Harlow-7 months

Seven months was the beginning of the end of "healthy Harlow". Her pediatrician said that babies' immune systems are their lowest between 6 and 9 months. I'm not sure why this is, but sadly my girl is walking (OK...crawling) proof that there is some truth to this. I feel like she's been sick almost non-stop for the past few months. I'm pretty sure she is in some stage of a runny nose in every one of these pictures.

Throughout her illness ups and downs there were several other things worth remembering from Harlow's 7th month.

With crawling skills firmly under her belt, she started working on her monkey stance. I'm not sure what it is useful for, but it is cute.

This month she wore the little blue dress that both Ruby and I wore. You can't tell from these pictures, but I will note that it was much shorter on Harlow than Ruby or me. She's a tall one.

This month she also started pulling up on everything. 

She is still not super cuddly, but whenever you pick her up she will hug you for a second before she pushes away. I've grown to savor the few seconds she gives me.

Such a classic Harlow move. Giving Sam some love and then quickly switching to check out the view from her new vantage point.

Finding new ways to enjoy the saucer.

Becoming more interested in what my big black camera is all about.

Pitiful little thing. I hope it doesn't make me mean, but I really like this picture of her. That look really sums up how she felt for way too much of this month.

When she wasn't miserable, she spent as much time as she could enjoying her growing interactions with her siblings. Nothing makes Harlow more excited than the attention they give her. I can't remember exactly why but Max was setting up a little "desk" for her here.

She seemed to have enjoyed it.

I'm pretty sure he is trying to teach her something here. She seems fairly interested in his "lesson".

Her consta-runny nose often collided with her crazy in-her-eyes hair and it wasn't a happy combination. I tried to keep it pulled up, but it sometimes felt like a losing battle.

Looking like she means business.

Even taking her "monthly picture" turned into quite the chore for my not-feeling-so-great girl.

She was happier when I let her do her own thing--which at 7 months includes activities like holding tightly to toys while banging them on anything nearby...especially walls.

Getting a little"walking" help from a big sister was pretty high on her "want-to-do" list too.

I never did quite get the shot I was looking for, but as far as capturing reality, these ones do a painfully good job. Even now I can hardly stand to look at her poor raw, scabbed nose, sore from too much wiping. Oh...yeah and she got a third tooth too, which didn't do anything to help keep her nose in any better shape. 

A lot of times I wish I could just freeze time and certainly looking at these pictures makes me miss my girl from two months ago, but as far as freezing time goes I think I'll wait until we can make it more than a week without falling off the healthy wagon. I love you Harlow, but I'm looking forward to your healthy return.

Ruby turned 4

Back in the midst of the holiday hoopla, Ruby turned 4. I think this is the first birthday she's had when I was actually sad she had hit the end of another year. I don't necessarily have a problem with her being four, it's just that I love three so much and being four is uncomfortably close to being five and that means all kinds of things that I'm not even ready to think about with her.

Ruby is keenly aware of her birth date and had been counting down the days for a month, however whenever I tried to probe her about what she'd like to do for her birthday she didn't have anything particular in mind besides having a turquoise cake. I prodded her several times, but when she didn't seem to be expecting anything else "party-wise" I decided to do myself a favor and keep things super simple. And that is just what we did.

Apparently, even the weather took notice for Ruby's big day and dumped enough snow the night before to give her the perfect start to her day...a two hour delay to for work for Sam and no school for the boys. We took advantage of the extra time and enjoyed a relaxed breakfast with our birthday girl.

Nothing starts a birthday right like "first-thing-in-the-morning" presents.

 After a quick wardrobe change into the outfit she received, it was time for breakfast. Ruby claimed she wanted cereal for her "special breakfast" (the girl does love cereal), but the boys convinced her she wanted monkey bread, so monkey bread we had--and homemade donuts from the night before since she had fallen asleep before they were done. Yes, that's an "R" shaped donut--only the best for our birthday girl.

Lunch was a...wait for it....Lunchable. I'm not sure when my kids will no longer think that is the most special lunch ever. At least it was easy. 

After lunch, the boys once again convinced her that what she really wanted to do was play Lego Star Wars with them. I would have been highly suspect of their motives except for the fact that they were probably right. She loves to be included in everything they do. I tell ya, that girl knows more about droids, troopers and "the force" than I can believe sometimes.

 The day before Ruby's birthday (while preparing dinner) I asked Ruby what she wanted for her birthday dinner. She looked at the meatballs I was making and requested those. I thought about it for a moment and then decided to just throw them in the freezer and keep them for the next day. Easiest birthday dinner ever. The bow bun she requested  for her hair was the most time consuming part of the preparation.

Time for cake!

Presents! I always love the gifts the kids give each other. Max almost gave Ruby a bunch of little green army men (which she probably would have liked), but I think he made the right choice with the doll.

Reed gave her a pink recorder, which was also perfect because she is always wanting to play his.

This was the moment she opened her eyes for the bike unveiling. After wanting nothing else for a whole year I think she was a little in awe that it was actually hers.

 The boys were almost just as excited about the gift as she was. She was equally pleased with the bike itself and her ability to ride a real bike. She did quite a few laps around the house before the night was over.  I don't know what was more adorable, seeing her beam as she rode around or hearing her say, "I can't believe I actually have a real bike!" on almost every lap.

Like I said, it was pretty low key, but I think for Ruby it was just right. She felt loved and celebrated and she should, because we really love that girl.