kitchen help

Ruth is only days away from being 6 months old now and she loves attention. I love to give her that attention she needs, but sometimes I need to actually get stuff done, like making dinner! The best thing I have done to my kitchen is to put her exersaucer in it! Sometimes it's a little inconvenient because of its size, but it is so worth it! Ruth can play and play and because I'm in the same room as her we both can keep our eyes on each other!

Joy

It is no secret that Ruth has given Fritz & I tremendous joy and filled a spot in our lives we didn't know was empty! What is really amazing is to see the joy that she brings to others. Even random strangers enjoy watching her smile and talking to her to see her face light up! Friends and family now can't wait to see her as she grows and are often disappointed when I don't bring her along wherever I go.

We live with my grandma Irene now, and she is up in her years and her mind isn't always 'there' but she always has a smile for Ruth and enjoys talking to her. Even when Grandma is having a bad day, Ruth can always make her smile and cheer her up. I am so glad that Ruth is around to keep Grandma's spirits up. If you had asked me a year ago where I would be and what I would be doing, living with my Grandma would not have even crossed my mind, but God knows what He is doing and there is a reason we are here.

Moving backwards

Ruth was really enjoying her tummy time today. She learned how to push herself backwards and starting going in circles around the carpet. She was very proud of herself and was smiling the whole time. She is conked out at the moment, her hair all frizzy out of control, but just as cute as ever. It's amazing the love that parents have for their children, how different and powerful it is!

Vaccines

Ruth got her second round of vaccinations today. The first time was really tough for both of us, this time wasn't quite as bad. It's hard to know what's best, because there are so many differing opinions about things like vaccinations. I always wanted to be a mother, but I never realized I would be so unprepared to make so many decisions affecting my little one's future. She is so precious I don't want to make bad ones! Thank God for guiding Fritz and I through all of this!

Swimming with Oma

Ruth got to go swimming again with her Oma and mommy! She loves the water and likes to splash, unfortunately she keeps splashing herself in the face and then throws her head back to catch her breath, every time! It's a fun experience though because she giggles and splashes, brief moment to catch her breath, and then its back to looking for something to grab, like... water!

Lots of smiles =)

Ruth is continuing to learn new things, today is her first day trying out her exersaucer that was a gift from a wonderful friend from our congregation! It seems like only yesterday that she was content laying in her crib listening to music. Now she is constantly wanting to be sitting or on her tummy trying to crawl! Did I mention she can sit up now? I am so blessed to be able to be home with her while she is learning so much! It is easy to loose track of time just sitting playing and watching Ruth. What a happy little girl she is and what a gift she is to us!

Rolling over!

Here is a video of Ruth rolling over!! She is getting so strong and really trying to get around now! It won't be long and she will be into EVERYTHING! Oh the wonderful joys of parenthood! Celebrating small achievements and realizing that everyday is an opportunity to learn something new =)