sweet surprises

A couple months ago, a friend from Clarksville posted this on her Facebook page. Ryan and I completely teared up watching it. It's pretty awesome. The little doll, with whom the video opens, is also from Clarksville. Her elementary footage was shot at a school just down the street from my old apartment. :-)



Yesterday at the park, Teddy and I hung out with another mama about my age and her two-year old lad. After visiting for some time, I learned her husband has been deployed for the last seven months and will be gone at least another six. I can't even imagine. I struggle when Ry's out of town for a few days. Our military families are SUPERHEROS, no doubt about it.

tis the season

Nelson's corn maze and pumpkin patch. Emerado, ND. Sept 10'

Yesterday:

* Slept in. Until 9am! Virtually unheard of.

* Created huge train track through the living room. Thomas, James, and Percy loved it.

* Went to first pumpkin patch/corn maze.

* Discovered Theodore is terrified of black cats. Like really, really scared. Absolutely no idea why.

* Without naming names, one family member folded and put away an entire pile of dirt laundry.

Opps.

*Teddy announced at lunch that "Mama's soup looks just like a beach ball." Umm, okay.

* Went on a long, family bike ride in the evening. Happily discovered balancing my baby belly was no problem.

* Stopped for pizza along the route. +'s included patio seating and an awesome thin crust. -'s, a disgusting sauce on the BBQ chicken pizza.

* Declaration at bedtime that the two-year old "Wants to wear his zookeeper jammies." Zookeeper jammies? Again, umm okay....let me just pull those out.

South Dakota

Father and son. Uncle Bob's farm. Sept. 2010

Last weekend the Alcott trio (+ bebé en útero) drove to Sioux Falls, South Dakota for a celebration in honor of Ryan's maternal grandparents 60th wedding anniversary. It was truly a blessed event! How incredible is a 60th wedding anniversary!?! The best part is his grandparents are such lovebirds. They have the sort of partnership every marriage aims to create. We are lucky to have their beautiful example in our family. I wish I'd taken a photo of the honorary couple, but alas it slipped by too fast with few photos captured.

I did manage to get a couple photos from our first morning there with a quick visit to Uncle Bob's farm. Ryan has three uncles with working farms in the area, so naturally these visits were a highlight of the trip for Teddy. When Ry and I were in high school, talking about careers and the paths we hoped to take through college, I half-jokingly half-seriously suggested a number of times that we move to South Dakota and become farmers. Obviously the logistics and financial reality of entering the farm industry from scratch in today's age would be VERY difficult, but my goodness...it may have been the perfect fit for our family. The best part, Ryan would never have to travel for work again. We'd always have him with us. And we really, really like him with us.

It's raining here today, so Ry is home. They don't work in the rain. Perfect. Hope you are spending the day with your lovies as well. Muah!

bedrooms

Lately I've been dreaming of bedrooms. I'm not sure if it's the return of pregnancy fatigue with the third trimester or if it's the cold, windy autumn weather. Either way, I find myself imagining beautiful, simple, sleepy sanctuaries. A place to lay my head each night. To read and cuddle with my lambs during the day. A cove to sneak away to with my love when the opportunities arise (will those moments still happen with two boys?) A room for my Grandmother's cedar chest, recently handed down. A place to exhale.

With that said, I had to share this recent post on one of my favorite decorating blogs, Decor 8. Photos came from a "favorite blogger bedroom" contest held at Norske Interior.

How all encompassingly yummy are each of these rooms?!? Click here for designer credits.

As long as I can remember, I've dreamed of a white bedroom, with wood floors, open windows, and flowers on the nightstand. These are all right up my alley, although I've a special fondness for the lace coverlet in photo two and the closet drape in photo four. Each is most certainly a place to exhale.

so long sweet summer...

....we will miss you.

joy

Alissa and Jake. Bennington, Vermont. Autumn 2009

Forever meant to walk together.

The most wonderful news was delivered to our family this past weekend! My dear sister-in-law, Ryan's youngest sister is getting married! We are thrilled! Truly, truly joyous for the beautiful couple! Their radiating elation penetrated deep into the whole family, as we all walked around with perma-grins for the remainder of the weekend. Lots of spontaneous giggles, happy tears, and memories filled our hearts. May the next nine months be a blessed and treasured time as they prepare for the BIG day!

Congratulations, Alissa and Jake! We love you!

"You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field will clap their hands."
~Isaiah 55:12

I've got friends with tractors

A couple weekends ago, Teddy and I went to the Nowthen Threshing Show with G & G Alcott. Ryan was en route back to Minnesota from Michigan and missed all the merry, but not to worry, I'm positive it will become an annual family event. It was just THAT much FUN!

Rows upon rows of tractors. All of Theodore's favorites were there, JDs, Fords, Allis Chalmers', Minneapolis Molines, the list goes on. Personally I favored the Demonstrator Farmalls. I wish I'd taken a long shot photo of the display area. It was impressive. Teddy could have spent hours looking at the big machines. Lucky for him, we entered a raffle to win a Moline. I'm positive we'll be receiving a call to come pick it up around the end of the month. ;-) What else is there to to do with our tractor lovin' boy except let him putt putt away...

A look at two of T's favorite songs. We watch these homemade videos many a morning over a bowl of cereal.

Cutting for Stone

This is FAB.U.LOUS.

Do read.

The Beginning

"Where did I come from?" the baby asked its mother.
She answered half crying, half laughing, and clasping the baby to her breast,-
You were hidden in my heart as its desire, my darling.
You were in the dolls of my childhood games.
In my hopes, in all my loves, in my life, and in the life of my mother you have lived.
In the lap of the eternal spirit who rules our home, you've been nursed for all the ages.

The Beginning ~ Rabindranath Tagore

25 weeks

25 weeks! 25 weeks along with our baby boy! How quickly this pregnancy is zipping by! I tend to measure time in seasons, and can hardly believe the summer is nearly behind us. That means one more lovely season and then it's time to meet my birthday present! :)

Our little one knows time is passing as well. A little peek into his world:

* He's about 1 1/2 lbs now! Roughly the size of an average rutabaga.

The baby is like a rutabaga? Hmm. Maybe not the best comparison to use for Teddy. Center photo via bourgeoisbee on Flicker.

* He stretches to an impressive length of 13 1/2 inches.

* His arms and legs continue to grow this week and have nearly reached their birth length.

* He's already grown enough hair to discern it's color and texture.

* His long, lean body is beginning to develop baby fat.

My growing belly is evidence to all the above!

Oliver Kelley Farm

Our farmer. Aug 10'

A few yummy photos of sweet pea at the Oliver Kelley Farm. Despite the sultry summer weather, he worked hard helping the farmers flail the oats, tune up antique machinery, and keep the animals company. We had a ball with our little farm enthusiast! Big thanks to Grandma Alcott for taking many of the photos!

We may need to pop back over to the farm in a couple weeks for the upcoming threshing activities! How much would Teddy love that?!?

cake and cousins

This may just be my very favorite photo from our week with family.
What could be better than cake and cousins?!?
{ *Special thanks to Diane for passing it our way! }

summertime

Theodore sitting on a fallen tree in the St. Francis River. Aug. 10'

Last week, Ryan was able to work from home. Up until now, opportunities to work from home have been scarce, but our hearts are prayerful that we'll see more in the next year. We stayed with Ry's parents during the week, providing me and Boy Wonder with a plenitude of activities to keep ourselves busy (and out of the Senor's hair). And busy we were! We filled our time with a visit to the Munsinger Gardens, a lake day at Theodore's great-grandma Krutzig's house, a playdate with the Alcott cousins, and a trip to the Oliver Kelley Farm! We had a blast, out and about enjoying my favorite time of year...the summer (* always said with a sleepy, smiley sigh). The afternoons were also lovely. With Ryan's work behind him by 4pm each day, the three of us headed off on our own adventures, mainly swimming in the St. Francis River (stream that runs through our property, just down the road from Ry's parents). One of my most beloved memories from my long courtship with Ryan was swimming together on a hot August day in the Elk River. It was so fun (and special) to now take our son to swim in an adjoining stream. How beautifully our lives have flowed together since those early days.

You will see from the video below, Teddy LOVED playing in the river. Although it's clear waters aren't visible in the recording, the St. Francis is a beautiful, clean stream. Winding its way through the dog days of summer, void of the green algae found in many rivers this time of year. We love spending time there.

Now, with last week behind us, Ryan was called to Michigan on short notice to help inspect repair work on a pipeline. Teddy and I flew out yesterday to spend the week here with him while he completes the job. We rented an adorable little cottage on a lake about 45 minutes west of Detroit. The weather has been gorgeous and we're having a delightful time. Today, also marks both my sweet mama's birthday and my sixth month into the pregnancy with baby boy. It's been a good day.

Blowing warm summer kisses from us to you.

I can do anything good

Oh My! If you haven't seen this one, take a peek. We LOVE it! This little chica is going to rule the world! Here's to hoping the Alcott lads promenade through life with the same sweet confidence.

tidbits

Teddy has been saying the funniest little phrases lately. I need to keep a notepad with me so I can quickly record them. It's clear he listens closely to the way Ryan and I converse, the way we speak to him, and the words we use. For example, this morning's conversation, Me: "Would you like to go pick out a yogurt?" Teddy: "I'd be happy to..." Me: "Hopefully there are still a few left..." Teddy: "There's plenty more, Mama." Just makes me giggle that he's now saying things like "I'd be happy to.." I know I say it all the time in response to the (many) requests during the day...unmistakably, he's picked up on it! The "plenty more" thing also makes us smile. He uses it to reassure himself while eating, that there is "plenty more." He'll look at all the nummies on his plate and say "plenty more!" with a huge grin. As the meal is slowly eaten away the "plenty more's" become less frequent, but he'll still mutter a couple under his breath as if wishful thinking will cause more pineapple or pizza to appear! He's such a funny little guy!

Last Friday, with our pizza loving boy in tow, we had our first dinner out since arriving in Grand Forks. Thanks to a friend's suggestion, we tired Rhombus Guys (a pizza pie joint) downtown. Yum! Gorgeous weather, sidewalk seating, and an adjoining park made for a fabulous evening! Below are some photos of Mr. Teddadore chillin' in the parkway following dinner. He was really diggin' the fishie decor.

In other news, the grain harvest has begun in Grand Forks. Each evening we're able to see huge combines in the nearby fields. The pee wee farm expert is in HEAVEN! We park along the road and watch the huge tractors roar throw the fields. It's really quite beautiful. Today, we went to a farm supply store and bought Teddy a toy combine (International Harvester, if your interested). He LOVES it! I think we are raising a future American farmer!

A video from last night. These little clips are played over and over again by a certain someone.

Tomorrow, Teddy and I are heading home for a doctor's appointment. Looking forward to checking in on the littlest Alcott. Ryan will join us over the weekend. Hugs to you and yours.

a typical day

Riverside Pool, Grand Forks

Teddy and I had a lovely first week in Grand Forks. Our days tended to unfold as follows:

7am: Wake up. Fulfill T's favorite and first request of the day, a cup of juice. Curl up together on the couch with The Early Show. Watch the news and share a bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios. Cereal finished, T hops down to go pick out a yogurt. Almost as exciting as the earlier mentioned juicy, he manages to devour the entire thing in mere seconds (adult portion). Lounge around a bit. Play tractors. Read books. Unload dishwasher of last night's dishes. Reload with breakfast dishes. Get dressed. Start a load or two of laundry (mud caked on every article of clothing Mr. Alcott was wearing the previous day).

9am: Head out on chosen outing for the day. Last week's adventures centered around the park, the library, and the pool. Enjoy the warm summer weather. Take our day slow. Walk a lot. Explore a lot. Smell the flowers (literally).

12pm: Home for lunch. Typically either last night's leftovers or a sandwich with fruit. Teddy may or may not watch a Barney episode during lunch. He may or may not just listen to his favorite Raffi album during lunch. He may or may not chit chat non-stop during lunch. Or he may just sit quietly and eat, but more likely may not.

1pm: Change into comfy cozies. Use the potty (not mentioned earlier, but used regularly now). Pick out 2 or 3 books. Read books. Flip off lights. Sing 2 or 3 songs. Crawl into crib. Tickle and talk for a minute or two. Nap time!

1:30/2ish -3:30/4ish: Mommy time. Clean up lunch. Load dishwasher. Do dinner prep (i.e. cut veggies, marinade, ect). Fold and put away early mentioned laundry (mud now removed). Read. Blog. Relax.

4pm: Teddy's up. Pick out a snack, usually melon, grapes, or blueberries. Grab a large stack of books. Curl up on mommy's big bed, wake up slowly while mommy reads books.

5pm: Head out to little apartment playground. Spend an hour outside, swinging, climbing, and sliding. Run up and down hill. Fall. Scrap. Bonk. Get up. Do it again.

6pm: Back inside. Make dinner. Teddy spends this time with a chair pulled up next to the sink playing in the faucet. Fill then immediately dump out 100+ cups of water. (Please accept our apologizes, Mother Earth.)

6:30pm: Dinner time and daddy comes home. Handsome husband is tuckered and sun beaten, but always smiley.

7:00 - 7:45pm: Play with daddy! Sometimes just a bath and tub toys. Sometimes baseball (In-house version. Resembles little of the actual sport.) Sometimes horsey.

7:45pm: Jammies on. Brush teeth. Read one book with Dada. Read one book with Mama. Say prayers with both. Talk about the baby. ("Yes, mama has a baby in her tummy. Yes, he will come with the snow. Yes, he will come when it's cold out. Yes, you can hold his hand." Ect.) Sing songs. Do tickles. To bed little one.

Our days are simple. And similar. And lovely. As we anxiously await the arrival of Theodore's little brother, I'm reminded to treasure the now. These last months with just my first born are so very special. Soon there will be more joys, more laughter, and more baby boy tears. For now though we'll giggle, cuddle, and grow together...all while awaiting the snow.

The sweetest of blessings

Yes, that's right! The Alcott trio is expecting a new little lad to join our family this winter! Last week we found out it was a boy and we couldn't be more thrilled. Such a gift, this soon-to-be built in best friend for Theodore....and for Ryan and I, the blessing of another son! There are no words to describe our excitement and gratitude.

It is this gratitude that has filled my spirit throughout the pregnancy. After been given the gift of motherhood with Theodore, there is a quiet and powerful awe that comes with knowing such a miracle will enter our lives again. My heart has an impenetrable bubble of happiness surrounding it. We are so thankful.

"I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him."
1 Samuel 1:27

Minnesota Children's Museum

I'm a huge Children's Museum fan. Throughout our travels we've frequented many and let me say that Minnesota Children's Museum is the BEST! (Should I mention the worst? Okay, I will. Albany. Don't waste your time little mamas.) Last fall, I ventured to MCM with Theodore for the first time. At a mere 15 months, I wasn't sure how well he'd be able to interact with the different activities and displays. I knew they had a toddler exhibit though, so if everything else turned out to be a bit much I planned on hunkering down there. In all honesty, even for a one year-old nearly all the exhibits turned out to be a blast! I took Teddy back to the museum last week for a return visit, and oh my if I thought he enjoyed it the first time...he REALLY loved it at 2 years old. Above are two photos from the two different trips. Can't get over that drool soaked shirt in the first one! Thank heavens, the faucet has finally turned off!

Fake or real, he's smelling the flowers. (15 mths)

Rooftop garden. Complete with sandbox and fresh produce for the little ones to eat! (25 mths)

A wee bit older, but interest in driving the bus hasn't waned.

Teddy Ryan and Grandma Alcott (15 mths)

Grocery shopping. (25 mths)

Notice that even his shoulders would get wet in those days!! Poor pumpkin!

In the dog house. ;-)

Different ages. Same big eyes.

The Twin Cities (really, Minnesota in general) is such a great place for families. We're so thankful for all the time we've spent there this summer!

Grand Forks, ND

Lincoln Park wildflower gardens

Grand Forks, ND

After a month off between projects, Ryan is back at work! He's scheduled to start a project in Brookings, South Dakota in the coming months, but due to delayed permits, we don't yet have a specific start date. In the mean time he's working on a pipeline that runs in the far northwest corner of Minnesota, right about the spot where MN, ND, and Canada all meet. We rented a furnished apartment in Grand Forks, a city that surprised us with its charm.

We've had many adventures over the course of the summer, including a 3 week stint at Leech Lake in northern Minnesota. However, due to limited Internet access and warm weather busyness, I've blogged little. I hope to do better now that we're settled in Grand Forks for a bit. In the next few weeks I'll post past photos and catch you up on all the Alcott family news.

Yesterday was a simple summer day. Perfect really. Just the three of us exploring a new city. We spent the morning at the Farmers Market and the afternoon at the wildflower gardens along the Red River. Our little flower enthusiast was most happy. We all were.

beach bum

Happy weekend Baywatch babes.

Boston

Little Italy, North End

Back in Albany after a wonderful weekend in Boston! The city was fabulous, the food unbelievable, and the people wonderful. We'd no idea the fun to be had visiting our neighbors to the east. So very family-friendly! Little ones everywhere there, folks. You'll find bambinos in all the great resturants, picnicing in the parks, and exploring the city on foot. We loved it!

Five Alcott favorites:

1. Benevento's, Salem Street

(heaven on a plate.)

2. Revere Beach

(first public beach in the US. clean and gorgeous to boot.)

3. The New England Aquarium

(meet Myrtle, the giant sea turtle.)

4.) The Boston Duck Tours

(oh so touristy, oh so fun.)

5.) The public parks.

(unique and plentiful.)

starfish handler.

shark whisperer.

our happy heart.

courageous boy.

dreamer.

duck rider.

duck mama.

Despite all the great things about Boston, the beautiful and numerous ball fields might just top our list.