Happy Birthday Ruthie

Dear Ruthie, Oh my sweet Ruthie. We had no clue how much our lives would change when you were born. You have always had a sparkle in your eye. You've always wanted nothing more than to be a part of whatever your big sisters are doing. You are a ball of energy. You are a 3rd born who thinks she's a 1st born. You have always been tiny but you have a huge personality. You have zero filter. You are rough and tumble. You aren't scared of much but when you are worried about something you commit to being 100% terrified which always throws me for a loop because its so out of character for you. You are a wonderful big sister and you are pretty sure you aren't a "little" sister. You love roller skating and baby dolls and basketball and being girly. You have strong opinions and aren't afraid to voice them. You are an amazing advocate for yourself. You are fiesty and snuggly. You give big hugs when you're happy (and we're all really glad you no longer bite people when you're happy!). You fall apart when you're tired. You still suck 2 of the fingers on your left hand and drag "pillow" around everywhere you go. You like to be in charge. You love arts and crafts. You are capable of handling whatever problem arises. You are fiercly independent. You are perfectly you and I wouldn't want you to be any other way. This year you finished virtual school and went back to brick and mortar. You got glasses and your reading skills took off! I am so glad you love to read now. You have loved being back in regular school. You have made some sweet friends and really like your teacher. This year you were on big swim team for the first time (you were on mini team when we were in Columbia) and you rocked it! I was so proud of all that you learned this year. You made some great friends and worked so hard on your strokes. This year you got to go to Roper Mountain camp for the first time. You did the farm camp and had so much fun. This year we learned you were allergic to cats and shellfish. We were all shocked by the shellfish allergy. When you had a reaction we thought it was an environmental allergy you were reacting to but you were positive it was the shrimp. Because apparently you had issues with shrimp for a while so you just stopped eating it. Because Ruthie can handle it by herself! As of now you have been in OIT maintenance for your peanut allergy for 2.5 years and I am so proud of how well you handle your daily dosing and I also love how much you love all things peanut/peanut butter! This year you went skiing for the first time and loved it. You are looking forward to going again this year. We also went to the beach, Dollywood, and Washington DC. Ruthie I absolutely love you and your mix of sweet and fiesty. You are a force to be reckoned with. You are an incredible blessing in our lives and I am so thankful that I get to be your mom and watch you every step of your journey. I can't wait to see where life takes you! Love, Mom