Rhys - No Smiles for the Camera

Baby Elephant

Family and friends have been so generous with toys and clothes that Dom and I haven't bought Rhys much of anything. But when I realized a few weeks ago that he didn't have a stuffed animal to call his own, my working moms' guilt went straight to the credit card and I bought Rhys a stuffed elephant. (We are on an elephant theme in case you are keeping track.) "Baby" Elephant has been such a huge hit with Rhys. He loves the feel of the trunk on his face. And, as you can see, in this pic he is also at his favorite place - the changing table.

Spring Dance by Rhys

Enjoy...
Happy Easter.

Bottle Strike Suspended - on a Nap Strike

Thank you everyone for your helpful hints. Rhys has been back on the bottle for almost two weeks - and not a moment too soon as his mama is going back to work on Easter Monday. He has been with the nanny for a few days now and it seems to be going well - except for the fact the little guy isn't napping very well with her yet. I think once things get in a pattern and they can get out and about for walks - the naps will come - I hope. Rhys is sharing his nanny with Jonas (see earlier post), the son of my childhood friend Ellen.
It is true that the more a baby sleeps during the day the easier they sleep at night. For the last few nights it has been back to the beginning with Rhys waking up every three hours for cuddles and a feeding. I am sure this is a phase as he getting used to a new routine.
Happy Easter to everyone who is celebrating!

Winter Hat - in March

As many of you know, the Chicago weather this winter has been fierce. Having a baby at the end of December was probably not the wisest thing to do if you were looking for scenic strolls in the park during your maternity leave. Needless to say, Rhys and I have been having lots of indoor fun at yoga, pilates, brunches with other new moms and playing at home. Here is a photo of Rhys in a very cute handmade cap made by my high school friend Maya. We are at Yoga. Notice the second photo and the change in clothes and the less than enthused expression.

I do smile

Rhys is a big smiler and talker these days. Here are a few quick pics of him caught in mid smile. Luckily for all of us we have a professional children's photographer coming over on Saturday to capture Rhys's charms. I will send out information and a link to the photos as soon as I have it.

Gift from Uncle Christopher

I think I am a bit too old to get this joke...but if you are 20 something and watch the Dave Chappelle show, you probably will. I think I will have to hide this for a few years once Rhys can read.

On Strike

Rhys has been on a bottle strike since Sunday...this is five days, count them. Tomorrow, Saturday, Dom and my brother (who is coming in from Minneapolis to see Rhys) will have their work cut out for them as I am going to be gone for 3.5 hours sans Rhys. He typically likes a good feeding every 2.5/3 hours during the day so I am guessing the bottle issue will come up.
We have been using Born Free bottles rather successfully since Rhys was 2.5 weeks old. After his 8 week shots - he started to get really fussy on the bottle and gave it up altogether on Monday. I don't know if there is a correlation or not - but Dom and I have now been to Right Start twice to get new bottles to see if there is a magic solution out there.
This is what we have been trying: Adiri and MAM.
I have read all the advice you can gather...but we are always looking for more. I don't think the Newberry wants Rhys to become a part-time employee!

What a big boy...

Rhys is now in the 90th percentile for height and weight. By the looks of this picture, he may be in the 100th!