Ruby Rides

Jan 10, 2009

Dear Noah,

   I bet you are happy today because your Uncle Joe is visiting!  We split up our visits this weekend because he had to work yesterday so I went and babysat while you and Dylan ran around like little hellions.  Actually you were pretty good.  Your Mom told me how much you love your Uncle Joe though.  You were pointing to a picture of him and waving frantically!  Just don’t try to bite him though or you’ll have shaken baby syndrome like poor Dylan!

   Yesterday you asked me to read you a book for the first time- it was the cloth Clifford book.  You pointed out the ball and the balloons and said both words! Your daddy was ecstatic!  He can’t get over how smart you are.  You are constantly pointing at things, wanting us to tell you what they are.  You also know who Ruby is! 

    While you were showing me the ball and the balloon, I asked you “Where’s Ruby?” and you pointed to her head sticking but from behind the baby gate!! (I had to keep her there because she was going after the cats)  You gave me lots of hugs yesterday.  I love holding you so much!  You weren’t too happy though when I tried to give you a “Ruby Ride” in the snow, or should I say ice.  I bought a sled- a Polar Flyer from L.L.Bean to see if I could get Ruby to pull me on it. She has a special harness for skijouring (another winter dog sport that went sour) so I thought I would try this.  Uncle Joe tried to make her pull me while I sat on the sled but I was too heavy.  So I had this bright idea to try you guys!  Your dad and I bundled you both up (not an easy feat( and attempted to cross the deck which was icy hard snow crust-very dangerous-not the smartest thing I’ve ever suggested doing while poor Ruby dragged around the empty sled.  We tried you first, but you kept sliding off and crying.  Dylan liked it though. We had him lay down on his back and went for a couple of laps across the frozen snow But then he tried to sit up and went downhill from there.  So I tried sitting with Dylan and hold you two while Daddy pulled Ruby’s leash.  Ruby got all weirded out and tried to pull away from him so he let go, she jumped on the sled with us!  Good thing nobody was watching!!! We were glad your mom didn’t have a Nanny Cam set up!!!