Baby show-off!

All this stunning newborn photography by Tami Tripp Photography! Thanks SO much, Tami.

Baby is here!

He is beautiful! Quick and easy labor from about 9 am - 11:11 start to finish!! More details later, and hopefully some fantastic make-you-misty-eyed brand-new baby pictures thanks to Tami!

Holly's awesome craftiness!

Lookie what's on it's way to us!!



Thanks so much, Holly! I *wub* them! :D

Big guy!

Big guy!, originally uploaded by sweetietooth.

Freddie didn't lose any teeth but he needed a picture, too. Mr Cute Stuff.

More missing teeth!

Toothless, originally uploaded by sweetietooth.

Two in less than fourteen hours! Sammy lost another bottom tooth (his 4th) last night and then this morning his first front tooth fell out. He's growing up so fast! (Thanks to tooth trauma of December 2007.)

Not only is cloth cuter, but check this out:

Disposable diapers are made of plastic. One baby will use at least 3,800 diapers, which amounts to 715 pounds of plastic. Non-renewable. Non-biodegradable.

Snagged from a gDiapers email. Here's more:

What does it mean to be plastic-free?

Give it up for technology! But sometimes technology can be deceiving. For instance, did you know that disposable diapers are made of plastic? Sure they feel soft, not at all like plastic. And some of them aren’t white, looking more like paper. But it’s true. They’re still plastic. There are a lot of reasons why we’re not crazy about that. Here are a few:

Plastic doesn’t biodegrade. It’s not good for the earth.
Plastic doesn’t breathe. It’s not good for baby.
Plastic is non-renewable.

Dang I wish I had an adorable newborn in cloth picture to post here. Soon, friends! :)

Baby can be born now!

Baby Blanket, originally uploaded by sweetietooth.

Per our agreement, Jack can be born now that I've completed The Biggest Thing I've Ever Knitted aka his Mod Concentric Squares Baby Blanket! (okay I'm nearly done I just have to weave in ends - bleh - and block)

Feel free to gush away at my awesome craftiness. M'kay. Gush now. Thanks. ;)

Happy Easter!

Sammy was so excited for Easter Morning he woke the entire household up before daylight. It was painful to get out of bed that early but seeing his little kid excitement (and super silliness!) was contagious. He brought the flashlight to church this morning -in case it was dark like it was at the Good Friday service.


His brother woke him up an hour too early this morning so Freddie was a little extra, er, opinionated. He "needed" to bring his balloon to church this morning. Why? "Because I do." Of course, I ended up carrying it.


Sammy picked out the purple polo (Vikings color) a month or so ago and I thought it'd be perfect for him to wear for Easter Sunday. Found a solid purple for Freddie and matching shorts. How cute are they?! Can't wait for our third to arrive so I coordinate them all :)

KP, Gage and Holly

KP, Gage and Holly, originally uploaded by sweetietooth.

Every few months Holly makes the trek from Wisconsin back to the Twin Cities to iron over a dozen of Jacob's work shirts. This trip she also made us Muddy Buddies (dessert after our trip to the 5-8 Club), crepes for breakfast, and washed dishes. She even slept without a pillow. Thanks, Holly!

Sammy, Freddie and Kennedy

Sammy, Freddie and Kennedy, originally uploaded by sweetietooth.

I tried to get a good picture of the three kids. To see how we went from this (probably the best) to the Goofballs! shot check out my flickr photostream. :)

Goofballs!

Goofballs!, originally uploaded by sweetietooth.

Sammy and his hoe

Sammy and his hoe, originally uploaded by sweetietooth.

Sammy: "I'm going to take my hoe down the slide."

He cracks me up.

Freddie!

Freddie!, originally uploaded by sweetietooth.

Nothing quite like a good nostril shot.

Jacob and Sammy

Jacob and Sammy, originally uploaded by sweetietooth.

We've been parking it a lot this week, thanks to our awesome HOT (consider the source) spring break weather.

Shower Flowers

Shower Flowers, originally uploaded by sweetietooth.

Last Saturday my friends threw me a super sweet baby shower. I am so touched by their kindness and generosity and I can only hope to someday repay them (personally, or by filling a similar role for someone else). There was delicious homemade food, virgin margaritas, flowing conversation, non-embarrassing shower games and gifts! (seriously, gifts? for #3?!)

Many thanks to you all! Each one of you have been such a support to my family and me throughout this pregnancy. I don't know what I'd do without friends!

38/39 weeks shadow, taken the evening of 3/29

38/39 weeks shadow, originally uploaded by sweetietooth.

And I think we *may* be a go this morning (3/30), Blogger friends!

We'll keep you posted! Please pray for me!

3/31 no baby yet! Just a day full of painful back labor with no progress. I am feeling better today - no back contractions so far this morning. Whew. Many thanks to all our friends and family for their kindness and encouragement through a very uncomfortable day.

New seating arrangement.

This morning was beautiful so while Sammy was at preschool Freddie and I switched around the car seats in our Mazda5. I am sure I looked ridiculous doing this at hugely 37-weeks pregnant but it had to be done. We have an appointment with a CPT Tech at the Fire Station on Saturday to check the installs, but here's what our car looks like now:

This is the third row in our Mazda5. Seat belt install with top tethers.

Britax Marathon and Regent.

Freddie in the Marathon. He's nearly outgrown this seat, but it'll work for the moment.


And the adorable Combi Coccoro for Baby!

I love this little seat! But I totally need the tech to get the install perfect. Mine is flimsy. Well, I actually took the seat out until Saturday... but this what it'll look like.

And here is Sammy's Graco Turbo Booster in the second row. It doesn't sit as well in the third row but installs beautifully in the second.

He loves this seat, so he may be sitting next to baby once Freddie outgrows the Marathon. But I dunno...

Nana and Sammy and assembled co-sleeper!

Nana and Sammy and assembled co-sleeper!, originally uploaded by sweetietooth.

Another project tackled by Nana over her five-day visit. Add to this piles of laundry, dinner preparation, mountains of dishes, dirty floors, grocery store runs, active boys, boxes of baby clothes... and cheesy puffs! Love you, Mom!! :)

Nana to the rescue!

Freddie helps Nana build the changing table topper., originally uploaded by sweetietooth.

Last week I was feeling overwhelmed by the physical demands of being a mom to two active boys *and* an active baby in the womb, and worrying how I would be able to take care of them, myself, the hubs and still manage to get things ready for baby. After a couple whiney phone calls from me, my mom hit the road last Thursday for a day of driving from Arkansas to Minneapolis. As Mo called it, a true act of "Motherly Sacrifice."

Thanks so much, Mom! I wish you didn't have to leave at all before the baby comes, but I can hardly compete with a trip to Vegas!

Here's a picture of Nana and Freddie assembling the changing table topper for our IKEA Leksvik changing table dresser. One of the many projects she helped with!

I's cutes.

I's cutes., originally uploaded by sweetietooth.

Freddie looks more like Jacob every day. Just prettier ;)

Solar Power critter!

Solar Power critter!, originally uploaded by sweetietooth.

Sammy really enjoyed this Solar Power information station at the Como Zoo. He is such a Little Scientist these days :)

Tropical Gardens!

Tropical Gardens!, originally uploaded by sweetietooth.

At the Como Zoo in St. Paul. Apparently a great place to go in the dead of winter, sadly we made this discovery the first weekend of March! The camera is all fogged up thanks to the glorious humidity!

Third trimester third baby photo shoot.

Sonja strikes again! We headed over to Minnehaha Falls this Saturday for a maternity photo shoot. Thanks SO much, Sonja! I can't tell you how much it means to me. I am so thankful to have these beautiful shots documenting my last pregnancy.



I am just about 35 weeks along in the pictures. With a big baby belly measuring two weeks ahead of due date!



Just before she took the above picture I picked up an abandoned "booze bag" with the hopes of sitting on it and spilled nasty beer all down the leg of my jeans. There is nothing quite like a hugely pregnant mama reeking of beer.



Thankfully I look like a hot mama rather than someone experiencing the full onslaught of the third trimester! (Right?!)

Still a ton of snow on the ground!

Sammy swinging, originally uploaded by sweetietooth.

It makes for a nice lower swing height for the boys :)

March in Minnesota

Sammy and Henry working on getting muddy, originally uploaded by sweetietooth.

My neighbor Ruth and I took our boys to the park yesterday afternoon because it's been so nice! Things are melting and it's comfortable to be outside (well, as comfortable it is for a mom in the third trimester!).

We still love our car and so does Consumer Reports!

A bunch of people have asked recently what kind of car we are going to buy when Baby #3 arrives. We don't plan to. We have an awesome Mazda5. It was recently picked as the Best Family Hauler in the Consumer Reports Top Picks: Best Models of the Year in 10 Categories.

Here is what they had to say:

Family Hauler: Mazda5

The Mazda5 microvan offers a lot of practicality in a compact, affordable package. With three rows of seats and sliding rear side doors, it combines the convenience of a minivan with the maneuverability and stingy fuel economy—24 mpg overall—of a wagon. The interior is airy, with good fit and finish. Plus the Mazda5 is fun to drive, with a nimble feel and a comfortable ride. The addition of standard ESC for 2010 improved its emergency handling. If you need more room, consider the Honda Odyssey minivan. Price: $23,805.

Just for fun, here is a picture of us the day we bought our Mazda5. Circa June 2006.

, originally uploaded by sweetietooth.

Probably. The boys are already calling the baby "Baby Jack."

Freddie's rocking Don King hair.

Freddie's rocking Don King hair., originally uploaded by sweetietooth.

Jacob requested I take a picture of this awesomeness. FYI: Freddie did not style it with the comb prior to this picture.

Good morning, Sunshines.

Good morning, Sunshines., originally uploaded by sweetietooth.

Loving Crunchy Munchy Honey Cakes!

Loving Crunchy Munchy Honey Cakes!, originally uploaded by sweetietooth.

You can't really tell in this picture, but it was a rare one with his mouth closed. He was very excited about dinner last night - especially the ranch-flavored oven "fried" (goBare) chicken drumsticks and Crunchy Munchy Honey Cakes for dessert.

Eating corn out of the serving bowl, with the serving spoon.

Eating corn out of the serving bowl, with the serving spoon., originally uploaded by sweetietooth.

We are all about good table manners here.

Crunchy Munchy Honey Cakes

Crunchy Munchy Honey Cakes, originally uploaded by sweetietooth.

We were inspired to make these little treats thanks to The Wiggles "Crunchy Munchy Honey Cakes" song.

Winter Program

Sammy - my adorable performer, originally uploaded by sweetietooth.

Sammy's preschool class had their winter program on Thursday, February 11th. He and the rest of the Butterflies sang and danced to about 10 classic kid numbers, then afterward we had a reception of cookies and juice. It was a fun night, and Sammy is such an adorable (and natural!) performer.

That's a little red heart painted on his nose. They'd had a puppy-themed Valentine's Day party at preschool that morning and he did not want to wash off the heart. A few of the other kiddos were still wearing theirs, too.

Snow as high as Freddie

snow as high as Freddie, originally uploaded by sweetietooth.

On Super Snowy Monday. Sammy loves to sled, Freddie loves to shovel. Freddie's method of shoveling basically involves tossing snow from a high bank to an area recently shoveled by Jacob.

Super Snowy Monday

jacobs-well beanie, originally uploaded by sweetietooth.

We had a great snowy day on Monday. The boys were happy playing in the front and back yard for nearly an hour!

Here is a cute shot of Sammy after a ride down our front "hill" on a sled, wearing the Jacob's Well beanie he earned for his recent community service!

Tiny Love Wind Chime Recall!

Hazard: The wind chime toy can be pulled apart exposing sharp metal rods, posing puncture and laceration hazards to the baby.

I know a ton of parents with toys like these. Here is the direct link with pictures of the (seven!) specific toys: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10136.html

What a great idea! Washing Tiny Socks

This reader tip from ohdeedoh would have saved us a week of headache with a "broken" washer right after Freddie was born. Remember this?

Instead of searching for all those little baby socks after you do the laundry- stick them all in a mesh laundry bag before you throw them in.

Read article: Washing Tiny Socs

30 weeks

Thanks so much to Sonja for inviting us over to play this morning, and for snapping a few shots of me for my mom and Blogger friends! This is the first official belly shot of Baby Rod #3. Obviously I have hit the glamorous stage of pregnancy, note the pony tail, sports bra outline and entire outfit of stretchy material. But I still think Sonja made me look good with her mad photography and Photoshop skills. Thanks again, friend! :)

Feeling very European...

makeshift indoor clothesline, originally uploaded by sweetietooth.

To continue on with our year of household failure our dryer stopped working on Tuesday, after I'd washed two loads of clothes. I rigged up this makeshift indoor clothesline in the boys' bathroom upstairs.

Playing together at Choo Choo Bob's

Playing together at Choo Choo Bob's, originally uploaded by sweetietooth.

We met up with friends at a favorite local train store this afternoon. If you are local and have not been yet, check out Choo Choo Bob's on Marshall Ave in St. Paul. It's a little boy's dream. :)

Another shot of the clothesline and octopus dryer

makeshift indoor clothesline and octopus dryer, originally uploaded by sweetietooth.

Tuesday's snow

Freddie and Sammy out on a snowy day, originally uploaded by sweetietooth.

Why Rear-Facing is Better...

I started looking into car safety again after talking to a friend who's little one is about to out grow his infant car seat, and am once again stuck by how much information there is out there. It's relevant, updated, keeping-your-kids-as-safe-as-possible-in-the-car information that so many parents ignore or overlook or are just plain ignorant about. I realize my blog has a very small readership, but still I feel convicted to share some of this invaluable information. Here is installment I. It's about extended rear-facing. This is from carseatblog.com:

Here’s a list of concrete reasons why we recommend rear-facing past age 1 and 20 lbs. That old recommendation that many pediatricians still hold onto stresses the bare minimums of when to turn a child forward-facing. Who wants the minimum for their child? It’s best practice to rear-face to the limits of the child’s convertible carseat: check the label for the rear-facing weight limit and make sure there’s at least 1″ of carseat above the top of his head.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recommended since 2002 that after age 1 and 20 lbs., children should ride in a rear-facing convertible seat until reaching the weight limit of that carseat. ....

Read the full article, including You Tube videos documenting RF safety: CLICK HERE

And here are a few tidbits of basic rear-facing info:
Children are 5X safer when left rearfacing until at least 2 years.
Many convertible car seats will accomodate a rear-facing child until 3-35lbs.
Broken legs are not a concern when rear-facing.
Rear-facing convertible car seats can be installed as upright as 30 degrees to give older children more comfort.