would ya' look at all that hair

Well folks, I think we now know where Jack gets his crazy hair. Can you even believe the similarity?!?

2 generations and 64 years separate this grandfather/grandson duo, but by golly that hair gene is holding strong.

wagon rulers of the world

Spring has sprung in Minnesota and I've been overcome with gratitude for our new (old) home. It feels so good to be here. The boys are in heaven. Explore. Explore. Explore. The land continues to reveal its treasures to us. The pine forest tucked behind the house was a wonderland in the winter, the canopy thick with snow. Now the needle covered ground makes for fantastic walks and a soft spot to land for a running Teddadore. The open grassland behind the barn is also a family favorite. Teddy calls it the meadow or pasture. Endearing farm terminology he reads in his books and now applies to his "farm". Grandpa Alcott sent him home with a wagon the other day and now we've been wagon riding everywhere. Wagon rulers of the world, Teddy says. I like that.

So here you have it... The Alcott Boys: Wagon Rulers of the World!

Despite his tender age, Jack too loves being the king of his own little world. His biggest nemesis? A gust of wind. They not only take his breath away, but quite literally make his arms rise up and shake.

Here's to hoping both of our boys continue to rule this beautiful land with a gentle gaze of awe and wonder in their eyes.

Can you see that on the back of both their little noggins, the hair just wants to stick straight up?! How in heavens did they get such hair?!

Nonetheless, happy trails little red wagon rulers.

Jack's room

Last night dear little Jack slept in his own bedroom for the first time. His first three months were spent in our room, either snuggled right in bed with us or tucked in the bassinet. And although a beautiful time, we were ready to reclaim our night time sanctuary. He did wonderful on his first night, sleeping solid from 8pm to 2:30am, waking for a quick feeding, then sleeping again until 6am when we started the day. I'm so proud of our new solo sleeper!

Here's a peek at Jack's newly completed bedroom. We went simple, hopefully creating a feeling of calm? ;-) The illustrations on the wall are from a Little Bear book circa 1961. I disassembled it and framed a few of our favorite images.

After a good night sleep, the boys are spending the morning on yard work. Nothing that can be taken too serious with Teddy Bear at your side. Wishing you all a restful weekend as well!

potty training

Serious potty training is underway at the Alcott abode! We've long suspected Teddy capable of shedding the nappy. He'd not gone number 2 in it for months, but his little brain wasn't making the connection for number 1. So last Tuesday we tried a new tactic and dove in head first! Rather than continuing to wait for him to initiate, we bought him big boy undies, and said now you have to use the potty for pees...and wouldn't you know it, he's doing just that (with a little M&M incentive)!

That's not to say we've been without stumbles. If our little man is upset or playing outside he's prone to an accident. Plus he gets annoyed having to freeze fun all the time to use the loo. What's a bit of a chore now, will be habit in no time. He's just so darn adorable walking around in unders, I can't help but giggle each time I see him. The photo below is potty training day 2, as you can see he's already had enough with the photos. :-)

Sappy side note: Our dear Mr. Alcott is in Tulsa for the week. No matter how often he travels, days just aren't complete without our love. And believe you me, one big heart and two little hearts overfloweth with love for that man.

sleep

John Paul Alcott: 3 months old

I took these photos yesterday and let me just say I could watch him do this all day. Everyday. There is nothing so peaceful in the world.

Watch his little mouth move in the video. I'm so in love.

tub time

Our farmhouse is missing one important thing, a tub for the boys. We've mostly bathed Teddy at the grandparents, avoiding (for now) a costly bathroom remodel.

Turns out though, it wasn't so expensive after all. :-)

Happy Monday, bubble bathers.

what a little paint can do

We moved into our house just over four months ago and in between Ryan's work travel, the holidays, and a new baby, we painted. Wanna see?

This is Theodore's bedroom. Upon arrival the walls were a pinkish lavender. Now, Resolute Blue by Sherwin-Williams. Once carpeted, we riped it out and painted the wood floors underneath (not restorable) a deep brown. The windows have been finished with red ticking panels.

The upstairs hall, originally painted in a green faux finish, was changed to Window Pane by SW. The carpet was also removed, but the floors remain unfinished.

Our bedroom was wallpapered in a cream color and also carpeted. We removed the peeling wallpaper, a careful job with the plaster walls underneath, and painted the room Abalone Shell by SW. After taking out the carpet we also painted the wood floors. I finally have a place to put the cedar chest passed down from my Grandma Krutzig. We also have a dresser passed down to Ryan from his mother. My brother painted this room for us. That's him in the photo with Teddy the Helper Boy.

At move in our stairwell was carpeted and had a terrible railing hastily put up by the sellers in order to pass inspection. We removed the railing and repaired the ceiling damaged by it (the rail had actually been nailed into the ceiling!) Under the carpet we found many layers of paint on top of beautiful hardwood. Unlike the cheap flooring uncovered in the bedrooms, we decided to try and restore the stairs. Unfortunately the grey paint (seen in the photo to the left) was lead-based, therefore making the job tricky. We weren't comfortable sanding lead-based paint with Jack and Teddy in the house, so it was a long job of careful stripping. I'm excited with the finished product though!

I'm not sure a before shot was ever taken of the guest bedroom downstairs, but it was wallpapered, then painted a country blue. The wallpaper seams showed throughout the room. After consulting a few people, we decided it too damaging to try and remove the well adhered paper. Plus again with the wee ones in the house, we didn't want exposure to old, dangerous materials under the paper. A professional was hired to paint over the paper again, and hide all the seams. He did a beautiful job. The room also has a built-in dresser that was refinished white. The closet had no doors at move-in, but we found these (photo on the right) out in the barn and painted them white also.

I apologize for the poorly captured before shot of the dining room, but you can see it was red. We repainted in Halcyon Green by SW. My favorite color in the house thus far!

Last, I'll leave you with a few photos from Jack's bedroom. It's in the works. The carpet was recently removed and wall repair started. We haven't decided on definite colors yet, but I'll be sure to share when we do!

I've been inspired by so many fun things lately and this magazine gives me a bucket full of ideas! If you haven't ran out to get this month's release, GO NOW! It's so great! Big thanks to my sister-in-law for introducing it. We are making our little home improvements on a tight budget so other than painting, decorating is more about dreaming than actual doing. But goodness, it's fun to dream!

sumo baby

WANTED: Japanese wrestling coach to train our wee babe in the ancient art of Sumo.

pink, red, and purple (the month of love)

The hand of the little love artist: Theodore Ryan

Monday was St. Valentines Day. Teddy spread the love by making hearts for some of his favorites. I was given the working title of support person (or in toddler jargon, "Don't help!") by the aspiring artist. So with my own hands tied, I was impressed with how well Teddy used his. Like everything in life, he took the project seriously and worked diligently until complete.

Once he finished the hearts, we made a love list together of the things little bear loves on the day of love. He rambled each item off confidently, without hesitation. The child knows his heart well.

I was touched when he said the last item. It feels like ages since my flower enthusiast frolicked among the blossoms. I heart his memory.

And in case you're wondering about item three. These are the sort he's referring to...

Hope your hearts are filled with all the love you. could. possibly. wish. for. and your hands have been smudged with the colors of February. Sending you off with not just one x and o, but one billion.

kitty cake

Perhaps it's the patty cake (a popular game in the Alcott abode) or the two feisty felines (think Omar and Greta, the dynamic kitty duo) that hits home with this popular video. Whatever it is, I like it.

silo

I didn't change a thing about the photos Ryan snapped of Theodore in the silo Saturday morning. They were perfect. just perfect. as they were. Peaceful, really. No need for enhanced colors or retouched dribble smudges. I'll keep my boys and their day exactly as it was. No editing necessary.

Ry had been away for the work week and when Teddy awoke on Saturday and found Daddy home, he was elated. Like a for real "my whole heart is so very happy" kind of elation. This was their morning adventure. silo style.

fort carson

Jack with his Godparents, Alissa and Jake. Photo taken by Julie Prairie.

Exciting news in the Alcott family! Ryan's sister, Alissa and her fiancé, Jake received news of their first post following Jake's graduation from the West Point this spring. Our favorite couple will be off to Fort Carson, Colorado! Woohoo! This location was their top choice and they're thrilled with the news, as is the rest of the family. Who doesn't love to visit Colorado?!? Below Jack is showing his support and camaraderie by wearing his military fatigues. The littlest cadet loves his auntie and uncle very much.

I imagine Jack is celebrating with his Godparents in the photos. In the first he's saying "Oh yea, I knew they'd get a good spot!" In the second he's starting a celebration dance. In the third photo he regains his composure and tries to play it cool. In the last photo though he can't help, but grin again in excitement. :-)

The very best of best wishes in Colorado, Jake and Alissa. Our family loved Colorado Springs! We have so many special memories of the months we spent there. I'm positive you will too!

why we're here

This bit of goodness was passed around by a few favorites yesterday on Facebook. I love it....even if I don't live there anymore.

little man hockey

Our little man is starting to see some ice time. After all, a Minnesota family with two growing boys is the perfect recipe for hockey, eh?!?





How completely and utterly yummy is Teddy at the beginning of the video with the "I'm go skating" excitement?!? His sweetness just makes me melt.

I had to include the NHL head shot photo below. Although I know Teddy looks like his daddy, in this photo it's down right shocking. The child IS his father!



Here's to hoping for a lifetime of family skating adventures!

jammie bros

Good night, snazzy sleeper clad world.

With all our little boy love,
The Alcott Angels

2010 holiday season

I've always loved the holiday season. The soft glow of Christmas lights, the music, the family, the food, all of it so very yummy. A few days after Christmas in 2006, I married the love of my life. Now four years later, a few days before Christmas, I had our second child. It's a magical time of year.

"I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus."

1 Corinthians 1:4

silly smiles

This is what I get these days when I ask my two-year old to pose for a photo. He's completely incapable of a normal smile. In no way is he trying to be funny, it's just his little brain can't recreate an authentic smile if it isn't the real deal. Hi. lar. i. ous.

What was Teddy Ryan up to you ask, looking so very adorable? We were getting ready to leave for music class this morning. We recently joined a Kindermusik class near our home and are enjoying it immensely. Teddy has grown leaps and bounds from our Music Together days in New York. No longer quite so little, he's now able to follow directions well and he simply adores his teacher. It warms my heart to be there with him, watching him sing, dance, and love on all his little classmates. There's no doubt about it, that little man has wings and he's going to soar. (Especially when he uses his real smile!)

brief moment

Like the landscape outside our bedroom window, Jack too is ever-changing. Yesterday I began to pack away the clothes our wee one has outgrown. It was but a brief moment that he wore the onesies, sleep sacks, and britches that are now snug. Big babies outgrow the newborn section too swiftly.

1 month

Yesterday, Jack turned one month old! We tried to make him sit up for a photo and he wasn't one bit happy about it, until that is...his eye caught the ceiling fan! Such a little lamb. :-)



You bring such joy to our family. My New Year's resolution this year is to give back the happiness to you and Teddy, that you share with us. So let's do it babe, let's bounce it right off one another.