Break in regular programming

I got lucky and pulled rubysitting duty today, as I was the only one not working. Ellery was also home for a bit, and she enjoyed gently poking Ruby's arm and belly through the crib slats and then looking somewhat quizzically back at me. Then Ell was carted off to Daycare of the Arts and Ruby and I hung around the house, had some milk, and then headed downtown for lunch at The Original, a new restaurant my hotel's company is opening. Ruby was on her best behavior, observant as always, and kindly taking a nap in the Bjorn while I dropped lettuce out of my sandwich onto her head. Not on purpose. While we strolled around town I was reminded of an activity Mom used to do with us where she would take us downtown and have us sit in a park or somewhere, close our eyes, and draw what we heard. I loved that. I could see the gears turning in Ruby's head as she twisted around to find the source of the jackhammer noise, then leaned the other way at a car honking. Where Ellery is bubbling over the top with a constant banter of noise and wordish sounds and clapping and squealing, Ruby just takes it all in, with a quiet but very watchful gaze. Like her mother, she saves her vocal talents for when it counts: food time and diaper time (Lauren uses her voice for things other than food and toilets, but I'm trying to be metaphorical). And then you better damn well figure out which one it is or she will let you have it good.

This is for my parents, who could use a laugh.

Brave Uncle Joe

Uncle Joe watched both girls while their moms had manicures and pedicure this afternoon, thanks to my awesome sister-in-law Colette. We had a lovely time, and when we got home Joe had these photos to document his dive into the world of two babies.

Who's in the cage here?

Somebody didn't pack enough snack. . .

Please take a moment to admire Ruby Clare MacKenzie - she is SO CUTE. Scott thinks she is 100% Joe, but to me those heart-meltingly sweet eyes are all her mama. Those two made a damn adorable baby.

My First Warhol

At Ellery's open house last month we had the opportunity to purchase the piece of artwork featured below. Her teachers had the kids walk/crawl over the cardboard and then they drew the kids faces- I love this idea! Plus they made hers hot pink, and it looks cool on her wall.

Yay for Mamas!

Happy Mothers Day to all of our favorite Moms, especially Judy and Lori. And a special "Happy First Mother's Day" shout-out to my favorite mama, my sister Lauren. She's a lot more of a softie than I think she had ever expected, but man does she love that baby! (and who wouldn't - Ruby is the best niece ever!)


Below is our tribute to our two moms (and anyone who knows Scott will appreciate the effort it took him to produce these while I was away at work). We love you Nana and Lala!

Walking-ish

Below, some action photos of E and her new toy (scavenged from a free pile, thank you very much). She's zooming around from furniture to furniture, but doesn't seem interested in actually walking on her own. We figure this Little Tykes toy might be the key, but we definitely aren't chomping at the bit for her to be completely walking- seems like it is all over at that point.