Their Natural Habitat
Lately Ruthie has been a bit fussy. It wasn’t teeth, we did that a few weeks ago.She’s been eating well, so I ruled that out. 
I thought she was a bit frustrated with her scoot-but-can’t-crawl status. She’s starting to get into everything, but still seemed generally unhappy with her place on the floor, surrounded by various kitchen items to play with. I was puzzled.
And then, one day Stewart grabbed his baby girl with one arm and carried out the shovel with the other. He had some digging to do and Ruthie was to join him. 
When I went out to check on them 45 minutes later, there she was; smiling, kicking, and squealing like her usual self. 
She had dirt in her toes, dirt in her fingernails, dirt in the creases of her little rubber band wrists. She had dirt on her nose, dirt on her legs, and dirt in her diaper. 
I had found Ruthie in her natural habitat. How had I forgotten , after no less than four children, that they are happiest in the dirt?
My little guy is always happiest in the dirt also! He loves being outside!
She not only looks like her mama, but acts like her as well.
What do you do about the fire ants here in Central Texas? My children LOVE dirt; I grew up in New England barefoot and happy on the dirt, and would give anything to let my children play in the dirt. But these fire ants are brutal!! My daughter is especially susceptible; the last time she was bit, her entire body broke out in hives. Any ideas?
Priscilla – There are only a few spots on the property that are ant-free so we stick with those. Otherwise, yes, they are brutal!
The photos of your baby girl cracked me up! Love it. It’s nice to see other people’s children covered in dirt and happy in life. She’s precious. 🙂
Kendra – Thank you and thanks for stopping by. I recently found your blog and love it!
Oh my goodness!! Do not hate me, but I want to pinch those cheeks!! I think Ruthie has staked her ground, and it is completely and totally evident in every crevice that is her being! Those blue eyes and red hair! Be still my heart! But best of all is the dirt that we all know… This is the life!
Lisa – No hate, I’m constantly smooching them. 🙂
It’s funny how the simplest things can make me smile. This post did. I remember those days. When my twins were about that age, I would take my crochet or a good book outside, give them each a plastic cup and they would play forever in the dirt. Good memories. Oh, and I love the miss-matched socks. Too cute!
Saundra – Haha, I’d like to say that her mismatched socks were an off day, but that’s pretty much how she looks every day. 🙂