New favorite amusements - the penguin and snail

Since she was just a few weeks old Ruby has shown a real interest in black and white toys and books. Supposedly this is because all babies prefer high contrast images...So, why do they make the majority of baby toys in pastel colours?!?!?! Anyways, in addition to her black and white books, giraffe and small fluorescent bug chimes, one new favorite is a black and white stuffed penguin (came free with some piece of baby equipment!)



The other favorite is a black,white and red multi-image bumper thing we use in her pram. She gets so excited looking at these things - arms swinging, feet kicking, cooing, shrieking bird noises, etc! There is one image in particular that she seems to like best - the swirly snail. She could stare at it for a good 10 minutes without getting distracted. I have rotated the images around, but the other things don't seem to have the same effect.Sometimes, after 'playing' with the snail, she will just fall asleep, happy and content.

Last day of baby massage class

Today was our last day of baby massage class. We learned some good techniques that really relax Ruby after her bath. At 9 weeks she is starting to smile more and more!

Ruby's first swimming lesson

On Monday, I took Ruby to her first swimming class. It was quite a trek to get there (took nearly 1.5 hours there!) but supposedly this place is good as it is specifically designed for baby swim lessons (warm pool, etc). Anyways, Ruby was a bit grumpy since she didn't get to finish her whole bottle before the class...and so, as you can imagine, she wasn't overjoyed to have water splashed or poured on her from a watering can...much less to be carried around listening to the class sing 'wheels on the bus go round and round.' She was slightly stunned by the gentle swishing back and forth in the water, but overall she wasn't that impressed...Fingers crossed she likes it better next time since it is an 11 week course!

Here is a pic of us before the class started (along with Brenda and Roman who are also taking the class). At least she looked super cute in her polka dot bathing suit (thanks again for such a nice gift Marie!)

Saturday in London

Last Saturday we went to Covent Garden, down Oxford Street and stopped by our old neighbourhood (Bayswater and Kensington Gardens) for a short walk around. Ruby did really well, managing to stay calm amidst the crowds. She has become quite tolerant of eating her lunch on the go in random places and having impromptu diaper changes in her pram. She is an 'urban chick' as Alex says.

Video - Tummy time

At first Ruby hated tummy time...she preferred to strengthen her neck and back while laying/sitting on our chests. But, in the past few days she has been tolerating it more and more. Tonight after her bath and massage, she managed a few minutes of tummy time/bobbing her head around.

A day of shopping and curry for dinner

Today Ruby and I went to Westfield shopping centre with Brenda and her son Roman. We had a fantastic lunch at Wahaca (nice Mexican food with a relaxing patio) and then browsed a few shops. Going to Westfield is like being back in Dallas - it is a nice, modern mall that is very well designed...Excellent for mums with prams. Then, tonight Alex and I went to our local Indian restaurant for a curry.

Video - Ruby swats at toys

In the mornings Ruby likes to lay on her changing table, look in the mirror and swat at her toys. These bright lightweight bug toys have been fantastic as the tiniest bump from Ruby makes them move and crinkle (thanks for the recommendation Kate!) And, the giraffe is also a big favorite.