49 months

My Dear Ruby 

A few days ago you turned 49 months old. I didn't get to writing your monthly letter cause we've had a rough week. You've been sick with impetigo (a mild, and common bacterial infection that kids pass around) and haven't been able to get out much, and you've been pretty crabby and uncomfortable. I've not been feeling my happy mama self either, so mostly we just get through the days. 

Ruby and Grandpa at a zoo trip earlier this month
 
 I'll be honest, it's been rough around here  lately my sweet monkey. You're clearly gearing up for a developmental leap because you're having a lot of trouble getting your words out and you've been doing a lot of 'stimming' behaviors. By this I mean, you're toe walking a lot, you put a lot of things in your mouth and your language is challenged. You seem to be in constant aimless motion unless we keep you directed, so we're all pretty tired. 

I've found that you really seem to think and learn better with music. A lot of kids like you seem to think in pictures, and maybe you do, but I truly think you think in music. If you're having trouble engaging in a task, or you're frustrated with me, I can sing you a little tune about what we're doing or need to do and most of the time you latch right on to what is going on and you can get on board. It's a relatively new revelation for me and I'm trying to employ it as much as possible. You also love music so much, playing it, hearing it, listening to other people play. It's truly such a joy for all of us.  

 

You may be having a tough time, but still, each day is filled with joy and laughter. I think I've laughed harder at your silliness during this challenging week than I had in a while. Maybe you've been funnier, maybe we just needed a laugh, but whatever, the laughter is powerful medicine. 

 

Strangely this week you've not wanted anything to do with going swimming, much to your father and my dismay since it's been in the 90s the past few days. I have no doubt that you'll go back to being a water loving kid, but for some reason, whatever is processing in your brain, it wants nothing to do with the power of water. And so, we keep working, keep waiting to see what happens next.

 

My dear sweet girl, no matter how hard these days are, any day with you is still better than a day without. It's true what they say about parenting 'the days are long but the years are short'. Somedays it seems like an eternity till bedtime arrives, and then the next thing I know you're 49 months old. You are by far my favorite person to wake up to and to spend my days with, even when the days kick my butt. Let's just hope tomorrow is a good one. 

All my love, Mama 

 
 

Comments

[Michelle]

Sweeter then ever. Love you both! xxoooo

[Ruby'sNana]

I love, Love, LOVE your letters to Ruby!
Ruby, you were SO worth waiting for! I can't believe another month has gone by. Can't wait to see you tomorrow! Love, Nana

[Carol]

This is really sweet and so full of love. Tears again. I have lots of thoughts, but I'm just gonna try my best to listen, to receive this wisdom. You're a rock star mama.

[GingerB]

You are indeed wise, Mamazen. I'm glad Ruby got you, so she got someone who can hear her.

[K]

what a loving lovely mama your little girl has

[LisaG]

Beautiful letter, Korin xoxo

[Amy Watson]

Love love love this. :)

[Deb]

Hey. YOU kick butt, and so does Ruby. Dig out the video camera or whatever the kids call it these days, because if she has such an intrinsic calling for it now, I bet we are going to see her on a larger stage later. Love you both.