just one of the guys

Only a couple weeks after Teddy was born it was clear how very much he loved his daddy. As time passed the pro bro bias spread to include all the great men in his life.

These days you can always find Teddy drifting toward the grandpas, uncles, or cousins at family gatherings. When he was a baby we assumed there was a feeling of security in their big arms and solid embrace, or maybe he just prefered the sound of a male voice... Now I'm quite sure he likes the engines they gather around, but whatever the reason, he is a happy dude just hanging out and being one of the guys.

At music class only one of the accompanying parents is a man. This lucky daddy has adorable twin girls vying for both attention and lap space during class. Unfortunately, my child also has a fondness for the music padre. Today, Teddy spent most of class sitting at close range and flashing big grins whenever much desired eye contact was achieved. At one point, when his own girls were away for a moment, Teddy charged over to him full speed in hopes that it was finally his turn to be held. Unfortunately, he doesn't seem overly excited by the affections (or demands) of yet another toddler, so Ted hasn't had much success with the newly chosen surrogate.

I guess it's time for our little gappy-toothed jack-o-lantern to realize that not every stranger wants to snuggle against his saliva soaked shirts. I assured him on the ride home though that his daddy would most definitely still have a spot open on his dance card.

a special visitor

The Alcott trio was so blessed to have my dearest friend and godmother to Theodore come out and stay with us last weekend. Lindsey took 4 full days away from her "busy as a bee" schedule to spend the weekend with us in Albany. How very, very sweet of her to share her time with us. Although we see each other every few months, each drawn home to MN for family holidays, there was an extra special element nurtured by having her all to ourselves for a few days.

She got to see Teddy in all of his toddler glory. She helped chase, corral, feed, and entertain. She helped kiss, laugh, and love. And in return he grew to love her. Little ones are still so funny at this age, quick to shy into the nook of mama around someone they don't know well. That eased as the weekend progressed and by Monday he was his normal, playful self. Now of course that she is gone, he is even more smitten! He hasn't stopped looking at a picture I put up of the two of them since she left. He goes over, beams at it, and then looks down the stairs at the front door...unmistakably missing his Auntie Lindsey.

That is my most cherished gift from the weekend. That Teddy now truly knows and recognizes his Godmother. Linds and I, of course, had lovely girl time also. Our relationship too, was watered.

a child's voice

I along with many, many other online followers have fallen head-over-heels in love with the children's choir from Public School 22 in NYC. Teddy runs over full speed if he hears one of their songs start up, I think he likes the facial expressions and soft sway of the children as they sing....he always starts to rock in my arms as we listen. There is something so powerful about the passion of children, it feels like courage.

the flower guys

Since arriving in New York, my (lovely) husband and my (how to treat a mama trainee) son have started a new tradition. On Sunday mornings, they get up together, leave me in bed with my book and head off to go get coffee, doughnuts, and the Sunday paper. The extra special part though is they also bring me back flowers picked out by my blossom loving little boy. Yesterday Teddy picked out huge pink something-or-others and was so proud to give them to mama when he walked in the house.

That's it. That's the whole story....but wasn't it a sweet one? :)

Sending you all a heart full of pink something-or-others from the cute guys above.

music class

This morning Theodore had his first baby music class! After 10 days of a terrible cold, I wasn't sure he'd make it, but he woke up feeling better so we hopped in the car and headed off to school! He is taking classes through the Music Together program. Back in my nanny days I'd been involved in a similar class in Minneapolis and absolutely loved it! As soon as Teddy was old enough I began to seek out the classes again...thankfully I found a whole program here in Albany!

Teddy LOVED class this morning. It's the two of us along with five other little ones and their grown-ups. ; ) We sit in a circle, in the middle of a dance studio, surrounded by mirrors reflecting the smiling faces and giggles of toddlers. We sing songs, dance, play musical instruments, wave a huge colorful parachute.... pure sweetness. At first Teddy was very shy, sitting on my lap and snuggling into my chest. About half-way through the class though he got up and began exploring (yet too timid for actual dancing). Soon he was shaking his tambourine like a mad man, and clearly making attempts at singing along. I think he is going to really enjoy our new Wednesday morning routine!

Here is short video I found by Music Together, it's very much what we did. I'm sure I won't be able to take video in his actual class and post it, as that would inevitably involve other people's children. Darn! :)

Happy rhythms sweet swayers.

back in the groove

After an extended trip to Minnesota, Teddy and I are back in New York with Ryan. We spent 10 days at home and delighted in being there as summer came to a close. Nights spent with the windows open and a breeze coming off the lake and days spent at our land and enjoying family. It was lovely.

Now we're back though. Just the three of us. Going for walks and watching for ducks at the park.