AFTER....She was a little shaggy, so it was time to get Ruby a real haircut. She did pretty well considering she was at a salon and not at a place that caters to kids... Let's just say Brie's glitter jar and the cheese in my purse were welcome distractions. She looks adorable!

When I was pregnant with Ainsley I remember praying that she would have a beautiful singing voice. Why you ask? Well, my Dad was a professional singer back in the 50's. A real live famous crooner, that made you turn up the radio. I have always been in awe of his talent, and even more in awe of his humility about it. This gift of voice was passed down to both my brother and sister. Somehow, I was skipped when that talent was being passed out. So, I live vicariously through my daughter who seems to have a heart for music. The fun part, is she likes a variety of music from worship and praise songs, to Highschool Musical! Even more fun is that she loves to make up songs. A budding song writer in the family? Perhaps! The good news is Ainsley can carry a tune. Answered prayer! Is she the next Sheryl Crow, Faith Hill (well she was born in Nashville) or Nicolle Nordeman? Not sure, but she looks like a natural with the guitar in her hands. I guess it is time to invest in some lessons!

Regardless of what she grows up to be, we will continue to pray that as parents we can realize what gifts she has and how we can help her learn to use them. For now, we get to have a front row seat at some great concerts in our house. Ainsley is one of our greatest gifts, and we feel very blessed to have her in our lives!

Today was one of those gorgeous warm fall days! We spent a few hours at a local apple orchard! The Honeycrisp Apples are in season, and they are delicious! Ruby dove right in as you can see. I am pretty sure I heard her say "YUM!" It was a great day of apple picking!

Apple crisp for dessert tonight, and then Ainsley and I are going to make some homemade apple sauce to freeze! I just love the fall! Hands down, my favorite season in Minnesota!

Blessings, Diana

The other thing about my brother that I love is his humble heart. He would never talk about his accomplishments. So, what kind of little sister would I be if I didn't take this opportunity to brag about him on my blog? This past weekend, Mark qualified for the 2007 Nationals when his "client" Diva won the open Mark was running her in. They will be heading to northern CA in November to see what The Diva can do! Congratulations!!!

Mark is the handsome tan guy on the right in the picture with Diva. And, the second picture is one of my most treasured photographs. I took this when Ainsley was almost two. She and I were visiting Mark, and she wandered up on the mound during one of his training sessions! PRICELESS.

I love you,

This happens to be one of those rainy afternoons where I actually get to sit and take a breath. There is always something to get done, but for now while Her Rubiness sleeps I want some me time... Lately, that usually means I am catching up on something on my "to due" list. I have finally finished thank you notes from July (not kidding), and I just finished a big digital photo album project from our trip to China. Both of these were things I really wanted to get done. There will always be laundry, etc. I find none of those mundane tasks fulfilling at this moment. I would much rather be here, typing away about Ruby Mei.

The picture above was taken by me on Mother's Day in China of Ruby. It will always be one of my favorite pictures of her! It speaks volumes about her fun and inquisitive personality! There are so many things I adore about this child. Today my favorite is her sense of humor that is evolving. She literally makes me laugh out loud! When Jeff comes home at night, he usually gives me a kiss hello. Ruby will then imitate it by giving me a kiss, and then her Daddy a kiss, and we do this repeatedly until she tires of the game. I hope she never truly tires of it, because it has become one of my treasured memories of our time as a family. Other favorite things that I feel very blessed to be experiencing with this tiny gift of ours:

• Her smile that lights up her entire face, and whatever room she is in


• Her laugh, that just makes you giggle in delight too


• Watching her try and try again when she falls down as she learns to walk


• The look of excitement and accomplishment she has when she successfully takes more than one step in a row


• How excited she gets when her Daddy comes home


• They way she kicks her legs with glee when she gets put into her Mama's arms


• Watching the way she looks at her big sister everyday


• Hearing her say "MOM"


• Watching her bond, trust and attach to us - amazing!
  

Weekly someone will ask me how I like being home? Do I miss work? Sure, there are some things I do miss about my career. Room service in a great hotel is at the very top of my list right now! But, mostly I am grateful that at this moment in time I do have the opportunity to be home to spend these "firsts" with Ruby. When I really get the time, I hope to do a blog entry on my transition from what I call, "The briefcase to the diaper bag."

On a completely different note, Jeff is on his first business trip since being sick. I just talked to him, and he landed safely in San Francisco at the gate right next to where we departed to bring Ruby home from China! She became a U.S. citizen at that airport when her little feet touched the ground. He said he felt really emotional as he passed our gate. I know the feeling! Finishing our China photo album brought up so many special memories for me too!

Oh, well enough with the ramblings.. Time to sign off. Ruby is calling!

Blessings,

Diana