Wednesday, March 04, 2009

4, my favorite number.

Today is your birthday. And you were so mad all day yesterday. I think you were getting all your 3's out. And how mean am I? Bribing with marshmallows did me no good, it was cold and you wanted to go home.Only slightly better was in the house earlier that day. But I got this face as I interrupted your viewing of Kung Fu Panda:
And here is a forced smile, but no less beautiful.
Bear wrapped in a bed of socks.
Your favorite shoes bought by Aunt Liza two Christmases ago. And you wear them almost every day. They're a little tight.
Everything in the house reminds me of you, but to choose only a few more... You love this book. It's simple and it has a simple theme. A monkey and his mama, in love.
Your favorite sweater. It was on sale at Target but you think it is out-of-this-world beautiful. Like a princess sweater or something.
This represents your hard life, Ruby. A hand me down kitty from Grace with make-up smeared on the leg. You love this thing. This is the only toy that you are permitted to own, per Grace's instructions. You should see her pile of possessions stowed on the top bunk...
And you love Spongebob...
Every single morning. Cereal in a bowl with milk. Specifically. And eat it with you at the table. Always.

I know you think I'm going to say that you're growing up too fast. You expect me to say how much you've grown and how it seems like just yesterday you were my little colicky infant. But I'm going to leave that subject alone and tell you that I get you. I truly get you. A second child myself, I understand that you feel like sometimes no one sees you or hears you. You feel like you are a little lost and a little unknown. You feel a little misunderstood. I get it.

But I want you to know that never, ever has there come into my life such a special person as you. No one so passionate, emotional, loving, tender-hearted and palpable. Sure you challenge me, but I see through it like the ocean of sweet independence that it is.

Ruby, you're in my pocket, you're tucked into the background, right where I want you. To keep you safe, to protect you, and to wait for the right moment to unleash your omnipotence on the world.

Happy 4th Birthday, little girl.

15 comments:

LeDoux said...

happy birthday, RUBES!!!!! we love love love you.
xoxoxoxoxo

sharry said...

oh ruby you are 4! when you were a little bitty baby you lived in arizona and we got to see you and we loved, loved, loved you. now you are 4 and you live in florida and we don't get to see you as much as we wish we could but we still love, love, love you!!! the world is great that way.

we hope you have the greatest and funnest of birthdays!

love from all the scarletts in arizona to you in florida...

Ash said...

Happy Birthday Ruby!!! We love you! Reef is so excited to sing to you!!!

LuCDay said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RUBY!!! Another year of Ruby's life means another state to live in right? You guys sure do like March don't you? Love you Rubes!

Celeste said...

Happy Birthday Ruby! I got to see you when you were only 2 days old. What a sweet heart... and what cute pictures to capture her personality and favorite things.

Kim said...

Happy Birthday Ruby!

Sarah-

We will be in Miami for the next two months. We live right by the beach! We can see the ocean out our windows. Don't you want to see the ocean from our windows! Wouldn't it be fun to take a quick vacation (free accommodations) to Miami. lol

You guys are always welcome!

lori said...

I'm crying.

lindseyj said...

We LOVE that book at our house. Isn't it the sweetest thing!? Happy Birthday Ruby!!

badknee said...

say happy birthday to her for me!!! i remember when grace was four...they ARE growing up so fast! i love them so much and i want to see them!! cant wait!!

Missy said...

What a perfect birthday tribute. I love it - and she couldn't get any cuter. That first photo, it captured the chill in the air perfectly.

Kristie said...

Happy Birthday Ruby - hope you are spoilt with cake and special presents. xoxoxo

Jennifer said...

I love the 3rd picture...that beautiful skin!

I ,too, am a 2nd child...Happy Birthday Ruby!

Laurel said...

2nd and middle. Someone new little Ruby needed a Mom like you.

You're SO GOOD.
thanks for sharing your life with so many.

Lotti said...

What a truly beautiful post....

Lillie said...

Beautiful post. I love the lines in the background in the tutu picture. And her skinny legs. SOO great.