Baseball season has official begun for the Baker family! The boys love wearing their jerseys! And yes- Mommy let them wear them to the game because the boys stay downstairs in the family room! The babysitters there are great- and Mommy (and Gammy too) get to watch the games in peace! We had a great trip to Minnesota! Mommy left the boys and got on a plane and surprised Daddy in Florida! Mommy got to watch Daddy's rehab start! He was so surprised that Mommy flew 4 hours each way to see him for only 48 hours- and he had no clue until I knocked on the front door! It was such a wonderful time! Mommy could get used to this!!! It was so good for the both of us to see each other without little ones! And we are so lucky to have Gammy to watch the boys! The boys adore "Ah-Ah", as Easton says!

Proverbs 3:5-6

Below are the boys at the Como Zoo! It was such a nice day that we had to get outside! It got up to 75 degrees there one day! So yes- it snowed and was bright and beautiful all in the same week! Welcome to Minnesota- they say - stay a week and you may experience all four seasons in 7 days!



This was so CUTE- a baby giraffe- born in February- and in two months it was that big! We also saw twin baby monkeys and a baby gorilla! We had a great time at the zoo! Next trip- we will try and go to the other zoo and the great children's museum! Minneapolis is a really great city for kids!!!

This is such a sweet picture! This cute little monkey was interacting with Eli for a good 5 minutes! It would follow his finger and follow Eli!

It was very windy at times in Minnesota.... it felt almost like Mommy and Daddy were back in college at Oklahoma State! Easton kept wanting to put his hat on and he kept saying "cold" over and over!

Mommy and her cute Daddy-look-a-likes! Obviously these are the cutest two little boys in the world! (I know... I'm partial... after all they look like handsome Daddy!) This was right before the game in the family room! What a lucky grandma Gammy is that she has two grandsons that look like their daddy! And by the way.... she isn't partial either!

(Below)This is Easton at Easter brunch downtown! It was delicious! Although Mommy had to get a new plate after Eli spilled his orange juice...... yep- straight in my plate! Good thing it was a buffet! The boys were wonderful! Even at church service! We attend a church in Maple Grove, called Church of the Open Door. It was VERY family and kid friendly! They encourage children to be brought into the sanctuary! We can't wait to go back!

Easton got served orange juice in a fancy stemmed glass- all was good till Eli got one!

(Below) The boys Easter morning..... sorry I don't have pictures of them with their Easter baskets or of their egg hunt with Owen Kubel! (They were taken on a different camera and of course it is in Minnesota- and we are now in Shreveport!) They both loved their Easter baskets.... what a smart Easter bunny- both boys got exactly the same thing, down to the color and everything- he or she must know that they always want the same thing! :) And notice in the picture who is eating candy at 9 am before church! Eli isn't eating any because he doesn't like candy! Too bad the Easter bunny didn't give him real carrots- Mommy will have to remember to tell the Easter Bunny next year! Hey- peas might appear in some eggs next year! We'll see whose children, other than Eli, like that!!

Ephesians 3:17

We will post again when we return to Minnesota May 7th! It will be an event filled week, as it is Mother's Day weekend! Hope everyone has a great next few weeks! Please keep our family in your prayers, as mommy and the boys spend another 20 days without Daddy! God has given us such great family and friends to help us along our journey. Thank you Lord!

By the way... Eli told me that he prayed, so Mommy said that was so good and was curious to what he prayed about.... so he said he prayed that Mommy would give him his batman toys back! The toys were in "time-out" for Eli not obeying!

Hello... from very cold Minnesota...or should we say from Maple Grove! We have had a very busy month transitioning from Spring Training back to Shreveport; and now purchasing a new townhouse in Minnesota! All in about 19 days! The flight home to Shreveport (coming home from Spring Training) was very tough! We had to deal with a cancelled flight, a 6 1/2 hour delay which made it a 17-hour travel day with two crabby boys!! The flight to MN was very easy! The boys were great... and no tears from Mommy :)! Although we have had a few mishaps- like Easton taking two bad falls (one the paramedics had to come) and Eli's car seat tether strap being left out the door and wrapping around the back tire. Each was very scary, but everything turned out okay... God is so good!

The pictures below are at the Maple Grove Community Center.....walking distance from the house.....obviously we drove since is was 34 degrees out and very windy! It features an indoor pool, a 4-story climbing structure, an outdoor pool (not usable until at least June), an ice arena, a gym, and tons more!! We were so impressed!!! Gammy climbed in this with the boys! Mommy had a small mishap with her toe... when the plumber set the washing machine on it!!!

The boys loved climbing in the Maple Maze!


The boys having so much fun.... people asked me if I made their outfits because appliqued and smocked clothing are not worn up here!! We still stay true to our southern roots!


So yes, life threw us a curve ball when Daddy had to stay in Florida for a few days (as he was placed on the DL- disabled list)! But it has worked out in that we have had time to buy groceries, a vacuum, window treatments, and other "home" things which are keeping us busy setting up a home! We forget every year that we need paper towels, hand soap, cleaning products, laundry stuff, etc.- now it's nice knowing that these can stay here and not be thrown away at the end of baseball season. It has been a little sad to move into the new house without Daddy, but at least we will have everything ready for him when he hopefully comes to Minnesota by Easter! This week the window treatments, TV and sound equipment are scheduled to be installed.



Okay..... nothing like snow in April......but my boys LOVE the snow! Eli even saved some for Daddy! We put it in the freezer!!

This was Easton's first time touching and holding snow! He kept saying...cold....cold.... over and over! We tried taking a walk, but the wind was blowing so hard and it was FREEZING.... Easton wanted to go in!

Okay....for all who have asked..... here are a few pictures of the townhouse! This is the dining area! (I'm only putting pictures of the main level because we are still unpacking and decorating the other ones)!

This is the living room! Daddy will love this room when his TV gets mounted above the fireplace! Hey.... the fireplace is remote controlled even with a timer.... how romantic :)...... Ha.... Gammy says no more babies... at least not while in Minnesota!!!

Here is the kitchen! The cabinets are amazing! Mommy had to buy a step ladder to reach the top two shelves. It even has under cabinet lighting! And the lighting fixtures are so modern- Mommy loves it!

This is the front of the tri-level townhouse!! We love it and feel very blessed to have a place called "home" where we will live the most out of the year! This is the back of the town home! We live on the corner facing a park and a lake so we will only have neighbors on one side! Right now its still a model home which is only open 12-4 or 12 - 6. It's pretty quiet considering the housing market is slow. We still have the back deck to decorate so we can grill when it warms up! I think we have plenty of time for that :)! Currenty when we woke up on Tuesday morning is was 22 degrees! And Mommy and Eli went to Target at 9 am and it was 29 degrees!! Eli's poor face got chapped :(. Eli said, "Mommy my face has never felt like this before."

Enjoy your Easter weekend.... we are going to church then we are headed to the Hilton for Easter brunch! We will post after Daddy pitches in Florida for ther high A team, the Miracle, for his rehab assignment! Hey- he still is pitching a home opener- just for the Miracle- at least it will be warm!! We are headed to the indoor water activity pool tomorrow! And we have lots of appointments with deliveries this week and weekend! Happy Easter!!!!

Fort Myers Beach........Mommy's favorite picture of the beach!  All three of my boys in action playing in the water and sand!  We couldn't of asked for a more beautiful day to go to the beach!  It was over 85 degrees but with a wonderful cool breeze!  We did however leave before the springbreaker's really broke loose!  We left by 12:30!  The girls saw many interesting things- it made me thankful that we have boys :).  

The girls on their trip to the beach! They all had so much fun enjoying the very warm weather and the beach trip!  Hey- what's a trip to Florida without going to Ft Myers Beach!!!!

Just look at those baby toes in the sand and water!  

Eli could not wait to get into the sand!!  He built sand castles and loved playing in the wet sand by the water!  What a fun day we had!!

Daddy took Easton into the water! He loved it! He really liked Daddy dipping his feet into the water!  Mommy's baby is looking so much like a big boy now!

Easton's first time at the beach!  He loved it!  Eli got brave and got into the water with Daddy!  The boys really loved the beach! Hey- now its time for a beach vacation in the off season :)

Cruising down the canal!  This was the only picture where the boys were not crying, as you can see Easton has ahold of Eli!  It was beginning to get dark so we had to hurry back home!

Miss "Jammy" on the boat when Donna, Marylin, and her came over for dinner and a boat ride!  We all had a blast! Hey- and Mommy caught the first fish!!

Easton got his haircut in a police car! He was such a big boy!!

Eli chose to get a haircut in the fire truck! He was so good for his haircut! Too bad they don't have a children's haircut place in Shreveport :( Its so nice- they even play movies for each station!

Mommy and her three boys......

Eli looked so cute talking to Papal on mommy's phone!  He is wearing Daddy's hat and telling Papal all about having an ear infection!  Mommy, Daddy, and the boys went to shop and eat at Coconut Point-  a beautiful new shopping area in Estero!  The boys loved the play area!! And we all loved eating at CPK (for those who don't know what that is....its California Pizza Kitchen!!!!)
Mmmm..... wonder what that is on Easton's face!  He even thought he looked silly! He got into Mommy's eye liner (yes waterproof eyeliner :) ) Everytime he looked in the mirror he laughed!
Easton is so funny! He found Mommy's "Wicked" shirt and wanted to wear it- purple and all!  Mommy almost didn't even make it home with it, as she left it under her chair and remembered half way to the car! Luckily it was still there!
Mommy and Daddy got all dressed up for dinner at Cin Cin, and then off to the Broadway play,  "Wicked" in Fort Myers! They went with Jason and Blake Kubel!  They both loved having a date night and enjoyed the great food, company, and play!
Easton is getting such a CUTE personality!  
Where is Easton.......Easton's hiding in Gammy's suitcase!  Gammy is meeting her friends for a five day "girls trip" (Wed-Sun)!  Mommy and the boys (all three!) have lots to do!  As we have to pack up everything for Minnesota and to travel back to Shreveport early Wednesday morning.  Mommy has this down, its not like this is her first trip :)
As you can see above, both boys appear to be sick. But actually only Eli was sick.  Mommy took him to the doctor and he had a double ear infection :(  They gave him medicine and he is getting better everyday!  Easton loves to copy everything Eli does, even if that means laying on the couch with a blanket!  

Unbelievable news from the Bakers........ What a special day that a mother (Gammy) gets to see her son becoming an established major league baseball player!  What a very special day!  This is truly a dream come true!  Daddy pitched 4 great innings then they announced his signing!  We are all so glad that we got to share this special day with him!  God has been with us through tough times and good times.... we are so blessed!  
What a special day for the Baker Family!  Daddy officially signed a 4 year contract with an option for his free agency year!  We are so very proud of him and his hard work has surely been acknowledged!  We are so excited to share the news with our family and friends!  
Okay.... so I may never get the boys being so kind to each other again.... Mommy just happened to have the camera out and Easton, the affectionate one, wanted a "kissy" from "bubba"! (The picture above and all the ones below are from the Naples Zoo!!!)
A very interesting tree at the Naples Zoo! The  boys looked so cute! Little did you know right before this picture, they were fighting in the wagon!  It was driving Mommy CRAZY!!!!!!
We took a boat ride to different monkey islands!  It was educational :) to see how different monkeys live and how they interact!  One monkey even posed for pictures on a branch right over the boat!  Eli loved riding the boat!  Easton was more fascinated with the ducks swimming by!  
We have had a week filled with relaxation in Florida!  We have been enjoying the warm weather! The picture above was from the alligator feeding!  It wouldn't be a trip to Florida without seeing an alligator or two!  

Eli loves wearing his Twins jersey!  This picture is after a game in the family parking lot! The boys walk everywhere- it is so nice not having to take a stroller anywhere!  Although Mommy still gets a workout carrying Easton up and down the stadium steps (and for those who have been to Hammond Stadium know that it's just practice for all the many many stairs at the Dome in Minnesota!!)  Gammy is still working out hard (she now runs 2 consecutive miles on the treadmill); Mommy is spinning every Tuesday and Thursday; and both are lifting weights!  We are truly having a blast in Florida!  Mommy took some away time today and went shopping with Blake, Jason Kubel's wife, in Naples (All the Grandma's kept the boys)!  They had a great time and are excited to go see Wicked, the Broadway Musical coming to Fort Myers with them next week!  Oh- Blake and Jason, and the chapel leader for the Twins, David and his wife Sherrie, and Scott and Leann, went to see "Fireproof" at First Baptist in Cape Coral on Sunday. It was good to see the movie again and fun having fellowship with friends! Oh- Easton is a little under the wear this week, but doing much better!  

All dressed in red and blue watching Daddy pitch!  It turned out to be beautiful weather by game time! Sunny and 68 degrees (cool for Florida in March though)!!!  The boys watched Daddy pitch 3 scoreless innings!  Their new favorite thing at the baseball game is kettle corn popcorn!  Mommy and Gammy love it too!  Daddy pitches this coming Saturday!  
Notice the sweatsuits and warm gear? Yes- we are in Florida still! We haven't gone to Minneapolis yet!  We had to turn the heat on at the house at night- it got down to 39 degrees! Very cold for here!  We traded in shorts for jackets- it's supposed to be in the 80's this week though!  So instead of the beach, we went to a brand new Chuck-E-Cheese in Fort Myers!  It was very nice and the boys loved it!  
What a Kodak moment: So smart telling Mommy they are three and one!  So sweet!
How cute are these boys? They had so much fun wearing their new sunglasses to the baseball game!  Easton's glasses didn't even survive 24 hours! Good thing that they came from Target!  They were posing for Mommy after a 3 hour nap! The baseball games wear them out!

 Baseball begins for the Bakers....

    Shopping was the agenda one night!  To our great surprise both boys were SO GOOD the whole time!  Gammy had to get new clothes- as she has lost so much weight- NONE of her clothes fit!  After her wearing jeans that prevented her from playing with Eli (because she had to hold them up) she decided we needed to go shopping! No complaints from Mommy!  We have worked out everyday this week (Mommy took today- Friday- off , but not Gammy, who did THREE miles on the treadmill)!  We have worked very hard!  Gammy did body pump again- and, yes, Mommy went back to spin!  It was very hard, but what a good challenge!  Her goal is to do this twice a week!  Scott will be writing us up a work out plan for next week- it doesn't get better than getting advice from a MLB pitcher!  We'll let you know on the next post how sore he makes us- hey maybe Mommy and Gammy might not be able to handle the boys; and we'll get a break! :) 
Gammy, Easton, Eli, and Mommy at Daddy's first Spring Training game! It was a VERY hot game! We learned that we need to take a towel to sit on because the chairs are scalding hot! Not a good thing with little ones!   But hey- you could do what Easton did to Mommy's total shock- go find a STRANGER'S lap, climb up and take a seat!  Mommy's not kidding!  Easton hopped up onto a man's lap sitting next to us and refused to get up! He sat there for over TEN minutes; and Mommy had to bribe him with gummy snacks to get him up! So embarrassing!  Luckily, the man was with Mizuno- the company that sponsors Daddy!  But still- Easton or Mommy had never met him EVER!  The game was packed and we WON! The Twins are off to a great start!  I'ts a great feeling to be into baseball again!  It's hard to believe in 4 weeks we'll be in Minnesota!  
Easton loved seeing T.C. the bear at the ballpark! Eli is not in the picture because he was too busy hiding on the stairs, which were very far away, crying and telling T.C. not to come near him!  Hopefully he will get over his fear of fuzzy dressed up grown-ups!  Easton couldn't stop looking at T.C; and waved to him every time he came on the field in-between innings!  Wow- how different brothers can be.....
This was the first game of Spring Training!  It is like a reunion for all the wives!  It's so much fun seeing how all of the children have changed over the off season!  The weather was great!  It was one of the few night games that the Twins play during Spring Training.  They played the Red Sox and won!  We had a great time!


One day we decided to put a pool in the backyard for the boys to play in!  It was a huge hit! They LOVED it; and so did Mommy and Gammy because it entertained them for quite a while!  Mommy got in with the boys- UNTIL Daddy turned on the water in the palm tree and it soaked Mommy! Daddy got a good laugh. We enjoyed letting them play while we grilled out hamburgers!  
When we went fishing yesterday, Easton wanted to help Daddy fish! He helped him catch a big bass! He was so proud of himself! Easton loved touching the fish before it got put into the live well.  What a fun day in the Florida sun!  Life is good! Especially for all these Baker boys!  

We found a nice shady spot where the fish were biting.  It was quite a long boat ride, but to our surprise both boys (yes Easton too) were wonderful!  Daddy caught the first fish; and Eli kept "catching" it in the live well and taking it to the other live well.  He quickly stopped when we told him that the fish's mommy would be sad if he didn't stop- as fish need water to live. Mommy caught a fish and even took it off the hook by HERSELF!  The picture above shows it all! Daddy was very proud! 

We'll keep everyone updated on when Daddy pitches next! We think it will be Tuesday (as Monday is a rare off day!) Hopefully we'll be sending pictures from maybe a beach trip!!! As Easton has been to Florida twice- each time longer than a month- and never has seen the beach!