Ruby the Helper

Now that Ruby is totally mobile and walking and climbing everywhere like a little person, she's started to get more interested in being Mommy and Daddy's little helper. Yeah!! We have had some success with getting her to help pick up her toys, but have found that we have to be very specific in our requests. Just saying, "Help Mommy pick up your toys." doesn't work. You have to say, "Ruby, please go get your tractor/doll/legos/etc.". Of course, after a few times she starts to get aggravated--I guess she thinks I'm treating her like Cinderella--and will start fussing... I'm hoping that she'll get over that phase though! She also enjoys helping load/unload the dishwasher and load/unload the washing machine. She's also my chief clothespin holder and sorter, which is probably her favorite "chore".

Recently, on a Saturday, I asked Jared to vacuum for me while I did something in the kitchen. We put on our house cleaning music (They Might Be Giants pumped up LOUD!) and got to work. Ruby watched Daddy for a while, but then scurried off to her room. She came back carrying a broom! It was so cute watching her push that broom around the floor, even though it's ten times too big for her! She thought she was very clever (and so did we!). I'm starting to think maybe we should get her some kid-sized cleaning tools. I think she'd get a kick out of helping with her own stuff. Anyhow, after a few minutes she abandoned her broom and was off again to her bedroom.

A few minutes later she came into the living room with a watering pot! I guess she thought that Mom needed a little help keeping up with all of our houseplants (which is the truth!). Since she couldn't reach any of the plants I brought down a little herb pot that I had just bought and let her "water" it (of course the watering can was empty--just pretend water is the best option when we have all wood floors!). I wish I had gotten a better picture, but she really was trying hard. She does have quite a bit of practive watering as Jared lets her help water the potted plants in the garden with her little bucket--too fun!

Here's a picture of Ruby and Carter taken last week. I can't believe how grown up they both are getting! They really do act like brother and sister sometimes. The funny thing about this picture was that Ruby kept trying to hold Carter's hand, which he was NOT interested in! Sometimes they will hold hands though and I think it's so cute. I'm so thankful that she has a little friend and that Jared and I have Danny and Claire as friends. What a blessing!

I hope that you all have a blessed day! We're having a sunny start today and are planning to meet Claire and Carter at King's Garden (Kongens Have) for some playtime and the puppet show. Have a wonderful day where ever you are!