Another Tackled Milestone

Ruthie Mackenzie
Sits Solo
23 weeks 6 days
May 19, 2009

My precious baby hit another milestone today. She had been sitting with some support for some time now, but today, she decided to sit by herself.

Mommy stayed close by, but she sat for over a half hour and we talked and she explored around her. I captured a few shots towards the end before she broke down and cried (I also got those moments caught on camera too!)

Great Job Ruthie!!

PICK ME UP!

Mommy!!

Look at what I can do!

Seasons Change

A quote from my husband
"Look Ru... normally daddy has his hands up in front of me or under my pillow but you're their so I have my arms down by my side like a freak!"

This photo was taken after a very long week and a VERY LONG NIGHT! We told our wonderful Youth Group last night that we'll be moving back to PA so Jonathan can go back to grad school to become a school counselor. God is so good. Yes, we shared many tears, but the kids we're awesome and showed us their support. We spent the rest of youth group sharing memories and praying with one another. Huge blessing. Jonathan will be sharing the news with the vestry tonight.

Jonathan and I are both hoping to get some rest this week as the days leading up to last night caused us much stress and sadness. Oh.. and Ruthie is awesome! She fell asleep during a loud game of dodgeball and slept until we were able to tell the youth group. When she woke up, she brought smiles to our youths faces and then finally asked nicely to eat!! :)

Ruthie turns 5 months Old!!!

Ruthie Turns 5 Months Old
15 lbs 7 oz

4.27.09- Ruthie tastes rice cereal. She ate it with one of those... "what are you putting in my mouth" kind of faces. It was actually mommy who had a harder time with it and decided to hold off for a little while longer. Besides... right now feeding her rice cereal is for the practice and we have lots of time to practice... later :)

4.30.09- Ruthie officially rolled over from her back to her stomach! She was lying in her crib when all of a sudden I heard her screaming. When I went in to bring Ruthie her po, I found her on her stomach! Go Ru!!

Letter To Ruthie Mackenzie:

Dear Ruthie,

I can't believe you are 5 months old! Oh my goodness! What an amazing month sweetie. You are such a gem. I think I write that each month, but it's the truth. I love being your mommy and spending each day with you. You discover new things every day and it's so much fun to watch you find new discoveries. This month so much has changed. I don't even know where to begin so I'll start with...

You rolled over! It is so neat to watch you tackle big milestones. You also tried some rice cereal and then peas and carrots. You haven't cared for any of these yet, so for now, we are sticking to breastfeeding because I love it and you seem to too. This month is beginning to be one of the hardest since we've brought you home. You are still an angel, but a teething angel. Poor thing, you are pretty miserable. I can't wait to see that tooth appear. If I could take away your pain, I would sweetheart. You cry and cry and all you want is your momma. It's so sweet but can also be very tiring. (Especially when mommy's getting ready for your baptism and guests). As soon as your daddy gets home though, you stop the waterworks and just look at him with love. You do love your daddy. The other day, you rolled over onto your stomach and then pulled yourself so high in your crib you were looking out the sides and then tried to pull yourself up. YIKES! We lowered your crib today (5.12.09) You are also practicing sitting up by yourself. Sometimes you can sit for up to 10 seconds before tumbling over. Any day now sweetie! Keep working hard.

This past weekend was Mother's Day weekend and what an amazing weekend to celebrate my first Mother's Day! Daddy watched you on Friday and let me go out for a massage. It was wonderful! You were (of course) great for your daddy! Soon after I got home, guests began to arrive for the weekend. You were baptized on May 9, 2009. Your Godparents: Aunt Kat and Uncle Blair (and Ava) and your Godmother: Aunt Katie stayed with us for the weekend. Also, your Uncle Nat, Uncle Andrew, Aunt Kristen, Uncle Eric, Aunt Pinky and your Grandparents: Opa & Grandma Stube and Grandpa and Marmee Marshall came into town for your special day. Aunt Heather was going to come, but she was sick that week so she had to stay home, but I gave her a kiss for you. :)

Your Opa performed the ceremony along with Mary Kay. It was so special Ruthie. I accidentally scheduled the ceremony over your nap time, but you were such a champ. You were starting to get fussy and then your Opa held you and baptized you and you put a huge smile on your face and enjoyed every moment of it!

Below are some pictures of your baptism. I love you Ruthie. I can't wait to see how much you've changed in the next month.

Love you Ruthie Mackenzie,

Mommy and Daddy

Look at you holding you po :)

Your Godparents

Our Happy Family

Ruthie Meets Aunt Natalie

Ruthie Meets Aunt Natalie

After a wonderful road trip down to New Bern, Ruthie and decided why not another road trip up to Pennsylvania. Especially since Uncle Evan and Aunt Natalie were coming for a visit.

It was a beautiful weekend. The weather was gorgeous so we took advantage and had a cookout at Aunt Pinky and Uncle Epics place.

4 Generations
4 Oldest Children
4 Girls

Aunt Pinky

Uncle Evan, Ruthie, Boomer, & Aunt Natalie

Great Grandma Yingling

Almost 5 Month's Old!

5.1.09- What a crazy two weeks!! Ruthie and I had our first road trip (just the two of us) down to visit Opah and Grandma Stube in New Bern, North Carolina. Ruthie was awesome. She would sit in her seat watch the scenes change, fall asleep, wake and smile. As soon as I noticed her awake, I'd get off at the next exit, feed her, and get back on the road. Even though it was a long trip, it was a quick trip and I was so impressed I decided to do it again and then again!!

New Bern- So yes, like I said, Ruthie and I took a road trip to visit with Jon's parents. What a wonderful time! We spent our time going to Tryon Palace, taking walks around the neighborhood, and spending time outside on the back porch. Ruthie absolutely LOVED being outdoors. She had a couple FIRST while we were down in the Bern.

1st Time Having Grass Between Her Toes

1st Time Touching Water (besides the tub)

Grandma and Grandpa abolutely LOVED having Ruthie with them for a week. One of the most precious moments was during church on Sunday morning. Ruthie started to get fussy, so I walked out for a moment to calm her down. She instantly fell asleep. We entered just in time to go up for communion. As soon as Opah saw us approaching, he got the biggest smile on his face. Priceless and something I'll never forget.

(Opah & Grandma with Ruthie at the Beach)

We had a great time. The ride home was a little rough. We were making great time until I got a flat tire. Jonathan had to drive down to Fredrickburg (1 1/2 hr) to come to our rescue. We ended up spending the night in a hotel and getting the tire fixed at Walmart the next morning. Good times :) Ruthie and I spent 2 hours in the WAWA strolling around checking out all the items for sale. :) Here are a few more pictures from our trip:

Rachael and I had Tryon Palace Gardens

Ruthie in the Tulips at Tryon Palace

I absolutely LOVE this smile.