Foreground

Our poor pups have been pushed to the background since Mr. Rhys started hanging out at our house, and I've been meaning to do a 'dog' post for a while. I want to go back and find all the pics we have of Rhys with the dogs and the video we've taken of them licking his face and put them all nicely in one post. But I haven't done that, yet. So instead of waiting for that magic day, here is a photo of our sweet River. Yes, Rhys is the King of this household, but there is still a Prince and Princess living here too (Warren & I are mere peasants/servants/court jesters at this point).

River looks very sad in that photo. I hope it's just because she doesn't like having her photo taken...

Rhys was getting into more trouble yesterday, rolling all over the place:

Yesterday: Rhys received a parcel from some of my colleagues at Shaw (that I was meant to pick-up a while back, but never got around too). He now has enough lotion and bubble bath to last a lifetime, some finger puppets and a charming teddy bear:

Today: Warren is off, so no matter what happens, it will be a GREAT DAY. And, since Warren didn't finish work until 11:45pm last night, 2 double shot lattes are coming up!

Dear Wednesday, how I heart thee...

The Nine Lives Of Sophie The Giraffe

This year for Christmas Rhys received a super-great gift from Gramma Patsy. Sophie the Giraffe.

Rhys loves chewing her soft rubber head. He also loves tossing her around, and has come close to losing her several times. The first time was in LaSenza. I was shopping for some new PJs, and while in line to pay I noticed she was no longer wedged inside his gummy mouth. I retraced my steps and found her beneath a rack of terry cloth robes. The second time was while visiting Gramma. I knew he had Sophie when I put him in the car, but she was mysteriously gone once we arrived at Canadian Tire. We searched and searched and couldn't find her, so we figured she was at Gramma's somewhere. Nope. Not on the driveway, not left in the house. Finally Gramma Patsy found Sophie in the BACK of the Mazda 5. He had tossed her over the seat. The third time was at Warren's brother's house. We were certain their dog had buried Sophie in the backyard, but found her frozen in the snowy driveway on our way out.

I really hope Sophie has at least 9 lives. We've used up 3 of them already.

Yesterday: I successfully purchased and set up the mesh bumper pads. I'll report back to say if they helped. Also, we made an appointment for next week to visit a DAYCARE. Get a tour, ask questions, all that stuff. I'm excited, but sad, too.

Today: I'm expecting a delivery, so I'll be at home until that comes, that's all I know for sure.

Okay, Tuesday. Let's try and make you not-ordinary.

The 'Real' Warren

Anyone who is a friend of Warren on Facebook, knows he has a sense of humour. Often times, his jokes and references are very obscure, but if you 'get' his wit you will think him a clever man. But I live with the 'real' Warren. Not the pre-planned, scripted Warren. I hear the foolishness that comes flowing out of his brain, with no undo or delete button to save him. The ' Writer's Blog' comment could be one example.

Last night I was enjoying my evening latte and 3 chocolate pecan clusters (aka President's Choice rip off of 'Turtles') when Warren asked me if I'd like some wine...

Amanda: Umm, maybe when I'm done my latte.

Warren: OR, you can have some wine IN your coffee. It would be a 'Winoffee'!

Ya. I feel sorry for me too.

So to cheer us up, here is Rhys looking all grown up and cute as a bug:

Today: We are in serious need of a mesh bumper pad for Rhys' crib, so I'm hoping to go to Walmart (UGH!) to see if they have any in stock. Rhys tosses his soother out of the crib all night long, and when he wakes up and can't find it he often begins to cry. Warren & I are tired of crawling around his floor in the dark trying to find them all...

Mr. Serious

In the warm, blistering winds of yesterday's Chinook, Rhys & I got bundled up and headed out in the sleigh in search of an adventure. I pulled him through the streets of our neighbourhood with a specific destination in mind. The Park. Oh yes. I was in the mood to BLOW RHYS' MIND by introducing him to the baby swing. I maneuvered his little legs through the holes, gave him a push, and...nothing. There was a dad pushing his daughter in the swing next to us and he said "Well, he's not protesting! That's great!". But to simply have him 'not hate it' wasn't my goal. I wanted him to laugh and squeal and giggle and gurgle. So I pushed and pushed and made ridiculous faces, and...nothing. He was Mr. Serious the entire time.

So we trudged back home, Rhys gliding along the white ground in his sleigh, to do what we do best. Goof around for the camera.

Today: Warren has a quiet day of work, so some morning lattes and waffles are in the works. Gramma Patsy (my mom) is coming over this afternoon and we are going to Canadian Tire to shop for ice skates.

Happy 10th Day of January Blogging, everyone!

Lather, Rinse, Repeat...

Yesterday ended up being a very similar day to the one before. Rhys & I had a nice relaxed morning together, then a another beautiful mom and her child came for a visit. We had a latte and Porter ate my cinnamon bun (yesterday he ate the artichoke dip). I sure hope I can raise better behaved humans that I can dogs...

Here's is the boy we lovingly call 'The Little One' with Rhys...in a very similarly framed photo to the one I took yesterday with Easton:

'The Little One' is the most CHILL toddler you'll ever meet. I was all concerned that my house wasn't childproof enough, but he didn't touch anything he wasn't supposed to (well, except for the TV remote. I guess he's not a fan of 'The Young and the Restless'). He's growing up fast, and is a far cry from the wee babe photographed a couple years ago HERE.

Rhys was in total awe of him while they played together. I grabbed the video camera to capture their interaction, but of course The Little One lost interest the moment I hit record:

It was a perfect impromptu visit. Short, sweet, but just enough to give us a each a break in our day.

Today: I didn't make it outside yesterday, so that is my one and only goal today. PLUS, while outside, I plan to introduce Rhys to another FIRST. Tune in tomorrow to find out what it is!

The forecast is calling for +8 degrees Celsius. Saturday, you look lovely already.

"Writer's Blog"

Last night I was lamenting to Warren that I couldn't think of anything interesting to blog about this morning. His big suggestion? "Just blog about having nothing to blog about!". "No, no," I replied, "that's uber lame. No one wants to read about that". "No it's not! You have 'writer's blog'..." he chimed in, "get it? Writer's blog?". WOW. Thanks, Warren.

Moving on...

Yesterday: Had a super-awesome visit with my friend Kirsty. The time went by way too fast, of course, but afterwards I felt refreshed and reassured in all my highs & lows as a new mom. I'm not hormonal or going crazy or in need of medication. I'm simply a normal new mom. Thanks KW!

Kirsty's little guy, Easton, is exactly 8 weeks Rhys' junior. Kirsty enjoys watching Rhys because he is a glimpse into her near future. I enjoy watching Easton because he is a reminder of where Rhys was a very short time ago and how quickly he continues to grow and change.

Here is a shot of Rhys showing Easton the Ins & Outs of his Command Centre (aka Excersaucer), which Easton had never seen before. Both Kirsty & I agree that the angle of this photo does not accurately portray their size difference. Easton is 4 months old, and weighs less that Rhys did at 2 months. Rhys is a lumbering giant in comparison (but this pic doesn't show it very well):

After the quick lesson from Rhys, Easton was raring to go for a spin in the Command Centre. However, without the strong guidance of Commander Cronin, he felt a bit lost:

Poor little man. Guess his mom won't be in a rush to get him one of his own just yet.

Today: The weather is supposed to be really nice, so maybe I'll venture out with Rhys on his sleigh and see where we end up. And maybe another visit with another friend over another hot homemade latte...

Friday, I'm here. Give me something to blog about!

(And Happy Birthday KERI!)

Bits & Bops #4

Some ways I know for sure I am a mom, at the 5.5 month mark...

1) I have, on numerous occasions, licked my thumb and wiped some dirt/fluff/spittle/hair off of Rhys' face with my wet digit. I have memories of my mom doing this to me, in the parking lot of Co-op on $1.49 day, so that I would be presentable at the Co-op daycare while she shopped. Sometimes she would lick a Kleenex instead of her finger, but it was equally as traumatizing. BTW - Does Co-op still have daycare?

2) As much as I like to reminisce about Warren & Is travelling adventures before Rhys was born, I can't yet, at this point, imagine being anywhere without Rhys for very long. I would literally feel like I had left a limb or vital organ at home.

3) Whenever Warren (or anyone for that matter) is holding Rhys, or feeding him, or whatever, so that I can 'get something else done', I have to fight the urge to simply sit and watch Rhys interact with that person.

4) I can multi-task like nobodies business (I can play peek-a-b00, wash my hair in the shower and make a mental grocery list, all at the same time, for example).

5) Sometimes I'll be in such a rush to get out the door that I don't even take a moment to look in the mirror (gasp!), only to return home later on and catch a glimpse of myself and think, "Dear Lord, was I just in public looking like this?". One time I was meeting 2 friends at the mall, and one of them asked me what was wrong with my bangs. I had put a bobby pin in my bangs 'to hold them down', but instead the bobby pin was making my bangs stick straight up in the air. It was like a real life 'There's Something About Mary' hair gel scene.

Yesterday: Warren was home, so the day was fabulous. The big treat of the day? Going to the grocery store ALL BY MYSELF. Ahhhhhh....(must be another sign that I am a mom...).

Today: A very special day indeed. Rhys' BFF Easton and his beautiful mom are coming for a visit. So I expect the day to involve some homemade lattes, some store bought chocolate, some new-m0therhood chats, and hopefully some good moods all around.

And since today is Thursday, January 7th, a big shout out to NIKKI, SHANE & PALMER who are expecting to add to their family today! Good luck, Nicole! (Nikki is a 'blogger friend', who I have never met, but she's friends with some of my friends, and has a great blog, so I consider her to be EXCELLENT peeps...).

Have a great day, all!

Bouteille de Lait

Yesterday morning Warren was reading my blog, and he said 'Oh! Taking down the tree, eh? Pretty ambitious, don't you think?' I'm lucky that Warren fully understands how difficult in can be most days to accomplish anything when taking care of a baby. "You know," he continued, "traditionally the tree can be up until the 7th". Hurray! That's my out! And with Ukrainian Christmas being on the 6th, I'm really just staying true to my heritage. So I didn't procrastinate people, I'm being true to my heritage...

I didn't accomplish the other item on my daily to-do list either. To make a London Fog. I didn't have any Earl Grey tea, and I thought I'd be bastardizing the drink if I made it with English Breakfast or a Five Berry Blend. So instead I made Warren his favorite. A Chai Latte. With real Indian chai powder that I bought at a craft show a while ago.

Mr. Rhys had a great day yesterday. I laughed a lot and marvelled at how quickly he's learning and developing his skills. I'm just so gosh-darn-proud to be his mama and call him our son.

Now, some video clips that I taped yesterday...

1) Somehow, when parenting books talk about 'self-soothing', I don't think this is what they had in mind:

2) I'm fully aware that I sound like an idiot in this next clip, so just ignore my commentary and gaze upon Rhys' cuteness as he relaxes as Papa feeds him his dinner time bottle (Side note: I may have gotten a little carried away with the Mac's iMovie stock music selection and Warren thinks my music choice is borederline inappropriate...all I know is that I laugh myself to tears when the music kicks in...):

3) We began feeding Rhys rice cereal about a month ago, so this isn't a video of his first meal or anything. But he was just so enthusiastic about eating last night, that I had to whip out the camera...if you have 2 minutes to spare, I think it's worth it ;-) Again, the caveat that Warren & I sound like fools applies. You've been warned. Also, might be better viewed by clicking HERE, because stupid blogger crops the widescreen):

Warren always cracks me up when he feeds Rhys. When he's putting on the rubber bib (Warren calls it Rhys' 'raincoat') he'll start a conversation like this:

Warren: "Lobster tonight, Sir? Yes, yes...2009 was an excellent year for rice cereal. Yes...it was freeze dried in Italy by the young woman who harvested it. Perhaps, Sir, you would enjoy a nice wine with your dinner tonight? Perhaps a nice Beaujolais?"

Today: Warren has today off (for the most part) so I hope to vaccum & disinfect Rhy's toys & go grocery shopping...all things that are easier done with help around (and that NEED to be done because a baby is coming to visit tomorrow!).

Okay, Wednesday. I'm coming for you!

Baby Was A Rolling Stone

Rhys is on the move. It happened so fast, too. Just the other day I was alerting Warren that the days when we can sit blissfully on the couch, surfing Facebook while Rhys plays, stationary on his mat, were coming to an end. He was starting to reach out and grab for objects outside the sphere of his playmat, which he had never done before.

Much more vigilant supervision is now required at all times. And today this became very apparent. First, I watched as Rhys rolled around his mat. Then I watched as he rolled off his playmat. I continued to watch as he rolled past the dog all the way under the side table:

This pic better illustrates the distance he traveled. Who knows how far he'd have gone if that table didn't get in his way!

All this made me realise it was time to capture his latest moves on video. Behold, Rhys' Mad Rolling SKILLZ (video is better viewed by clicking HERE because blogger crops the widescreen):

Yesterday: Aside from all the rolling going on, the day panned out pretty much as planned. Stayed in my pajamas all day (but did change my pajamas after my shower at 4pm...), did laundry, and finished reading 'The Road'. This daily blogging has taught me something. Before, I would have considered a pajama day a waste, maybe I'd even feel lazy and lame. But when I blog about it and make it my goal, suddenly I feel great about it. Yay! I achieved what I set out to do! If you set your standards low enough, you too can accomplish anything!

Today: Pack up the Christmas Tree (ugh). It's been easy to ignore this chore because the tree is set up downstairs in The Pub. Out of sight, out of mind. But the time has come. After that maybe I'll attempt to make a London Fog (needed at least one reference to the espresso machine :-)

Have a good day!

Café Cronin

Phew!

Ikea + Sale + Last Weekend of the 'Holidays' = Hurry the heck up and get & out. Unfortunately, I stood in front of the coffee/espresso mug section for 25 minutes. I stood in front of the vase & glass bowl section for another 15. I was Mrs. Indecisive yesterday. (Mom, thank-you for you patience!). In the end I did what I always do when I can't decide on something. I buy BOTH items I'm debating between. Worked out quite well in the end.

Here's the long, frosted glass container for the 'espresso' capsules:

Here are two clear glass rectangular containers to hold the 'Lungo' (aka 'Americano') capsules. One to hold the regular varieties and one to hold the decaffeinated ones:

Suddenly it would seem that between the syrups and the capsule holders, my so called 'compact' espresso maker now requires a lot of counter top real estate!

Have I mentioned lately how much I love my new espresso maker?

As I type out this post, I'm listening to the love theme track from 'The Young Victoria'. 'Only You' by Sinead O'Connor. I think it would make a great wedding song. It's a long, slow ballad, so I won't be offended if you don't take the time to listen to it...;-P

Today: Possibly a Pajama Day. Possibly a Laundry Day. Possibly a good day to finish reading 'The Road'.

Success

Yesterday: I was successful in finding some flavoured syrups, although the variety was a bit shabby. Who drinks Raspberry lattes? So I brought home Vanilla, Sugar Free Vanilla and Sugar Free Chocolate. My brother lives above a coffee shop (reminds me of 'Friends', but I'm not sure if they actually lived ABOVE 'Central Perk' or if they just went there a lot...) and the manager is his best friend so he's going to see if he can hook me up with some Hazelnut and Peppermint. Oh Yah...

Now, of course I had to test out my new purchase, so last night I made a Double Shot Decaf Sugar Free Vanilla Latte to enjoy while Warren & I watched District 9. For the record, District 9 isn't really a 'Latte' movie...it's more of a triple shot of Jack Daniel's kind of movie. Note to self: Learn what a movie is about before watching!

Today: I have a small list of household type items we need, so it's off to Ikea with Rhys & Gramma Patsy. One thing I need is some sort of container to house all my new espresso capsules. Each of these boxes holds 10 of those little capsules...and I need a place to put them. The 'dispensers' that Nespresso sells are a rip-off, so my mission is to find something just as good, for way less cashola.

Wish me luck!

Day 2

I mentioned in my last post that I want to blog every day in January. I've wanted to try this for a long time, so what better month than the beginning of a new year. I think it will be nice to look back and see what my day to day life was like when Rhys was 6 months old (ish).

Yesterday: Brunch with Rob & Tiff at Ricki's Restaurant, an afternoon family nap, and then Gramma Patsy came over to babysit while Warren & I went to a movie. We are suckers for period pieces, so we went to see 'Young Victoria'. I now have a hard core crush on 'Prince Albert' aka Rupert Friend, who I discovered was also in Pride and Prejudice, one of my all time favorite movies.

Today: I'm in search of flavored syrups so I can enjoy my new espresso/latte maker to it's full potential. For this morning, cinnamon will have to do.

Twenty Ten

It's hard to believe that 1o years ago we were bringing in the year 2000. I always feared the day that I would begin to measure my life is decades, but now that it's here, it's not so bad. I remember hearing my parents say things like "Oh gosh, I haven't seen them in twenty-some-odd-years" and I'd be astonished that is was possible to have a life that could be broken into 20 year increments.

We rang in this historical(?) new year with a KFC Feast and Trivial Pursuit with our friends Rob, Tiff, Lana & John. Warren & I were shocked that we made it to midnight, never mind our actual bedtime of 1:30am. The night went by surprisingly fast, which I think is a good sign that good times were being had. It felt really great, actually, to be up late, partaking in some beverages of the alcoholic variety, with other adults, laughing, and our sweet baby sleeping soundly upstairs, visible on the Closed Circuit TV (aka our video baby monitor). I felt grown up and normal again.

As tired as I was in the morning, my fatigue was made more bearable because I have this little clown to wake up with:

(PS - I'm pretty sure this video clip caught Rhys' first word...can you figure out what it was?)

Happy New Year Everyone!

This post is part of my first New Year's Resolution: To blog every day in January. See you tomorrow!

What Dreams Are Made Of

When I was pregnant, today was the kind of day that Warren & I would dream about. I think it's the kind of day all expectant couples dream about.

Wintery Sunshine. Dogs in tow. A walk through the park, with your wee babe in a sleigh during Christmas time. Only back then, our imaginations really couldn't do it justice. Honestly, you can't dream up cuteness like this...

Rhys, not too sure he's going to enjoy this:

What? We have dogs?

Token me & Rhys shot, so I'm not the invisible mom:

A father's loving glance:

Okay, maybe that wasn't so bad:

Christmas 2009

Merry Christmas Everyone!

This is Rhys Cronin here. I'm guest blogging today. I'm still learning what 'blogging' is, so I hope I'm doing it properly.

This year was my first Christmas EVER. Well, sort of. Last year I was in my mom's belly and I think I was really small and looked like an alien. Glad I grew out of that stage.

My Auntie and Uncle and cousins went to Australia for Christmas this year, so I got to go to an early Christmas dinner at their house. I got to sit at the big table with the grown ups. I only threw my toy in mom's mashed potatoes twice, and only spilled one glass of wine on Auntie Donna, so I think that means I did really good.

Here's me on the table:

When 'real' Christmas came, mom and dad took me to church the night that Santa comes. They told me Santa doesn't go to church, so I'm still a little confused about all that, but I had a good time anyway. In fact, I had so much fun at church that I fell asleep on Papa. Reverend Lee says that if you need a good sleep, church is a good place to go.

After church, we went to Grampa's house where I opened my first Christmas presents.

Here's me with Mama and Aunt Kayley and Uncle James by the tree. I got some colorful books from them:

Then, on Christmas morning, mom and dad took me downstairs to the Pub to see what Santa brought. It was decorated so pretty. I really liked it down there:

Here's me with my Santa presents & stocking. The big red bag beside me is my 'Santa Sack', and it has my name on it. It used to belong to Papa, so I feel very lucky that it's mine now:

I love my new highchair that Gramma gave me, but I'm not so sure about that blue bow:

I also really like my new sleigh that Nana gave me. Can't wait to take this puppy for a spin:

Me and my Nana:

Me and GranDan:

Me, Nana & GranDan:

Here's me with my Gramma at Christmas dinner that Nana hosted:

Here's a photo that mom and dad wanted. They said they needed a picture of the 3 of us together. But we were all REALLY tired, so the picture was taken quickly in the hallway. Mama wishes it was in front of a tree, and that we all should have red sweaters on, but I told her that it was a nice photo anyway.

Hope you had a Merry Christmas too!

XOX

Rhys Cronin

Random Thoughts

1) You know how 'Survivor' always has the final votes on the island, then everyone returns to the studio in Hollywood for the final reveal of the winner? Of course, once in Hollywood, all the women are 'done up' in full hair & make-up. In my opinion, every single one of them ALWAYS looked younger and prettier au naturel. Makes me wonder if maybe we all would?

2) The Balloon Boy Family. Everyone hates them. So why are we worried they might get a reality show? Who would sponsor that? Who would watch that? Who cares?

That's all I got right now. Just trying to get back 'in the swing' of blogging, since it's been a while.

5 and Counting

Mr. Rhys continues to grow and change at the speed of light, but instead of getting all sentimental and teary eyed I'll just post some picks of him with his Papa:

This one just cracks me up for some reason:

Oh, and one MAJOR development to report: Rhys has abruptly decided that NURSING IS FOR WIMPS. I'm trying desperately not to take it personally, but when the fruit of your loins screams bloody murder when you put him to your breast after months of heart ache (and nipple ache) to give him nature's nectar, it's hard not to. I simply can't pump enough for this very HUNGRY boy, so at the 4.5 month mark I was learning how to feed my baby all over again. He now nurses first thing in the morning, then has bottles of breast milk and formula the rest of the day. I'm thinking solid foods can't wait for the 6 month mark...we'll see.

Anyway, here he is with his NEW love. THE BOTTLE.

Random Cuteness:

Taken at exactly 5 months old: