52 months

My dear, amazing Ruby,

Today you are 52 months old, and quite frankly, I adore you. You amaze me with your brilliance, your beauty and your huge heart. You are something of a wonder these days, constantly filling my heart with love, my head with laughter and my arms with hugs. There is rarely a dull moment and NEVER a joyless day. 

So many choices sit before you lately

Sometimes, you make choices I probably wouldn't.

Sometimes you choose the perfect one. <3

Sometimes you sit down on the job, but still seem to be the cutest one around.

Sometimes, you completely blow me away. 

You're always seeing things I can't see,

and showing me where to look. 

 

You recently pedaled a trike for the first time. I was so overjoyed I cried! You're nervous to do it again, but I know once you realize you can, there will be no stopping you.

 

You also spent some time with your friend Otis and his brother Xander, who think the world of you. Otis even wrote you a song. 

You guys jumped and laughed and cried. It was a full afternoon.

You also had a rare quiet moment with your Faux Bro Shoghi, showing him how to get it done with markers. 

You had an ice cream social with Eleanor

 

And shared your swing, which ended up being a great time. You were so vocal: "your turn Eleanor!"

You've made great strides in so many areas. You're connecting more with the adults and children around you, even running off to play with an unexpected friend at the playground. Sometimes I'm completely astounded at the leaps you make in a day. Your receptive language has also taken another jump. You're much more able (and willing) to follow directions and stick with a plan. You are telling me you're all done with something before moving on and often helping clean up. 

 

You still love drawing. Lately your favorite thing to draw or color on is junk mail. It sure makes your daddy proud to see you recycle. You have an amazing ability to color ambidextrously. It's clear that you're left dominant, but you can color and draw with both hands with amazing dexterity. I truly think it's good brain stimulation, and it is certainly a zen activity for you. 

Tomorrow we're off on a grand adventure to Maui. Seventeen days in the surf and sand, sensory therapy galore! We'll go hiking and to a horse ranch and a goat farm. I have no doubt that the salt water and sea air will bring you great healing and growth strides, just like it did last year. Most of all, I'm grateful that even though autism is a challenge, it isn't stopping you from going on adventures. 

Ruby, I think you're rad. Let's go see the world! 

All my love, Mama

 

Comments

[kelly]

and you've got the raddest mama ever! hugs to both from me!

[MJ Schrader]

♥ Sweet :)