Yesterday was Ruby's birthday. All day long she got phone calls from family members and all day long they started out like this.
"Hey, Ruby! Happy Birthday!"
"Happy Birthday to you, too."
"Hehe, how old are you today?"
"I don't know. Six."
I asked her what she'd like to do for her birthday since we had the morning to ourselves thinking we'd hit up the zoo, the library, or the Penny Arcade but all she wanted to do was go swing at the park. That's exactly what we did. Two hours at the park hanging out with various dogs and kids and mamas we'd met before prior to requesting a trip to the grocery store. I tell ya, this kid is easy to please.
After we picked Sebastian up from school we did go to the Penny Arcade because I wanted so badly to document this day in a photo booth. Our regular favorite, the old school booth with the black and white strips, was out of service so we used a new one that spits out polaroid type film with four pictures on it with a secret message that fades when the pictures show up. We brought props and they loved making funny faces.
She was serenaded by a street performer while Sebastian danced along and then it was home to make a strawberry cake with cream cheese frosting and half a bottle of pink sprinkles courtesy of the kids. There was a quick stop at the book fair before a cub scout meeting at Sebastian's school and then home for cake. Ruby decided the frosting was so good she wanted it all in her hair. Oh my stars, we had to have a bath before bed (2nd of the day). It was a special day that will surely be celebrated again when Brett gets home and a party soon after. She's requested Hello, Kitty so we'll see what we can do.
Ruby dear, I can't believe you're already six three. You're my favorite little talker, my sweet, happy child. I love your curiosity and flair. You can pack for a trip like nobody's business and take setting a table with Halloween candy and vintage jello molds for a stuffed animal brunch more seriously than anyone I know. You are your mother's daughter and it has been more special than I can put into words watching you grow into your big personality. You are so loved by everyone who knows you but most of all you are so loving back. I think you're pretty special, kid.
You can read about how Ruby arrived to this world if you're interested in home birth stories and here's what we did for her first and second birthdays.
Thank you for all of your birthday wishes, phone calls, and texts. This girl and her mama both felt very loved on.
-Rachel
Ruby's wearing: Dress by Cauliflower Kids.
