Live action Ruby coming at ya!

Little babe update

I get so nervous before my pregnancy check-ups. Butterflies gather as I sit in the waiting room, anticipating my name to be called. My heart beats fast when they take my blood pressure...is it going to be too high?. I'm sure I am almost blue from holding my breath as my doctor gets the doppler ready to listen to the heartbeat...what if he can't find the heartbeat?. This happened with my check-ups for Ruby, and it happened yesterday as I went to my second appointment to check out little babe's progress...I need to chill. On the other hand, I always leave in utter amazement that there really is another person growing inside of me. I heard the heartbeat to prove it...such a miracle. There isn't a sweeter sound than hearing the "lub-dub" of a fetus's heart through a dobbler device. Today the little babe even threw in a little kick for me to hear, I can't wait to feel those movements. Although I am feeling tired and frequently nauseated, I am quickly remembering how fun it is to be pregnant. I love you little babe. When I got home from my appointment, I found my little Roo sound asleep on her auntie's chest...so sweet.

Grow, grow, grow...

My Van Wagenen family has a tradition of doing a family newsletter. This has been going on long before I became a member of the family. Due to the inconsistent nature of this publication, the title is Van Wagenen Sometimes. In the last publication, my sister-in-law Kristina submitted a poem she had written for her youngest daughter, Smee (Sarah Marilee). She writes how little Smee is "gonna grow" so quickly...

"You're my little baby, Smee

So tiny now, but you will see

You're gonna grow...

When morning comes I'll wake to find

You're all grown up, left me behind

You're gonna grow...

You're gonna grow grow grow..."

There are more verses to this sweet poem, but I just had to share a few because lately as I watch Ruby each day, Kristina's words keep resonating in my head and heart. Most days I am astounded at Ruby's growth and development. These little creatures from heaven seem to be hard wired to learn. I love watching Ruby grow, but part of my heart aches that she won't be my little baby forever. She is going to become a little lady before my very eyes. Lately, Ruby LOVES going up the stairs. She will play with her toys in the family room for a little bit, then she drops what she is doing and heads straight for the stairs. She is becoming very quick and efficient at making her ascent. When she gets to the top she turns around, looks at me, smiles, and claps her hands. There is nothing better in this world! Is there any way I can stop time....just for awhile?