kin folk

Last week we had such a WONDERFUL time with Ryan's family. We went to Teddy's music class together, made yummy meals, role played barnyard friends, and even went swimming! The highlight was ending our stint with a beautiful weekend in Vermont. Since I'm pretty positive most of my lovely blog readers are also my friends on Facebook, you've probably seen the Vermont photos so I won't post more. Below though, is cute photo of Darrel and I with Teddy at music class.

There is absolutely nothing more dear to our hearts than family. This visit was extra special too because Alissa also came with Jake. It was such a wonderful gift to spend an entire weekend together! Even though we make it home to Minnesota often, Ryan and I miss our parents quite a bit. Lately we tend to talk about how much our little monkey enjoys his Grandparents, but the fact is, we think they're the best too :) It was really special to have them all here with us.

I'll end with the sweetest little swimming video. Teddy's adored best friend (who conveniently also happens to be his Grandfather) was trying to teach him to blow out when he ducks his mouth in the water. Swimming alongside them, I thought he was doing so well. Upon video review though we can tell he was really doing more sucking in, then blowing it out! Too funny! Such a little Turkey. :)

good night giggles

Last night Ry's parents flew in to stay with us! Little pumpkin was so elated to see them. g & g + teddy ryan = true love



Wishing you a glass full of giggles. xoxo.

Big Riggin' the day away

This morning Teddy and I noticed a huge truck and a fun little golf cart parked outside the office. We quickly put on our shoes and headed over to take a closer look. Just as Teddy started squirming to get behind the wheel of the golf cart, an apartment manager came out and asked if he would like to drive. We said SURE! So Teddy and I got to sit behind the wheel, with our new friend in the passenger seat as we zoomed all about the community. Baby bear was in heaven! Wind in his hair, driving a funny little car on a beautiful fall day.

When we arrived back at the office our manager chum asked if Teddy would like to climb up into the big rig and take a look...of course! I thought he might be a little scared of the size and height, but nope not a bit.

Two simple little acts of sweetness on the part of the part of the manager, but they made our day! By the time we got to the big rig, I even remembered that I happened to have my camera. What luck!

making amends

Yesterday Teddy decided it was time to make amends with the scarecrows. After being home a few days, he realized we couldn't afford to loose the few friends we have in New York. I have to admit, I agree.

Looking from a distance, thinking about going over to say hello.

Making his way over, careful not to turn his back on the unrustworthy scarecrows.

Concessions were discussed, future alliances agreed upon, and reconciliation complete with the understanding that Theodore has full rights throughout the Autumn of 09' to smell and touch the Mums or hold the pumpkins whenever he so wishes.

grub gains

Ryan and I have been teaching our wee one how to use a fork.



He's always been a determined little guy (remember when he was learning to walk!), but the ambition continues to leave me proud and surprised. I just can't get over the little grunts that escape as he tries to stab the banana!

The "giving him an entire apple" thing started yesterday when he helped himself to one in the fridge. He really manages to dig in and do some damage!

creamy dreamy sunrise

View from our bedroom window this morning. Really, really beautiful.

a special sunday in NYC

This evening Ryan, Teddy, and I are headed home to Minnesota for a full week! Although the little guy and I have spent a lot of time there over the summer, it's been a long time since Ryan had a full week at home. He's been working so hard this summer, 18 hour days kind of hard. Up until two weeks ago, he was the only certified welding inspector at the plant. Thank goodness they now have a full-time night inspector, so Ry's hours have gone down to about 14 a day. Still very long, but better. He is in need of both R & R and Teddy time.

So that's that. But before we go, I wanted to post a few of my favorite photos from Teddy's first adventure in the Big Apple last weekend. He did marvelous! We had such a wonderful day with Diane, David, Dexter, and Dashiell. David is working in Manhattan for the next couples weeks, so Diane and the boys came out for a long weekend. How fun and memorable that we all got to spend a day in NYC together!

Excitement and anticipation for the first choo choo ride!

The Children's Museum of Manhattan

We really had such an awesome day! I absolutely love NYC and to get to spend a day there with family was such a gift.

Alright lovelies, I'm off to pack! I hear it's going to be cold in Minnesota....no problem. yummy yummy wood stove smoke.

everyone's (secret) favorite food

Ina Garten's Company Pot Roast photo via The Food Network

About once a week I try out an Ina Garten recipe. Ryan and I are pretty crazy about her dishes. They just have so much depth. Rich in flavor, color and texture. I love Ina's French flare. She always places an emphasis on quality ingredients, fresh produce, and complimenting wines. Dreamy and delicious. I received my Barefoot Contessa cookbook as a gift and we've honestly loved everything that's come out of it. Last week we discovered one dish that was extra special though, just so incredible, I had to share. Welcome Alcott Family Blog readers to taste bud wonderland, otherwise known as Ina Garten's Company Pot Roast:

Ingredients:

1 (4-5 pound) prime boneless beef chuck
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

All-purpose flour
Good olive oil
2 cups chopped carrots (4 carrots)
2 cups chopped yellow onions (2 onions)
2 cups chopped celery (4 stalks)
2 cups chopped leeks, white and light green parts (2 to 4 leeks)
5 large garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
2 cups good red wine, such as Burgundy
2 tablespoons Cognac or brandy
1 (28-ounce) can whole plum tomatoes in puree
1 cup chicken stock, preferably homemade
1 chicken bouillon cube
3 branches fresh thyme
2 branches fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, at room temperature

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
Pat the beef dry with a paper towel. Season the roast all over with 1 tablespoon salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper. Dredge the whole roast in flour, including the ends. In a large Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the roast and sear for 4 to 5 minutes, until nicely browned. Turn and sear the other side and then turn and sear the ends. This should take 4 to 5 minutes for each side. Remove the roast to a large plate.

Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to the Dutch oven. Add the carrots, onions, celery, leeks, garlic, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper and cook over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but not browned. Add the wine and Cognac and bring to a boil. Add the tomatoes, chicken stock, bouillon cube, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Tie the thyme and rosemary together with kitchen string and add to the pot. Put the roast back into the pot, bring to a boil, and cover. Place in the oven for 2 1/2 hours, until the meat is fork tender or about 160 degrees F internally. Turn the heat down to 250 degrees F after about an hour to keep the sauce at a simmer.

Remove the roast to a cutting board. Remove the herb bundle and discard. Skim off as much fat as possible from the sauce. Transfer half the sauce and vegetables to a blender or a food processor fitted with the steel blade and puree until smooth. Pour the puree back into the pot, place on the stovetop over low heat, and return the sauce to a simmer. Place 2 tablespoons flour and the butter in a small bowl and mash them together with a fork. Stir into the sauce and simmer for 2 minutes, stirring until thickened. Taste for seasonings. Remove the strings from the roast, and slice the meat. Serve warm with the sauce spooned over it.

If anyone makes it, let me know! I would love to hear what you think!

life with my man

Ryan sets out his clothes for work each night before we crawl into bed. Last night I'd mentioned he forgot to lay out pants. His response, "Yea, I'm going to wear the pair on the floor." I stare down at the jeans he just took off, stiffened into a dirty, denim heap. My response, "Um Hon, those are filthy." Obviously exasperated by my ignorance, he responded (and I'm giving you a direct quote here, folks) "Sweetheart, I can't keep wearing clean jeans every single day!" Two seconds later, he was asleep. Today, as I work on laundry, I can't help but ponder the social norms inside a power plant.

opps a daisy

Our apartment community's office area has a festive autumn display out front ready to great potential residents with smiling scarecrows, pumpkins, and mums. The last couple weeks Teddy and I have been heading over to chat with the scarecrows on our walks. Conveniently, "hay" is one of the words Teddy can say so we do a lot of pointing at their hay-filled extremities while he says the word multiple times.

Three days ago he seemed to zero in on the pumpkins for the first time. I handed him a baby pepo, he loved it and giggled loudly. The excitement of holding his own pumpkin must have awakened a recessed desire to run, because he suddenly took off like a bat on Halloween down the cobblestone walk. About five steps into the gallop, he fell. His hands were holding the pumpkin, thus unavailable to help catch the spill. Sadly, his beautiful baby face was the first thing to make contact with the brick. He cried. I nearly cried. We were both so sad.

Luckily, the physical evidence is almost already gone. He had one skid mark on his forehead and one on the nose, but we did a lot of anti-bacterial ointment and they are healing well. This morning we went to visit the scarecrows again, but he wanted to keep his distance. I think he's convinced they're behind the pumpkin incident.

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.

spittin' image

While snapping photos for our "Keeping up with the De Luca's" post, I captured this adorable shot and just can't get over how much Teddy looks like my father in it! They are truly two peas in a pod. I'm often struck by the likeness, but lately I've also started to hear the same thing from friends and family who've recently joined Facebook and are seeing photos of Teddy for the first time. They too are shocked by the resemblance. As my little pumpkin grows I'm beginning to notice not only the physical similarities, but matching mannerisms too. It's in the way he moves and uses his hands. When my dad saw the above photo of Theodore, he said it looked just like his own father. Genetics are pretty darn amazing!

This afternoon Teddy and I are flying home to Minnesota for the Labor Day holiday! Ryan will join us on Thursday evening. I can't wait to be home.

huffy puffy

While living in Colorado last spring, we received a package from Grandma Alcott containing a number or goodies. One was extra special....and his name is Huffy Puffy. Huffy Puffy is a 1963 Fischer Price train engine. Judy's fantastic eye for adorable vintage pieces spotted him at an antique shop. We are so glad she did! Huffy (shortened nickname) has become a household favorite!

At first I was hesitant to give him to Teddy, I didn't want Huffy to end up with a sprained spoke or a loose wheel following an ultra-close baby inspection. After all, he'd seen his fair share of time around the track and his parts had the mistaken appearance of fragility. But after succumbing to what I assumed would have to be Huffy's fate I went ahead and gave him to Theodore while mentally preparing for the bereavement to follow. I'm happy to report, it is now 4 months later and Huffy is still happily chuggin' his days away. He is one of Teddy Bear's most treasured toys and I hope one day Huffy gets passed on to his own cubs.

Bennington, Vermont

Last Saturday, the three of us headed off to an area of Vermont famous for its beautiful trout streams and early 19th century covered bridges. It was lovely! The rivers were crisp, the Green Mountains were gorgeous, and the bridges stunning. Bennington is only about an hour northeast of us, so I hope we make the trip again soon!

The stream we spent the afternoon at was called The Battenskill. It flows under a number of beautiful red covered bridges and has lots of swimming holes.

It took Teddy a half hour to get brave enough to sit and play in the water, but once he did there was no stopping him! The little sweet pea just sat and looked at rocks forever. Doesn't he look like baby Moses!?!

One of the many bridges built in the early 1800's. They found that covering them helped preserve the wood and prevent rot. They were red because it was the cheapest and most protective paint of the day. There were some children swimming in the river, Teddy was fascinated :)

One of the coolest things we stumbled upon was the house you can see in the background. Norman Rockwell lived there for about 15 years during the 1940's and 50's! It is now a B&B, and the three of us must go and stay before we leave the area! It is hard to tell in the photos, but the entire location is very rural. Dirt roads and old farms, kind of amazing that we learned of it at all!

Practicing our two step in an old hall along the river. :)

Well, today Ryan has to work so Teddy and I will likely keep our adventures closer to home. We did go meet Ry this afternoon in downtown Albany for a quick lunch. He snuck out of the plant for about an hour...shhhhh ; ) Heck, it's Saturday folks...let your hair down, throw your hands up, go out to lunch! Wishing you all a perfectly perfect weekend!

I'll leave you with a photo of the cutest baby this side of the Hudson. Last night I told him to go in his bedroom and get ready for "books" (bedtime stories). By the time I got there he was ready alright, with with half the bookshelf on the floor. *sigh*

bathing suit beauties

Mama and Pepsi

Mom,

Last Monday would have been your 55th birthday. All day I'd planned on writing a nice birthday blog to commemorate the occasion. However, when I finally sat down to write, the lump that had been only a small nuisance in my throat throughout the day, quickly grew to twice its normal size. That, combined with an ever tightening "I miss you" chest ache, made writing beyond the bounds of possibility. There are still days when the yearning to lay my head down on your lap, when the desire to see you rock and read to Teddy, take over and everything else falls into the background. Monday was that day.

So rather then writing about a birthday memory from long ago or what I imagine we would have done to celebrate on Monday, I think I'll just say I missed you instead.

Yours always, Katie

And in an effort to not let the resurfaced grief wreck havoc on a gorgeous summer week, Theodore and I hit the pool for a fun, carefree dip on Tuesday morning. I'm excited to report he is really starting to make strides in the pool! The most notable difference was a desire to put his face in the water! It was hilarious, he would slowly bring his little nose toward the water and then shriek and giggle once it touched. I think by the time we get back to MN he will be ready to really enjoy the lake.

The above photo makes my heart melt.... it is just so 100% Teddy. Happy as a lark with a Tupperware full of cantaloupe, raspberry stains on his face, and a little Buddha belly showing the signs of both snack and pool water consumption.

And since this is a blog posting were I seem to be jumping all over the place, I'll make one more bounce back to the birthday arena by wishing my ever so cherished sister-in-law Diane a wonderful birthday. Wish I'd been home yesterday to give you a big ol' heart hug.

Keeping up with the De Luca's

Since arriving in New Yawkk, we've found it a bit of a challenge fitting in with our Italian American neighbors. Ryan's pickup truck along with his aversion to pomade isn't ideal and I need more track suits. However, after changing the spelling of our son's name from "Teddy" to "Teddi" and reforming his dress code, I think we are making more friends. At first I was nervous to send him out to play with the other bambinos, poor baby looked so naked ...no pinkie ring, no St. Francis of Assisi medallion hanging from his neck? Thankfully though, a man at the pool had 3 or 4 extra chains so he gave one to Teddi and told me with a wave of his hand to "fawgheddaboudit." I decided not to mention the chocking hazard involved with a chain around a 14 month old's neck.

tubtime

BRACE YOURSELF. Cute baby in bath. Viewers may be overwhelmed with adorableness. Possible side effects: instant smiles, spontaneous laughter, and just plain ol' joy.

airport anticipation

Ryan left last Thursday for a canoe trip in Wisconsin. Teddy and I had a great time while he was gone, but by Sunday evening we were excited to go pick him up at the airport. Teddy knew Dada was coming home and took his surveillance duty quite seriously, remaining vigilant despite an hour delay in arrival!



Yep, you could say Teddy and I both like to hold him pretty close :)

a time of transition

Teddy's first year has been guided by a strict sleep schedule. It is one area of parenting where I am definately a little over the top. By six weeks old we insisted all naps be in the bassinet rather than a playpen, swing, being held, ect. Better to help him understand that when he's in the bassinet or the crib, it's ni-ni time. We avoided motion-filled sleep (stroller, car seat) and instead worked hard to teach self-soothing techniques and how to put himself to sleep. And in this area, I will go ahead and say....so far so good. Today, he is an excellent sleeper. He lies down awake, happy, and there are seldom tears. So when he started having trouble falling asleep for his afternoon nap, I knew there was a change underway.

I'd been expecting the transtion from two naps down to one nap, and that day is here. We officially made the shift last Sunday, taking the morning and late afternoon nap and combining them into one mid-day snooze. Probably doesn't seem like something that needs to be shared with the whole world, but for us this is a HUGE change in the daily routine. Rather then having to be down for his morning nap by 9:30, we now have the whole morning to ourselves. No nap until 12:30! It feels like the world has opened up with possibility. We can now sign up for some fun little classes, go run errands, do whatever we want! I have lots of ideas and I'll keep you posted....but for now it's just another example of making the transition from baby to toddler. This morning we are off to our favorite park in Saratoga Springs. Hope you all have fabulous Fridays!

PS: BIG birthday shout out to our most favorite 6 year old! Happy Birthday Dexter!! We love you all the way from New York to Minnesota! This is Teddy's most adored photo of you. It is hanging up on our bulletin board near his high chair. He points and giggles at your cool wheels during every meal :) xoxoxo!

sweet and simple

I haven't taken enough video of our lil' pumpkin lately. This morning I decided to pull out the camera and capture some sweetness. Normally when Teddy plays with his tractors he is pretty energetic, loudly making chug chug noises as he pushes the vehicles aggressively across the living room floor. Today though he was so quiet, still, and studious. The peaceful playtime helped him achieve a new accomplishment....

Months ago we received a few "Little People" pieces from Grandma & Grandpa Alcott and ever since he has been trying to figure out how to get the farmer to sit in the tractor. At 13 months, lining the pieces up correctly is still pretty difficult. It's the whole hand/eye coordination thing, tricky tricky. Today was the day though....he did it! As you can tell from the video, he's awfully happy! He just wants to do it over and over again. Such a doll.