Christmas Present in Use

Rhys is learning how to pull his wagon. Most times it ends tipped over and blocks scattered - but we think he is getting the hang of it.

Nature Chicago Style

One of the few benefits of having your place on the market are the forced weekend outings. We have been to the Museum of Science and Industry, Target, ummm...well, Target, and the Nature Museum over the last month.
Rhys enjoyed lunch, the toddler play area, a stuffed Polar Bear and butterflies, not exactly in that order this past weekend. We surely have enough to keep us busy for many more months of open houses.
P.S. Happy 13 months Rhys, almost one year in a day Jamie, and 9 months Caroline E. Wow - it is handy to have these dates close to one another so a befuddled mom can remember.

On the Move

Fee! Fie! Foe! Fum!

...well, you know the rest of the rhyme.

Rhys tried to run yesterday - and did quite well until a little something immovable - a door frame - got in his way. Thinking that he would be safer at his Gymboree class - we went to his noon class. All was well until the end when he took a BIG step down and tumbled right on top of his morning bruise. The result is before you.

I am still one

Rhys reading. Quite advanced.

Trains and Plants

The Newberry Library made out of plants, and other living organisms. Quite a treat to see at the Winter Wonderland Express at the Chicago Botanic Garden - now closed. I would recommend it is a fun, holiday treat for next year.

First Haircut

Along with his first cup, first spoon and first birthday, Rhys just had his first haircut. Dom and I took him next door to the Bucktown Barber - a local guy who works out of his house. For $10 he professionally snipped Rhys's golden locks. It all seemed to go well, until the end. However, all pieces are still intact and we left with a more grown-up looking boy.

Bunny Hat

Love

Ever since Rhys was aware of more than a foot in front him, he has been enamored with Paddington the Cat. He wants to touch her, be with her, follow her. He offers her treats - his spoon, water, ball. Paddington...well, not so much. In the beginning of their relationship she tried to sit on my lap while I nursed Rhys. That didn't work very well so then she waited outside his room for me to return. After awhile, she has claimed the end of the bed as her own and deals with the attentions of Rhys as she must. (She does give little bats and nips when he gets too close.)

We are so pleased that Rhys is as fond of her as she is...it is worth all the hairballs for this smile on his face.

Milk

Dom and I have always said that we are prepared and ready to take care of a baby - six weeks younger than Rhys is. As soon as we get really comfortable and confident with a stage - it changes.

Take bottles. Getting Rhys to take a bottle was a family effort - one that my brother Christopher had to witness. After months of taking milk out of a bottle - now there is this whole cup thing. Mom friends tell me that at 12 months they threw out the bottles and that was that. We haven't had our one year doctor appointment yet, but I am sure there may be some disapproving looks when I tell him that Rhys is still on the bottle.

Sigh, if only it were that easy with this stubborn one.

Believe me - I have tried - and if there is one thing Rhys wants these days it is milk in a bottle, not a cup. Cups have been thrown across the room, and the tears have been rampant.

What I know now, that I didn't one year ago - is that stages do change and some day soon he will be sucking from a sippy contently, and I will be worried about the next change to come.

Enjoy a few pics of our little one...now a toddling, toothy, one year old.

Oddity

And this is the part where Rhys meets an 8 feet tall penguin. Wonders never cease for this one year old.

New Years Eve Baby Style

Our friends the Foemmels invited us over to toast in the New Year - at 6 pm (For our half British babes we thought it was appropriate!). Their sweet daughter Millie caught Rhys's eye and he went in for a quick snuggle before her Dad caught on to his wily moves. All in all a fun, but different, NYE. Here is to a happy and healthy 2009!

One Year Old

Having a baby reach one is a milestone - for the mom and dad. What an amazing year it has been. We have seen this darling little one grow from 7 pounds 9 ounces to almost 25 pounds. He is now walking, and, if anything, is even more loved than a year ago - which didn't seem possible at the time. Sleep has been elusive but our hearts have grown tenfold. Ahhhh...parenthood.