Just One Blog

For the past year you have been able to read all about Sylvia from two URL's - this one and http://cpwallace.com/Sylvia. While that set-up initially made it convenient for Sylvia's parents to both make posts, it was a little overkill. So today, we consolidate those blogs into one Wordpress blog:
http://cpwallace.com/Sylvia

You will also find new photo galleries included in the site. And we'll be adding videos soon.

We'll see you at http://cpwallace.com/Sylvia

Charlie on the Shoulder

Evening in the Rose Garden

Sylvia and I took a walk through the rose garden this evening. The weather has turned rainy and chilly, and all the leaves are falling. But the roses are still in bloom. Not just a few flowers here or there, but the whole garden is colorful with them. The fountain was going and during our visit the garden lights came on. There was really too little light for my camera phone, but we gave it a shot.


The roses


Playing in the puddles


The fountain


Sylvia's new boots


The fountain again

Fall

Sylvia enjoyed a true fall day today. The skies were blue and the leaves yellow, red, brown, and some lingering greens. She's learning the joys of scattering leaves and hearing them crunch underneath her feet. While we bought her a new winter hat, she insists on her "purple tassel hat" which fits in better with the fall weather. She is an avid scientist when it comes to her outdoor observations. Sometimes, it feels tedious walking with her especially when I'm in a get somewhere mode, but she really reminds me to slow down and be patient and to truly "see" everything again. She points out every dog, baby, bicycle, piece of trash, bug, and the like on these walks around our block.

We went out for a Sunday pancake breakfast this weekend as it was the first weekend I haven't had a long run in 4 months. Sylvia impressed me by saying, "thank you," to our server. She's enjoyed the Halloween books that grandparents have sent up as well as the decorations. We're still trying to decide on a costume, but we think we may construct something out of her ballerina outfit and her fairy outfit - some sort of ballerina fairy princess? The feminist in me feels somewhat opposed to this; however, she has more backhoes and construction equipment than any child I know, so I think she's pretty well rounded.

Darcie Finishes Marathon; Sylvia Behaves Herself

It was a warm and cloudless Sunday in Chicago, but Darcie pushed through and finished her first marathon in just over 5 hours!


Sylvia, Chris, G (Marilyn), Aunt Monica, and Cousin Elaina tried to keep up with her in a mini van. Uncle Eric tackled 20 miles of the 26.2 mile course, but had to pull out. We're very impressed with all of the runners. Congratulations, everybody!

Sylvia's new cousin has arrived!

Welcome to the world William Edward Wallace born Oct. 9, 2008. Sylvia is excited about a new baby cousin and can't wait to meet you. Congratulations from Uncle Chris and Aunt Darcie!

Big Balloon

Another day at work

A flooded building two weeks ago, fumes from construction the past week, and now a fire. We'll get some work done next week.

2nd 2nd Birthday

Here are some photos from Sylvia's 2nd 2nd birthday party, this time in Chicago:

Cupcake

Birthday

Sept. 24, 2008

Sylvia officially turned two today. She celebrated with pancakes and two candles this morning. She also had a visit to her pediatrician who sang Happy Birthday to Sylvia. Sylvia's new stats:

She was 6 lbs. 13 ozs. at birth and now weighs 26 lbs.
She was 21 inches at birth and is now 36 and 1/2 inches.

We spent the afternoon in the park with friends and Sylvia had lots of phone calls from family and friends. Luke and Cindy sent her a pair of chopsticks from Japan; Dede sent ballet slippers; Eric and Monica sent name labels for her sippy cups; and Sylvia is still playing with her amazing collection of toys she was generously given while celebrating in Mississippi - backhoes, puzzles, and Mr. Potato Heads.

Happy Birthday, Sylvia!

Birthday Party, Mississippi-style

Here are some pics from Sylvia's 2nd birthday party in Mississippi.

Baby Clark

We got to meet Quin tonight. He's a healthy, handsome, sleepy little fella. Congratulations, Sabrina & Nathan!

Tybee Island Video

We've put together a short video of our beach adventures on Tybee Island, GA over Labor Day weekend:

Savannah Slideshow

We've put together a little slideshow of highlights from our trip to Savannah/Tybee Islad over Labor Day weekend. Uncle Will and Aunt Heather recently moved. Will has joined a cardiology practice and Heather is trying to stay cool waiting for the new baby to arrive.

The heat and humidity was a little tough on us Chicagoans but the beautiful city and the great beach helped us recover.

Hand, Foot, and Mouth...Has Arrived

So, we thought we were in the clear - that so called 6 day incubation period seems to not hold true. Sylvia has been incubating now since August 15 and well, her little toes, bottom, and hands are covered. They leave the "bottom" part out of the name of this virus (perhaps, to keep parents hopeful).

She is being kept comfortable and is lucky not have sores in her mouth. Hopefully, all those kids on the United flight from Savannah to Chicago are not experiencing some of Sylvia's Hand, Foot, Mouth, and Bottom right now.

Ice Cream Cone

Sylvia eats her first ice cream cone.



Yes, we have photos and video to post from Labor Day weekend in Savannah. It's coming soon.

Camp Run-A-Muck 2008

This weekend we went to Morris, IL for Camp Run-A-Muck (formerly known as Stefapalloza) for Stef Foster's birthday. We all ate, played games, and hung out late into the night (10 pm) around a bonfire before heading off to sleep in our tent. Sylvia did great, sleeping in her little sleeping bag between us for the second weekend in a row. She's becoming quite a pro.

The location was perfect for a mixed adult/kid party. There was plenty of space amongst the corn fields to play cornhole, chase dogs, roast wieners, and play on the swing set. On Sunday morning we even got to pick green beans from the garden. Sylvia helped prepare them and ate a healthy portion for dinner.

Hand, Foot, and Mouth

While I love playgroup, it is a petri dish. I've been neurotically checking Sylvia for sores on her hands, feet, and mouth as two of our baby camping buddies, Niamhy and Jonah, have hand, foot, and mouth (you can view the photos in the previous post and just see the virus spreading).

I wish they would come up with a better name for this virus. While I like that it is specific and leaves no question as to what may be affected, by the name of it, I feel like I've somehow failed Sylvia because it sounds like I set her loose in a pasture full of wild animals.

So far, no sores, but I'll keep everyone updated. We have three more days left of the "incubation" period.

Illinois Beach State Park

We just returned from a camping trip at Illinois Beach State Park in Zion, IL where we hung out with a few of Sylvia's best playgroup friends. After getting our camp set up, we hit the beach. The weather was perfect for a dip in chilly Lake Michigan. The beach was pretty rocky which made it difficult for some of us with city feet, but it allowed for great stone skipping in which Sylvia took a great interest.

After the beach, we started up the fire which ended up being the center of activity for the evening – even for Sylvia who was just too excited to go to sleep. She and dad finally drifted off about 10pm. Sunday morning we went for a quick hike with a very sleepy baby and then returned home to Evanston where we did a little more swimming in the Lake and digging in the sand.

Click an image for a larger view.

Company Picnic

Just a Few More Beach Photos

Although the weather the past few days has felt a little cool for August, Saturday afternoon warmed up nicely - as did Lake Michigan, and the family hit the beach.

Getting our feet wet

Reserved Sylvia gets brave

Posing for Dad

The Backhoe Dance

For the past few weeks, Sylvia has a ritual of putting on a dance marathon. She has one dance called the "Banana (Nama) Dance," "Driving the Car Dance," and the "Ack Ack" (not sure what this one is all about).

The dance we've captured here is entitled, "The Backhoe Dance." Sylvia is intrigued by construction equipment. And, it seems that the Backhoe is the most inspiring to her. You can see how in the video.

Sylvia Sings the Blues

So, we've caught Sylvia's flare for self-expression on film. Here she does a rendition of her first blues song entitled, "No Bath."

Climbing On a Dragon

Sylvia bravely climbed on a sea dragon at Old Orchard.

My First iPhone Post

Chasing rabbits.

The Floor, Part 1

A picture from tonight's dinner:
Why are Sylvia and Charlie both in the kitchen with all of our houseplants?

Because we are getting new floors:
This is the result of the washing machine 'repair' a few weeks ago which dumped an inch or two of water into our condo. All things considered, the process has been pretty easy, and this has allowed us to upgrade to actual wood flooring in a lighter color which should lighten things up, especially in those dark winter months. The installation began this morning at 8:30 and should be finished up by the end of the day tomorrow.

We hope it will be. It is pretty rainy here now, and everything that used to be in our living room is now in Chris and Darcie's bedroom, so the place is feeling a bit cramped with a curious toddler. We'll post photos of the finished product later this week.

Sabrina's Baby Shower

Sylvia and family are eagerly awaiting the arrival of a new playmate for Sylvia (arriving October 5th or so). We hosted a shower for Sabrina (and Nathan) and baby-to-be this weekend. It was fun getting to shop for little socks, newborn diapers, and all those wee little baby items. But, it was even more fun watching Sabrina ooh and ah over all the baby gifts.

Sabrina opens gifts while Sarah and Kate look on...
All of the yummy treats and the diaper cake we made for Sabrina.

Dede & Papa Visit

This past weekend, Dede and Papa came to visit from Mississippi. While it felt like summer to us, they noted the pleasant, almost cool weather.

Hanging Out: (click on a photo for a larger version)


On Friday night we packed up a picnic, loaded a little table in to the car and headed up north to Ravinia to hear Hootie and the Blowfish. I know what you're thinking: those guys still tour? But it was sold out. Even the lawn. It was probably the biggest crowd I have ever seen at Ravinia. Sylvia certainly appreciated their music. Spen spent most of the concert near the stage dancing. Finally an hour or so past her bed time, we had to drag her away - still clapping and saying 'Yay!'


We also spent a good bit of time at the pool. Dede and Papa were convinced that it was a little chilly in the water, but they plunged in for Sylvia. Dede braved the steps in the kids' water park section, and Papa went down a water slide a few times for Sylvia's amusement. Sylvia even rode down once with Dad.




Sylvia is still talking about all the fun we had.

The Evanston Grand Prix

Today was the Evanston Cycling Grand Prix, the cycling race held in downtown Evanston every summer. It was a given of course that Sylvia would be attending. She had never seen that many bicycles in one place before or bicycles going that fast.

Chris and Sylva watch the cyclists zoom by

Sylvia points out the course to the baby doll

We Have Pee in the Potty

As reported by Chris, Sylvia Maridale Wallace urinated into the child-size toilet on Thursday, July 17th at 7:00 pm. Much to my dismay, I was teaching a yoga class, and came home to hear about this momentous occasion. I promptly asked for all the details, minute by minute from the time I left the house. At 6:25 pm, Sylvia and I said good-bye. At 6:30 pm, Chris and Sylvia danced to a few rounds of the Hokey Pokey ("mo pokey, mo pokey"). At 6:45 pm, Sylvia needed a diaper change by saying, "pee pee." Chris removed her diaper. He asked Sylvia if she wanted to sit on the potty and she agreed. During her time on the potty, she voluntarily urinated onto her toilet. We are so proud of her. I can't wait to see this miracle myself. And like any new event in Sylvia's life, I feel both pleasure, joy, and a twinge of sadness to realize that our baby is really, almost truly a little girl.

A Little More Water, A Little More Music

Though Saturday morning showers rained out any trip to the beach or pool, Saturday afternoon cleared up enough for us to head to the water.

At the Lee Street Beach Sylvia worked the afternoon away on an ever-collapsing hole in the sand, while Darcie and Chris were instructed to get 'mo wata! Mo wata!' Though the sky was still cloudy, Chris was just hot enough to take his first full dunk in Lake Michigan this season.

On Sunday Darcie ran ten miles while Chris and Sylvia kicked a ball around. Then it was off to the Skokie pool.
At the pool, Sylvia was more brave than ever - walking right in up to her neck. She also let Darcie and Chris take her into the water park for some splashing.

After a good nap (for everyone) we went to our old neighborhood, Lincoln Square for the Folk and Roots Festival. We met up with Amanda, Sabrina, and Nathan and heard some good fiddling. Sylvia also got to try her hand at playing a ukulele (she was pretty good).

Eating Crackers at the Folk & Roots Festival

Friday Night at Ravinia

Darcie and I got to have a date last night when we went to hear (not necessarily see) Feist at Ravinia. The concert was great, and the place was packed. We acted like kids with no cares - we drank wine and kicked our shoes off - until we decided to call the babysitter to 'make sure she knew how to work the TV'. Well, we're parents. Who don't get out much. Still it was nice to feel a little freedom.

Some Photo We Found on the Web of Ravinia
(We forgot our camera, but it more or less looked like this from our vantage point.)

A Texas Wedding

We just returned from Austin where Luke and Cindy were married last Saturday. Sylvia enjoyed the Texas heat and the chance to go swimming everyday (sometimes twice in one day). We all enjoyed getting to see old friends and make a few new ones.

The wedding was held outside at a beautiful Barr Mansion outside of Austin. The weather cooperated and the evening cooled off just enough.

Luke & Cindy heading to the reception

While in Austin we got to see a lot of friends and made some new friends such as Peggy who opened up her house to us and made us feel at home.

Alison and Sylvia

Ren, Darcie, Megha, Amanda, & Alison

Peggy, our host

Visiting with the Gouris Family (Can you believe Aimee and Jade were our flower girls!)

Chilly Barton Springs was perfect in the Austin heat. Sylvia splashed and even took a full dunk (thanks to her dad's unsure footing on the slippery floor of the natural springs). When we were not swimming at Barton Springs we could be found splashing in the pool with the Gouris family, and when not there, a little wading pool in Peggy's driveway did the trick.

Swimming at Barton Spring

Splashing at Peggy's house

Congratulations to Luke and Cindy! And thanks to everyone who made our trip so easy.

Having fun at brunch the morning after the wedding

News Flash: 21 Month-Old Sylvia is Amazing

Since this is our blog to brag on Sylvia, I have to write how proud I am of Sylvia. Here are three incredible things she did today:

1) Bubbles. In between the rainstorms, we headed over to the Skokie Pool. Our favorite is Devonshire as it is small and quiet; however, it was closed due to lack of attendance (we weren't there). Sylvia cried when we left the parking lot. She just kept saying, "splash, splash" over and over. So we headed to Oakton Park where the pool was open and Sylvia really splashed. She walked in deeper than she ever has before and blew bubbles, actual, bubbles.

2) Pancakes. Sylvia's language has just exploded. She makes actual sense when she talks. She can say what she wants and we love it. She asked to have pancakes for dinner so we took her to Walker Bros. Pancake House in Wilmette (http://www.walkerbrosoph.com/) where she ate 3 of her 5 little dollar pancakes in under 2 minutes. It's a little frightening to see, but she loves pancakes. In between pancakes 3 and 5, she took time to pick up a gigantic gob of creamed butter and smear it on the table in an incredible, toddler inspired curious way. The server was impressed and promptly brought us napkins.

3) Pee. Sylvia has a bit of a love/hate relationship with the toilet. We haven't been pushing her since she has found other uses for the toilet such as a chair or place to store toys. Tonight, before her bath, she showed us how she could sit on her potty without her diaper (huge break through here). After the bath, while brushing her teeth (in the nude), she peed on the floor. I am proud of this because, it's the first time, I've gotten her pee anywhere outside of the diaper. So, yay, for pee on the floor.

Beach Movie

We've added a short movie of Sylvia and cousins playing in the sand:
http://cpwallace.com/Sylvia/movies/movies.html

Back from the Beach

We made it back home after our week in Jackson and Gulf Shores. It was great hanging out with all of the family, and the little cousins had a blast together. They are really getting to the age where they like playing together and mimicking each other (e.g. climbing on all the furniture).

We plan to post a gallery of photos from the trip, but these can tide you over:


At the Park with Grandmama


In the Yard with Dede and Uncle Will


Kayaking with Pop-pop


The Whole Crew