Happy Birthday Ruby!!

My sweet baby girl is three years old today! I have to admit that her past couple of birthdays have been tough days for me. They were reminders to me of milestones not met and so I tended not to want to celebrate.

This year Ruby's birthday feels different. I am content and at peace about where Ruby is at. Of course I would love her to make more progress, but I have stopped thinking about her as a list of what she can and can't do yet and instead as a beautiful little girl who has smile and giggle that melts my heart. I threw the milestone checklist out the window a while ago and life has been much better because of it. I appreciate Ruby for Ruby; we are blessed beyond words by her life. God was gracious to allow us to love on her this side of heaven.

Happy Birthday Ruby Fendisha TenHaken!!



I thought Ruby's birthday would be a good time to share some of the things Ruby likes so you those of you who don't know Ruby in person can get to know her a little bit and so I have a record as she grows.

Ruby Loves...
-ice cream
-swimming
-swinging
-rough housing with her Dad
-riding in the car
-going for walks
-being tickled
-listening to music-- usually the louder and more annoying the better
-her dog Tiger
-her brother's laugh
-the crinkly sound of the baby wipes wrapper
-being touched, held, cuddled and rocked
-drinking milk from her sippy cup