Answered Prayers

All week, Em has been insatiable in her appetite for Bible stories.   When I find her curled up with a book, most times its one of our bible story books.  On Thursday, she asked me to read the Nativity story and we finished half of the new testament before we quit reading.  Today, she asked me to read again and opened right where we left off, to hear the continuation.  So cool to watch this unfold in her!

Tonight, after bedtime prayers, Roo was asking more tough spiritual questions.  I asked her, as I usually do, if she would like to invite Jesus to be in her heart.  And this time she said yes!  Then, she spent another half hour working up the courage.  I asked her if she wanted some help with the words and she said yes.  After I articulated a simple invitation, Em repeated it verbatim, eyes shining!  She is SO excited about her newfound power!  Then, Roo, finally, said she'd like to ask Jesus in, but wanted to do it quietly, in her head.  I felt like I should stress the importance of doing this out loud, but offered her my ear, if she wanted to whisper it.  Roo jumped at this and quickly leaned over and used her own words, not mine, to pray.  And, being Roo, she came right back with a post script prayer.  It was a little joke for Jesus.

Ruby's Letter

Dear Ruby,

You are officially 4 years old. This year has been an adventure. Right after you turned 3 we found out that there might be more going on than just a sensory processing issue. It was a launching point for us, as a family, to make sure that you had access to everything you needed to be the very best Ruby you could be. So, much of this year has been taken up with trips to occupational therapy and speech, researching and praying. Our weekly visits with Miss D are highlights for you because they are full of swinging and playing and leave you feeling balanced and sure of yourself. I am completely wowed by your progress this year in communicating, socializing and acclimating to new situations.

This year you learned how to use the potty. You never ever have an accident out in public or at preschool and rarely at home. I love how proud you are of your accomplishments and also how methodical you are about always having a book at hand for a lengthier stay on the toilet. You are a planner and not one to be caught off-guard. Such a funny thing to learn about you from potty training, but there it is. I think this will be a life long attribute that will serve you well.

Your imagination really took off this year. Most often you pull pretend play ideas from stories you've read or movies you've watched. But more and more, I'm seeing the creativity inside of you spill out into your words and actions. I particularly love the way you revise songs to reflect what's going on in your imagination. Your songs also reflect your keen sense of humor. That and your sparkly eyes. Sometimes your humor is a little wicked. However, it only takes a quick look into your big blue eyes to see the joke hiding there instead of the naughty I expected to find. Just like your Daddy in that respect!

Oh! Speaking of songs, Ruby, you.love.to.sing. Your memory for song lyrics and tunes is just insane. When I hear you humming the tunes from songs on the Christian radio station or singing the refrain from the worship songs in church, I could just cry, it's so sweet. Ruby, you really have a heart for worship and have already learned so many scriptures through song. I hope you'll always have those Words readily accessible in your heart and mind.

Ruby, you have completed a year of preschool and Ms. Melissa has nothing but nice things to say about you. She noted your unique and thorough way of problem solving, how bright you are and how incredibly determined, too. You have blown away your specials teachers with your ability to recall details from past classes. Especially the Chinese lessons from Ms. Jillian during music class. Wow! You are a natural at languages!

Your list of things you love is long and varied. Your family, especially your Emme, top the list in your prayers each night. But, when asked what else you'd like to pray for, you immediately add Sesame Street characters. The four favorites still go to bed with you each night. Your favorite books this year have been compendiums, sequels and series. You share my love of a story that doesn't end. You read like other people breathe, without thought, it's just there. It's so incredible to watch the world open up to you through books. Reading is your passion, but your love language is bacon and cupcakes. Kiddo, you adore the salty and sweet things. Lemonade with 'bubbles' is still a favorite drink and you've got a real soft spot for anything that holds frosting (cupcakes, donuts, cookies). For your birthday this year, I made you an entire cupcake liner full of frosting. With sprinkles, of course.

Ruby, you are so independent now, though you still hang close to me for security. At home you can do it all by yourself. When we're out and about, you get a little anxious at times and still ask to 'be my baby'. I spent the first part of the year pushing you a little further and encouraging you to walk towards the things that seemed to worry you; brave through the transitions that seem so scary and be courageous in the face of looming obstacles. But, you know what, Ruby? You are, inherently, one of the bravest people I have ever known. It occurred to me one day that holding you a little longer or staying nearby for comfort didn't diminish any of that courage. It just gives you the assurance that we're in this together. You are not alone. So, as we finished out your year, out and about type things became much smoother as you relaxed in the knowledge that you would not be asked to fly until you were ready to spread your wings. As one would anticipate, you've begun flying faster and farther all on your own. You amaze me.

You often call me by my first name now, because it gets you swifter results. But, when you really need a mother, you still say 'Mama'. Especially at night when you ask me to tell you secret prayers in your ear.

I love you dearly, Ruby Claire, and am so blessed to be your mother.

Love,

Mama

A Letter To Ruby

Dear Ruby,

Today you are three years old. And you are incredible. You have a wide open heart that loves deeply. You adore your sister and think your Daddy hung the moon. But, you're still a Mama's girl deep down.
You learn quickly and have, what appears to be, a photographic memory. Your favorite toys are those that allow you to read, spell and count. You are reading. You have an incredible vocabulary, and just about every word you can say, you can read. You have a gift for language, all languages, actually. And you are endlessly frustrated that you don't yet have the skills to write the words you want to spell. Right now, you cope by taking my hand and asking me to write the words for you.
You're intent on asserting your independence right now. "No" and "Stop it" are becoming regular words in your repertoire (but so are please and thank you). And, Ruby, you can throw yourself a fit to beat the band. It is loud and long and raw. Believe me, your Daddy and I get the point you're making. But you don't throw that fit until you've exhausted every other option. The mental gymnastics you exert to get your way are astonishing. Ruby, you're not confrontational, but you are the most determined person I've ever met.
That is a trait that has served you well and will continue to do so (however challenging it makes it to be your parent).

You are working hard in occupational therapy, and you love it! Miss D, the OT, is your personal rock star and you eagerly anticipate the days you work with her.
You say, "Come on, Miss D, let's play! See the toys? Let's go!"
and then you hustle her down the hallway with barely a backward look for me.
I am so proud of this! Already, you are less sensory defensive, are putting together more original sentences and relying less on your amazing memorized arsenal of phrases, and are climbing and moving more freely. You'll be running and jumping with your Sissy soon, Ruby!
This year you've learned to sing (in tune). You love to sing. Your favorite song at the moment is "Singin' in the Rain". At any given moment you'll bust out with "What a glorious feeling, I'm happy again!" It makes me smile every time.
When you watch the movie, though, your favorite part is the Moses Supposes song and dance. For that, you grab your Sissy's hand and the two of you execute your own version of a tap dance routine.
My favorite line that you quote from the movie is, "I.ain't.people!" You use it with serious comedic timing.
You do a lot of things with great comedic timing, actually.
A month ago, you were climbing on a pile of books. I told you to get down and commented that those books were not stairs. With a deadpan expression, you cut your eyes to the book on which you were standing, then looked back at me and said, "my.first.steps." And, sure enough, that's what the book said, complete with a picture of a child climbing some stairs.

Ruby, you have an obsession with toothbrushes. And hats. The toothbrush thing greatly annoys your Daddy. Because it's his toothbrush you particularly love. Once, I asked you where that toothbrush belonged, hoping to get you to replace it on the counter. You told me it went 'in the potty'. I think that's when Daddy really got nervous. You seriously crack me up.
As for hats, anything can be a hat in your world. It's one of the fun ways that you play pretend.
You love to pretend to play different instruments... violin, flute, drums, piano and guitar are at the top of the list. You're very rooted in reality most of the time, so, you sometimes surprise me when your imagination leaps out. The day you dragged your Magnadoodle all over the house by the pen-on-a-string and announced that you were walking the dog, was unexpected! And wonderful!
You make me teary, Ruby, when you sing "Tis So Sweet" and when you run to your Sissy and grab her in a full hug and just hang on as long as she'll let you. I know you're just feeling all that love well up inside you and that's just the best way to show how you feel. You're always so sweet to share with her. When you get a lollipop, you hand it to Sissy before selecting one for yourself.
You are amazingly special, Ruby Claire. Your Daddy and I love you so very much.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Jellybean.