Chicago Seidlers

With Mathias occupying the seat of honor, this baby throne has been in the Fahey family for three generations now. James’ Uncle Frank was the first to spill his milk on it. James and his cousins made messes on its tray during its tenure at his grandma’s. And now Mathias is making his own mark (nothing permanent yet, thankfully!)

Why is his only wearing a diaper? This was during our little heat wave in early June—it was hot enough for us to put in our window air conditioner out the next day. Why does he have such an intent look on his face? He just may be watching the Dick Van Dyke show as he dines…

We took Mathias in for his one-year appointment last week, and he almost broke the scale! He weighed in at 26 pounds, 3 ounces and stretched out to 31.75 inches. Both are 95th percentile for his age, which explains why the other parents at the park always think he’s older than he is.

He’s still a happy little guy, for the most part, although recent bouts with teething have led to some sour nights. (He has two little snaggleteeth sticking out at top, with some emerging at the bottom.) He’s still a great walker and can even jog through our apartment if he’s looking to catch up with something (generally his mama). He’s also showing off some toddler temperament; sometimes he enjoys doing things he’s not supposed to just to get a reaction from us. (Batting the lily plant in the living room is a prime example.)

Things are good for the most part, though. Here are a couple videos showing what it’s like hanging out at home with him.

Here’s him giving us a little chatter before clamming up.

And here he is playing his favorite game, peek a boo. (He’s usually more dedicated to hiding, but the camera always distracts him.)

James’ college roommate Kevin, his wife Mary and their son Adam came into town last weekend for a visit. Two other roommates live in the city—and all of us have kids—so it was a good excuse for a mini reunion.

Adam is a couple months younger than Mathias, so the boys spent plenty of time playing together. Mathias is normally pretty sweet, but he was a bit of a stinker about sharing his space (and his toys) for the weekend. Still, he just sprouted his first teeth, and more continue to appear, so I guess he has that excuse.

Here are some highlights. Click here to see the full slideshow.

Ready to head to Mai Fest in Lincoln Square!

The Wilsons enjoyed a beer...

Meanwhile, Mathias melted down, disgracing his proud heritage.

Things were much calmer in the ball pit at the Farmers the next day.

On Saturday, a bunch of friends and family joined us to celebrate the little guy’s first birthday. All of his grandparents were there, along with aunts, uncles, great aunts, first cousins three times removed, proto punkers, Domers, Chicago friends and all sorts of other wonderful people.

The final scorecard? One delicious cake, eaten to the last crumb (without much help from the birthday boy). Streamers running practically the length of our apartment. Macaroni and cheese. Fried chicken. Beer. Cousins bathing together. And a little euchre to end the evening.

Not too bad. Thanks to everyone who made it—and everyone who helped it happen!

Here are some pictures. Click here to see the full slideshow!

Mathias digs into his cake.

The Sichtermanns celebrate.

Michael Bennett, mom and the birthday boy.

Aunt Adrian, the little guy and Uncle Nathan.

Grandpa, Mathias and grandma Gail.

Eamonn and Mathias brought the festivities to an end with a bath.

Mathias is one today! So we got the party going as soon as he woke up. (As you’ll see, Lori tried to get him to wear a birthday crown, but he wasn’t having it.)

Mom and dad weren’t shy about wearing hats, though.

Check out that belly!

And Mathias was intrigued by his morning brownie. (Of course, that’s his normal breakfast–it had nothing to do with the birthday.)

The Dude celebrates his first birthday with a breakfast brownie!

Last weekend we made it in to South Bend to celebrate the birthdays of two of James’ cousins. Our destination was Potato Creek State Park, where we gobbled cake in the shelter and got good and dirty at the playlot.

Grandpa gets things good and dirty. To see the rest of the party photos, click the picture

Afterward, Mathias and Aubrey were due for a good bath, so we decided to clean two dirtballs with one bar of soap.

We also grabbed a video of them splashing away.

He can walk pretty much wherever he wants now.

Lori took Mathias to Trader Joe’s today, where he helped pick up some essentials. (In addition to the breakfast stuff, there’s also a bottle of wine tucked in to the back there.)

Lori’s first Mother’s Day was one on the move, as we headed in to South Bend to see my mom as well. It was an in-and-out trip, just long enough for a visit and lunch, but it was a lot of fun.

Mathias didn’t do a darn thing for his mom, though. I’m going to have to talk to that kid next year…

Grandma and mom show off the baby...and their free carnations from Between the Buns.

Michael Bennett and grandma let Mathias stretch his legs before getting into the car for the ride back to Chicago.

If you’re in the mood for something cute, check out the 10-month photos taken by our friend Eileen at Traditions Photography.