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Yes- crazy picture.... But guess what!
See, I was unloading the dishwasher just now and Ruth was helping me. However, she opened the silverware drawer and then proceeded to unload all the silverware! My smart cookie not only knew what drawer to open, she also put the silverware in it!!! I sure don't mind straightening out this drawer now!
Just had to share our "ah ha" moment today!
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First snow!

So much has happened since my last post! Thanksgiving was awesome! All the family got to meet Ruth.
Anyway today, it started to snow!

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Good Weekend!

Well, I finally opened the white toy box and showed Ruth it is more than a white piece of furniture. Ruth surprised me by playing with the My Little Pony items and Dora's playhouse. I should've taken a picture of her trying to reach into the toy box. She's not quite tall enough to get everything out.

MeMa came to keep the kids for the day while we went car shopping. My van decided to die after a decade of use!

Thanks to the idea from our neighbors... Ruth was a Chinese Takeout Box for the Fall Festival at our church. Yes, she willingly got into the box and did walk around for a few minutes inside of it. She was so cute!

Never fear when Abel BuzzLighyear is here!
Uncle Brandon came as Ronald Reagan and he honored Will and Timon with being his secret service men.
Chloe, Gabbi and Mary Clara have seen Kit Kittredge movie way too many times. They dressed as hobos.

 

During Sunday School yesterday, Jody was so happy that we had to stop and take a picture.  (Leslie Thomas, Jody Shearon, me, Marla Dillane)

Meeting the Greensboro Relatives!

All I needed was an excuse (baby shower) to head to Greensboro to introduce all my aunts, uncles, and cousins to Ruth!

The day was alot of traveling and some struggling in the car seat. We were very excited to get there finally and begin showing off my precious Ruth! She was rather shy and calm in the beginning. I was nervous about having food easily accessible. She did okay eating ham sandwiches on her plate. It was during a little prayer time at the shower, Ruth got a hold of a cupcake off Mary Clara's plate.... yes, the sugar rush hit!
I've never seen wild Ruth, and hope to not see it again. She was the only young child around and she took center stage.
Later, her second cousins started showing up with their dads and then fun began all over again. Here's a few pictures.

Ruth kept trying to touch Isaac Bunch and give him "five". Ruth is less than 2 months older.

Yes, the "unlocked" drawer was a first for Ruth. She threw every container and lid on the floor. Thank goodness she understood to put them away.

Then she stole everyone's toy. Each time the boys would get a new toy to play with, Ruth would run up and take it away. It didn't seem to bother the younger ones (Caleb Merritt and Noah Flanders). They are 15 months younger, but her same size.

It sure was a great day and makes me look forward to our families' Thanksgiving celebration together!

Vollmer Farm

Ruth had a blast this past Saturday at Vollmer Farms. We went with the Dees and MeMe. I wasn't sure how she would respond to all the activities, however she wanted to participate in EVERYTHING!

It all began with the hayride to get from the parking lot to the Back Forty.

A special surprise for Ruth was to hold Priscilla. They almost look the same size!

We did have to pause for a sister picture in the sunflower field.

After this first trip down the underground slide... I agreed to continue. We did this many times. Each time at the top she'd get more comfortable helping me get the burlap sack prepared for us to slide on.

On the jumping pillow, I "helped" her. But not for long. She was trying to jump on her own.

All the cousins had been burying themselves in the corn crib.... which meant Ruth had to do it too.

So glad to get a family picture!

It was a FULL FUN day!!! 

(I'm afraid I'll have to add to my Christmas List a family pack of season passes for next fall!)

A history lesson for Dad!

Last summer Jenn took Timon and Chloe to DC. While there they took the Ford Theater tour. I wasn't able to make the DC trip so I had not learned all that they had about Abraham Lincoln.

Well today, Jenn, Chloe and Ruth went to a baby shower, in Greensboro, for the wife of one of Jenn's cousins. So, that left me and Timon here in Rocky Mount. After lunch Timon and I went to Ollie's (junk store). I like to go there and see if they have any cheap books I would like to read. I also always try to find a book I think Timon or Chloe might like to read that would be more educational than recreational (trying to be a good parent). Timon had already sat down on the floor and was reading a Transformers comic book when I found a small book about Abraham Lincoln. I opened it to find it had large print and a picture about every 3 pages. I thought it would be great for Timon and help him learn some history. So I said, "Hey Timon, here is a book about Abraham Lincoln!" The look that came back at me would have made Albert Einstein feel he was an idiot. I guessed Abraham Lincoln didn't interest Timon. I put the book back on the shelf. I wasn't finished though. I thought for a minute and finally said, "Timon, do you even know who Abraham Lincoln is?" Timon looked up and said,"Yeah! He was the 16th president and John McCain shot him on a stage!"

I bought the book and read the first chapter to Timon tonight before bed. I will clear John McCain's name in a few weeks!

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Someone just found this for us.....

This picture was taken this morning at a press conference when a reporter began to ask some probing questions about whether or not John McCain was near Ford’s Theatre on April 15, 1865. 

It would be shorter, if I posted more often!

Ruth's been coughing for several weeks now. I finally took her to the doctor today. I guess I had really dreaded that task. I was pleasantly surprised to survive and tell you she handled it much better today. She actually gave doctor a "kiss" (cheek rub) before we left. I think it's because she got a sticker.
Anyway- the big SURPRISE... She weighs a little over 23 lbs!  Whew that is 3 pounds heavier since Aug 30th! She might grow out of these 18 month clothes sometime soon at that rate!

We've had plenty of adventures this last week.
We attempted to feed the ducks at the City Lake. Juli and her kids as well as our friend Joy and her kids threw bread to the ducks. Ruth even gave it a try at tearing the loaf bread into small pieces and throwing into the lake. I just wasn't paying close attention when I said "Throw it, Ruth". She threw her snack cup! :) That meant she got the bag of Cheerios now.

We went to the beach again and had beautiful weather. The kids played in the sand mostly, but did go swimming some. Ruth even enjoyed it for a short time. This time when I took her to the beach, I didn't suit her up. We just took the stroller and kept her fully dressed. She was willing to stroll a while, but then anxious to get down. I think sitting and touching the sand was her favorite.

Tuesday, I took Chloe, Timon and Ruth to the NC State Fair. It was an afternoon reward for their great report cards. We had a blast eating more than we should. Chloe wrote down everything I spent and all that we ate. It was hard to keep it a secret from Scott when we got home.
So here's a few pics from our fair fun before I sign off tonight!

Her 1st taste of ice cream. We were supposed to share it. Yes, she probably ate 1/2 of it. I couldn't get her mind off of this grand treat!

We tried HARD to get all looking at once.

This was supposed to be my Christmas card pic.

The highlight of Timon's day!

Full day!

Or shall I say 1/2 day....
Today Ruth joined Timon's class on a field trip to the Imperial Centre. Ruth participated at each exhibit.
Then, we went to Thompson's Pharmacy for her first grilled chees and orangeade from their soda fountain! Both were a hit!!
Ruth also got a precious gift from our dear friend who works at the Keeping Room. See her fancy pink bracelet? I guess she had eyed Ms Lewis' bracelets for long enough! :)
Now- to get her to nap after the sugar rush......

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Perfect Gift!

Today, Ruth opened her 1st present. That is .. on her own. I waited until Chloe and Timon were gone to school for this surprise. She took her time and set each piece of paper torn in a pile. Then when she opened the box, she was wide-eyed.
Needless to say, she is wearing the apron and working in her favorite spot- the kitchen!
Thank you... you know who!

It's been a GREAT Week!

Yes, this week was like a turning point for us. Not that it had been bad before, I just can tell she is really understanding what we say and fitting perfectly into our family!!  We love her so much.

Since our last post, we've done a few things.....
We introduced Ruth to the Atlantic Ocean. That was interesting. The water was warm, but so huge and loud. The wind was blowing sand around and the temperature in the low 70's. I don't think Ruth could grasp where we were. She held onto me the tightest she ever has. I would lower her feet into the waves, but she'd lift up her hold body to avoid getting wet. Atleast Chloe and Timon had a GRAND time in the ocean. We WILL be going back to Atlantic Beach sometime soon. I've got to get her ready for next summer! hee hee.

 

The same weekend, we went to the NC Seafood Festival. Thank goodness for the one vendor who sold noodles and vegetables.

Also this week, Ruth has begun riding in the car seat without screaming! Simple solution found that helps... just take a moment to explain where we are going BEFORE you strap her in! I guess everyone doesn't like to move, move, move ...quickly, quickly, quickly... like me.

This week, we also got her portrait made. I can't wait to see the proofs. She finally put on the traditional Chinese outfit and we got a few shots in it.

Ruth shared several special moments and firsts with me this week....

1. She let me hold her while sitting down.

2. She willing laid her head on my shoulder and allowed me to sing her a few songs while standing up and "rocking" her.

3. She said "hot"

4. She is excited when she sees Chloe and Timon get in the car after school, as well as when Scott gets home from work.

5. We were able to go out to eat without a scene!

6. Smiles. Smiles. and More Smiles this week!

7. I had to speak firmly to her when she was fussing about riding in the stroller on the way to the festival. She looked wide-eyed at me and immediately quick screaming and rode quietly and contently in the stroller.

8. Bedtime is always an adventure. Ruth shares a room with Chloe. They go to bed at the same time, but Ruth likes to laugh and make noises which encourages Chloe to "check on" Ruth with a flashlight. The other night Scott went to their door and not only did Chloe get still, but Ruth laid down real quick in the bed. They both know our expectations....

9. Tonight Ruth climbed into Chloe's bed and cuddled up with Chloe's animals under the covers. She was determined to sleep there. After some smart moves of mine, she willingly got in her crib.

10. Clasps her hands together and closes her eyes for the blessing. She will also do this in church  or during bedtime prayers.

11. Enjoyed riding the big wheel in the driveway. She can go frontwards and backwards by moving her feet. (She still can't reach the pedals.)

12. Went grocery shopping with me. We bagged up the fruit, including bananas, and she helped me get other items in our cart. Only problem was the bagger man at the checkout! I think Ruth thought he was taking our food. From now on, I insist to help bag our groceries.

Then it was time for yet another festival. Chloe played the violin at the Down East Festival. We all cheered for her!

Then the week's highlight was sharing how we have seen God at work throughout this whole adoption process with our church family on 2020 Vision Sunday!