Bath Toys

Ruby's been loving water being poured and dripped around her during baths, usually conducted every other day. Now she's getting into the action -- grabbing cups, or trying to (mostly she pushed them away).

Ruby's First Parade

Ruby's first -- on July 4th in Philadelphia -- was a big hit. Here's a video of what happened:

Ruby Likes Philadelphia

Just back from our July 4th trip to Philadelphia -- and a forced excursion to the re-enactment of the Battle of Gettysburg (less of a hit with Mai in particular). Philadelphia was great. Stayed in the center near Rittenhouse Square, where we pretended to be posh locals staying at a nice 'boutique hotel' who upgraded us to the suite because we asked -- and because we had a whipsnap.

• On the 3rd, we went up the City Hall tower and met a Spanish couple from Valencia, then wandered around Antique Row and looked for lemonade. Later Ruby had her first experience with something called 'dinner,' actually sitting at a table as people ate meals after 5pm! We ended up befriending a local couple at the next table -- here for two years, with a five-year-old daughter. Robert: 'We're definitely not in New York.'
• On the 4th, we randomly bumped into the Spaniards, then heard the Philly mayor speak at Independence Hall, then got some lemonade and ice cream at a century-old-styled ice creamery where the parade stopped. No one knew that. We didn't either. Then realized we had the best seat in town. Ruby was thrilled by the spectacle, kicking and yelling like an over-sugared elf in 'Elf.' She particularly liked the drums. And one of the Bolivian dancers seeing her, broke from line to pose for a video. We had to pass on Sheryl Crow's free concert at the Museum of Art -- even in Philly, Ruby's asleep by 7pm.
• On the 5th, we drove to Gettysburg in time for a cavalry battle -- 'there is a lot of confusion on the field' said the re-enactment's MC -- and baked in the hot sun. A lot of beards in Gettysburg. And people in 'Little House on the Prairie' sun dresses or heavier wool uniforms walked around all the town's sites.

Ruby Teethes

Teething has begun, full force. Ruby is occasionally getting fussy, but generally finds all she needs in Sofie the giraffe. Pop spent the first days away since January 20 by going to Australia for work last week, but came back with three new books: one on a wombat, one on a possum ('the best piece of Australian literature... ever,' said the bookseller) and a bizarre one from 1910.

Pittsburgh Town

Ruby's been to Pennsylvania so many times now it's hard keeping count (well, twice if you're a stickler). Mom had a business meeting on Monday and Tuesday in Pittsburgh -- city of bridges, rivers, funny art -- so we went early for the weekend and found ourselves sharing a hotel with Kenny Chesney fans and the Detroit Red Wings. Been a long time since I've seen that many bearded men in suits.

We had fun. Pittsburgh is a lot nicer than some would think. The river scene is like 'the lake' brought downtown. With people stopping in their speed boats to dock on downtown walkways, throw out a barbecue grill. And sit a bit. 'We just have to keep the beer in the boat,' one guy said.

We went to the Andy Warhol Museum, got a huge $3 lemonade, had some eggs in a funny diner that pro-o-udly appeared in the 1991 film Passing On (no, we don't know it either), visited nearby Fallingwater -- the house Frank L Wright built atop a waterfall -- and met up with Sesame Street pals Anita and Jeanette.

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It's the Ruby Chair

Ruby's been enjoying more and more some (nearly unassisted) time in the 'Ruby chair' of late. Sometimes even with a beret on. Thanks Eva!

Somebody Is Liking Things

A bit on Ruby's likes. Ruby likes going to parks, looking at people eat, looking about with evident curiosity, drinking milk, getting new hats, messily making spit bubbles, making new friends. She likes being busy too. In the past week or so, she got to meet Michelle's son Preston, go to a birthday party for four-year-old May next door, got re-acquainted with Zama the dog, wait out a brunch line in Williamsburg, sit on Ben's shoulder and play a key role in a Danielle/John sandwich.

Tomorrow we go back to the doctor (not looking forward to any shots). We did try measuring her today, and Ruby appeared to be 2'1" (putting her in the two-foot club for the first time). We'll see what the official measurement gives us.