To Ruthie

Dear Ruthie,

I just wanted to tell you how much I love you. I know you didn't ask to be born fifth in a big family, but other than sometimes saying, "Why am I always last?" you never complain. That's a pretty awesome thing for being just four years old.

I love how you were so happy for the other kids on their first day of school, as if it were your own first day of school. You got yourself ready, and even helped them get ready. You smiled in their pictures, and were so cheerful.

You even acted surprised when we went out for a treat after they all left.Sometimes when Mommy is working, it's hard not to have a playmate. Thank you for finding things to do, like playing dress-up, coloring, and playing legos. I know you are proud of this tall tower!
You love riding in the car to the store, to carpool, and to all your brother's and sisters' games. You sit up straight and join in the craziness with all the big kids. Sometimes you have to raise your hand so everyone will be quiet and listen to what you have to say. I'm sorry everyone's always talking over you. I'm working on all those big kids, you know.

Sometimes those games get long, but you are a good cheerleader, and when you lose interest in the game, you always find ways to entertain yourself.


Thank you for coming with Allie-15 and me yesterday to get her driver's permit. I had fun drawing turtles, dogs and cats with you on your magnadoodle in that yucky waiting area. And thank you for putting on your own seatbelt when Allie drove part of the way home. That will be even more important from now on, I can tell you that much!
I'm so thankful God made you a special part of our family, and I'm glad for this year to have you all to myself during the day. He knew I'd need a little someone who could still fit in my lap to keep me company. I want to hold you close, play lots of games, and enjoy what's left of your little lisp. I know some day it will be gone, and I'll miss it.

I love you.

Love,

Mom

***

And now, just so I don't forget them, some Ruthie-isms:

Ruthie is still learning to like some foods, and since she's four years old, I put four grapes, four peas, four green beans, etc. on her plate. She can have more, but she's expected to try to eat at least those. When she's five she'll get five. Last week we sat down to lunch of sandwiches and grapes. Ruthie had four grapes on her plate, and I had a whole bunch on mine. She looked at my grapes, then at me, wide-eyed, and said incredulously, "THAT'S how old you are???"

Oh, baby, my plate's not big enough for that many grapes.

***

The other day the kids were outside and our dog Cowboy relieved himself on a peach tree in the back yard. Ruthie immediately said, "Hey, now it's a 'Pee tree!'"