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.

Rubix Hits the Hampts

Perhaps you know you're in the Hamptons when you're starting across a crosswalk on a quiet two-store street and a Roll's Royce butts its way by you and your four-month-old daughter.

It was all good though. Quite good. Ruby made her real Long Island debut this week when we joined Lauren, Ben, Lila -- Lauren's parents Lou and Jane - and new pals Paige and Coco, at Quogue for a couple nights of sit-back-and-play, plus grilled salmon steaks.

One night Ruby didn't particularly want to sleep. Tears. We took her downstairs where she giggled on her mama's lap, watching a full meal and the antics and playing of Coco and Lila. Ruby just wanted to be involved.

Next time we're looking forward to seeing Amy, Adam, Oliver, Owen and Bea in their Quogue home too!

When we got back home, we had a little more visit time with Suzy and Wampus before they head back to Oklahoma tomorrow.

Breakfast Party at May & Nora's

Ruby has found some big fans, and friends, with next door neighbors May and Nora. Sometimes we'll hear them loudly playing in the hall, hoping for a little Ruby meet-up. Frequently Michelle, our super nanny, takes Ruby over for some play time. Yesterday they went for breakfast.

Happy Mother's Day!

Some days are bigger than others. Happy mother's day! 

Someone also made a card (with a used pizza box):

Ruby Meets Sophie

A couple weeks ago, in surprising hot weather, Ruby attended her first birthday party, of pal Sophie at Brooklyn's Ft Greene Park. Lots of neat snacks, lots of little kids, including the birthday gal (one year old). The rise in temps also meant upping the ante in daintyness, ie summer dresses.

Ruby is also fond of her new bouncey chair. And of Gregg the Monkey.