2 Months & 1 Week

Dear Ruthie,

From where I sit in the living room, I can see across our apartment, through our bedroom door, and through the slats of your cradle to where you are sleeping fitfully on your tummy. The last couple days, you've been battling a cold. We were up with you every couple hours last night, changing diapers and cleaning out your nose. We held you as you cried, as snot dripped down your face and mingled with the bubbles you love to blow.

Your naps have been short today because after too long, you can't breathe well through your nose. Your coughs woke us up last night - but you slept through them - as you tried to ease the icky stuff stuck in there.

I hate that you are sick. I hate that I can't just take it away from you.

And I know that I'll feel that way often throughout your life: when you fall the first time you try to walk. When friends don't invite you along. When you have your first broken heart. When you fail at something or are teased or feel invisible. I'll want to take away all of that pain.

I can't. It's impossible.

But there is One who can. He alone knows all your pain, all your emotions, all your fears. He has endured them all... and so much more. I can't take away your pain, but He can. He can make all things good again.

Your daddy and I pray for you everyday to know Him. We pray that you follow Him, not turning to the right or to the left. We pray you desire to serve Him throughout your whole life.

You're sick right now - physically ill. But spiritually ill too, baby girl. You - even you - are a sinner in need of redemption. And the One to heal and redeem is so close!

Love,
Mama

2 Months & 1 Day

Dear Ruthie,

Today we had your two-month appointment. You weighed in at 10 lbs, 11 oz and 22.75 inches tall. You are in the 50th percentile for weight and head circumference and the 75th percentile for your height. The pediatrician said you'll likely be tall and lean. 

You had your shots today, too. We were nervous about how you'd take them... but when the time came, you took it like a champ! Your face got red but as soon as I picked you up, you stopped crying, nestled into my shoulder, and were good to go. We were so so proud.

We pumped your legs when we got home and gave you some baby Tylenol to help with the pain. You took a nap...

... then we went to the adult Valentine's Day party at church! You were so well-behaved: you napped for a while then were a happy baby the rest of the time. Ms. Betty was there taking pictures and you were certainly one of the most popular "props"! After we came home, you went right back to sleep in your cradle and slept most of the night.

Ruth, you are such a brave girl. You took your shots with no problem and faced the rest of the day with grace. Thank you for being so wonderful!

Love,

Mama