1-2-3!

Our baby, then little boy, then toddler, is now a big boy - or a big boy tiger or fish, as he says.

Cake with Mom and Dad (and Claudie)

Fire Truck cookies with a 3 for friends.

We celebrated his third birthday with a fire theme - of course. With 10 of his friends in tow, we visited the friendly Clayton Fire Department and got the full tour - complete with a look at the sleeping quarters (Murphy beds, who knew?)

Rhys in his turnout gear with friends.

We followed up the tour with a pizza party at Dewey's - a great, local pizza place where adults AND kids could have fun.

Rhys enjoys being the center of the table and attention. 

Happy Birthday, Big Boy Shark. We love you to the moon and back.

My boy.

Ho Ho Ho

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2010

We celebrated our first Christmas in St Louis and our first with Claudia - in the flesh as it were. In attendance -- Aunt Kate, Cousin Luke, Mommy, Daddy, Rhysie, Claudie and visits later in the day from Uncles Mark and Mathew and Granny.  It was a white Christmas -- but that didn't stop Santa and Rudolph from bringing in presents to our good boy and girl and Kate and Luke from arriving from New York.

Christmas morning arrived at the normal wake up time -- 6:45 am. Santa decorated our tree, ate his treats, left Rhysie a book with a special note in it, filled the stockings and left a few presents. Rudolph came along and munched an apple. And MAGIC appeared in the shape of a penny. Of course there were many gifts to open ... including turnout gear from Kate and Luke, a piano from Nanny and Papa, an ambulance from Zjo Zjo and Joanie, and a broom from Mom and Dad.

Eying up bunny

Later in the day, the Oldham family gathered for a traditional - ahem - dinner of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and green beans. All in all, a wonderful Christmas to be followed up with an amazing third birthday celebration on the 27th.  2010 is ending on a good note -- and our hearts our full with love for our family and friends. 

A few more pics from the holiday....

Rhys talking to Kate about proper turnout gear requirements.

On Christmas Eve, Rhys and Mommy made cookies for Santa -- special chocolate mint cookies that we make only once a year. We followed it up with a children's caroling service and early bedtime for Rhys. Claudia - didn't agree with an early bedtime -- and wanted to stay up to see Santa arrive. 

Claudie and Daddy by our lovely tree decorated with candy canes by Santa...those clever elves. 

They must be siblings

Claudia age 8 mos w/ brown hair and brown/blue eyes

Rhys around 8 months with blond hair/blue eyes

Happy Birthday to me -- three times over for our 3 year old

One benefit of going to two different preschools -- is that you get to have two birthday parties. Rhys celebrated his birthday at Samuel with cupcakes. Today, he celebrated at "Fish" school with Nilla wafers -- along with the children's annual holiday party. On Rhys' actual birthday on Dec. 27 we will be visiting the Clayton Fire Department for a tour with about 10 of his friends. We can't wait.

Jingle Bells

We enjoyed a carriage ride with two horses through the amazing lights display of the local Tilles Park on Saturday. It is starting to feel a lot like Christmas.

What's mine is mine

Claudie makes a move for the car stash... Result: One unhappy big brother + a very happy little sister = our workload just doubled! (P.S. Happy 9 month birthday, Claudie - and reflect and view the post of Rhys' 9 month crawl.)

o Tannenbaum

Your branches green delight us.
They are green when summer days are bright;
They are green when winter snow is white.
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,
Your branches green delight us!

Well, our little tree is green year-round but it still delights us. Thanks to Nanny and Papa  we have a lovely tree to delight the little and not-so-little folks with.

Rhys says he is the "tree man" which means he gets to turn the switch on - under proper supervision of course. We have also been talking about having Joy in our Hearts (instead of stomping our feet) - to which he replied that he has gymnastics in his heart. Then he will go on and tell you all about when he is a man where he is going to live (nearby it appears now) - but not with mommy and daddy, he says. That is good thing we believe -  but given that he isn't quite 3 and is already planning his next move, my heart is a bit tender. I have joked with friends that Rhys will be the one we hear from twice a year in his adventures around the world and may get a postcard when he gets married in Spain. Just invite us please, Rhysie.We like weddings and we like to travel.

(And yes, he is back in his swim gear...)

Ginger House

The walls caved in and half of it was eaten before it was done -- but all-in-all it was a tasty art project with his friend Charlie. On the plate this week - R's bday party at Miss Bonnie and Miss Belle's school, a visit from the Reindeer, the school holiday party and hopefully putting up the Christmas Tree.

Hide and Seek

Claudie and Rhys enjoy a game of hide and seek. In other news, Claudie is now crawling - sort of - more a scooting action.

On the move part 2

When I am not steeped in my Irish melancholy for times past (I don't think it is a trait of the Germans or Swedes so I am assigning my yen for historical periods to my great-grandmother Mary Long who probably was actually English with that last name, therefore, I may not even be part-Irish, let alone Welsh for that matter -- sigh) , we are very busy in the house with sleep training, firefighting, working, and getting ready for the holidays and someone is getting ready to CRAWL.

Hiareth

A Welsh word that doesn't have an exact English translation-- loosely it is a deep longing for home.

How did my ancestors deal with leaving their countries and never returning? Or my relatives for leaving Chicago? I ache for that city -- it is in my blood. I worry for my grandparents' graves, left untended. I long for my home...

Photo from Claudie's six week photo shoot...my family.

Good Friends

How much do I miss my friends in Chicago -- THIS MUCH!

My Bliss

Ah, a break with a scone and coffee at Whole Foods

2010 was a year of many changes and much to be thankful for: Dom's new job and our five-year-wedding anniversary, our daughter born in March, our son celebrating his second year of life, nephew Dax arriving in May, my new freelance career, and our steadfast family and friends.

I am also thankful this year for little breaks with a scone and coffee, free yoga at lululemon, kind firefighters who encourage Rhys' imagination, wide open spaces of greenery in St Louis, free museums and libraries, preschool for two-year-olds, a Democrat in the White House, and the Internet (Thanks, Al Gore).

In outfit number 2

Firefighter Claudie

Thanksgiving 2010

Snow in Clayton on Thanksgiving Day as seen at the Sheraton

Thanksgiving was in Clayton, MO this year and we had a full house -- Christopher, Jeanine and Dax came in from Minneapolis, my Dad and Joan from LA and Dom's mom and brothers from St Louis.

We provided the ingredients and happily turned the kitchen over - in part - to C and J who whipped up homemade pumpkin pie, sweet potatoes in brown sugar, mashed potatoes, stuffing and turkey. (Dom would like to point out that we actually do a good version of a Thanksgiving meal but we were happy for the assistance.)

Chris and the cousins

More fun was had at the St Louis Science Center, Oak Knoll Artist Park, MotoEuropa and the AB Brewing Tour...(hopefully St Louis made a good enough impression despite the chilly temps and runny noses!).

Just another morning of firefighting

Fire, fire, FIRE.
Now Claudia is joining in on the action and so will Baby Cousin Dax in a few days, if he's lucky.

Claudia is 8...

...months old today. She is reaching up for her favorite people, laughing with Rhys, playing firetrucks and blocks, eating fruits and veggies, doing a little babbling, and trying to crawl. She was up on hands and knees today -- reminding us that the times, they are a changing.

Thanks Aunt Kate for the adorable dress. And, yes, it isn't that warm in St Louis -- Rhys has just decided to adopt a swimming look at all times inside - when not fighting fires, which requires an entirely different wardrobe.

In the genes

We may be in trouble as Rhys has motorcycle enthusiasts and professionals on both side of the family!
Here he is pictured at Moto Europa in St Louis where his Uncle Mark works as the sales manager. (Learn more about our recent visit with the Nolidans by reading Sheila's post).
Dom and I are looking forward to attending the opening party this Thursday evening -- and perhaps buying a few holiday presents. But not actually riding any vehicles.

Sweet Potato

Enjoying food

Two bottom teeth not shown...

Rhys' Halloween: Double Trouble

2009 Halloween in Chicago

Rhys first met his friend Charlie in Summer Camp. Charlie, a year older, was one of three Charlies in Rhys' camp but we referred to him as the Blonde Charlie. Rhys and Blonde Charlie shared the same shoe size and taste in shoes (leading to some confusion when it was time to go home). Rhys was reunited with Charlie at "open times" play at the local family center and has clamored for more Charlie time (Charlie, while happy to see Rhys, is nowhere near as enthused.) This Halloween we went to a neighborhood party nearby where several of Rhys' preschool friends live.There was a hayride, pizza and beverages for all ages, and trick-or-treating. The best part for Rhys - Charlie was dressed as a Fire Dog, too. I think they are destined to be friends. ( It gets odder -- a month ago Claudia and I went through a house for sale only to find it was Charlie's...) 

2010 Halloween in St Louis - Rhys on the right!

Claudia's Halloween: Sting like a bee

Our very cute bumble bee was without her head piece...the perils of buying gently used children's costumes.

Granny stopped by to see the children in costume.

Getting into the spirit

On Friday, C visited Rhys' school to participate in their Halloween Party...(pictured with Ms. Bonnie).

Of course she had to wear the appropriate mix of Halloween colors without being too obvious.

On Saturday, R helped us carve a pumpkin (Dom swears it is the first time he has done this...better late than never.). And R composed an ode to the sad pumpkin - he was missing his candle.

One more day

Is that a look of fear in our eyes?

I came across our online wedding photos and thought to pepper this blog with some history.
This photo is from Oct. 28, 2005 - the day before our wedding. There may be a few more gray hairs and lines - but I would argue we are even happier now with the joyful additions to our family.

Dom with Rhys

Heather and Claudie

Pumpkin

A gorgeous day in St Louis -- getting ready for Rhys' third Halloween and Claudie's first.

Firefighter cont'd

Rhys is obsessed with firefighters these days (as you may have noticed). Not only is he going to be a Fire Dog for the second year in the row, he also wants to drive by the Clayton Fire Station every chance he gets and is eager for any book from the Library about firefighting.

Today, the family went to the Emergency Vehicle Fair in Clayton and saw a helicopter, firetrucks, and more...Grandpa Oldham joined us for a bit to ogle at the mastery of the local firestation.

Rhys in the 1940s style Firetruck

Claudia and Rhys

Happy Birthday, Daddy

A bit late in the posting, but Claudia also got dressed up to wish Dom a happy 46th.  There she is...our girl!

Partners in Crime

Jamie and Rhys learn about fire hydrants from the friendly Clayton fireman.

Meet Mr Frog and Mr Duck

Our good friends the Nolidans were lured to St Louis with promises of AB products, a babysitter, and lots of activities to keep the wee ones occupied. Our four days of fun together included circuses, firefighters, carousels, trains, animals galore, fine dining at home and abroad, baby smiles, big boy tears - and one -- "You are my Best Friend". 

It is hard to say good-bye to good friends -- but, as we promised Rhys, we will see everyone again soon - and the big boys will be three and our little ones will be not-so-little. But Sheila and I will have hardly aged. More photos coming soon on the Nolidan's blog...

A kid at heart

There is nothing quite like having small children to keep you young. Dom celebrated a birthday yesterday -- on 10-10-10 -- so I thought it would be clever to develop a Top 10 List of why we love him. (I thought it would be clever when I started but I have under 10 minutes to post, so please feel free to add in your own Top 10 ideas to help me out!).

10. He is always up for watching Glee, True Blood or The Office if it makes his wife happy. (I think he did draw the line at Pride and Prejudice, however).
9.He is a great friend and amusing dining companion.
8. Ok, he has a UK passport. And is always up for travel ideas even if our dreams are curtailed right now due to budget and children.
7. He makes great turkey tacos and will pick up Chipotle or Ben and Jerry's when requested. 
6. Dom is very safety conscious thanks to his upbringing and I know we are in safe hands when he is in the driver's seat.
5. Fair is far -- if Dom plays tennis, I go to yoga. I have plans with friends, he has plans with friends. If I make dinner (yes, it does happen occasionally), he does the dishes. If he makes dinner, he does the dishes....(not quite fair on my part, is it?)
4. He likes to go to plays - and museums - and will take Rhys in the mornings (how does this fit together, you ask...well, it does somehow in my mind.)
3. He is a great sport on the tennis court.
2. 10-10-10 and we have been together for almost 10 years.
1. He is Rhys and Claudia's number one Dad.

We love you, Dom!

Air Time for C Too!

While not as visually arresting as "My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean" - Claudia's growth is just as fascinating. She is such a sweet, smiley happy baby.  Here is a peek at what she is up to at six moths.

Number One Fan

Rhys' number one fan - well, I should say, after mom and dad - is sitting right here in this photo enjoying every aspect of the Rhys Show. Somehow I think she won't be relegated to backup singer for long.

My Bonnie Rhys James

Do you think Bonnie will want to come over the ocean -- you be the judge.

Hero Worship

Claudia is thinking -- "more firetrucks, Rhys?!"

Rhys is very fond of firetrucks and firefighters, like many small people seem to be. He plays firefighter at home - and at school. Therefore, this weekend presented a tempting opportunity for Rhys to get on board the Clayton firetruck and meet the firefighters. His school hosted a back-to-school block party. The weather was actually in the 60s so we brought out some fall clothes and headed out.

Ah, Heaven. ;)

Rhys admiring the fire jackets

Sleep is for the weak

What's this about Rhys not sleeping? Well,  it all started when a certain young lady joined our family. Rhys decided naps were not for big brothers. Despite trying all the tricks out there, Rhys would not take a nap at home (ok, I lie, he did nap in his bed three times in the last six months). He will fall asleep in the car - a sign that he is sleep deprived. To make matters worse, he moved his rising time from 7 am all the way to 5 am. He goes to bed at 7 and lately he is crying to be put to bed earlier, because he is just that tired. To make matters worse, he was getting up ten times a night...making his parents extremely frustrated and cranky.

His new bike - thanks Zjo Zjo

Our latest trick was the "Tot Clock" - and, I must say, the last three nights it has been working after trying it out for a few weeks without success. But then something clicked. He doesn't come in until the clock turns "yellow" -- and we are slowly moving back the time. He made it until 6:30 am today! If he follows the clock for 14 days - he gets a prize (a trip to an apple-picking orchard and a hayride - he wanted to go to the aquarium but St Louis actually doesn't have a good aquarium). We will see - as a backup plan we have an appointment with the local sleep lady next Thursday. People say she works miracles and a few hundred dollars is worth it if it means we can get our rest.

Now, it is Claudia's turn for sleep training. This mum is cutting off the midnight snack call ... starting...soon.

Chunky Monkey love

Who couldn't love that ball of chunky baby-ness? I had forgotten how wonderful the six month mark is!

Sitting up, eating squash, pears and prunes (ahem, for a certain problem that has come with the squash and pears), laughing, rolling from back to tummy (not quite as good getting from tummy to back), and laughing uproariously with Rhys as he flies by with a cape on. He loves an audience and has grown very fond of his baby sister - and Mommy and Daddy just adore her, of course.

Not enough sleep

I think if I have time for a  cause outside of getting Rhys to sleep past 5 am -- it is women's rights. The right to have a career and a family and to be supported in both by our country. In my opinion, our system is failing women and, more importantly, our country's children. I say this with some knowledge about maternity leaves in other countries...the right to keep your job for a year and then decide if you wish to return. The right to receive some compensation for your hard work at home raising children...the right for a mother's work to be acknowledged as a vital part of nation building. I have heard complaints that mothers in some European countries are not supported enough to go back to work (no daycares, not enough nannies) - and that too is a problem. But what a glorious problem to have, I think, instead of the reverse. 
Well, it is time I leave this rant with a sweet photo of my sleeping child...and dreams for that to multiply by two.