Dressing Up and Other Developments

Over the past couple of weeks, Ruby has turned a developmental corner. It's not just me that's noticed...she really has changed. It's hard to describe but it's like she's made a huge step in her development. Yes, her verbal skills are expanding at a breakneck pace but it's more than that. One of the most compelling pieces of evidence is that this past week, she sat through story time. Up until now, she's always been moving around, playing with puzzles and looking at books during the whole story time. This past week, however, she sat with the other kids and even tried to do the movements and when it was time for a sticker, dutifully sat with her little hand on her head.

I always try to remind parents that I do not expect toddlers to sit through story time and that even though they are moving about and seemingly not paying attention, they are still absorbing what's going on and benefitting from what we are doing. I have seen evidence of this many many times over. However, it's extra cool when you see the evidence from your very own munchkin! Especially when, up to now, it's been a little of a case of "the-cobbler's-son-has-no-shoes" with the librarian's kid being the loudest one in the library. Another thing: Ruby is becoming more and more opinionated with what she likes to wear, she's getting the hang of dressing herself (especially pants and shoes) AND she's getting more and more creative with her dress-up choices. It's like she's channelling Sienna! Here is her "Russian-Hula" look for you to admire: And now we add to that a Castanza jacket, three sets of baby legs, a tu-tu and a handbag. The perfect outfit for going down the runway and the slide. She is also learning the art of take now, ask later. Last week at the grocery store, I found her with a mouth full of Rollos and the opened package in her hand. I did discover it in time to pay for it though and I wasn't disappointed to have some Rollos in my purse for emergencies but the sight of her with Rollo juice dripping down her chin and a juicy, "Mommy, lookit!" made me laugh on the inside even though on the outside I tried to be stern-mommy. It's been an adventure these past few weeks!