happy birthday

I love you from here to there. From now until forever.

Happy Birthday my love.

motherhood and a case of the worries

My lovely Grandmother (pin curls and all) with one of the ten she had to worry about, my own mommy.

Fear. It must come with the job title. For me, there exist two types. First, the category I've come to think of as perennial fears. Insecurities or concerns I've always carried in my corners, not necessarily related to motherhood at all. In fact, mine existed long before Boy Wonder.

The second type are the doubts that wash in and out, changing with the day. Lately, my nooks and crannies have held more fleeting fears than fixed, and they're almost always in connection with my biggest job to date...being Teddy's mumsy.

Last night after crawling into bed, I read a beautiful article in the NY times about a woman attempting to conquer 100 big (and small) fears in 100 days. She kept a journal that had a honesty and rawness that was so real. More than facing her fears, I liked how she simply said them out loud. It seemed brave.

So in the name of bravery, I thought I'd share a few of my own fluttery fears....

* Am I disciplining Teddy enough? Should I be stricter?
- It's so difficult to know if the everyday whinnies and whines are nothing more than toddler transgressions or if he's getting a little spoiled.

* Is Teddy talking enough?
- When I read about the number of words our pumpkin should be saying, he seems a bit behind. Then again, he may just be like his daddy...a quiet soul.

* Will the balance between wife, mother, and a spirited self get easier?
-no more explanation needed.

Author's Note: I actually wrote this post a wee bit back, but never finished it. It was fun to open it this afternoon and revisit those little motherhood worries. Although it still has kind of an incomplete feel, I thought I'd post it anyway. Funny, all three fears still hover near... maybe they should be moved from the "fleeting fears" category and stored away with the "perennials."

{sending you a whisper of weekend love on a soft and sweet new york saturday.}

baby ambidexterity

Our little Theodore is still completely ambidextrous. A couple days ago he ate his entire bowl of oatmeal using only his left hand. Then afterward, helped me wipe up the floor using his right hand. That's his normal, everyday, back and forth.

After doing a little reading, I learned most children don't show consistent preference toward one hand until they are 2 or 3 years old. Isn't that fascinating? Hand dominance is greatly influenced by genetics, so Teddy will likely end up a righty....but, I kind of hope he's a south paw. You know, a significant number of Presidents are left handed.....

mid week hugs and oatmeal kisses to our sparklies.

Azco Inc on a Sunday afternoon...

On Saturday afternoon Ryan called from work to let us know it'd be a long day and he'd likely not be home before Teddy went to bed. Tougher still, he reported Sunday would be the same situation. However he ended the conversation by trying to cheer me up with a "but you and Teddy could bring me lunch tomorrow, that might be fun!" I agreed, Teddy would think that was fun and heck, we'll take what we can get!

So yesterday we set off on our first field trip to the Empire Generating Facility. Teddy was so excited to bring daddy lunch. We'd talked about it all morning. By the time we arrived with Chipotle, he could barely make it in the door before he was pulling out burritos to show Daddy. :)

Sunday turned out to be the perfect day to visit, Ryan was one of the only employees there so we had the whole building to ourselves. Teddy decided within minutes of arrival that it was an awesome place to hang out with dad and even set to work reorganizing a file cabinet. Good lil' worker!

Ryan gave him an "official" (okay, maybe just a sticker) Azco name tag. A decorative artifact that was rubbed affectionately about 1,000 times before nightfall.

My handsome husband was even so kind as to pose for a photo at his desk! I love that I can now picture Ry's place of employment. I got to see his desk space, where he eats lunch.....all the good stuff.

It was funny. I didn't expect a half hour together to recharge me for the whole day, but it did. I think it helped Ry too. After he buckled Teddy in the car seat, he came around front and gave me what had to be a much too passionate kiss for the work environment. A quick meal together was everything we needed.

gotta have you

Galena, Illinois. February 09'

I've recently discovered The Weepies and have fallen pretty hard. They're the perfect mix of folk sound and sweet lyrics. Baby bear and I are dizzy from all the swirling and twirling.

This song warms me from the inside out. When I look at Ryan and Teddy, I can't help but think they are the only ones I really gotta have.....

a photo session + a little more

Late last year, while skimming one of my favorite blogs, I noticed a chance to win a free session with a photographer in Albany, NY. I entered the drawing (with no luck), but made a mental note of the photographer's name because we'd received news of our impending move to Albany.

Last Sunday, on a gorgeous fall day, we met with that photographer and had an awesome family photo session! We spent a couple hours in the antique district of downtown Troy. The lighting was dreamy, the fall colors still beautiful, and the old brownstones a perfect backdrop. I'm torn because I want to tell you all about it, but I also want it to be a fun surprise when you get our Christmas card in the mail....so I'll try and hold off on saying too many details.

As I walked our photographer to her car, I learned she is good friends with Boho Girl, someone whose writings have brought peace and serenity into my life for some time. I was SOOO excited to make the connection! During hectic, busy, and sometimes isolating days at home, she helps me feel more connected, balanced, and gentle. She's pretty darn great....and now it's fun to know someone who knows someone....

A couple other tidbits on my mind....

1.) I am SO ESTATIC that my kindred spirit, Kelly just learned she is having a baby BOY! We've been overflowing with joy and downright giggly over the growing bambino for months, now to learn it's a little boy is pure bliss. Confession. I've had a secret desire all along that it be a boy. I wanted us to be able to share the experience of having little chaps. Can't believe it is really going to happen!

2.) Today, I bought Teddy's Christmas gifts! Last year the three of us went to a bookstore on Christmas Eve and we let him pick out a new book for Christmas. At 6 months old, I think he enjoyed getting a say for once, as much as he enjoyed Snowy Bear. In a way today was the same. I brought him to a small, old fashioned toy store and watched him wonder about and play with the goodies. Based on the things he wanted to open the most/made him giggle the loudest, I picked out a few things. It's funny, they are really the exact things we'd spoke of getting him anyway....a musical instrument set, a couple puppets, and a set of beautiful handmade wooden cars. Now I'm so excited for Christmas! He's going to thrilled!

Okay dokay...I think that's all the random, gushy, mushy thoughts a girl can have for one day. Every post needs at least one photo so I'll leave you with Teddy modeling his new shirt from cousin Dashiell. That smile just makes me giggle....a bit of a Dennis the Menace! A glance at what's to come Kel Bel! :)

Bennington Potters

I've been so excited to share a few treasures Judy and I bought during our trip to Bennington! We arrived in Vermont to find our vacation home stacked with gorgeous, deliciously unique pottery. Lovely little potter's stamps indicated they were made right there in Bennington.

Ironically, without even telling each other, we both set off on separate journey's one afternoon to track down a place to purchase the local pottery. Judy successfully came back with a few pieces and then later we purchased more together. As we dug into the history of Bennington Potters we learned pottery was one of the first economic livelihoods of the area. Produced using local clay deposits during the Revolutionary War, it became one of the things to put Bennington on the map. How interesting is that....and the crockery is beautiful to boot!

I've found a way to use my new pieces every night since we've been home...even when it means eating stew out of batter bowls. :)


And desserts bake beautifully in the thick-walled pans!

The pottery is one of those true treasures, I'll love even more in years to come. Timeless cookware with memories of family and our time out east.

Blowing you all big brownie kisses.
Goodnite!

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.