Spring jacket

Happy Birthday Granny

This past weekend we were in St Louis for Dom's Mom's 80th birthday party - held at the Piper Palm House in the Botanic Gardens and hosted by the four Oldham children.  The event was lovely and even included English country dancing. While Dom and I didn't partake in the lessons or the dancing, we did meet more than 80 of Liz's local friends who all expressed their admiration and love for her.

Where were the children you ask? Claudia enjoyed a night out on the town with her mom and dad - while Rhys stayed at our friends' home and deprived the audience of his rendition of Happy Birthday To You...probably for the best.

Earth Day 2010

Rhys's daycare - The Little Green Treehouse -- rightly celebrates Earth Day in full force. Parents were invited to this year's party and since Claudia and I had an opening in our social calendar, we decided to join in. There were treats aplenty and earth art projects. Rhys had the most fun playing with the various noodles and beans in the "water" table.

Four Weeks Old

Thanks to the 80 degree weather in Chicago, Claudia is sporting a hat and summer outfit at her four-week-old photo shoot.

I will repeat a familiar lament felt by mothers and fathers everywhere -- Where has the time gone?

Tummy Time

S L A P

Rhys is full of love for his family but sometimes his energy needs to be redirected. This weekend Rhys gave into his impulse to hit...and actually did hit Claudia, twice. Time outs resulted and lots of tears (from Rhys).  The good news from this weekend is that Rhys started napping at home again. Now we just need to practice our mantra: We don't hit people or pets...!

Extra pair of hands

With Dom back to work in St Louis, it has been helpful to have family visiting. My mom came for five days and spent Easter with us. My Dad, banned from his office at California State University at Northridge due to a budget imposed furlough, spent his spring break week with us.
Rhys enjoyed the extra attention and I appreciated the extra pair of hands!

My Big Girl

Claudia had her two week appointment today (she is almost three weeks for those of you keeping track). She was up to 9.8 lbs and is 21 3/4 inches tall. The doctor and nurse were quite pleased.
We also found out that she has a hemangioma on her ankle. I noticed it when she was born but didn't bring it up until today. See, you really are more laid back with a second! Luckily, according to our doctor, these are not really a big deal and should go away by the age of 9. At this point, we just need to keep an eye on it.
For more info, visit http://www.drgreene.com/azguide/hemangioma

Easter for Two or I will call you on Monday

This year Rhys grasped the idea of the Easter Bunny -- a fuzzy, smaller version of Santa. Yes, we haven't touched on Jesus rising from the dead yet. Maybe next year.
In any event, when asked what he wanted from the Bunny, he asked for a sucker -- his favorite treat of late. The Easter Bunny got the message and Rhys received four suckers of various colors. Joy! His favorite Bunny gift, however, was a microphone! Our enthusiastic performer delighted Mom, Dad and Nanny with his rendition of Old McDonald -- sung to a variety of tunes.
Later on in the day Millie came by to search for eggs and enjoy some Easter treats while her parents queried us about bringing home a second child. We reassured them it was a piece of cake - no worries - easy as can be.
I am happy to report that Rhys's love affair with Millie continues. When he is not trying to tell her what to do or how to throw a ball, Rhys will try to sneak in for a cuddle. He did promise he would call her on Monday. (Is he 2 or 21?)
And, not to be forgotten, Claudia had a basket as well and Rhys helped her read her new book and play with her rattle.
Happy Easter 2010.

Out of Storage

Just like Rhys, Claudia is enjoying the Gymini and its swinging animal friends. Claudia is starting to be very alert and has even started her "practice" smiles. I think it must be a girl thing -- she doesn't want to be left out of the conversation!

Moby

With a 2 year old at home, I need my hands free. I am trying out the Moby and the Pikkolo by Cat Bird Baby...I still feel a bit uncertain getting Claudia in the carriers on my own but I am sure, with practice, we will be quite the team.