Sunny San Diego...

The Ruffs took a much needed long weekend and headed to San Diego, California. All weekend Owen kept asking when we were going to see Diego (for those who don't watch Nick Jr., Diego is Dora's cousin). He also kept saying we were in "YOhio." I don't know.

Our good friend Tim Rogers, aka Rog, drove down from LA and spent the weekend with us - providing Owen with endless entertainment and conversation. Did I mention he is a GREAT friend?? =)

A few photos of the trip are below.

refusing to smile...




Owen's first time at the ocean!



Lyla is FIVE months old now!


I found the self timer on the camera - finally!




photos courtesy of Rog (from the beach outside our door)...









Balboa Park




Bye Rog! aka John, Chris, Bill - Owen couldn't remember his name for some reason.

update...

Of course I promised an update after our doctor's appt, then forgot to deliver. We went last week to a pediatric neurosurgeon for an evaluation. Way more dramatic sounding than the actual visit (a specialist has to do the assessment because brain growth is involved). The entire encounter from entering the office building to exit was less than fifteen minutes I think. I didn't even complete to paperwork before the appt was over!
Anyway, Dr. Ruge assessed Lyla's head, confirmed it was assymetrical (the right ear is further forward than the left), and gave us two choices: repositioning or a helmet. He assured us that if we chose the helmet, she'd have a straight head at one; and if we chose to wait and just reposition, she'd have a straight head by three. ASSURED us - someone remind me of this at 18 months when I'm still worried please. We were instructed to take aerial photos every three months to see progress.
He said if it were his own child with the summer months approaching, he'd avoid the helmet too. It has to be worn 23 hours a day until the first birthday. And has to be adjusted 2-3 times a month.
SO, at doctor's advice, we'll wait.
In the grand scheme of things, I'm reminded we are INCREDIBLY BLESSED to have two very healthy children. In Heaven, they'll both have straight heads and eat peanuts (according to Owen).

The biscuits in the army...

Anyone who went to Concord Elementary in the 1980's knows this song. Our beloved music teacher (yes, in a public school - every week) Mrs. Beard used to sing this funny song..."The biscuits in the army; they say they're mighty fine; till one rolled of the table and killed a friend of mine..."

I was thinking rolling today.

I put Lyla down on her back in the floor this morning while I sat beside her fumbling with the Tivo remote. I missed "the Office" last night, so I was enjoying the awkward dinner party with Michael, Jan, Jim, Pam and friends - suddenly I looked down and there she was on her tummy! Gosh doggit, I missed it - figures. Some day she'll ask about her important milestones and I'll be able to recount that I missed them because I was watching TV.

I'm quite sure I just missed out on the Mother of the Year trophy. However, Mrs. Beard would be proud that I know all the words 25 years later.

here she is just after the roll...

thanks for asking...

Everyone keeps asking about sweet Lyla's little head. Yes, it's crooked. Sort of. She has some "boding" - I think that's what the doctor called it - of the skull. Simply put, there's a knot on one side of her forehead. One ear is further forward and one side of the face fuller. Funny, but it's hard to see in 3-D and easier to see in the mirror.

Anyway, we go to a specialist tomorrow to hear our options. I think a little helmet is the most common solution. Thanks to all who have called and emailed to ask. Sorry I'm slow in replying. I'll keep you posted.

She's still the cutest baby I know. =)