A Whole Hand

From Fall 2014

Five.  Five?!  That's like a big kid.  Ruby's "real' birthday was a week after we arrived in Waco.  Packages arrived in the mail daily and she could barely stand waiting to open them!

From Fall 2014

 Mom and Dad got an easel (from Ikea!) for our little art lover.  It has a chalkboard on one said and a dry erase board on the other with a roll of butcher paper in the middle.  We also resupplied her stash of markers and art necessities.  Ruby was also spoiled by her Gagas, Grandpas, Aunties and Uncles and friends.  She got some cute clothes, princess figurines, a magazine subscription, books, and a scooter.

From Fall 2014

 We did an early lunch followed by ice cream cupcakes (and early naps) so we could spend her birthday afternoon at the Cameron Park Zoo here in Waco.  Ruby enjoyed playing tour guide, following the map and hurrying us along to the next exhibit.

From Fall 2014

 It's a great little zoo and we are looking forward to going back (thanks to Gaga and Grandpa who gifted us with a family membership).  When we returned from the zoo, Dad granted her wish to take a shower in our master bath while Mom made tacos for dinner at Ruby's request.  More than once our 5 year old gushed, "Best birthday, ever!"  We are so proud of our incredibly intelligent, amazing Ruby!

Ruby at Five from Steven Nelson on Vimeo.
Ruby at Five:
Stats:  As I said before, we had Ruby's check-up before we moved.  She did great until she watched Ada get her shots and then it took some negotiations (read: bribery) to get her to cooperate for one shot!  She is happy and healthy, and smart as can be!  Ruby weighs 37 lbs (25%) and is 42 in tall (70%).
Eat:  Ruby is still a very pokey eater and has gotten pickier over the last year.  She likes a waffle for breakfast and usually eats a big lunch and dinner.  Lunch is often turkey or peanut butter and honey.  She is gaining and understanding of food groups and knows she has to have vegetables and protein for each meal.  She loves soup, potatoes, chicken, and tacos.  Baby carrots are her preferred veggie.  Apples, raisins, and dried berries are top choices for snacks.
Sleep:  Ruby has always had a hard time calming herself down to sleep at night and it often takes sometime.  There must be something about this Texas air though, because the first few weeks we were here she'd typically makes a single apperance after goodnight kisses and then was in her room and quiet by 8:30 for the rest of the night.  (It hasn't been quite as smooth as of late, but vast improvements over a year ago!)  She usually wakes around 7:30 or 8:00 in the morning and often exits her room with markers and paper in hand, ready to get to work!
Play:  Books and art.  That about sums up Ruby's favorite activities.  She loves having someone read to her; picture books, chapter books, and anything in between.  She loves playing with other kids, especially older kids, and asserting her older sister status while dictating all activities with Ada!  Ruby learned how to pump on the swings and likes riding her bike and new scooter.  She's into princesses and likes to watch movies.  Ruby LOVES PreK at her new school!
Personality:  Ruby is sensitive, inquisitive, and PER.SIS.TENT.  We have noticed her mature over this last month or so and have been so proud of how well she's adjusted to all of our changes.