It's gotten to the point where I'm not sure what constitutes Ruth News anymore, since everything she does FASCINATES me. All I know for absolute certainty is this: I love my daughter, deeply and completely.
There's really nothing like this romance and intimacy. Like marriage, it's a unique bond formed by hormones, time, will, and emotions. There is so much touch, so many hours, and so much effort put into the relationship that I can't help myself: I'll jump in front of a train for her.
latest achievements
Ruth just power-nursed through her 6 month growth spurt a little early: her official "6 months old" date is June 7, 2008, just a few days after our anniversary on the 5th. She's fond of rice cereal, bananas, and applesauce, but even more fond of sucking and teething on the spoons with which we feed her. She sits up independently very well, and for extended periods of time. We don't leave her sitting by herself yet, as loss of balance happens quite often; a few pillows behind and around her prevent a goose egg and crying.
Right now her mouth has been designated Drool City. Everything is a chew toy. Now that she can grab and reach like a pro, I can't hold her in my lap and eat without having to carefully watch my plate. If I fail in my attentions, both Ruth and I will end up wearing my dinner.
breastfeeding confession
I'm a lazy nursing mom. I know that I should be pumping more often, and that it doesn't take much to increase my milk supply and build up a stash in the freezer. Sitting down and connecting myself up to a pump, however, is the last thing I want to do after I've just got Ruthie off my hands and a few moments to myself.
What used to make it easier was necessity of making her learn to take a bottle. I had to pump every day to make sure we had "test milk" to work with. Now that she takes a bottle pretty much whenever we give it to her, I'm less driven. I just peeked into our freezer and we have a measly 15 ounces for "backup".
It's clear: I need to get on the ball. When I go to teach photography at Park Camps for three weeks this summer, I don't want my milk supply to go down. I'm okay with giving Ruthie formula if I absolutely have to, but I'd really rather not have to spend money on it (it is expensive). With a little effort now and during teaching (thank goodness for breast pumps!), I can give her my own milk. It won't be the end of the world if she does end up with formula, but it will frustrate me if my own laziness prevents me from stocking up.
special daddy times
Some of my favorite moments are when I watch Steve and Ruth together. When he comes home from work, she always has a smile for him. He can make her laugh like no one else:
My goal is to get one of these moments on video to share with the family. Her laugh is addicting, and I find myself making the most ridiculous noises just to get a rise out of her.