Ruby Anne Grange

Ruby came into the world at 3:00 pm on March 10, 2009. She was pink and perfect! Today she is 2 years and 5 days old. She weighs 22 pounds, and is about " tall. She has deep blue eyes and golden honey colored hair with curls, that lightens up in the summer. She has very expressive eyes and can manipulate her brows to show any of her wide range of emotions. She has a two year old temper, and two year old perfect, honest love.

Ruby loves her family, 'Pinkalicious' the fuzzy blanket, baby dolls, sippies of milk, watching Winnie the Pooh, and reading books the very most of all things in this world. Other loves include: riding in Daddy's truck, playing with toys, wrestling her sister, napping in Moms' bed, being outside, seeing deer in the yard, tubs, flying her new kite, riding in the bike buggie, throwing snowballs, and visiting grandma and grandpa.

Ruby most likes to eat: MILK (so much so that there are days I have to lie and tell you that we are all out so that she will have something else!), cheese, grapes, pickles, bread and butter, ham (she calls all meats "ham") juice from a box, noddles, beans, oranges, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and mostly anything mom makes that isn't "picey." She also really enjoys chocolate, marshmallows, fishy crackers, and anything her big sister has. When Ruby has a treat to eat she always asks for a "bow" - she must put all her little yummies into a bowl and carry them about with her, even if the treat is a graham cracker.

Some of Ruby's cutest words:

• "Yeah" - after almost every question directed at her. Especially cute when the question we ask her is, "Can you say bike?"
• "Me too!" - after nearly everything said at the dinner table. DJ likes to tease her and say. "I really love to crash cars!" Then follows, "Me too!"
• "Ya-Ya" - this means Talia.
• "Truck" - this only refers to Daddy's big red one. No others will do.
• "Cho-choo!" - Ruby got a wooden train set for her b-day.
• "Ah-ma" - which is being interpreted, Grandma. (She used to say "Giga", I am trying to keeps this one alive.)
• "Pops" - this refers to grandpa Norr's home made popcorn, the stash of Dr. Pepper in the fridge and maybe also Grandpa himself.
• "Mommy" - Need I explain? This is the most precious word in all of language.
• "Wee-ooo" - Sirens, big trucks or anything that looks like trouble.
• "Home" - Again, there is nothing like this word on little lips. No sweeter sound.

There are many other words she says, but these are the dearest.

Last week during sacrament meeting Roo put the entire contents of a fruit snack bag in her cheeks. She was terribly proud of her self until she realized that they were not going to go down. There was a look of desperation, drool rolled out of each corner of her mouth, her eyes wide. Then, she spit them all out! Luckily my Mommy reflexes are quick. I caught them all in my cupped hands, and made a hasty exit whilst pink dribbled through my fingers and onto my dress. Classic.

Roo has this thing about not wearing clothes. Mostly pants. If I can keep her dressed half the day I figure I have won. The first word out of her little mouth after a hug in the morning is "off." She tugs and tugs at the zipper on her jammies until it is low enough that she can wiggle out of them. She must have a good metabolic rate because she never complains about being cold. She hasn't figured out the workings of her diaper yet. Jeans are a no. She will only stand for soft pants like leggings and sweats. She will go for jeans only if I say that we are going out to play or to help Daddy. Layering is her least favorite thing, when I try to put a cute little tank over her turtlenecks she throws a real fuss. She likes jackets, but only if the 'hat' is up. (the hood)

Ruby makes the most adorable sound on the hardwood floor when she runs. Pat-a pat-a pat pat. She has a wonderful squeal of delight. She is soft and smooth. Toothy and boogery. Sweet and simple and totally irresistible. When I hold her dear frame in my arms and put my nose to her hair I wish that I could stop time, and store that moment of tender joy in a bottle. To open when she is big, and life in unfair to her. When Mommy doesn't have all the answers and problems arise to make her worry, or her faith is shaken.

My dearest Ruby, how do I tell what you are? What you mean to me? There are not words for some things as great as my love for you. Know only that you are my world, and my joy, and we shall always be part of one another.

You have endless potential. You have a precious, one of a kind spirit. Never forget.

These words are that bottle darling, for me, and for you.

Love, Mommy