After the Holidays

We all went down to Mississippi for Sylvia's second Christmas. We had a great time visiting family and friends. We went to parties, opened presents, and ate until we had to loosen our belts a notch. Sylvia is really beginning to get into toys, and she loved the variety of things she got to play with - whether they were meant for her, an adult, or one of the pets. She loved getting her hands on anything she hadn't seen before. The big presents this year were a piano, guitar, drums (do you see a theme?), and baby and stroller. Santa brought her lots of books, too.

After Christmas, Darcie and Sylvia stayed in Jackson to celebrate cousin Austin's birthday and hang out with the Price family for the annual reunion. Sylvia even got to ride a horse for a bit (she still doesn't like helmets). On New Year's Eve, the ladies returned to Chicago (and snow).

We've posted photos of Elaina's baptism, Christmas, Austin's birthday, and the Price family reunion in the photo section.


Sylvia in the courtyard.


The rose garden.


That's a Teva sandal in her hand. She was not allowed to wear it outside.


Our holiday card collection.

Hope everyone had a great holiday is enjoying a wonderful new year. Happy 2008!

They Were Nice Enough to Just Use One Candle

When Chris woke up on Sunday, he felt a little strange. At first he thought he might be a bit wiser or more mature, but it turned out to just be a crick in his back which Darcie informed him would happen now that he was 30.

At least they only used one candle.


Opening gifts.


For brunch we headed to Blind Faith Cafe for some eggs and pancakes. It was a great 30th birthday.

Grandmama, Picasso, a Duck

Grandmama came to visit this weekend, and Sylvia decided to show off by pushing the cow around the neighborhood in her wagon. Grandmama and the cow were quite impressed.



Though we're not sure what, there's something in this photo that says, 'Picasso'.

On Saturday, we turned the car seat around. Sylvia commented that it was a whole new world, and that she was going to try looking at everything from a new perspective. The stroller, for instance, which she will walk behind from now on.


Saturday evening, Darcie and Chris went to the wedding of Stefani Foster and Danny LaBrecque. It took place a little north of Chicago in a community called Prairie Crossing. The ceremony was beautiful, and the reception included an Elvis impersonator. We got to hang out with a lot of friends that we don't see very often (other than just Elvis). People came from as far away as Paris.


As is customary for Sunday morning, we dressed Sylvia up as a duck. The costume was a gift from Uncle Will and Aunt Heather. Sylvia says, "Many thanks!"

The Big Weekend, Part 2 (Baptism)

On Sunday, Sylvia was baptized at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Evanston. The church is right across the street from our condo, which made it easy when we were running late. Sylvia decided to hold off on her morning nap until twenty minutes before start time. So we actually had to wake her up. I still break out in a cold sweat just thinking about it. As the saying goes, 'let sleeping babies lie.' Well, we woke her up and she did great.

She did lose her barrette in the holy water, but the priest fished it out for her. With all of the commotion she didn't fuss at all.


Afterwards everyone headed back to our place for lasagna and strawberry cake. Sylvia ate fruit, bread, 3 pieces of lasagna, and cake. Baptism will make you hungry.

Thanks to everyone for making it such a great weekend.

(I will post the baptism photos as soon as I get a chance.)

The Big Weekend, Part 1 (Birthday)

We're all recovering from the big weekend here at Sylvia and Co. It was a double header with Sylvia's first birthday party on Saturday and her Baptism on Sunday. Sixteen people from out of town, including family from Mississippi and friends from England, and lots of local friends gathered for various events over the two days.

Sylvia handled all of the excitement pretty well. Of course, good food and presents helped a bit.


The birthday party was held at Alexander Park just a few blocks from our condo, and though we experienced a slight cold snap, the sun was out and all of the kids had fun. Sylvia got a chance to catch up with her cousins, Austin and Elaina.


Darcie made a dog-shaped cake, and Chris did not drop it on the way to the park.


Saturday evening, the family trekked up to Ravinia to hear Emmylou Harris. It was quite cold out, but the beer, wine, and Cheerios helped.

For more photos (a lot more) check out the photo album. There will be more coverage of the weekend to come.

The Weekend with Dede and Papa

We had an exciting weekend filled with picnics, park trips, and a few naps. First thing Saturday morning we headed to the farmers’ market to do a little shopping. The place was packed - with people and produce.

What to buy?


Sunday lunch on the lake fill.

For more photos of the week check out the photo gallery.