On the Night You Were Born

Happy First Birthday Sydney!

It has been a wonderful year which has flown by- full of adventure and giggles! The weekend was spent celebrating with family and friends, with indoor parties at home. The weather may have been rainy, but it didn't dampen our cheerful spirits as we watched little Sydney shine! We celebrated in the morning with a kids party, with bounce house in garage due to the weather, caterpiller theme with bake pop decorations, and costco favorites as our friends have come to know and expect. Later that evening after a nap, dinner and presents with the family. Sydney gets the idea of opening presents, when her brothers let her have a chance, and enjoyed being the center of attention. Even though she would not touch her cupcake, she loved being sung Happy Birthday! We are eagerly awaiting her first real steps- it is right around the corner, although it has felt that way for a couple of months now, with a step here and there, but no real walking. She is eager to catch up with her brothers and jump in their action, even wrestling in the living room with the boys. We love you! - mom and dad

On the night you were born,
the moon smiled with such wonder
that the stars peeked in to see you
and the night wind whispered,
"Life will never be the same."

For never before in story or rhyme
(not even once upon a time)
has the world ever known a you, my friend,
and it never will, not ever again...

Heaven blew every trumpet
and played every horn
on the wonderful, marvelous
night you were born.

February Portraits 2012

We are recoving from the extended holidays and finally made it across town for the kids next photo session. We try to take the kids every 6 months until they are two, then every year for their birthday. We are a little late for Sydneys six month photos (but thats ok, since we were definitely late for newborn photos) but right on time for Mannix's third year birthday. And of course we can't resist photos of the kids together. It took Sydney a while to warm up and she got spooked by a topple out of a rocking chair. Luckily the photographer had quick reflexes and caught her before she face planted. We've always been happy with the attention we've gotten at Portrait Innovations. Watch your mailbox for a selection of photos! We bought more than we meant to! Clearly they know the marketing schemes to get parents to buy more than they have wall space for. Usually I can resist, even when the pictures are super cute, but yesterday.... perhaps it was because we were hungry or I just lost count... but we ended up buying more than usual. Hope you all have extra empty photo frames, waiting for a cute O'Neill child!! Here are some previews! Hopefully you think they are as cute as we do!

"There are only two places in the world were we can live happy; at home and in Paris"- Hemingway

The much awaited pictures from Paris!!! In October, Scott, Sydney and I had the opportunity to go to Paris for five days, while the boys stayed home with grandparents and greatgrandparents. This was our first international trip together and Sydneys first flight! She was a great travel companion and people remarked about how good she was- we were such proud parents! We did not have much time together so we would love to go back again or travel other places- we'd love to see more of France one day. Things that surprised me about Paris- Many people spoke enough English for everyday purposes, everything was easy to find and I felt comfortable strolling the streets with Sydney, and the Parisians were very friendly... i think a baby always brings out the best in everyone! A red eye flight got us to Paris at lunchtime- we were able to checkin early and go exploring. First stop was a nearby grocery- one of my favorite ways to explore the culture- we bought stinky cheeses, crackers, baby foods and Coca Light. Then off to explore the city... Scott was only going to have one evening and morning to explore with us, so we did the most touristy things first! First night- Eiffel Tower and Seine River cruise (Bateaux-Mouches) and Trocadero (similar to NYC streets but best views of the tower)

Arc de Triomphe- overlooking Champs-Elysees and great view of the city at night- 284 steps to top

Headed home on the metro- so easy to get around! Sydney was a trooper, but slept through most of the best attractions!

Monday morning we set out for Notre Dame and brunch before Scott headed off to start his work meeting and activities. We were able to go inside the grande cathedral and explored the surrounding gardens. We then went to a leisurely brunch before Scott headed off. Highlights from brunch- I didn't know how to tip (fyi- not at all or very little- its already built into the price); the waiter did not speak english but happily brought Sydney teething biscuits- we let her try anything the French gave her including croissants; and I couldn't figure out how to use the toilets as it took a coin but I didn't know which one... so i didn't use the bathroom for four more hours when I found the next bathroom.

After brunch, Sydney and I went back to Notre Dame to climb to the top for a tour of the towers... my favorite activity! 387 steps- a hard narrow climb with sore legs from the Arc climb and carrying Sydney and a daypack. But a great view of the city and the gargoyles and the bell used for special occasions.

Sydney and I explored Ile St. Louis, the island by Notre Dame, enjoying Berthillon icecream and then made our way to Place De La Concorde with its spectacular water fountains (after a walking tour to Bastille, just to find out its now just a traffic circle). We then slowly made our way through Jardin Des Tuileries towards Louvre, taking a lunch break by a pond watching the ducks. Sydney loved watching all the birds around town and laughed if I pretended to chase the pigeons. While looking at the statues and watching for a place to buy croissants, I saw the ultimate in romance- a gentleman on one knee proposing and she said YES! After a long day of strolling through town, we made our way back to the hotel for the night, eating croissants the entire way.

Sydney's Baptism

Today is a gorgeous fall day and we spent it the best way possible, surrounded by our family in honor of Sydney's baptism. We filled several rows at church, waiting in anticipation to see if she would cry as she got sprinkled and then carried around church. Sydney was attentive and cheerful as all eyes were on her..except the few watching Mannix as he tried to climb up the baptismal font to see what it was about!





The family came over after church for a sandwich lunch (who forgot the mayo??) and a little volleyball and outdoor play. Stomp Rockets was a hit with the kids, young and old! Connor named the volleyball teams Ice Cubes and Fire... maybe a hint of how we'd feel after playing for a while! The kiddos were exhausted and took a long nap and woke up asking, "Where did everyone go?" Thank you to everyone who was able to join us today (Pat, Marla, Mary, Denis, Sharon, GGBob, julie, Shirley, Bobby, Melissa, Chris, Sarah, Kate, Ian, and Bekah)








We have more big adventures coming up! All the Halloween festivities, including pumpkin patch with the preschool (we missed the patch with our friends today which has been a tradition) and our family pumpkin carving party. A trip to Oak Island for a wedding and the conclusion of a big garage project. And the most exciting news is Scott, Sydney and I are headed for a short international trip to Paris! Work for Scott and we are coming along to keep him company. Wish us all luck... us for safe travels, and sanity to those watching Connor and Mannix!



We have had a fun filled summer and the kids are all growing like weeds! It is hard to believe Sydney is 6 months old and almost crawling! Mannix has started preschool and loving every second of it. And Connor is just getting smarter and smarter and enjoying every opportunity for adventure. The three of them keep us busy and smiling! Life is good!