Wuby the Wabbit

Happy Halloween everyone!

***Prepare yourself*** You may not be able to handle the ridiculous amount of cuteness in this post. Just don't say I didn't warn you! I challenge you to view all of these pictures without uttering the word "awwwww" ....just once :) (and don't miss the video at the end!)

We woke up this morning (October 31st) and realized that, in attempting to tackle our crazy weekend to-do list, we had completely neglected an important rite of passage. We had forgotten to take Ruby to a pumpkin patch to pose her among the "Great Pumpkins!" I could hear Charlie Brown "tisk-tisking" us. Sacrilege. In an effort to make things right, we loaded her up in the car and headed out to look for a church nearby that was selling pumpkins. They tend to pile them up on the lawn outside the church so I figured if we got the camera angle just right at least it would look like we'd made it to a real patch! After driving by 3 churches with nary a pumpkin in sight, we decided we'd be practical and go to the grocery store. Alas, even the grocery store had gotten rid of their pumpkins by the time we latecomers had arrived.

So we decided to pose among the gourds at Publix ... :)
I don't think Ruby was impressed.

When we returned home, we dressed her up in her costume.

As you can see, Ruby dressed up as a bunny for Halloween. A pink bunny. With big feet, big ears, and her very own carrot.

We're not exactly sure what the white pom-pom on her head is... but it makes her look even goofier.

We didn't give up on the pumpkins though...

We got creative and "borrowed" our neighbor's pumpkin (Thanks Karna!!!) for a few pics.

Happy family.


My little cotton-tail.


Next year your misfit parents will take you to a real pumpkin patch Ruby. Promise!

"Canadian EhBC's"

We see the light!!!!!!!!!!!!

Scott and I had our first date night since MAY last night. Yes folks, MAY! It's been about four and a half months since Scott and I have left the house together "sans Bobaloo" for the sole purpose of enjoying each other's company. In short- it was wonderful. We had a lovely romantic dinner and saw a movie. We even stayed out 'til midnight!! Let's just say that as soon as we returned home, we booked the nanny for another date night in 2 weeks time. We're planning on making a habit of it ;)

In honor (or should I say "honour") of Canadian Thanksgiving last weekend, here is a video of me teaching Ruby her ABC's. I am trying to make sure her Canadian roots are strong :) I have fond memories of being home for Thanksgiving last year and convincing Erik and Teija (my niece and nephew) to make a pre-dinner announcement regarding their "new cousin" that was on the way. It was a fun way to share our news. My Dad's response to the announcement: "Finally!!!!"


*************************NEWS FLASH********************
We have a roly poly baby on our hands! Ruby rolled from back to front for the first time a week or so ago. Here's a pic after she did it.


Her new favorite pastime is to lay on her back and move herself in a circle around the crib. We also played our first real game of peek-a-boo this past week. She is getting to be so much fun.
Do you think somebody likes polka dots?

In health news, Ruby has qualified for the Synagis (RSV) vaccine which she will receive monthly for the next 5 months. Most CDH babies get this because of their reduced lung capacity. I think it will make us feel a bit less anxious knowing she is protected for her first flu/RSV season. We are also thankful the insurance approved it since it is an expensive vaccine (about 7-8K all in). Thank you to the little mice who made it so Ruby can stay safe and healthy!



Here's a video of Ruby talking a ton and trying to get the hang of thumb sucking.

Cookbook update: I have received many wonderful recipes from friends, family, neighbors, friends of friends, Ruby's doctors etc. Thank you!!! If you want to contribute but haven't yet, please send your recipes as soon as possible so I can include them in the book. It's going to be a good one :) Just reply to this email or send them to: cdhcookbook@gmail.com.

That's all for now folks!
Adie

Help! Horton is shrinking!!!

Can you believe it? Our baby girl is 4 months old!!


Here's a comparison to last month...

I'm not sure she looks thaaaaaat much bigger but she is packing on the pounds (14.5 to be exact), can hold her head up pretty well now, and is giggling and talking to us all the time.

Ruby's follow-up with the surgeon was EXCELLENT. Her right lung has expanded to fill her thorax and the empty space left behind after they pushed her organs down and repaired her diaphragm. Her heart has also shifted back to the correct position now that everything else is in the right place. (yay!) While Ruby's lungs still have a ways to go at the micro level (e.g., branching alveoli, etc.) to increase her lung capacity and ability to oxygenate her blood, she has made HUGE progress since leaving the hospital. Finally, the x-rays indicate NO need for additional surgery at this time which is wonderful. This news was a welcome gift - just in time for her "birthday" celebration. Neither Scott nor I realized how relieved we would feel after hearing how well our lil' superhero has done.


We'll be following up with the surgeon again in 3 months for another check but we expect good news.

Our little pumpkin.

Ruby continues to love the nanny (Jane) and so do we! She's babysitting for our first "post-baby" date night next Friday. We won't know what to do with ourselves! I'm thinking a very nice dinner, glass of wine, and a valiant attempt to discuss "adult stuff" instead of our latest obsession (Ruby).

Thank you to everyone who has submitted recipes for the cookbook so far! I really appreciate it and I'm excited to put it together. If you are able, pretty please send recipes by October 15th so we can work on getting it published.
Until next time,
Adie