Like Father, Like Son - Hopefully

Randy sings a song to Soren to the tune of Row, Row Row your boat, but with the words Ride, Ride Ride your bike while pumping Soren's legs in big circles. So when the professional Great River Energy bike race came to the Twin Cities last week, you betcha we were there to take it in. Friday night we watched the downtown Minneapolis crit, then Sunday we hit Stillwater to watch the final crit. Soon enough Soren will be racing in the kids race that they also sponsor, but in the meantime we are on the prowl for a Burley bike trailer.

Mirror, Mirror.........

During our 6 year hiatus from Minneapolis, a few things have changed. Now Minneapolis is a hip city, and everywhere you look there are condos going up. Some of the more questionable parts of the city are now being gentrified by the condo industry. Other areas that had great landmarks are also being cleaned up and revitalized. One such area is the historic mills and Gold Medal Flour warehouse area along the Mississippi River. There is now a museum, park, farmers market and the new Guthrie Theater; called "a 21st century dream factory" by Time Magazine. One of the signature features of the new Guthrie, the cantilevered lobby known as the "Endless Bridge" is an observatory for the Mississippi River falls and landscape, providing great views during diaper changes. The Guthrie also has all sorts of shiny new surfaces to entertain little children with. (Photos by Brian Jolley)

Mr. Tummpy Wump

Summer Days

Grassy Fascinations


Fathers Day Family Self Portrait

Grandma's Marathon

Randy celebrated his 46th birthday by running Grandma's Marathon. It was a glorious, yet hot day. Randy was a champ though and was cheered on by Soren and the onsie I made to help him get through the 26.2 miles. Randy's word of advice - Don't ever do a marathon with a newborn at home. We are proud of you Randy!

One Big Happy Family

Meet Brian, one of my graduate school roomates. He made a pit stop through Minneapolis on his way to a teaching gig in Washington State. Brian is also a photographer, so out came the Polaroid camera - an old favorite of ours.

The Square Shooter: Polaroid Type 88

Polaroid no longer makes this film anymore - no thanks to the digital boom. Brian sacrificed one of his images (actually three to get this shot) so we could sample a taste of nostalgia. Thanks Brian!

America's Next Top Baby Model

Let's be honest - who doesn't think their kid is "the cutest" kid ever?!? So when I saw this modeling opportunity for Soren I had to jump on it. Sure I had visions of Soren being "discovered" and making millions to pay for his college and our retirement years. Wouldn't you if you had the cutest kid in the world? So Soren partook in the Happy Green Bee Organic clothing line photo shoot and was paid with a pair of organic socks and web site/catolog coverage - so much for those millions. But heck - we still have the cutest little baby!

Yummy Mango!

The signs were all there. The licking of the chops, grabing as our forks passed from plate to mouth, the longing stare, and our own guilt of denying a child such yummy food variety. We strapped on the bib and handed over the teething ring filled with mango. Soren went ga-ga over the new taste. Now he happily joins us at the table, sucking away at his new experience.

Swinging at the Park

To Market We Go

Little Music Man

Minneapolis has numerous opportunities for little ones to get exposed to music at an early age. All summer long there are free outdoor music concerts almost every night of the week. There is also Music Together, Musik Garten, and Musical Trolley to get one through the winter months. BUT, how many little babies get to have a private performance from the former Minnesota Orchestra principle cellist? Both Bob and Soren were entertained by the other and Soren was quite the captive audience member. Perhaps we may have a budding musician in our future.

Bumbo

I have heard mixed reviews on the Bumbo and it's use for babies. Considering that is is a free loaner to us (thanks Max!), Randy and I are definitely excited about it. With Soren's cloth diapers and chunky thighs ensuring a nice snug fit, it really does help him sit up all straight and comfy. He gets a whole new view of the world, a chance to catch up on some reading, and a few good laughs out of mom and dad when we try to pick him up and he has a big bumbo stuck to his butt.

Cottage Opener

With each Spring comes the much anticipated return to the North Woods of Minnesota. Last time Soren was at the cottage, he was 8 months in my belly. The cottage is a place that I hold dear in my heart and I am thrilled to now be able to share it with Soren. I have many fond childhood memories of spending lazy summer days at the cottage. I have been able to add to that the Randrea wedding, and I eagerly anticipate all the future adventures to be had with Soren.

Diaper Duty

Mr. Tough Guy

Balancing Responsibilities

Owning a new home and a new baby can at times be overwhelming. It is easy to want to ditch putting on the screens and take Soren for a stroll. It is also more tempting to want to invest in a Stokke highchair over a lawnmower. Luckily we have good friends who not only supplied us with the necessary snow shovel as a house warming gift, but also gave us this great push mower. Thanks Rob and Laura! Randy strapped on Soren and introduced him to his future responsibility......

Happy 4 Months!

Meeting the Half Sister

Eighteen years is a big spread when it comes to siblings. I give Randy loads of credit for jumping back so easily into babyhood again. Randy's daughter Elizabeth and Soren hit it off marvelously. Now the question is - Do Elizabeth and Soren have any common traits?

Thumbsucker

Soren has always had a way of shoving his fist into his mouth, but this week he has been able to single out the most important digit - the thumb. He is also moving into his self-soothe faze with this new skill. The best part about self-soothing is laying a child in his crib for the night with his eye's wide open, giving a kiss with a "Mommy and Daddy love you", walking out the door and peeking in 2 minutes later to a sound asleep babe. Let's top that off with a solid 9 hours for the little fella!