Family Visits

These are pictures from our latest visit to Grandma Gloria's house. Ruby was wild about the little play house in the backyard.

There is also one picture from our visit to Maryland (a quick side trip from Ken and Eugene's D.C. wedding) to see cousins Ann-Mari and Julianna Ratner. Mitchell was in Nepal at the time so he missed the fabulous breakfast they made for us.

I can't believe it, my baby is so brilliant.

Ruby tasted her first date today (Then ate three halfs, discarding them when she got to the pit.), took her first drink from a water fountain (She squealed with delight about it, stuck her finger in the spout and sprayed water everywhere.) and sang "Itsy Bitsy Spider", "Ring Around the Rosies" and the "Alphabet Song" in their entirety for Jo Jo and Scott next door.

She also said "sorry" (unprompted) after bumping daddy's arm while drawing. And she yelled out "Nanny share!" from the drawing table while Paul and I were discussing childcare options for next month when our beloved nanny, Ella, leaves.

Her development is astounding. Particularly in language reception and production and in empathy. We are very proud parents.

Jumping on Daddy's Mattress

Actually Daddy only sleeps on the air mattress in Ruby's room occasionally now. She sleeps in her crib on her own in there for most of the night each night. But we leave the mattress there because its a comfort to her and because its so fun to jump on!

In the video Ruby is saying "Mommy, jump, other side" because she wants me to come over to her side. I couldn't move at the moment. She is a great communicator though. Her language skills are outstanding.

Upside Down!

Ring Around the Rosies!

Uncles Ken and Eugene Got Married!

Ruby's first cross country flight was to see her uncles get married in D.C.

It was a fabulous celebration. It was great to see our aunts, uncles and cousins who we don't get to see very often.

Ruby was a dancing machine! She loved the salsa band and kept dragging grandma and grandpa out to the dance floor.

She was a little nervous about the traditional South African dress one of Eugene's friends wore, but that was quite beautiful too.

We had a tiny bit of time to stop by Obama's house too. Ruby liked the many, many squirrels in the park across the street.

Parties, Parties, Parties!

Isaac had his 2nd birthday party! Everyone had a great time jumping around in the kindergym at the YMCA and then ate cake.

Ruby kept pointing to Isaac and saying "Isaac!" the whole time. She really loves him.



We also went to a bon voyage party for Iris and little Emilia, who are moving to New Jersey. This party was at a vintage arcade with good pinball machines and miniature scenes with moving pieces. Ruby loved the Charles Dickens family dinner scene as well as the games and the strawberries. The moms enjoyed playing pinball.

Happy 75th Birthday to Grandma GLoria and Uncle Morton!

We had a great big family party in Palm Springs! We almost missed it because Ruby was so sick but she got better just in time for us to make it to the festivities. We have more pictures to come! I have to download them.