15 Month Stats

Ruby turned 15 months old a week ago.  I haven't been posting monthly stats on her since she turned a year old, but I thought this was a good time to share about her growth.  

This is such an interesting period in her life and development.  Ruby is still such a little peanut and baby (well, in my eyes, anyway), but is becoming so independent, with the personality to match.  She can understand simple directions and is oftentimes able to communicate her needs to us.  Ruby is usually pretty happy, playful, and can be silly.  She does have her moments where she tests us and doesn't get her way, so we are working on helping her through those moments.

15 Months Old:

Weight: 18.6 pounds

Length: 29.75 inches

Head Circumference: 18.5 inches

Ruby can...

- eat solids cut up into pieces, such as avocado, sweet potato, cheese, bread, pizza, applesauce, rice, noodles, bananas, yogurt, Cheerios

- walk, run (a little - there's usually some falling involved), push things, dance (she LOVES to dance)

- pick out favorite toys and books

- give high five, hug, kiss (sometimes, usually only her animals & dolls), sign a couple of words, point (with her whole hand), pick up small objects, carry things, empty and fill containers, clap

- brush her teeth (with help) - she has 8 teeth in front (4 on top, 4 on the bottom), with two sets of premolars coming in
- throw a mean temper tantrum, which involves falling on the floor and much arm and leg flailing

- drink out of a sippy cup, use a fork or spoon when handed to her

- point to pictures in books, turn pages

- follow simple oral directions

- say "mom" "dad" and "gog" (dog), she's currently working on the word "baby"

Favorites:

Food: Avocado or Cheese

Color: no preference

Hobbies: dancing, feeding the dogs, and playing with mom or dad

Book: How Do Dinosaurs Love Their Dogs? by Jane Yolan

Song: Anything that has a beat

Toy: "Baby" (doll) or Violet (stuffed dog by VTech)

 

Working on...

- saying more words

- eating more types of fruits and veggies

- petting the dogs gently 

- identifying body parts 

- stacking toys

- using crayons, not eating them 

Dedicated!

Today was a beautiful day for our little family.  We stood in front of our church family and dedicated Ruby to the Lord.  We vowed to raise her in a Christian home and accept the responsibilities that the Lord has placed on us in make us parents of His gift (Ruby).  We also prayed that some day she might accept Christ as her Lord and Savior.  It was a very emotional moment, but with all that emotion, Ruby was still able to hold is together and didn't cry at all!  She was even content when Pastor Brent held her.  We were so very proud.  

It was a pretty simple process.  We met with the Pastor last week to review the specifics regarding a baby dedication.  Today, he asked us a few questions in front of the church and then asked the members of the church if they will help us in raising Ruby in the faith.  Finally, he took Ruby, anointed her with oil and prayed.  Simple, but lovely.

Her thumb was in her mouth the entire time.  She also kept her little bow in her hair which made this mama happy (no looking like a little boy!).  Her dress had little dogs all over it, which seemed appropriate for her.

Isn't the photo in the background super cute?  Jess took it during our recent trip to Colorado.

Ruby received some really nice gifts: a certificate, child's Bible, and a Golden book from her babysitter.  I wish our family and her Godparents could have been there, but we are very, very thankful that our church family was present, especially our Care Group friends and her babysitter, who plays a large role in her life.

A happy day for the Hammers!  We love you, Ruby (even when you don't smile for the camera).  You truly are a gift from God.