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.

Jack's birth story

John Paul Alcott (Jack)
12/15/10
6:49pm
9lbs 5oz
23in

I've been dying for the opportunity to sit down and write out Jack's birth story. Honestly, I started this post weeks ago, opened it a half dozen times, only to abandon it as my little guys called out their needs. So if it feels a bit choppy, I apologize.

Our sweet second (as we came to call him throughout the pregnancy) was due on December 7th, 2010. Throughout the pregnancy I expected to gestate past my due date. I was induced during Teddy's pregnancy 7 days past my due date, so I assumed more than likely I'd go past it again. According to medical standards anything up to 3 weeks prior to and 2 weeks after the due date is considered both full-term and within the normal time to deliver baby. At my 38 week appointment however, I was already 3 centimeters dilated, which signified to both my doctor and doula that I could go at anytime. I agreed. By the time I was 3 centimeters with Teddy, my water had broken, I had intense contractions, and was definitely in full labor. Week 38 passed though and at my 39th week appointment I was 3 1/2 centimeters. Still few contractions and not many other signs of labor, but at this point both doctor and doula recommended that Ryan stay home and not return to work in Grand Forks. At my 40 week appointment I was 4 centimeters dilated. We were all very surprised labor hadn't started. Ryan was ready to spring into action whenever duty called, my doula and our families were all waiting, but still no babe. I too began to feel anxious at 40 weeks because my doctor began to talk about the dreaded "I" word...induction. My goal throughout the pregnancy was to have a completely natural, drug-free birth and I knew that desire would be compromised if I had to be induced. I also desperately longed for the experience of "going into labor." Again with Theodore, I ended up being induced so I never got that feeling like "Oh my goodness, I think this is it! Honey, I think it's time." It might sound silly, but after nine months of pregnancy (really ten months!) I felt like I'd been denied an ensy teensy bit of the experience by not allowing my body to go into labor on its own. After all, my body was created with the ability to do that, why not let it? Another week passed. I went in for my 41 week appointment knowing full well my doc would press for an induction. She'd said at my 40 week appointment that allowing me to continue the pregnancy anytime after 41 weeks and 3 days would be in violation of her best judgement. So at my 41 week appointment I set up an induction to happen in 3 days time (all the while praying I wouldn't need it and I'd go into labor on my own before hand). AND praise the Lord, I did just that!

That evening after I got home from my appointment, I started to feel pretty crampy. I'd had cramps though consistently since about 37 weeks, so initially I didn't get overly excited. However around 9pm it became clear I was having steady, constant contractions. My doctor had advised me to come into the hospital when they were about 5 minutes apart. Mine started out timing about 7 minutes apart. I cleaned the house and did a few things to get ready for hospital, then called my doula. She said if I lie down for a bit they may spread out enough to get a little sleep. I tried that and sure enough they did. I certainly didn't sleep well, but they spaced out enough to fall into a sort of half sleep for a couple hours. As soon as I stood on my feet though they were back to about 7 minutes apart. By 9am I was contracting strong and steady at 4 -5 minutes apart, we went to the hospital and our doula met us there. Upon arrival at 10am I was 4 1/2 centimeters dilated with contractions about 4 minutes apart. I requested and received an amazing labor room, complete with a beautiful view of the snowy woods and a huge bathroom (like seriously HUGE) with an enormous bathtub to labor in and a shower. We didn't waste a lot of time in the room though, but rather spent the better part of the early afternoon walking around the hospital in an attempt to get the contractions to pick up in intensity. We would walk, stretch, stop, have a contraction, repeat. I found I very much liked laboring on my feet, so the walking in and of itself was comforting. It had it's own rhythm. My doctor checked me around noon only to find I'd made little progression and was at about 5 centimeters. He suggested breaking my water as a way to speed up the contractions. We decided to try a few other techniques before doing that, so I spent the next hour on the birthing ball gently bouncing, trying to bring baby down. In general, I found the birthing ball to be pretty uncomfortable, but tried to stick with it as I hoped it was pain with a purpose. After that I hopped in the shower, hoping the water on my chest would create stimulation to intensify the contractions. Nursing baby after birth naturally creates this reaction to help contract the uterus back down to size. The water stim actually worked a little too well and I ended up with constant contraction that wouldn't go away at all. So out of the shower. At 2:30 the doctor checked my progress again, and we learned I was only at about 5 1/2 centimeters. I decided to go ahead and let him break my water. At this point I was starting to feel the effects of very little sleep the night before and the prospect of laboring into night number 2 didn't seem like the best thing for me or baby. I was also concerned that if I allowed myself to get too tired, my hope to labor pain medication free may become less likely. After the doctor broke my water, we hit the halls once again for more walking. My contractions intensified enough to the point that I was having to stop and hang onto Ry's shoulders during each one. We returned to the room a bit later and I continued to labor simply standing up next to the bed. At this point my contractions were probably only a minute or two apart and quite strong. I was very uncomfortable, but also pleased to know baby was going to come soon. My doula suggested I get in the bathtub, assuring me I'd feel much better once I was submersed in the water. I got in the water and immediately felt crazy-intense pressure, like baby was going to come out. I only lasted in there for 3 contractions, and then got out and into a hands and knees position on the bed. It was a position I'd studied during pregnancy (I broke my tailbone during Teddy's labor and hands and knees was supposed to take pressure off the tailbone) and I quickly found it to be beneficial. I labored through 8 and 9 centimeters (a very difficult part of labor) on hands and knees. When I was 10 centimeters, I did end up flipping onto my back to push. I've heard women say that when it's time to push it actually feels kind of good, sort of like a relief to finally be able to push with the contractions. I've never had that feeling, but I will say it was a relief to be to that point in the labor. The transition phase was difficult and I was happy to move on. It's also exciting when the baby's nurse arrives and the newborn equipment is rolled in, you know you're going to meet your little one soon. I had little knowledge of time while I pushed, but was later told it took about a half hour to get Jack out (it took 3 hours with Theodore). I remember looking around at the faces watching, helping, and coaching while I pushed and thinking it's nice they are here, but only I can bring this baby into the world, it's all up to me. There's not a thing any of them can do now except wait for me to do my job. It was both very scary and a little empowering. But we did it. Sweet, quiet, beautiful John Paul was born at 6:49pm....approximately 22 hours after steady contractions began and 9 hours after arriving at the hospital. I can't tell you the happiness that washes over your entire soul when they place your new baby on your chest for the first time. Such peace. He's here. He's fine. We did it. And it was beautiful and perfect.

I remember Jack's labor and birth so well. That day is vivid and alive in my mind. I was present, aware, and with my baby boy. It was awesome. We'd prayed every night for an incredible birth day and it was just that. I am filled with thanks.

in our arms

Welcome to our world little one. We are so very happy you are here. How can it already be a week ago that you arrived? Your birth last Wednesday filled me with such love, strength, and beauty. You did so well little one, staying strong and steady throughout the long labor. Me, you, and daddy worked collectively to bring you into this world and that journey created a deep entwinement of our hearts. I know it. I feel it.

You are a gift, John Paul. You and your brother are two special, special blessings bestowed on me and your daddy. We promise to nurture you and love you and hold you, now until forever. Happy one week, my sweet boy.

cease the day

Mr. Alcott off to cease the day.

The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you.
Don't go back to sleep.
You must ask for what you really want.
Don't go back to sleep. ~ Rumi

Ryan, have I mentioned lately how proud and thankful I am to be your partner? You exceed everything I hoped for in a husband. An ambitious, hard-working man, who also happens to be a wonderful friend, father, and provider. You are my best decision.

bébé

Last weekend we got together with a family friend to shoot a few maternity photos. Such a fabulous time! While pregnant with Theodore, I never did such a session and had a little regret over it. This time I decided to bare the belly and carve out a morning for photos. So happy I did, love the results!

Teddy's eyes make me melt! And I've got to say, I'm lovin' that sexy, long-haired, bearded boy, too.

Happy Saturday, loves. Only 2 more fall between us and the due date. 17 days! So close to meeting this sweet, sweet gift who already fills our hearts, minds, and conversations. So close to meeting our son. So close to meeting Theodore's brother. Can you believe it?!?

twin cities

Because I love Minneapolis. And I bet you do, too. Check this out. Good stuff. Especially #46.

nature's bounty

This is, I think,
what holiness is:
the natural world,
where every moment is full
of the passion to keep moving.
I've knelt there,
and so have you,
hanging on
to what you love,
to what is lovely. - Mary Oliver

Theodore had a magnificant time playing in the snow. His adventures were made extra sweet by Ryan's arrival home a few minutes after we stepped out into the white wonderland. He'd been away for 6 days. Below is a special bonus photo of their reunion.



Those two hold
every.
little.
bit of my heart.

our new home

Oh My! I can hardly believe it's been nearly a month since my last posting! We've been busy bees working, getting ready for baby, AND purchasing our first HOUSE! We closed on October 22nd and have slowly been moving things in, making small renovations (mostly painting, wall/ceiling repair, etc.), and doing some yard work. It's a character-filled 1925 farmhouse. Originally set on 60 acres, the section we purchased was at some point broken off into 5 acres. Our 5 acres is still surrounded by the remaining 55 acres of undisturbed, uninhabited land. Very fun!

The beautiful barn is one of our favorite things about the property. When you sit in the kitchen, the windows face it's huge facade and create such a feeling of serenity and solitude. It's wonderful.



We also envision many afternoons spent rocking on the adorable, white swing. Theodore (in his 2-year old glory) is already terribly possessive of the it, so Ry and I take our turns during nap time.

The holiday season and birth of our sweet second is fast approaching and with it more busyness, but we feel such peace being in our new home. The last four years of traveling have been wonderful and allowed us to explore many new places, but we've long been in need of a home base for our little family. This place is home.

the boys club

Uncle Johnny, Theodore, Grandpa Morrow. Buffalo, MN

"He who walks with the wise grows wise..." ~ Proverbs 13:20

Something tells me our winter arrival will fit in just fine with the family.

All the boys are just waiting to include him in on the adventures.

deodorant-wearing monkey boy

Teddy, we are so glad you're ours.

You really are the best, our funny little monkey.

cottonwoods

CWs along my Red River bike route. Grand Forks, ND

I'm convinced that when the breeze blows through a Cottonwood tree it creates a distinct whisper. A sound different from the rustles of an Oak or Maple. Growing up on a lake in central Minnesota, I heard the Cottonwood whisper often. The shoreline was abundant with the huge old trees. My neighbor had a hammock that hung in small grove of Cottonwoods and whenever they were out of town, I'd sneak over and lie under the big trees dreaming dreams and praying prayers. Their limbs always felt like an embrace. When I was older and going for runs around the lake, I'd take care to note the biggest and most beautiful of the trees along my route. The Cottonwood was the tree of my childhood. My dad has since moved from the house I grew up in, but I was touched to see he planted three Cottonwoods at his new home. I think he missed the sweet softwoods. Below is a photo of our home right after it was built in 1980.

Yesterday I went for a bike ride along the Red River and couldn't help but stand in awe of the enormous Cottonwoods along the trail. Their leaves once again creating a notable sound, shaking and shimmering in the autumn air.

A memory rushed through me as I biked along:
* summer following 6th grade.
* lying on a pink blanket under the Cottonwood in my backyard.
* praying that the boy I'd so desperately crushed after the last nine months would return my sentiments at the start of a new school year.
* my mom coming out and offering words of understanding, easing my junior high heart ache.

The whisper of the trees brought me right back to that day....and I like things that remind me of my mama.

Portland

Portland Farmers Market. Oct. 2010

Home sweet home on a delicious Sunday morning. It's been a busy week playing catch up after my wonderful time in Portland last weekend, so I'm looking forward to a still day. This morning is hushed and perfect. My husband is peacefully sleeping next to me and Teddy boy is curled up in his cribie dreaming sweet baby dreams. I love being the first one up in the mornings. It means Ryan is home, as I'd never be up before him on a workday. But I'm rambling and the point is to share a few lovely Portland photos....

I had such a beautiful weekend. The perfect mix of adventures in a new city and relaxation with my nearest and dearest. To spend time with Lindsey, Reggie, and their new pup (by the way, they are fabulous puppy parents!) was precious. And now they're ENGAGED! Yes, that's right! I left for home last Monday and on Tuesday evening Reggie popped the question! I'm SO excited for this sweet, sweet couple. Wishing them a year full of beautiful blessings as they prepare for the big day next summer! And SERIOUSLY, how cute are they...

Lindsey and Reggie, thank you for all the thoughtfulness and sweetness. You are so kind. Love you mucho mucho and can't wait until Christmas!