B-Fast at the Spur Cafe

This morning we all hopped in the car and motored on down the a local dive for breakfast with the family. We had a nice time together eating a greasy breakfast and talking about the day that lies ahead. Sutton continued on his "Hi" rampage setting him towards his "hi" quota for the day. I believe his goal is 5,000 "HI's" per day. This guy is out to change the world with one "hi" at a time! I wonder if he is on to something. WOW, even as I sit and ponder his innocent reaction to strangers with a warm welcome it reminds me of the VW commercial where one person helps another which transends into an entire communtiy reaching out to each other. Keep up the good work Sutton!! We had a nice time together this morning and are off to tackle the rest of the daily events... have a great day!!

Peace,
BD

TRIBUTE to My Folks

Christmas has come and gone and we now look forward to the start of a New Year and what is ahead. We had a wonderful Christmas with family starting on Christmas Eve. We stayed put in MN and our family joined us for a wonderful celebration of Christmas. It was nice to be together with our family that we see on a regular basis and our family that we don't see as often. Thanks for making the trip to MN!
This morning I had the opportunity to hang out in the cities with my folks as they wanted to head into Mineapolis to purchase some bread from a local bakery. I took my camera along and was able to capture some fun photos of my parents as we hung out for a couple of hours before their departure. I do have to admit that my mom was a little tense while being photographed. After having her do some jumping jacks she loosened up and we were able to take some fun photos. Thanks again for everything and we hope you guys can come back and see us soon!

Peace,
BD

Having FUN in Photo Booth

Sutton and Dad were hanging out today during a little bit of down time. We put together Sutton's Hippo Tent in the living room and can't wait for the warmer weather this spring so we can camp out under the stars. Can you do that with a 2 yr old? At least we can try and it will make for some good stories down the road. After playing in the tent this pm we spent some time making funny faces in front of the Photo Booth camera. We're going to have some fun days ahead as these boys get older... I can't wait!!! Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!! Our family arrived on Christmas night and we've had an action packed couple of days with everyone in town. We'll post some family pictures later!!!

Peace,
BD

Naughty or Nice...

WHO CARES! When you're sportin' an "I love Santa" t-shirt your bound to get the hook up on everything you've ever wanted at 3 weeks of age!! The big guy will usually throw in a few goodies for the parents as well (so we've heard). Shaeffer was turning heads tonight at church. We weren't sure if it was his good looks, his crying or his santa outfit! Ho Ho Ho!!! Shaeffer asked to sleep downstairs tonight in hopes that he might catch a glimpse of the oversized man in the red suit. ONLY he will know!!! Have a Merry Christmas!!!

Keepin' one eye open,
BD

Laid Back

Sutton had a GREAT day opening presents today from Grandpa Larry and Mary. He also stopped for his Christmas Eve photo shoot in between gifts! He can hardly contain himself for Christmas Day.... We think that he's already unwrapped several gifts from under the tree and rewrapped them hoping we wouldn't notice. Have a Merry Christmas!

Peace,
BD

A Date with Mommy

So, I am sneaking onto Ben's blog this morning to share some pics (I'm no pro) I took on my date with the boys... You see, Ben went to the Vikings game on Sunday while my mother and I took Sutton and Shaeffer to "Brunch With Santa". It was a great time and of course Sutton provided us with some laughs... He wasn't scared of Santa like one might assume... But, he was intrigued with his beard! He sat down on Santa's lap and started pulling on it... and it was Santa's real beard, poor guy! Then, the nice Christmas Choir began singing and although he loved watching them, it was a little loud for his tiny ears... He put both hands over his ears, which brought about a few chuckles from the choir themselves! Shaeffer did great with Santa, even when Santa tried to take his eye out! All in all we had a great day.. HO HO HO Merry Christmas!

Shaeffer Shaeffer Shaeffer

WOW... Look at those little feet... I am constantly blown away by God's creating hand. I hope you enjoy these as much as I do. Take second out of your day and look at your kids little features!! They're beautiful!!!

Enjoy!!
BD

Just Luvin' My Brother

Sorry for the delay in posting lately. I'm taking my camera in for some work this morning! We captured Sutton & Shaeffer just chillin' on the couch the other day with Shan's camera. Thankfully we have a back up camera now. We'll be back in full photo action very soon! Sutton has been SO cute with his little bro. He helps mom change Shaeffer's diapers, he kisses Shaeffer's feet, he rubs his back and pats his head. Shaeffer is doing well! The nights have gotten better with him and we are down to 2 middle of the night feedings (last night was not so fun but you'll have those). It's been an adjustment but we are so blessed to have 2 healthy, happy boys.

I also want to say thank you to those of you that used BD Photography images on your Christmas cards this year! It is really fun to open your cards and see your family/children portraits. Thanks for a great year.

Peace,
BD

Baby #3...

All's I can say is WOW... I had a good friend drop by this morning to meet Shaeffer for the first time. They hung around for a bit and then had to head off to the office. Before they left our house, they ran out to their car to give us our Christmas present. Seriously, I wasn't expecting a Christmas gift. Low and behold our friend walks back into our home carrying a black box with our NEW MacBook Pro. I stood in my tracks not knowing what to say or how to respond. So, grateful I was... We are continually blessed by our family and friends and their generousity. I'm still stunned as I write this post from our new baby.... I thought the whole new search process was over!!!! We're gonna have to name this little guy now.....

Thanks for this amazing gift.... I can't wait to use it to its full potential!!! Thanks

Peace,
BD

Video of Shaeffer's Delivery

To View Video CLICK HERE

If you have a STRONG stomach then you might want to see the video of Shaeffer's delivery....If you don't like ER, Grey's Anatomy or TLC's "A Babies Story" then you'll wanna skip this.... For those that like watching Cops, Pimp My Ride, Deal or No Deal then this is even MORE exhillerating then those shows.... The entire process is amazing to me!!!

Peace,
BD

p.s. more pics of Shaeffer below...

Shaeffer Kellyn

To View Shaeffer's First Slideshow...CLICK HERE

Shaeffer Kellyn was born last Friday, Dec. 1st. He weighed in at 8 lbs. 15 oz., 21" long. Both Shaeffer and mom are doing well however the entire Dodds' family is running on little sleep. Sutton is adjusting slowly and is very curious about why that "little white blanket" keeps crying and needs so much attention. Please stay tuned for more photos as we begin to settle in. Thanks for ALL of the phone calls, cards, emails, flowers, gifts...etc! We are very grateful for our friends and family.

Thanks,
Ben, Shan, Sutton and Shaeffer

Can't Sleep... WHY?

Because we are going to the hospital in 1 hour to have a BABY!!! It's 4:30am on Friday morning and we are getting ready to leave for Southdale. Shan is anxious but doing great but we both tossed and turned ALL night long. Pretty soon, we'll have photos to share of our new bundle of joy. Tell them.... Sweet dreams

Peace,
BD