New Years Eve

I was so looking forward to New Years Eve. Annette and Sakari had invited us over for fondue at their place. But...Ruby was feeling unwell for most of the day, had stopped eating normally, was very lothargic, coughing and then started running a high temperature. So, we cancelled our plans and because the pediatrician was closed, we went to an after hours clinic to see what was wrong with Ruby. She had two ear infections and a respiratory infection, and so got an antibiotic. I'm sure she just felt awful and it was horrible that there wasn't much we could do to make her feel better. That night was the worst sleep Alex and I have had since she was born. I think having a sick baby is almost harder than having a newborn baby!

Here's Ruby enjoying the bed paper at the clinic...you would hardly even know she was sick then, as she was in heaven tearing it apart!



And then looking droopy on New Years Day...

Ruby and Roman Reunited

My London friend Brenda, her husband Matt and son Roman were in Dallas visiting family. They came over for lunch and a playdate at our house. So, Ruby and Roman were reunited (they're a few weeks apart in age and were friends in London). I'm so glad we were able to visit and also meet Brenda's sister, Carla.

Ruby tries raw oysters!

Just kidding! But Alex and I had some fantastic ones for lunch one day last week!

Cute as a Cupcake

Kate gave Ruby this adorable hat for Christmas. Doesn't she look cute? (thanks Kate!)

Christmas Day 2009

Ruby's first Christmas!



The snow from Christmas Eve was still on the ground so we had a White Christmas!



Santa brought Ruby all kinds of fun things...like books, hair bows (for when she gets hair eventually!), a singing flower toy, monkey booties, and lots of new pajamas in her stocking (she wears size 12 months now!).







My brother Preston sent Ruby some gifts from South Korea where he is teaching English.



Santa brought Alex some gnomes for the backyard.



After a cozy morning at our house, we went over to Alex's parents for a nice late afternoon lunch. Mrs. Macnab made a great turkey and we enjoyed visiting with Larry and Sandy who were in town for a few days. Here is a picture of us in front of the Macnabs' British Taxi (we took a similar photo several years ago).



Ruby got to spend time with her cousin (as you can tell from the photo, they are not quite to the stage where they show much interest in each other!)



We gave Alex's parents a Chimenea for their patio...



The Macnabs and Robersons gave Ruby lots of nice things. I especially love the cupcake hat that Kate gave Ruby.

Thank you to the Macnabs, Pattons and Robersons for all our gifts and for helping us make Ruby's first Christmas so fun.

Merry Christmas!

White Christmas Eve

Yesterday it was over 70 degrees, I was wearing a tank top and considering turning the A/C on. Then, this morning it started snowing and the temperatures dropped into the upper 20s...Wierd! In the afternoon the snow started accumulating on the ground and it made everything look so pretty. After Ruby woke from her nap we took her outside to see what her reaction would be...Well, from the look on her face, I don't think she was too pleased with the blizzard-like winds and frigid temperatures! But, she did look super cuddly in her bear outfit!

















I put a small Christmas tree in Ruby's room and she loves it. She will be playing with toys on her rug and then look up longingly at the tree until I pick her up so she can grab the branches and attempt taking the ornaments off. Today I just set it on the floor and she was so excited!