Ruby is 4!!

Well, Ruby Elise Wolter is 4 years old! We can't believe it. She does suddenly look older. Kind of made us sad. She told us this week that now that she is 4, she doesn't need us anymore...only to drive... (the tears started to roll, but I contained them) As the week has progressed, I subtly reminded her of a few things she might need us for. She has agreed with most of them. Ruby had a fabulous Shirley Temple Dance Party. We have wonderful friends and family who came and graced us with the Hokey Pokey and the Chicken Dance. Josh had a great play list which included "Animal Crackers in My Soup" for our "animal cracker" game.

Ruby's 4th year stats:

*attends Mother day out (pre-school) on Mondays and Wednesdays
*loves art projects
*loves to talk on Skype to her grandparents in Seattle
*loves her little Sis, Violet
*loves to say, "No, Way!"
*wonders why people keep talking about "JOE VITAMIN" on tv.
*explains that she can only read instructions to games if they have pictures
*loves when her daddy takes her in the wagon to the park
*loves to dance and go to her gymnastics class
*Loves her dress-up clothes and lives in them
*is excited about being a flower girl in Aunt Anna's wedding
*does not like her Daddy's SAAB.
*loves Jesus!!
Thank you, Jesus, for this gift of Ruby E..!!!!!

Teddy Bear Josh

During a night when Josh had a rehearsal and Ruby got to sleep with Mommy:

R: Mom, where is your stuffed animal like my pink bunny?

H: I don't have a stuffed animal.

R: But Mom, I thought your stuffed animal was DADDY!!

We're BA-AAACKKK!

Hi everyone!  YEs, I am back to write about the girls.  Since we last chatted, our family has moved from Smyrna back to Crieve Hall.  I got ANOTHER part-time job to add to my Oak Hill job working at Crievewood United Methodist Church as the Children's Music Director.  I love it and the best part is that we rent the parsonage next door to the church.  It's a 2400 sq. foot house and we barely know what to do with all of the space...  Josh can finally set up ALL of his drum sets and teach lessons out of our home.  

Violet now talks...alot.  Her most common words are Da, Mom-Mom, Ru, Bop (our cat), Gramma-Gram, bop-pa (Grandpa), Anna, Yora (Laura), Ro-Ro(Aunt Rosie), Oma, Opa, Pee (Pete the Dog), Ott(Uncle Art, Ka (Eunt Katie, Mock (Uncle Mark), ba-na-na, mick(milk), peez(pizza), etc.

This baby has no fear.  Climbs on anythingm jumps off everything and is one of the happiest most joyful children I have ever seen.  She LOVES her big sister.

Ruby will be 4 in October.  She just started Mother- Day out last week and goes 2 days per week.  She also started gymnastics with her friend Caleb!  She can now do front rolls and walk on the balance beam.  We call her Mary Lou.  She went on a date with her daddy this week to see the Nashville Symphony at the Schermerhorn.  We had free tickets so I didn't mind if she only lasted one song.  It turns out that she loved it and stayed for the whole thing.  She loved the "beautiful lights" and favorite instrument was the violin.    She hopes to go back some day.

I personally think she will be IN it someday.

Ruby also informed me that she wants to be a mommy when she grows up.  When asked how many children she would like to have, she replied laughing, "Mom,  I think I'll start with one!"

Josh is working hard like a good Daddy does and in his free time he can be found at the park with his girls!

Happy 1st Birthday Sweet Violet!

It's 7:40 AM and The girls are asleep. I have so much to do to get ready for our celebration this afternoon, but the reality of the moment has made me slow down, sit down and write. Our little Violet is ONE year old today. A whole, entire year of letting your heart live outside your body to love not one, but 2 precious lives God entrusted to Josh and I. What a reality!

It has been a hard year for our family, probably the hardest, but God and our girls show us every day what is most important. It has kept us grounded.

One year Violet old Fun Facts:

• loves to play peek-a-boo with a blanket and will stay under the blanket until you say peek-a-boo. (yes, one time we forgot her for 5 minutes under that blanket!)
• loves balls and balloons (ba-boons)
• a non-stop runner of circles around our house
• calls Ruby...RRRRRRRRR
• Can say and point to a "light"
• sits forward facing like Ruby in the car
• loves The Music Playhouse CD's
• buzzes her lips at Grandpa
• loves cheerios
• points and waves at everyone
• dances to music by bending her knees
• also can dance while sitting down..very interesting
• will be not a flower girl, but a FLOWER BUD in Aunt Anna's January 10th wedding!
• loves reading and chewing on books
• Won't got to sleep at night until her Daddy tucks her in!

What a blessing it is to love a child. Happy Birthday, Violet!

Ruby Elise Update!

Ruby, Ruby, Ruby! Where to begin...

After a temper tantrum:

R: "Mom, Sorry I am so "movie" today...

(I think she meant MOODY! Ha HA!)

Ruby is finishing up her "School Year", 2 days per week at First Pres Early Preschool in Nashville. She loves her class and her teachers and has a best friend named Caroline. Mom's Kindergarten class is right down the hall from Ruby's so they get to wave at each other alot. That is quite a treat most grandkids don't get. After school, Ruby always wants a treat and a hug from Grandma.

Ruby also has started "Drum Lessons" with her drum teacher, whom she calls "Drum Teacher". And yes, it is her daddy. The lessons are at her request, last 10 minutes, and are more about which pink purse she should carry her drum sticks in then the actual lesson. She actual is pretty good and ends up teaching her teacher a thing or two by the end of the lesson. Ruby always wants her Mommy to pick her up at the end of the lesson, by knocking on her bedroom door and taking her back to the kitchen. She pays her drum teacher one penny for his time.
Josh loves his time with his girls.

Other Ruby Milestones:

• Wears her Pink princess (huge pink tu-tu) dress every day we are home.
• Takes Pink Bunny (favorite stuffed animal) on walks in the neighborhood with Mommy and Violet IN THE PINK PRINCESS DRESS. We are a sight...
• Brand new Big Girl Car Seat! She is very impressed that she has arm rests and can sit criss-cross applesuace in her seat.
• Loves Music Playhouse class every week! Knows every song.
• Writes her own songs about family members. We are working on recording these... HYSTERICAL!
• Loves her family: feeding the birds and getting mail with Grandpa, Seeing Grandma at school, Practicing flower girl with Aunt Anna, Painting with Aunt Laura, Reading with Oma, talking walks with Opa, Asking wildlife questions to Art and Katie, and talking to Uncle Mark on the computer all the way in Australia!
• Loves Shirley Temple and is currently planning her own "Shirley Temple, 4-year old birthday party....in October.
• Show Favs: Sesame Street, Mr. Rogers, and Caillou. (not Daddy's favorite)
• Loves her bible stories and knows more details than her parents sometimes. "Mom, that's a temple NOT a Tabernacle!! (What?)

Most of all, what defines Ruby at this stage in her life is her love for Violet, hew new Sister and Friend, her love of being at home with her family, and her vivid imagination (pretend play!)

Violet Suzanne Update

It's been a long time since my last post. My excuses will bore you, so let's get on to the good stuff!

Vi started walking on my 29th birthday, March 18th. She was 9 1/2 months. She has been flying around the house ever since. (Wait a minute.. I think that's my excuse for not writing.) We have the baby gate up, doors shut, valuables hidden, and yet, Violet finds some "no-no" every five minutes. It is so cute watching someone so tiny run around. She is our little "Whirlwind". Ruby thinks it's hysterical. Their favorite game to play is "Run full -force into each other and fall down."

Other Violet Milestones:

• Baby dedication at Belmont Church on March 30th. So sweet. Mom and Dad hosted an after-church brunch for all of our church family and friends that helped Josh and I out during the tough, Violet Sickness days after her birth. We were so blessed. Josh' parents, Lynn and Bill, also flew in to be there for this sweet event.
• Big Girl Car seat- it was kind of sad, putting the baby carrier seat away, but Violet and my sore arms are relieved that we switched!
• Allergy testing came back negative, Which is good, but bizarre to V's doctors and her parents. We are still going to avoid all of the food she reacts to for 6 more months. We will try soy milk next week. We pray this goes well, as her prescription formula is so, ...well...gross.
• Weight 20 1/2 lbs.
• Birthday party. We are in the planning stages of V's first birthday party! May 28th! Can you believe it's almost been one year! Love every moment!

Shirley Temple

Ruby thinks she is Shirley Temple. I bought her one movie, knowing how she loves theatre, singing, and dancing and the kid is hooked! She has me roll her hair now and puts on tap shows for us. She has us call her Shirley sometimes, but when she missed her mom, she wants to be Ruby again.

Ruby and Violet attend THE MUSIC PLAYHOUSE once a week. This is a Mommy/Daddy and me 45 minute music class that we have been a part of for almost a year. I actually am now an official Saturday teacher for a couple of the classes. Both girls love it and sing the songs all week long....well, Vi bounces when she hears them. I have a few more spots in my classes if you know anyone interested. www.themusicplayhouse.com



Quotes:

Grandma: Why are you cleaning your room?

R: Because we are trying to sell our house.

Grandma: What does selling your house mean?

R: It means that you buy a new house to live closer to someone you love.

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Dental Floss is pronounced "Dental Cloth"

Ruby had her first dentist appointment last week. All went well as the office had Mickey Mouse playhouse on flat screen tv's over every chair, a tiny door to walk through, and fun toothbrushes to choose from. We didn't quite make is to "the scary picture chair." (x-ray). Maybe at the next appt!
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A 9 month old VWBug

Yes... I am back. I go through blogging phases and then remember I am supposed to be watching and playing with the girls, not writing about them while they are underfoot.... So, now they are asleep and here I am with many updates.

Let's talk about Violet. She is 9 months old and decided to stand all by herself on her 9 month b-day. 3 seconds to start and she gradually has learned to extend her balancing time to however long she feels like standing. She also will walk if you give her your finger to hold. Pretty crazy for us and our house. You see, Violet always has an agenda. The baby knows what she wants and how she is going to get it. She likes you to chase her from the kitchen into Ruby's room where she waits for you on Ruby's huge pink bunny. She can do this is 15 seconds.
V also enjoys waking up her sister for breakfast in the morning. She will crawl in the room and stand by R's bed and hit the blankets until Ruby laughs. That always brings a smile to our face.
V is still on Neocate for her formula. (Thank the Good Lord for Good insurance!) She also enjoys all of her veggies, bananas, mango, guava, and a few other mixtures. She can not tolerate rice, apples, prunes, pears and peaches. And, obviously milk and soy. Our allergy tests are in April and we are so ready for them.
Violet is such a joy and gift from God!

Brown Bunny

Ruby has a Pink bunny that was given to her the day she was born from our friend's The Websters.  Pink Bunny is her friend, confidant, and comfort.  Pink Bunny has been held for almost 3 and a half years.  Pink Bunny is officially GROSS.  Today, February 16th, is the first day that Ruby noticed the change in her best friend.

R:  Grandpa,  I think I am going to start calling Pink Bunny, "Brown Bunny".

G:  Ok, Ruby.

R:  She's still cute though.

Friday thoughts...

At lunchtime...

R: Mom, where does Peanut butter come from?

H: From peanuts that are smashed up.

R: NO KIDDING!

H: Who taught you (the phrase) "NO KIDDING"?

R: My pink bunny did.



After a time out:

R: Why did I have to have a time out.

H: Because you chose not to listen and I am in charge of you.

R: Why are you in charge of me?

H: Because God put Daddy and I in charge of you.

R: Oh, well... God put me in charge of Violet!!

uhhhhh...............

Happy Valentine's Day!

Well, we had a great Valentine's Day today. Ruby, Violet and I woke up to 3 vases of flowers on our dining room table. Ruby and I each had a real rose and Baby Vi had a stuffed rose...all from Josh/Daddy! What a surprise! V also got a tiny stuffed hippo and R got a ladybug jump rope. I got some great treats as well. New 600 thread count sheets and a picture for our kitchen!! Major brownie points for my sweet husband!!

Josh and I decide to delay our date and take the girls out on a date to Chuck-E-Cheese instead. Violet loved the Big Mouse..Ruby...not so much. By the way...very "interesting" people go to this place on Valentine's Night.


New comments:

R: "I am going potty, so don't come in. I need my PRIVACY!!

When opening her V-Day gift:

R: "This is Soooooo exciting!

First greeting!

Ruby, Josh and I were sitting down at the table for dinner tonight, while Violet played in her
pack-n-play next to Josh. All of a sudden, she stood up, popped her fuzzy little head over the top, waved at Josh and said, " Hi, DaDa!!, clear as bell! This was such a sweet treat for us! Even Ruby said, "I am flippin' out!"

New Words and Revelations...

Violet has always been intrigued by our cat Be Bop. This week she said Bop, but tonight she added Kitty to her list. So funny. "Ki.....Tee". BeBop is not so sure what to think about this interesting creature... and while we were on "K" words, we taught Vi "Kisses"... She said that a few times and then we got a big, open-mouthed, slobbery kiss!
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A Ruby conversation:

R: Mom, what are these place mats made of?

H: Bamboo.

R: what is Bamboo?

H: It's a plant. Did you know that Opa grows bamboo in his backyard?

R: Do you mean that my Opa GROWS PLACE MATS??????

Crazy!

I thought things had calmed down a bit with our family of four...and then Violet started to crawl.... Wait... I don't mean crawl.... I mean ZOOM around our house. Any time she is awake, she is on the move. This week she learned how to pull up on things and can even stand on her own for 3 seconds.., then sit back down. She just turned 8 months old on January 28th, so we think this is pretty hilarious. Today I caught her pulling up on the toilet seat and "kissing" the lid. UGHHHH. Gotta work on the child proofing this weekend. She doesn't take naps very well now because she pulls herself up and cried the entire nap time. Violet is different than Ruby was as a baby. Ruby was very content and would have a conversation with you at this age and Violet...well, Ruby calls her "Little Range Rover". Mommy is wiped out at the end of the day and Daddy just thinks it's all too funny!


Vi can wave Bye-Bye, Say Da Da, Ma Ma, and Bop (Be Bop, our cat)... we are working on Ruby, but that "R" is a trick to get out. Vi loves her big sister and can now ride on Ruby's "Flintstone car" with her as a passenger.

In other news... My sister, Anna, is engaged!!!!! Yeah!!! She is marrying Noah Crossley, a wonderful man she met 4 years ago at MTSU. He is a musician and fits right in with our family. They are looking at a December wedding, but don't have a date set yet. Her ring is beautiful and Ruby gets to be a flower girl (flower grrrrr....)for the first time.... Violet will be an honorary "flower bud". Fits her name, doesn't it?

I had some great Ruby quotes written down and I have misplaced them, so a Ruby update will be coming soon!

Quote time Catch-Up

As Ruby is getting ready to play her pink drum set...

R: Mom, I have to move my drum stool, so I don't break my legs and have to play my drums in a wheelchair. Then, I have to use my drum key so I can my my drums sound different.


Discussing work with Mom:

Heidi: When do you work, Ruby?

Ruby: Well, I work on Mondays, Saturdays, November, May, and January!



After being tucked in by mom and dad,
R: But I don't want to be left alone to talk to just Bunny, Jesus, and God!


One Morning:

R: where is Dad?

H: He is already at work. And Mommy has to work hard today, too.

R: Mommy, you don't work! You just stay home, put things in the oven , and play with me and Vi!

Miss Rubalina Update!

Hmmm..where to start... Ruby is a crazy-funny 3 year old. She loved Christmas and all of her gifts. How about I just update you through her own quotes?

Great-Grandma: Ruby, come sit in G.G.'s lap.

Ruby: No, I told you,...I am too busy right now.



Ruby: Mom, my New Year's resolution is to grow up faster so I can use the sharp scissors.
Violet's resolution is to get more teeth, so she can eat big girl food like ketchup and gum.


Ruby: I'm in a predicament! I can't find my other pink sock!

Heidi: Well, check your sock drawer.

Ruby: Ok, I'll be back in a flash!

Trust me, there's more to come!

Miss Violetta Update!

It's been awhile and it's been a busy while. Much has happened with our sweet 7 month old, Violet. Vi got her Christmas wish. I feel a song coming on..."All I want for Christmas is my 2 front teeth......" Oh, yes...they have arrived, and we now know how to bite!

Vi also started Crawling over Christmas break. I guess you could say she "slithers". Watch out Ruby. All toys are now fair game.

I would also like to mention that there is strong possibility that Violet says "Mama" now...or , atleast, when she is crying and needs something she holds up her arms and says
" MMMMM-Ma"!

We have started carefully feeding Vi some baby food...sweet potatoes, squash, green beans, peas, banana, mango, and prunes. So far, apples are our only NO-NO.

We are so blessed to have our our little "Sugar Bear" (Josh's nickname for Vi).