The Guerin Resort

We spent the last few days at the Guerin Resort in Spring. We had a great time swimming, eating delicious food, and being waited on by the stellar staff. As you can see, Ruby enjoyed the resort's clothing optional policy.

Ruby's Future Playground

Those of you who have been to our house know that our backyard is (was) a somewhat desolate landscape. I take a lot of pride in my frontyard, but I've never had the time, resources, or plan to do something to the back. That changed with Ruby. Although Emilia will point out that I promised her that we'd have a different backyard before Ruby's birth, all good things take time, right?

Fortunately we were able to implement the first step in our plan for the backyard over the past few days. We hired Longhorn Lawns (highly recommended) to install a pea gravel-filled, limestone block-lined, 18' by 34' play area for Ruby's future enjoyment. That's 10 cubic yards of pea gravel. We also had them line the back fence line with river rock, as I'm eventually going to put beds in front along the back fence. The river rocks will allow a space for the dogs to run the line and not trash the beds.

A few pictures of the before, during, and after:







Finally, U.S. is up 2-0 over a Spain team that hasn't lost in its last 35 matches. Sick. Add that to the fact that the Longhorns are playing LSU tonight for the College World Series championship, and this could wind up being an insanely awesome sports day. Vacation!

DLG and LGD

Happy Father's Day, Daddy!

First Visit to a Fancy Swimmin' Hole

To start my two week vacation off on the right foot, we took Ruby on her first trip to the Austin-area's awesome (alliteration!) Hamilton Pool this morning. And she loved it.


She loves the water, regardless of the fact that it's pretty darn cold. This bodes well for future tubing trips down the Comal.

Movin' to the country, gonna eat her a lot of peaches ...

Front Yard Model

A few shots from last week's front yard modeling session, taken by the always lovely Emilia:


This is her pouty, disinterested look. It'll drive the boys nuts. Which will drive me nuts.

Ladies Who Lunch

Ruby and I went to lunch yesterday with Miss Valentina. Being the fancy ladies that we are, we ate at North in the Domain. It was delicious and Ruby was on her best behavior. Ruby and I think we should make fancy girly lunches a regular part of our social schedule.

Pulling Up

Good Morning Dad

David went into Ruby's room this morning to get her out of her crib.

Something tells me I need to put the bumper back up.

Weekend Fun

This weekend was a busy but fun one for the whole family. We tried out the Austin Farmer's Market on Saturday morning. I've been looking forward to going for awhile and the timing was great, as we had almost no produce in the house. Unfortunately, I was not impressed with the selection or prices. I guess I have just been spoiled by the farmers market trips we take in San Diego. At least it gave David a chance to model the back carry on the mei tai. Ruby loved riding around on her daddy's back.

After our short trip to the market, we went to the Screaming Goat for lunch with Jesse and Meaghan. Ruby was in heaven in Tio Chuy's lap, and I was in heaven eating a gallon of queso and homemade chips. After her afternoon nap, we pulled out the hippo pool into the front yard so Ruby could take a little dip. Stella and Stan loved the sprinkler feature.

Then there was a dog fight in the front yard.

Stella lost.

Sunday, I made a morning visit for work while David and Ruby got in some quality time. Then, we met the Phillips family at the pool. Allison snapped a photo of me with two of my favorite girls.

Another Avocado Pic

Someone is a messy eater....

And She's Off...

Ruby is all over the place these days! She hasn't quite mastered how to put all the steps of crawling together in a swift, smooth motion, but she can certainly get from one end of the room to the other when she wants to. I think it will only be a day or two before she's officially crawling, as she gets better each day.

For Jo Cassandra

Jo is Ruby's trendiest friend. She gave Ruby her gold sneakers when she was born and then Dad came home from work today with this little goodie. Thanks, Jo. You're the coolest.


For those of you who don't see us regularly, please note that David shaved his head last week. He looks hot.

For Gigi

Maybe her first name should have been Albina.

For Aunt Lo

Aunt Lauren requested some more pictures this week, so here you go, Lolly.

Ruby has been fussy all day as her two bottom teeth break through, so we don't have any big smiles for today. She did have fun at the grocery store though, riding like a big girl in the cart and rocking her sweet gold sneakers.

Pied Piper

I bet Ruby $5 she couldn't eat a whole ear of corn on her own. I lost.

SAHM

Today is one of those days where I am so thankful that I am able to stay home with Ruby. I always knew that I wanted to stay home with my babies, but it is so much more amazing than I ever could have imagined. As I type this, Ruby is in her exersaucer, talking up a storm and bouncing up and down. When I look over to smile and talk to her, I feel overwhelmed with how much I love her.

This morning, we had a great time at the grocery store, buying lots of produce to make our own baby food and finding new foods for her to try. SIX people came up to me to talk to Ruby and tell me how beautiful she is! Being the little flirt that she is, Ruby coo-ed and goo-ed for all the strangers. We've spent the afternoon playing in the front yard together, swinging and playing airplane. PLUS, Dad will get home at 6pm tonight, something we have missed this last month. My life is so good and I am so thankful.

And just because she's cute and I love her....

Ruby's Six Month Stats

Ruby had her six month well-check this morning at the pediatrician. She's a big girl with a big head.

Height: 27 and 1/8 inches (93rd percentile)
Weight: 17 pounds, 9.5 ounces (79th percentile)
Head: 45 cm (96th percentile)

The Difficulties of Photographing a Six Month Old

Click to enlarge.

Sine Die, Part 2

First Day of Session:


Last Day of Session:

Six Months (and two days)

It is practically impossible now to get a good picture in the chair without Ruby grabbing the sign, eating the sign, grabbing the longhorn, trying to climb out of the chair, etc. Twenty minutes and this was the best pic I could get.

SINE DIE! SINE DIE! SINE DIE!

Today is Sine Die, the last official day of regular session. This means that we will soon have our Daddy back. HOORAY! No confirmation on a special session yet, but we're excited just to know that the worst is behind us.

David's so excited, he's doing handstands.