Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
New Slide
So, let's talk dumpster diving.
Sometimes, it just doesn't work out. Like the time we found a mattress by a dumpster and used it through college up until Emma was due. You can read about that here. Yeah, bad idea with a capital B.
However, dumpster diving really worked to our advantage over the weekend, when we found a little toddler slide sitting all by its lonesome self. We couldn't believe that someone actually intended to throw it out because it's one of those things that goes like hotcakes on Craigslist (it was actually one thing I had been looking for), so we knocked on the family's door and were told that it was free for the taking.
We took, of course.Tyler brought it home just after Emma's bath, so she tested it out in her PJs. Here she goes up the stairs.
Crawling across to the slide.
And, with Daddy's help, down she goes.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I'd say it's about a 20 on the fun scale. She loves it.
She's still learning how to get up the stairs and down the slide all by herself, but she's getting there. The hardest thing for her to learn has been to sit before sliding down.
For you video lovers out there, here is Emma going down her new slide.
It even has a little crawl space below. She hasn't been inside yet, but she likes to peek through to what's on the other side, which is usually us.
Yay for dumpster diving!
Monday, June 20, 2011
Mill City Farmer's Market
The largest farmer's market in the Cities is the Mill City Farmer's Market. It's located on the banks of the Mississippi in downtown Minneapolis in a historic train shed. It's amazing! We went for the first time on Saturday morning and bought some garlic scapes and mixed greens. Looking back on it, I'm kind of surprised that's all we walked away with!
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Oh wait, we did have some of these while we were there. They are steamed pot stickers filled with scallions, onions, cabbage, and Himalayan spices, served with tomato chutney. Sheesh they were good. I also had a water with chunks of watermelon and basil in it.
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Emma thoroughly enjoyed herself, particulary when the bands started playing. She danced (which looks like swaying) and made faces like this at us.
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She also insisted upon pushing her own stroller around because, you know, big girls don't ride in strollers, they push them.
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We also learned about some farm shares available near the Cities. Basically, by purchasing a farm share, you receive the best of what a farm has to offer each week, and the food is delivered to you or a location near you for pick-up. During the spring, farms tend to grow head lettuce, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, spring salad greens, arugula, broccoli raab, sugar snap peas, baby carrots, beets, radishes, salad turnips, baby kale, swiss chard, kohlrabi, scallions, italian dandelion, and herbs.
In the summer, they grow tomatoes, cucumbers, summer squash, peppers of all kinds, sweet corn, eggplant, carrots, beets, salad greens, swiss chard, green beans, onions, kale, garlic scapes, watermelon, basil, and herbs.
And, in the fall, they grow winter squash, summer squash, potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, carrots, beets, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, pie pumpkins, garlic, onions, leeks, arugula, broccoli raab, salad mix, radishes, turnips, green beans, spinach, kale, apples, and herbs.
Oh wait, we did have some of these while we were there. They are steamed pot stickers filled with scallions, onions, cabbage, and Himalayan spices, served with tomato chutney. Sheesh they were good. I also had a water with chunks of watermelon and basil in it.
We also learned about some farm shares available near the Cities. Basically, by purchasing a farm share, you receive the best of what a farm has to offer each week, and the food is delivered to you or a location near you for pick-up. During the spring, farms tend to grow head lettuce, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, spring salad greens, arugula, broccoli raab, sugar snap peas, baby carrots, beets, radishes, salad turnips, baby kale, swiss chard, kohlrabi, scallions, italian dandelion, and herbs.
In the summer, they grow tomatoes, cucumbers, summer squash, peppers of all kinds, sweet corn, eggplant, carrots, beets, salad greens, swiss chard, green beans, onions, kale, garlic scapes, watermelon, basil, and herbs.
And, in the fall, they grow winter squash, summer squash, potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, carrots, beets, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, pie pumpkins, garlic, onions, leeks, arugula, broccoli raab, salad mix, radishes, turnips, green beans, spinach, kale, apples, and herbs.
We're thinking pretty hard about buying a share. The thought of having locally-grown, certified organic veggies and fruits in our kitchen, especially for Emma, sounds pretty great.
Father's Day
It's hard to believe that just one year ago, this was our world.
We had a teeny tiny baby, and Tyler was celebrating his first Father's Day.
What a difference a year makes!
Today, one year later, we had a really relaxing day. Not a nap-with-your-newborn kind, but a watch-the-Open and hang-out-at-the-park kind.
Here are Tyler and Emma watching the Open. Emma probably would have preferred being in the gallery. She loves watching golf.
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The park that we went to in the afternoon is super close to us. It's pretty large, and whenever we go, we always come home saying that we wish went more often! Emma runs, runs, picks dandelions, and runs, and we usually bring a ball to kick around, too. Today, I caught some pictures of just Emma and of Emma and Tyler together.
But first, here's just one area of the park so you can get an idea of the landscape. Pretty, huh?
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For Father's Day this year, I bought Tyler a decal for his laptop that says the name of his business. Hopefully, people at coffee shops and other places that he works will see it and Google it. Emma had a ball marker made for him. His initials are in the center, our wedding date is across the top, and Emma's birthday is across the bottom. It turned out great, I think!
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Happy Father's Day to TB and to both of our awesome Dads!
We had a teeny tiny baby, and Tyler was celebrating his first Father's Day.
What a difference a year makes!
Today, one year later, we had a really relaxing day. Not a nap-with-your-newborn kind, but a watch-the-Open and hang-out-at-the-park kind.
Here are Tyler and Emma watching the Open. Emma probably would have preferred being in the gallery. She loves watching golf.
The park that we went to in the afternoon is super close to us. It's pretty large, and whenever we go, we always come home saying that we wish went more often! Emma runs, runs, picks dandelions, and runs, and we usually bring a ball to kick around, too. Today, I caught some pictures of just Emma and of Emma and Tyler together.
But first, here's just one area of the park so you can get an idea of the landscape. Pretty, huh?
For Father's Day this year, I bought Tyler a decal for his laptop that says the name of his business. Hopefully, people at coffee shops and other places that he works will see it and Google it. Emma had a ball marker made for him. His initials are in the center, our wedding date is across the top, and Emma's birthday is across the bottom. It turned out great, I think!
Happy Father's Day to TB and to both of our awesome Dads!
Friday, June 17, 2011
Quilty Quilt
I dream of someday making Emma a quilt.
To keep her warm when she needs it,
to remind her of me and of home when she's grown,
to give her something beautiful to look at.
I love anything and everything craft-related, so I think I may find it comforting to make her one. I need creative outlets, and there's no one I'd rather make something for than her.
I don't really know how to quilt, but that's ok, I found this book at the library. I'm banking on the fact that I'm going to be able to follow its directions and end up with something that looks like a quilt when it's all said and done ;)
Before seeing this book, I wasn't familiar with the whole "jelly roll" concept. Apparently, it's a roll of 40 2 1/2 inch wide strips in different but coordinating patterns. The roll is designed to be enough fabric to make a quilt, less background, border, and binding.
Best concept ever? Yes. And, yes. It takes the guesswork out of choosing patterns that coordinate, and saves time because you don't have to cut out every piece of fabric.
I think I found the pattern, but I'm still lost in fabric-land. Moda is the company that makes jelly rolls and the choices are endless.
Make a sweet quilt?
Make a playful quilt?
I don't know! I don't know! I'll keep you updated on my dilemma.
To keep her warm when she needs it,
to remind her of me and of home when she's grown,
to give her something beautiful to look at.
I love anything and everything craft-related, so I think I may find it comforting to make her one. I need creative outlets, and there's no one I'd rather make something for than her.
I don't really know how to quilt, but that's ok, I found this book at the library. I'm banking on the fact that I'm going to be able to follow its directions and end up with something that looks like a quilt when it's all said and done ;)
Before seeing this book, I wasn't familiar with the whole "jelly roll" concept. Apparently, it's a roll of 40 2 1/2 inch wide strips in different but coordinating patterns. The roll is designed to be enough fabric to make a quilt, less background, border, and binding.
Best concept ever? Yes. And, yes. It takes the guesswork out of choosing patterns that coordinate, and saves time because you don't have to cut out every piece of fabric.
I think I found the pattern, but I'm still lost in fabric-land. Moda is the company that makes jelly rolls and the choices are endless.
Make a sweet quilt?
Make a playful quilt?
I don't know! I don't know! I'll keep you updated on my dilemma.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Wordless Wednesday
The I-Like-To-Capture-Sweet-Pictures-Of-These-Two-Together-When-They-Don't-Know-I'm-Watching Edition
Or, less creepy sounding,
The Look-At-This-Sweet-Picture-of-Emma-and-Tyler-(in which Emma is waving to cars)-That-I-Snapped-Inside-While-Cleaning-Emma's-Playroom Edition
Or, less creepy sounding,
The Look-At-This-Sweet-Picture-of-Emma-and-Tyler-(in which Emma is waving to cars)-That-I-Snapped-Inside-While-Cleaning-Emma's-Playroom Edition
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Kickball
Nothing says summer like KB and TB...playing kickball?
Yep, we're both playing! Our games are Monday nights after dinner, and this Monday we played our first game. The team we're playing for is the same one Tyler played dodgeball for this winter. They are the nicest bunch of people you could imagine and everyone brings their kids (who, coincidentally, tend to be redheads), so it's a place we feel really comfortable. At first, Tyler or I sat out while the other played with Emma, but as the innings went on, there were several times when we were both playing and Emma was content playing with the other kids, other parents, or her familiar Aunt Chelsea. It felt a little strange for Tyler and me to not have our little sidekick in tow, but at the same time, it was nice knowing that she felt secure and happy and independent without us right there beside her.
Emma was pretty excited about having big grassy spaces in which to run around because we don't have much of a yard at home.
Before the game, she staked out some of the other teams with Dad, and spent some quality time with her good buddy: sunscreen.
After the game, she played on first base,
and gave Mama a smooch for playing in her first organized game since, oh, about high school.
Then, home we went!
Yep, we're both playing! Our games are Monday nights after dinner, and this Monday we played our first game. The team we're playing for is the same one Tyler played dodgeball for this winter. They are the nicest bunch of people you could imagine and everyone brings their kids (who, coincidentally, tend to be redheads), so it's a place we feel really comfortable. At first, Tyler or I sat out while the other played with Emma, but as the innings went on, there were several times when we were both playing and Emma was content playing with the other kids, other parents, or her familiar Aunt Chelsea. It felt a little strange for Tyler and me to not have our little sidekick in tow, but at the same time, it was nice knowing that she felt secure and happy and independent without us right there beside her.
Emma was pretty excited about having big grassy spaces in which to run around because we don't have much of a yard at home.
Before the game, she staked out some of the other teams with Dad, and spent some quality time with her good buddy: sunscreen.
After the game, she played on first base,
and gave Mama a smooch for playing in her first organized game since, oh, about high school.
Then, home we went!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Wedding Bells
My friend, Amanda, was married over the weekend. The ceremony was so beautiful and meaningful and them. And, she was a beautiful bride, as you can see.
We were so happy to share the day with her family and many good friends we've met in Minnesota. The weather was gorgeous, and one little girl was very happy to be outside enjoying it. She may have also been happy because she just pooped (like one second before the ceremony started nowhere near a changing table...ohmygoshhh).
We sat next to Aunt Chelsea, of course,
and other friends from school.
After the wedding, we headed to the reception. TB and I took turns chasing our girl. I captured the sweetest video in the entire universe of Emma running to Tyler while saying "Da-da!" the entire way. They are the sweetest pair.
We were so happy to share the day with her family and many good friends we've met in Minnesota. The weather was gorgeous, and one little girl was very happy to be outside enjoying it. She may have also been happy because she just pooped (like one second before the ceremony started nowhere near a changing table...ohmygoshhh).
We sat next to Aunt Chelsea, of course,
and other friends from school.
After the wedding, we headed to the reception. TB and I took turns chasing our girl. I captured the sweetest video in the entire universe of Emma running to Tyler while saying "Da-da!" the entire way. They are the sweetest pair.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Library Trip
You may be able to tell by now that the theme of our summer has been finding new, fun, family-friendly things to do in the Cities. It's been great on so many levels for TB and me to pull away from our work some and enjoy the weather and everything that the Cities have to offer during the summertime (which is a ton).
One place that we really like to go is one of our local libraries. It's brand new and has a great play area for kids Emma's age. We go there a few days a week and spend either the morning (they offer story times followed by play times twice a week) or the afternoon. It's fun to play with Emma there because the toys are awesome and it gives us the chance to chat with other parents and for Emma to play with other kids. Win-win.
They have fun bins like this one filled with animal puppets.
Emma's favorite, big surprise, is the dog, and she expresses her love for it by laying on it.
She also loves a particular wall of toys. It's a toddler's dream because it has everything from airplanes to paintbrushes on it. And it's noisy!
If you're not totally video'd out, here's a short one of Emma at the library. At the end, she speed walks to me and signs "milk," so that should explain the tail end of it ;)
For the record, they even put fun toys in the "baby care" room!
One place that we really like to go is one of our local libraries. It's brand new and has a great play area for kids Emma's age. We go there a few days a week and spend either the morning (they offer story times followed by play times twice a week) or the afternoon. It's fun to play with Emma there because the toys are awesome and it gives us the chance to chat with other parents and for Emma to play with other kids. Win-win.
They have fun bins like this one filled with animal puppets.
Emma's favorite, big surprise, is the dog, and she expresses her love for it by laying on it.
She also loves a particular wall of toys. It's a toddler's dream because it has everything from airplanes to paintbrushes on it. And it's noisy!
If you're not totally video'd out, here's a short one of Emma at the library. At the end, she speed walks to me and signs "milk," so that should explain the tail end of it ;)
For the record, they even put fun toys in the "baby care" room!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
She's A Hoot
Probably 10 times a day, Tyler and I look at each other and laugh.
Because...
our
child
is
so
funny.
The older she gets, the funnier she gets. We think this is, in part, because she knows she's funny and so she does funny things just to be funny. It continues to blow our minds that we...WE! have a toddler (I can't believe I just used that word) who is so socially with it. It was just yesterday that she was born, right?
Anyway, I digress, we were able to capture 2 of the 8,473,928,375,657,489,962,426,274,899 or so funny things that she has done lately, and wanted to share them with you. Both, coincidentally, occurred during meal times.
Today, she insisted upon holding a balloon for all, and I mean all, of lunchtime. Why? Just because. It was a "Happy Birthday" balloon that is still hanging in there from my birthday back in May. She thought the whole holding-a-balloon-while-eating thing was very funny which, of course, made it all the more funny to us.
But, holding a balloon was not nearly as funny as...
(watch video, particularly the first few seconds)
...feeding her "Kitty" chicken for lunch. This means that Emma has reached superstar status in Maggie's world. Yanking fur? Dropping objects onto paws? All worth it to Maggie in the name of chicken.
Because...
our
child
is
so
funny.
The older she gets, the funnier she gets. We think this is, in part, because she knows she's funny and so she does funny things just to be funny. It continues to blow our minds that we...WE! have a toddler (I can't believe I just used that word) who is so socially with it. It was just yesterday that she was born, right?
Anyway, I digress, we were able to capture 2 of the 8,473,928,375,657,489,962,426,274,899 or so funny things that she has done lately, and wanted to share them with you. Both, coincidentally, occurred during meal times.
Today, she insisted upon holding a balloon for all, and I mean all, of lunchtime. Why? Just because. It was a "Happy Birthday" balloon that is still hanging in there from my birthday back in May. She thought the whole holding-a-balloon-while-eating thing was very funny which, of course, made it all the more funny to us.
But, holding a balloon was not nearly as funny as...
(watch video, particularly the first few seconds)
...feeding her "Kitty" chicken for lunch. This means that Emma has reached superstar status in Maggie's world. Yanking fur? Dropping objects onto paws? All worth it to Maggie in the name of chicken.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Wordless Wednesday
The You-Know-You're-A-Good-Friend-When-You-Volunteer-To-Push-Your-Non-Walking-Friend-Around-In-A-Wagon Edition
(Photo courtesy of another Bradley Mama)
(Photo courtesy of another Bradley Mama)
Monday, June 6, 2011
Another Grand Old Day
June always makes us think of Grand Old Day, which is kind of like a big neighborhood block party in St. Paul. It was this past Sunday, and just like in years past, we loaded up and headed over to Grand Avenue for the morning, this time with friends, too. It was Emma's second year going! She may have actually enjoyed it more last year, because this year, she was battling croup and let's just say we didn't have a very good weekend. We do not love croup. Boo croup. Thankfully, her fever broke on Saturday night, and she was well enough to go for a ride in her stroller on Sunday morning.
She really liked the parade.
In fact, at one point, she thought it might be nice to go ahead and be part of it. We didn't get a picture of her walking into the parade, but here she is oohing and aahing over things...
...like this doggy. She even barked at him.
It was pretty hot at Grand Old Day this year, so we ended up walking home for Emma to take her afternoon nap. When she woke up, we filled one of her little pools and she took a dip.
We love summer.
She really liked the parade.
In fact, at one point, she thought it might be nice to go ahead and be part of it. We didn't get a picture of her walking into the parade, but here she is oohing and aahing over things...
...like this doggy. She even barked at him.
It was pretty hot at Grand Old Day this year, so we ended up walking home for Emma to take her afternoon nap. When she woke up, we filled one of her little pools and she took a dip.
We love summer.
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