Look At Me!

Trip To Anfield

by rhys1 @ 2007-07-09 – 12:18:02 pm

We had a little trip to Anfield last week. Rhys's first time and and one of my few on a none match day. It was time to show Rhys the club he will be supporting for the rest of his life. We got him the new Liverpool kit as well, 12 month size but it fits him as a 5 and a half month old. Rhys was asleep throughout and was totally unware of me taking his picture under the statue of the great Bill Shankley. 'He Made Lots Of People Happy' it read.

When Sylvester Stallone visited Goodison Park recently he asked rat face if he could see all the trophies. 'Yes' said Moyes, 'It will take about 15 minutes'. 'Wow' said Sylvester, do you have that many?' 'No' says Moyes, 'That's how long it takes to walk to Anfield!'.

Sorry Evertonians.
You've got to admit though he suits his Liverpool kit.

So it's rained for most of Summer so far and we haven't been up to much. I'm off now for nearly 2 weeks and am I looking forward to it. Rhys is going on to solids this week, his high chair arrived today so a big step for the little fella. He's on the floor more time now, in his wheely machine (thanks for buying that Nanny Betty) or on his rug. No crawling just yet but he's almost there. First tooth almost through, it's razor sharp when he bites, he'll be able to crack bottle tops off in no time!

So that's it for the time being. Off shopping now then to pick my car up. The sun is out for the first time in what seems ages so we're going to make the most of it. Bye for now....

Back Again

by rhys1 @ 2007-06-21 – 08:24:55 pm

Yes indeed, back again. While baby Rhys has a kip and Mother watches the Big Brother dross, I can get a few minutes to give you a catch up.
I'm off work tomorrow, yipee!!!!
Uncle Philo is in New Zealand with work and is experiencing a 'different' place were people are 'nice'. Apparently they even say 'thanks' to the bus driver, I've always done that anyway. Oh, and the door man at a club called someone 'a silly Billy'. What a crazy, crazy place!
Phil will no doubt be steaming drunk throughout his trip. Different part of the world, same Uncle Philo.

Well, our Rhys has been having a whale of a time. He's got loads of new tricks, throwing himself off the sofa isn't our favourite though. Fortunately he is OK after a visit to A&E for kids.
We've got him a bouncey thing and a hoop thing. Both have 10 minute entertainment time then it's boring. I'd love one of those bouncey things, do they do them in adult sizes?

He's our boy in his hoop...


And in his deck chair....

He's getting big now, 18lbs and 15oz this week. He's just getting ready to crawl, he's great at pushing with his legs and feet but he just can't move his arms under himself. His right arm is getting better at moving under his weight, a few more weeks yet we think though.

Em's friend Joanne has had a baby yesterday, a lovely little girl. Congrat's to you and Neil, we're really pleased for you.

Right, me off to enjoy the longest day of the year. I'm on night duty so I hope it's not the longest night of the year. Come on Rhysy, let your Da get some kip tonight hey boyo!!!!

See ya all soon.....

Week Long Hangover

by rhys1 @ 2007-06-08 – 10:35:50 am

It's definitely true, the older you get the longer it takes to shake a hangover off. I mean, it's been a week now and I still feel rough. This time last week was Brad and Vicky's wedding. We had a fantastic day and Em's Mum & Dad even brought Rhys down to see us early in the evening. We were missing him and it was good for some of our pals to meet him who hadn't already.
Brad & Vicky
Mummy & Rhys
So after a top wedding, one or two shandy's and a good nights sleep (til 11am!!!!) it was time to face the world. Saturday was a right off, Rhys was great all day fortunately. Betty & Rob had taken good care of him at ours over night and he wasn't too demanding all day Saturday. Em & I had a good chance to rest and recover from a busy week preparing for the wedding. Oh, and the few drinks we had.

We were late for the wedding but thankfully Vicky was even more late. We even bought a sat' nav' to get us there on time. We had Jason Donovan telling us to turn right on the motorway which kind of give us the impression that he didn't know his way there either. Woolton isn't a good place to get lost. We got there in the end though, sat' nav' back in its box.

So how's Rhys doing?
He's getting a bit narky these days. He must be close to getting his first tooth now. He is becoming more and more active every day. The speed that he grabs things and puts them in his mouth is amazing. He's always on the lookout to grab something. Even when he's being walked around the house he's trying to grab doors and handles. He loves playing on the computer and whacks the keyboard while I'm typing away. He is asleep at the moment after playing in the garden with me earlier, here he is....

So Rhys is going to have another pal soon. Em's friend Joanne is due soon. It was her baby shower on Sunday and we're all looking forward to another baby joining Rhys's long list of future buddies.
Thuesday was Ryan's birthday, 8 years old and growing up very quickly. We all went to the pub for dinner and I had my first pint since Friday. It didn't go down well and I haven't had one since. I've got the sore throat from hell and it aint going anywhere. Happy Birthday Ryan, all the best wishes!

Right we're off out to get a new newspaper, catch you all later....

Big Wedding Day

by rhys1 @ 2007-05-31 – 10:46:23 pm

Tomorrow is wedding day for our pals Brad and Vicky. Well, that's if Vicky turns up! I'm sure she will though and we are looking forward to a great day. Rhys's Nan and Grandpops (Em's ma & Da) are looking after him at ours, we're staying over at the hotel where the reception is so we can get really drunk and have a full nights sleep!

Rhys is asleep at the moment. He's starting to get a bath now at about 8ish and then he's off to sleep after a feed. He proper loves bath time now. He has gradually started to kick and swing his arms more and more and now he can manage to get most of the water out of the bath on to the floor in about five minutes which saves me emptying the water, the floor is a bit wet though. All four limbs are going ten to the dozen, he only stops briefly when th water goes in his face. So off to sleep he is, normally up around 4.30am and then back off til about 8-9am. This morning was 6.30am though with no middle of the night feed. It's my turn for the milk round shift onight so fingers crossed for me. I could do with a good lie in tomorrow. Do us a favour hey Rhysy....

Rhys's newest tricks are putting his dummy in and out of his mouth. It takes a few hits but he gets there in the end. Everything within arms reach goes in to his mouth now. Whether it's the newspaper I'm trying to read, his blanket or the remote control, it all goes to the same place. He's so quick now as well. We're going to get him a rug and some cushions so he can let loose in the living room, he's a bag of worms trying to hold on to him now. He holds his own bottle now as well. He gets bored after a bit but he's learning quickly.

Last week was weigh in and needles week. It was his last batch of needles and after his second lot I thought I'd go along to help out. He went nuts last time and only Em was there to help him. He had to have a feed after his first one to calm him down. All went well, he pulled his delayed scream face where his mouth goes square followed by a two second delay befoe the yelp at the first injection but he was smiling again in no time. What a guy!
He had all three and it was back home for him, back to work for me....
He came in at 17lbs and 11oz, on track with is previous weigh in so all is well.

Well that's it, off to bed now. We're really going to miss the baby tomorrow. It will be a top day out though and it will be ace catching up with all our friends who we haven't seen for ages. Betty and Rob are looking forward to spending some time with Rhys too as they've been away for a couple of weeks. They might even do a bit of hoovering and the grass needs cutting incase you read this in time, thanks for offering...

Bye for now....

Champions League (maybe next year hey)

by rhys1 @ 2007-05-29 – 08:06:40 am

It's taken me a few days to be able to write about the final. Rhys was dressed in his first Liverpool kit and because he gets frightened of the footy, when someone scores and we all jump round and go mad, I decided to watch it in Liverpool centre with a few mates.The traffic was manic coming home from work. There were queues outside all the pubs by 4pm. What were we going to do. I got the train in, met Dowie and Dwez and we tried about 20 pubs. All full. We ended up in the Rose and Crown, down some side street. If Dowie is good at one thing, it's knowing his side streets.

It was even packed in there, people from everywhere, all over the UK and loads of Irish around. The pub was tiny and the atmostphere was electric. One and a half hours before kick off, you couldn't move, it was 100 degrees and everyone smoked!
Everyone was excited and hopeful. Pints were being passed back from the 3 deep queues at the bar, the change sometimes too. The songs were being sung and it was the next best place to be after Athens. Then it was kick-off. A decent andpositive start. More beers, more missing change. The heat and the nerves made us drink more and quicker. That's dangerous when you're in the company of some of the heaviest drinkers in town. Nice though. Then a very, very unlucky moment for Liverpool and we were a goal down. But hey, we were three down by this stage last time. We'll easy pull it back. The second half was tough. Liverpool were the better team. Everyone who squeezed past me to go the toilet stood on my feet too. I smiled at first but after a couple of hundred times it was beginning to piss me off. Then it was 2-0. Disappointing. The songs continued though but I couldn't see a way through. Rhys's Uncle Rob, Uncle Philo, Pickles and Kev were all there somewhere. I was gutted but the beer was nice. A goal back but only a few minutes to go, can they do it, we were all desperately hoping they could. Could they, tey did it last time.... No, game over. I got out. I couldn't watch them collect there runners up medals, too painful. I sat outside on the kerb, people starting to flow out. My shoes were filthy now as well, what a bad night!

Only in Liverpool would strangers come up to you and make sure you're all right.
'Don't worry mate, they'll be back next year'
'We've won it more than any other British team'
'How come your trainers are so dirty'
These were just some of the comments. Someone moon'd at me and insisted that I took a photo. I did.
We were beaten but the spirits were high. Higher than I would have imagined. People were stopping us in the streets and just talking about it. We were all so gutted though, it was all over. A few more pints were in order. Then a kebab. Which one looked least raw, chicken or alsation?
Chicked was best, aginst Dowies belief. I couldn't possibly have any more bad luck.
Then on to the train home. Even there everyone was singing Liverpool songs. On all the platforms, on the carriages, everyone trying to cheer each other up. Only in Liverpool I thought.....

Liverpool V Charlton, last game of the season.
Rhys is 4 months old and has yet to celebrate his first Liverpool Cup win...
Maybe next season, just maybe......

Rainy Day and no Champions League Ticket

by rhys1 @ 2007-05-19 – 12:37:09 pm

It's all back to usual at Rhys's house. The crap weather is back, sideways rain, wind and it's cold. I'm off for the weekend, the first time for a few week as last time I was away. There's no footy on except the two most despised teams in the FA Cup final. The players will be having diving and rolling contests throughout no doubt. It's the Champions League final this Wednesday and I've just found out that Em's brother is going. He did ask me but I never thought we'd get a ticket and I've just been away. Anyway, he's got a ticket, a free one as well. How lucky is that!

Rhys is asleep and I think Em is aswell. Rhys's Mum was on the lash again (yes again) last night with her chums while I looked after the little fella. We watched the footy, played on the PS3 and Rhys put everything in arms reach in his mouth. It's his new game. The lady from the baby place came around this week and reckons Rhys is teething. He's got no teeth just yet but chews on everything. He gets wound up if he can't bit on something, he'll be eating solids soon the baby place woman thinks. The baby place woman brought him a toothbrush round as well, I thought that was unusual?

Rhys with my Toffee Crisp

Rhys's Nanny Betty and Grandad Bob are away at the moment. James is back from the Navy and is looking after house. It's OK though, there's two dogs and a cat to look after James. We are all missing them. Uncle Philo is also going the final on Wed', everyone is going except me it seems. I wish I'd tried to get a ticket now. Mummy and I are out anyway a week on Friday for Brad's wedding. That will be something to look forward to very much. Em's parents will thankfully look after Rhys.

So who is going to win the FA Cup, Mancs after pens I think. We're going to a few bets and no doubt lose. I think we're all staying in today now, I'm going to cut the grass if the rain stops. Uncle Philo goes to Athens on Monday so I might meet up with him later for some drinks. Em's brother is coming round for dinner tonight as well and to catch up with baby Rhys. Rhys is doing really well if you were wondering. It is his blog after all. He is sitting up by himself now and is mega alert to everything going on around him. He loves sitting in front of the TV with his hand in his mouth. He will be getting weighed again next week and having his final lot of jabs. That won't be a nice day and I won't be there to help him sadly. He's a brave little boy though and will be just fine I'm sure.

Next season I'm going to have to try even harder to get to the footy. Maybe even an away game or two in Europe, who knows? COME ON!!!!!
Got to get Rhys a new footy kit on that subject as well......
Right the sun's out so I'm off out!

Magaluf Tan

by rhys1 @ 2007-05-13 – 07:25:24 pm

Magaluf was ACE!
We all had a top time and really enjoyed ourselves.
13 blokes went in the end. I wouldn't go there for my holidays though, it's a place for Boys Stag and Girls Stag nights only I'd say. Great people and proper cheap beer. £1 a pint I think it was. Drinking from 7am til 2am though gave me the shakes a bit. The view from my balcony on the 8th floor made me a bit wobbily as well. It was good to see all the lads again after a good few months and I'm already looking forward to the wedding warm up in a couple of weeks.
$Magaluf May 2007 Brad\'s Stag 006$ $Magaluf May 2007 Brad\'s Stag 133$

So I was home for Sunday and Rhys and Em were waiting for me at the airport. I was getting a bit nervous after waiting for about half an hour for my case to arive. No show!
I couldn't believe it, waiting and waiting. Nothing, all my stuff was in there!
I looked around and no one there was off my flight. Maybe I should go to the section where all the people off my flight are. So I did, and there was my case, magic.

I didn't see little Rhys for the whole weekend and really missed him. He seems to grow more and more every day. He's a third of a year old already now, can you believe that. He's starting to get annoyed lying down now and much prefers to sit up. He loves watching the TV as well. Everyone still describes him as 'content', he' always chilled. He's a cheery little guy. Putting things in his mouth is the in thing at the moment. Everything is aimed at his mouth that goes in his hands, no teeth yet though.

So I'm going to catch up with him now. It's feed time and then bed (for Rhys). Em's parents are off away to Mexico in the morning and they'll be dearly missed for a couple of weeks. Match of the Day is on soon as well, look out for me in the Kop. I hope Milan aren't as good as Charlton!

5 days to Magaluf!

by rhys1 @ 2007-04-30 – 07:19:24 pm

Rhys is doing great, 14 weeks old today and the weather's looking fantastic too. All is well and this time in 5 days time I will on a little island in the Med' with my feet up!
It's four days now thanks to all the assing round I've had trying to post this blog!
Happy days indeed!
Back to Rhys though, after all this is his blog. I just type in what he tells me to type and I add a few words myself. I occasionally get asked to put pictures on of Emma's family. Blokes wearing dresses, Hulk impressions, that sort of thing. This week it's the turn of little Ryan, Rhys's cousin. So, hi Ryan and thanks for checking out the blog.....


So back to me anyway, Magaluf is our destination for the weekend for my pal Brad's stag party. It's going to be a cracker no doubt. There's 20 lads going, a few beers and a bit of sunshine is on the agenda. Rhys and Mummy will have their turn for a weekend by themselves. I'm back Sunday I think, so catch up with you all then. I know they'll have some fun as well.
Rhys and I have been getting a bit of practise lounging around the garden this weekend. The weather is ace, got to make the most of it hey....

As you can see Rhys is a pretty happy chappy, unless he has to lift his head up for more than a second or two. It's hard work lifting your head up when you're 3 months old though. He definitely likes the outdoors, loads of walks this week. Yesterday Rhys met Costa, the man who runs the chippy where I used to work when I was about Rhys's age. How times have changed. Costa was happy to see him and pulled all the usual scary baby faces. Rhys just gives one of his dirty looks and carries on sucking his hand. This week Mummy has been to see her friend Clare who has a little baby girl, just 5 weeks old. Both are doing really
well.

You lookin at me?

So that's it for this week. Liverpool play Tuesday, a big big game. I'll be watching it, 1-0 Liverpool who will go on to win on penalties. That's my prediction.
Em and Rhys are off to work this week. Rhys is going to see what Mummy does all day. Shouldn't take long....

Ha, thanks for looking.

Lads Night In

by rhys1 @ 2007-04-22 – 07:52:44 pm

Rhys's Ma is out again!
I had to get that in first.
Em is home now after a weekend in Stoke, Derbyshire, by Leek in Buxton. A stag party for women, organised by women with top vague directions by a woman. I picked Rhys's Mummy up today as the rest of the ladies enjoyed their last day of the stag party for girls. The house were it was held looked pretty spectacular and I was suprised to find it so easily, just two hours drive away. With directions like 'head towards Buxton, but not quite in Buxton' followed by 'go to Leek, but don't actually go there' oh and the best one 'go along the winding road for a bit' which turned out to be the world famous Cat & Fiddle run. I've got to say though that they were spot on and the scenery on the way was very impressive. Sarah and her family had clearly put a lot of effort in to the weekend and it showed. Why do blokes just go on the razz and strip clubs (apparently). Em had a fantastic time and I am just jealous. I still don't know where I've been today but it was good.

So Rhys and I have had a great weekend together. It's the first time I've spent lots of time with the baby since I was on holiday a few weeks back. He has really come on, he's incredibly active and loves playing with things. His scary monster dangily things that hang in front of his carry tray get whacked and flung now by Rhys's punches, they look evil and deserve nothing better I think. There's barely been a peep out of him all weekend, he has been a dream kid and we've both had a great time and laughed loads. Thanks to Rhys's Grandparents for looking after the little fella while I was at work Saturday and while I drove to pick Em up today, cheers guys....

Rhys was 3 months old on Saturday, happy birthday kiddo!
This is James, Rhys's Uncle. Everyone has a 'strange' Uncle Rhys, it's just one of those things. I've been a bit slack at taking pics over the last few days. James is always great for those special moments though don't you agree.....
$Rob\'s Stag June 2006 028$

Rhys got weighed in on Tuesday, 15lb 4oz on the scales now and 2ft 3in tall. He got his second batch of needles too and I wasn't there to help him out sadly. I was gutted and glad to hear that he got through it like a brave little soldier.

So we're all back home now. Em really, really missed Rhys and hasn't put him down since she got home. She had a good break with all her pals who are a great bunch of girls.
I must take more pics of the little lad this week to keep you all posted. Thanks for looking as ever. This week Rhys and Em are going to see Clair's new baby and erm that's all. I will be continuing to run a multi-million pound company (in to the ground) and having the occasional BEER (I haven't mentioned it all blog) when I get home.

The Grand National

by rhys1 @ 2007-04-15 – 11:39:48 am

Rhys is a bit young to go the races just now. It didn't stop me and his Mummy going though. I bought tickets ages ago and it was always going to be our first big day out after Rhysy was born. So, in cracking weather, off we went!

Nanny Betty, Grandad Bob, Uncle Rob and Aunty Claire all looked after Rhys. It was an early start, bottle of champagne on the go by mid-day. Mummy had 9 bottles of milk ready for our baby, I had a fridge full of beer and bottles of wine for anyone who decided to visit while we were out. You can neverhave enough beer can you, especially when Grandad Bob has a thirst on.

What a fantastic day!
Nothing on the first race though. I was counting on Rhys for the second race. I read out all six runners to him in the morning and watched for some reaction. 'Jack The Giant', Rhys pulls a face. 'Was that a yes or a no though lad you're going to have to make it more obvious, I need you to pick me a winner'.
I went through them again, a smile this time, or was he just laughing at me?
Right, Jack The Giant it is. Mummy picked Don't Push It, was there a message in that?
Only 6 horses in this race, we'll get a place at least, won't we.

RESULTS
Don't Push It (second to last)
Jack The Giant (last)

Nice one Rhys, you owe me a tenner!

Third race in, nothing again!
We were getting a bit worried now. I've never had such a losing streak. We had excellent views though. We stood by the winners parade, the Weighing Room and were mingling with the jockeys, trainers and horses (well sort of). The weather was ace too and Rhys was enjoying his day with the family.
Forth race, the one before the big one and yes!
First and third, happy days, we were straight now.

The Grand National itself and we watched all the horses getting ready and put a few last minute bets on. I was going to do Thisthatandtheother but the jockey got changed just before I was handing my money over so I changed my mind. 'Silver Birch' I said after the hotel I used to stay in in Omagh.
Way Hey!!!!!!!
33-1!!!!
Em got second place as well so we were well happy!!!!!

We had a great day and were missing our little boy so a couple of drinks close by and home. There was a party in our house and we were invited!
Billy, Shirley, Bob, Betty, Claire, Robby and Hayley all looking after our Rhys.
Billy loves Grand National day and last year decided to throw himself on the floor and roll round, cutting his face quite badly. This year he decided to take it easy and make lady like gestures to people...

So the end of the races at Aintree for another year and it had to be the very best ever. I better go now before Uncle Billy comes round to sort me out ( with his hand bag). Cheery bye for now!!!