Rhys sees FIRE!

Rhys is 2! 026
Originally uploaded by shemoney

Rhys loved the "Happy Birthday" singing and the candle. The cake was worthy of a few bites but I think he prefers his sweets as cookies.

Happy Birthday Rhys!

Making Music

Happy Birthday Rhys! Rhys celebrated his second birthday on Sunday in the morning with his Uncle Christopher, Aunt Jeanine, Papa and Nana, before being joined in the afternoon by three of his favorite friends - Caroline, Jamie and Millie. The four toddlers found snowballs throughout the house and created penguin door hangers with a little help. Of course there was a special cake, balloons, and MORE presents. Having a birthday two days after Christmas may have some disadvantages, but at this age, Rhys had a great time with all the attention and love that has been shown to him from friends near and far.

Thank you!
P.S. Check out Sheila's blog for some great photos of the party. Thanks Nolidans for taking the photos while our camera was out of commission!

P.S. Hope to post new video soon using our new FLIP camera.

Kringla

Every year during the holidays my mother's side of the family would make Kringlas - a Swedish cinnamon and sugar, baked treat. It was serious business - we would make hundreds over the course of a morning working in teams. Over the years, it is has changed to be a bit less authentic (don't tell, but we use a Hot Roll Mix now) but still quite tasty and a once-a-year indulgence.
Rhys got to join in the fun this year, rolling the dough in the butter, sugar, cinnamon mix. He also enjoyed the piping hot product as he opened presents with vigor on Christmas Day.
Merry Christmas!

Calendar

Rhys has really loved his first advent calendar. Every day we open a new window...or two. I think we have already gone through all 24 days as of yesterday. Merry Christmas.

German Santa

Last weekend, we took Rhys to the ChristKindleMarket in Lincoln Square, Chicago's "German" neighborhood. We joined other families with young children at the market - waking up the Mitten salesman. While we only found one gift at the market - we scored at the Kids' area -- chock full with holiday art projects, kids' yoga, and a German Santa. Rhys ALMOST made it over to him, lured by the rocking reindeer, but in the end this is the best set of photos we have. Maybe next year we will get a Santa photo with Rhys and his sister.

Mama or Monkey snuggle

Monkey is the newest addition to Rhys' menagerie. Dom and I caved at the St Louis Zoo and bought him Monkey at Build-A-Bear (wow, that place is designed to empty your wallet). Rhys likes to give Monkey milk and food -- it is quite sweet. And at night, after demanding his mama snuggle time, he snuggles in with his top three animals, Baby, Dog-Dog, and Monkey.

Choo Choo in St Louis

The St Louis Zoo is a wonderful free city zoo and, along with great exhibits, it boasts a railroad fit for Rhys. We had a great ride around the zoo. Do you think he liked it?

Hi Louis!

We took one of my co-worker's recommendations and headed to the City Museum in St Louis on Saturday morning. There is nothing quite like it in Chicago - or anywhere else that I have been. It was really quite fantastical - like Redmoon Theatre met Gymboree. Or something like that.
Mainly designed for older children, the museum still provided a wide range of activities for our little adventurer. He rode a Choo Choo train - by himself! - for one quick lap before dissolving in tears when he saw us smiling promisingly at him at the end. He ran all around the deep caves, did plenty of slides and climbed through what looked like pieces of the Eiffel Tower.
Our visit ended with the Circus. Rhys was a brave boy and raised his hands when they asked for volunteers! Luckily for us, he wasn't chosen to perform.

Thanksgiving 2009 in St Louis

Granny Oldham had a full house of Oldham men this Thanksgiving -- Dom, his brothers, and Rhys, oh and me. We were only missing Cousin Luke.

Rhys ate a few peas at the meal but found more enjoyment stomping around the garden, and impressing his relatives with his somersault skills. Viva St Louis!

Leaves!

Doggie in the Window

One more picture of our dog-dog - before we move fully from October to November and thoughts of Thanksgiving.

Mr John Deere

Rhys has been treated to many visitors in October and November. Most recently, his Zhou Zhou and wife - Joanie - came out to celebrate the holidays since we won't be seeing them for Thanksgiving or Christmas this year. Rhys was able to go to the zoo - again! - and ride on the really BIG tractor, and see the cows, tigers and lions. Dom and I do realize what a huge help grandparents and siblings are....Thank you!

Half way there!

We are hoping to sell and move and before "Baby Sister" arrives in March. Time is going by quickly, however...so we may be forced to turn the guest bath into nursery 2! Just kidding, I think.

Brother & Sister

I spilled the beans in the last post - look carefully! (And I see my faithful reader Sheila did take note.) We are having a little girl in March. Out with all the lovely little boy clothes - and in with more pinks and purples...(please, not too much pink!). Our 20 week ultrasound showed a lovely, little girl. I could see her little kicks - but thankfully, her 13 oz frame isn't causing too much upheaval at this point.
Dom is already planning on a mixed double set at the tennis club!

His very own tractor!

Nanny visited us this past Halloween weekend to spend time with her only grandchild (for the next few months months as Rhys will have a baby sister born in March and a cousin born in May!). Rhys was thrilled to see Nanny when he woke up on Saturday morning. So thrilled in fact that we didn't hear from him for more than an hour as he happily played with her. Ah, sleep!

On Sunday morning, Nanny took Rhys to the zoo and returned with this ride-on tractor. Thankfully, it isn't too big nor too loud as condo living only allows for a certain kind and size of toy.

A treat that only a grandparent, aunt or uncle would buy!

Our cute "Spot"

Here is Rhys enjoying a preview of his Halloween costume the week before at a neighborhood playgroup we inveigled an invitation to. (We aren't regulars and for the uninitiated reading this, playgroups are rather political!) As you can tell from this group photo, I am not looking my best at 19 weeks pregnant (can someone please help me find the time to shower, nap, eat and take care of a 22 month old?), however, Rhys enjoyed the outing - pulling on a bee's wings, eating a cupcake, and meeting a bully. Well, maybe enjoyed is the wrong word for that interaction. The poor Mom seemed to know her son wasn't great at playing with others...but still, seeing a little boy push your son over a few times can really start to break your heart. Rhys was a little bewildered - but seemed to take it in stride and I was there to move him to a new activity far from the cavorting Cookie Monster.
More to come on Nanny's visit - a TRACTOR - Cows - and Halloween.

Tractor

Bob the Builder and all things tractor, dump truck and bulldozer have made their way into our home. Rhys was enthralled with a recent tractor ride through the mud to the large aforementioned pumpkin patch. And, more recently, with the machines hard at work on our alley. The city is replacing our alleyway and as long as it isn't raining, or some federal holiday, Rhys gets to see his beloved "tractors" hard at work.

More Fall Fun

Last weekend, we met the Brown family at a suburban pumpkin patch/kiddie carnival. This farm didn't seem all that authentic - but there was plenty of corn and one huge patch filled with pumpkins. All in all - a good farm experience for us city folks.
Rhys jumped around in a "jumpy", climbed on all sorts of wooden gear, saw farm animals, rode a train, and even sat on a Pony! He was thrilled and kept trying to get my hand off of its tight grip on his trousers. We might make a horseman out of him yet!

Fall

Throughout Chicagoland, there are activities non-parents have no idea about. For example, Dom and I most likely would not have found ourselves out at a Park District's Nature Fest two weekends ago making a cornhusk doll with Rhys, if we didn't have him around. While we both agree that life is much more enjoyable and interesting with a toddler, there's a thing or two I miss about my non-parenting life.

The primary thing I miss is TRAVEL. I am fantasizing already about my 40th birthday trip - where to you ask...somewhere European without the children and with Dom...a week or two of adult-filled fun. In the meantime, we need to make an effort to get out of town without Rhys before the baby is born and to do a better job of traveling once Baby 2 arrives. I feel like less of myself without it! And no, this isn't a pregnancy hormone cry for help...yet...but if you feel like watching him for a weekend, please let me know. :)

Happy Pony

Don't be fooled by the "1" on the cake...this year Rhys helped Dom celebrate his 45th with an ice cream cake. Afterwards Rhys practiced his galloping with renditions of "Happy Pony". You know it could sound like birthday if you really try to imagine it.

Hi Nanny!

It was Orange day at the Treehouse and Rhys was able to participate wearing his orange sweater with a huskie on it (Nanny and Papa own a Huskie so it was a special find...). I had been saving it for nine months since a super end-of-season sale at the Gap - and can't believe it now fits him.

School!

A few pics of Rhys playing at the Cherry Classrom, after hours.

Taking a Break

Enjoying some wall time and stretches.

More Rhys Choo Choo

The title is actually one of Rhys's new sentences. Sadly, he has also figured out how to say "No More Mama!"...the nerve. But the "Love You" does make up for it.

Back to the LA trip...Rhys enjoyed his train ride so much that later on in the day, he told Dom, Zjo Zjo and me that his new name is Rhys Choo-Choo.

On a related note, Rhys loves the idea that Dom is now taking the train to work. Off Dom goes to the Metra every morning for his six-minute ride to Ravenswood. From there, he walks about a mile to his office or hops a bus. We are loving the idea of staying a one-car family for as long as possible.

Now, we just need to sell our condo!

Choo Choo in LA

A highlight of his trip...! So calm, cool and collected.

Off to School

Rhys started "school" on Monday at The Little Green Treehouse. (I think I am calling it school to make myself feel better...) His first day he was a champ. Off he went to play with new toys and new children. Napping was difficult without his sleep sack, baby elephant, and crib but he was still in a pretty good mood despite the lack of sleep when Dom and I picked him up at 5 pm. We observed him for about a minute before he saw us and he was playing follow the leader with a teacher and a few children. The minute he saw us, however, there was this amazed "DADDY" and "MAMA" and a run over. There isn't anything better than that hug. Dom teared up - and so did I.
(I will try to take some pictures soon.)

Farm in the Zoo

Taken with my new iPhone!
Rhys loves the Lincoln Park Zoo's Farm in a Zoo. He enjoys seeing the cows being milked, riding the tractor, and looking at ponies, pigs and bunnies. There is even a garden in the zoo for city kids to see how vegetables are really grown. Almost as fun as riding the train...

First Chicago Bus Ride

Off to the zoo on the Armitage bus. He loved it..."More, More, More!"

California

With all the excitement surrounding the "new" baby, I have yet to post about our recent trip to LA. The three of us went to West Hills, CA to visit my dad (Zjo Zjo) and his wife, Joan(ie). Rhys was able to pick fruit from trees in the backyard, swim in a pool with a dog, ride a "choo choo", and see ponies. (Pony Pony Pony...his almost favorite animal, just next to a Cow.)

More to come....

March 21, 2010

Big changes are underway at the Malec/Oldham home! Dom started a new job as VP of Operations for a new mortgage company, we are putting our condo back on the market, and, Rhys will be a getting a brother or sister in March 2010.

We are overwhelmed in many ways with how much we would like to get done before March - sell and move mainly - but I am confident that things will fall into place...with a little help. Of course the most important thing is that there will be another baby to love and enjoy.

Condo BBQ

Our condo building hosts an annual feel good bbq every year so that all five units can mingle and put work issues aside for a night. This year, we opened it up to our nearby neighbors. A fun evening was had by all - lots of "cornhole" was played, food eaten, and gossip exchanged. Rhys had a great time (pictured with neighbor Ben)until he got a little too excited and threw rocks at Laurel, a two-year-old from across the alley. We think it was all in good fun, but after that, it was bedtime for him.

Hi!

A little peek at Rhys's favorite way to get your attention....
Hi, Mama!
Hi, Meow!
Hi, Dada!
Hi, Hi, Hi!

Human or Great Ape - you decide

I have been quite lazy taking pictures and uploading - so I am borrowing from some great pics taken by Aunt Kate a few weeks ago when she and Luke visited us. Here is confirmation that Rhys is, indeed, a Human. Phew - what a relief.

This is pretty funny. Rhys's new word is Funny and he asks quite frequently if he is being Funny - when he throws the keys, jumps in his crib, or does a somersault. We are trying to teach him what is Funny versus Fun and just plain naughty!

With a Moo, Moo Here

One of Rhys's favorite sayings is "EIEIO"...along with Cow and Moooo! Watching the Lincoln Park Zoo's cows get milked is always a fascinating treat for the little one. Here Cousin Luke shares in the city kid amazement!

More Yoga Baby

Rhys shows off his yoga skills in Washington Square Park during the Book Fair...Om Mama!

Whole Paycheck

I admit it, I love the new Whole Foods. I love the entire experience. My friends Cam and Jo and I met there for a planning meeting a month ago and somehow spent three hours there - without even doing a lick of grocery shopping until last call. Yes, a wine bar, a regular bar, and several eateries are the main culprit - but I also adore the baby section, the produce, and the food court area. Yum.

Newberry Book Fair

My mom came into town this past weekend to enjoy time with Rhys and volunteer at the Book Fair. Her cheerful smile was put to use as a greeter on Saturday. From 9 to 2 pm, she faithfully handed out brochures and bags and made sure everyone received a survey form.

Rhys and Dom came down for a bit. Here we are in Washington Square Park, in front of the Library, taking a break.

Dancing with Elmo

More Beach Time, Please!

We have only been back three days but it seems like weeks! Here are a few pictures of our days in Michiana - blowing bubbles, playing in the sand, and doing "dippy-dos" in the water. Ah, Summer!

Baby Shower

Rhys helped us celebrate my good friend Anne's baby shower on July 11. Look at the glowing mom-to-be, surrounded by her best ThoughtWorks friends! She is giving pregnancy a good name. We can't wait to meet Miss Brent in August!
P.S. Mimi (AKA - Millie) wasn't able to be there. Rhys asks for his Mimi all the time now after they got to spend some quality time together. So sweet.

Back at Home

Back from our week at the beach and back to reality. Dom is busy job searching, Rhys is spending time with Tina our upteenth "nanny" and I am back at the Newberry getting ready for the Book Fair, July 23-26!

Here is a quick pic of our adorable almost 19-month-old to tide you over this week while the family is busy getting their house in order.

The best swing in the world

Rhys loves his mama swing - or dada swing if Dom can squeeze his six foot, three inches into it.

We are enjoying having a yard and a playset during our vacation week. It sure will be hard to head back to condo living.

On my own

Where has my baby gone? So quickly the time is going by. Rhys is now 18 months, 3 weeks old - has more than 20 words - and has even started calling Dom "Daddy" instead of "Dada". (I still have Mama but I am sure MOM is just around the corner.)

Off he goes on his own adventures - but for now he still comes running back.

P.S. Please ignore the Cubs hat, while cute, it is clear that Rhys is a Cardinal fan and is only wearing this because of the limited options available in Chicago. Go Redbirds.

With a Neigh Neigh Here!

Rhys visited a horse stable for the first time yesterday. He was a little scared at first but soon was hanging from the stable door with another intrepid toddler, and feeding himself the apples and carrots meant for the ponies. Perhaps he will take after his Granny Oldham and become a horseman. (He sure has a lot to live up too!).

Lake Michigan

Finally, Rhys has dipped his toes, and most of his body, into Lake Michigan. The family is up in Michiana, IN, right next to Union Pier, MI, at our friends' cottage. It is quite charming - if small, but perfect for our small family.

More to come this week - but the highlight today, besides the helicopters flying overhead looking for the escaped convicts from the prison in Michigan City, were two fawns who spent some time in the yard (look in the leaves, behind Rhys).

Rhys, we aren't in Bucktown anymore!