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Dear Ruby,

Today was a pretty fantastic day. Your dad had to work really late and it was just the two of us. You asked me to turn on the radio in your room this morning after breakfast, and you played all by yourself — just talking to your animals and your legos, sweetly telling them stories and making up conversations. I was able to listen a few times without you knowing I was there.

Then we took a little drive to the vet’s office to pick up Ricki’s medicine. You kept asking why Ricki wasn’t in the car with us. You’ve been so worried about her and why she’s sick. You read your books in the backseat and it never ceases to amaze me just how much you remember. You can practically recite each one of them in their entirety.

After we got back from the vet, we got ready to go to the splash pad. You LOVE the water. You were the only one there for the 1st hour, and you just kept squealing and running and smiling, amazed at how the water kept popping up from under the ground. You were having so much fun and I could’ve watched you there all day. We snuck in a scoop of Ben & Jerry’s Greek Frozen Yogurt before your friends showed up, and then we enjoyed another hour or so of play.

You took a long nap, and when you woke up, your pull-up was dry! You told me you had to go potty, and you did! I was so proud of you. This potty training is tough stuff, but you’re doing so well, and I know we’re both going to get this mastered soon. I can feel it. Grandma came over and we took a 3 mile walk. You’re getting a little sick of the stroller these days, but you hung in there while mama and Grandma “did exercise”

I had forgotten that there was a 6pm storytime tonight at the library! It’s the same library I used to go to when I was a little girl. You listened to the story about cars, sang wheels on the bus and made a craft there. You kept wanting to use the glue stick. You smeared it all over the paper like a crayon, and weren’t too happy when I put the cap back on and put it away. You walked right up to the librarian and said, “Thank you for the storytime. I like the library. I’m going home now.” You are becoming such a kind and courteous little girl. My heart swells every time I see you being so thankful and polite.

Daddy wasn’t going to be home for dinner and I didn’t want to cook. You asked if we could go to Chick-fil-A and I said yes. I let you eat some chicken nuggets, but we ate fruit together and you shared my chicken noodle soup. You told me you had to go potty there, and when we went into the bathroom, your pull-up was still dry! You went potty in the potty and we washed our hands. You were so proud of yourself that time!

When we got home, we snuggled a bit, and I let you skip your bath for another book. We put on cherry pajamas and you said, “Thank you mama for taking me to the splash pad. I like it there.” I put your lovey under your chin and played parachute with your blanket, and you went to sleep.

I just want you to know that you are very loved. Sometimes when I am waiting so long for you to get into your car seat because you have to do it all by yourself, or when I get frustrated that you’re whining, or you scream at me because you want to watch more TV, I am afraid that you don’t know it. The truth is, I can barely remember life before you. And one day, if you ever wonder what your mom felt like, back when she was a 37-year old stay-at-home mom, I hope you find this in a google search, if they haven’t figured out something better than the internet by then.

Your dad and I waited a long time before we had you. We were so excited once you arrived. You are assuming your position in our little family just perfectly. You’re an amazing kid. You’re only 2 1/2, but I already know it. Even if it’s a cliche, there is no one else like you, Ruby. No one.

Someday when you’re older and if you ever wonder why you never had a sister or a brother, I want you to know it’s because you set a pretty high standard, kiddo. Your dad and I love you so much, and we are just sorta selfish, I guess – we just want to focus on you. That’s not to say your friends who have brothers and sisters aren’t special – because they absolutely are. Thank goodness Grandma + Papaw had your Uncle Eric, and thank goodness Halmoni + Harabuji had your Auntie Shannon. Thank goodness for Lorelei and Soraya and all the other baby brothers and sisters you know. But we are just so filled with love for you and you have filled a space in our little family so completely that we are happy and content with just the three of us here in our house.

Time is flying. This is something that doesn’t really hit you until much later in life. I remember thinking there were decades separating each of my birthdays, no way it could be just a single year. But you are 2 1/2, so much has happened since the day you were born — so much is different. I don’t want to forget the way you love wearing your jelly shoes every day or the way you like to have conversations with the moon.

So this is just my attempt at documenting one simple day, one regular day. I want you to know when you read this that you are smart, you are funny, you are thoughtful, you are empathetic, you are stubborn, you are particular and you are amazing. I know sometimes I can be tough on you – and definitely impatient, but I love you lots, sweet girl.

xoxo,
Mom