak me bites of everything she and mama were eating at a lovely Greek restaurant, but what I really wanted was a taste of her wine!

Here I am in Aunt Bobbie's beautiful corner office right on Broadway in Manhattan. We called Grammie Jo on the phone and I was very confused because Grammie and Auntie sound so much alike and look alike, too! We decided Aunt Bobbie would have to be called "Auntie Grammie".

We visited nearly half a dozen of the thousands of Starbucks in the city (only place with a good bathroom!!) and this one had a cool art display about their logo, the Siren - which is what my middle name, Lorelei means! Pretty neato!

Bouncing!!

2008-03-28T05:20:00.000-07:00

I love my new bouncy chair!!! Enjoy the ridiculous videos made by my parents, who think every little thing I do is hilarious!

Heaven Sent Toy

2008-03-26T05:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday mama and daddy caved on their strict "no plastic toys" ideals and bought me a bounce n' play station. At least it was second hand, therefore not paying in to this country's disgusting over consumption of plastic. I'm really lucky to have mostly cloth and wooden toys, which are safe and free of lead paint and a "made in China" label. In a utopian world, mama and daddy could avoid all ugly plastic baby gear, but this was one good exception.
The light shining down from heaven on this toy is not photo-shopped in.... it really happened! Mama thinks this toy really is from heaven.... while I played happily, she was able to run a load of laundry, do dishes, clean the living room and catch up on emails!!!

2008-03-24T11:21:00.001-07:00

I had a very special Easter celebration earlier this week! We didn't travel home for Easter but had dinner with our "Troy Family" - the Aviles' and the Hernbergs! Helena is one of my best "big-girl" friends and she got right down on the floor and played with me. I just love her!!