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!

Love machine

Rhys, Caroline and Jonas had a great time at the Adams playlot yesterday. Even the moms had fun for a few minutes during snack time. The only danger zone is the big kid slide that Rhys was fascinated with. Don't worry - he only got knocked down one time.

Watering the flowers

Especially this blonde-haired, blue-eyed, chubby-legged variety called the Rhysie James.

Bumps and Bruises

Zhou Zhou came to visit via a conference this past week. Rhys warmed up to him after a few visits - and even held his hand on a walk.

This lovely family portrait - minus a smile from our adorable boy - also shows the perils of being a toddler if you look closely. I have lost count of the number of bumps and bruises and now scrapes Rhys has endured. Fortunately, R is pretty resilient and is rather fascinated by his "Boo Boos". (Even so, it still gives his parents a heart-wrenching moment or two!).

One year ago!

Big Boy

Rhys was so proud when he finally was able to climb on top of the toilet that we had to capture his big smile.

Let's see if potty training is that easy. Coming his way in about six months.