Who are these crazy people?
Above:2005 When this all began
Above: Our happy family in 2006 wearing then 4 year old Belle and 1 1/2 year old Edward.
Below: 2008, our current family! Kimber, Sam, Belle, Buddy and Xander!
Below: Kimber and Buddy June 2008
Who:Kimber Tower
What:Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Ball Baby Carriers LLC. Head Seamstress, Mommy to Isabelle, Edwarda and Alexander (and one crazy mutt Murphy), wife to Sambo the super cop and Crazy Lady Extrordinaire!
When:Kimber "discovered" babywearing in 2002 when her daughter Isabelle was born. In 2005 when Edward made his appearance, Kimber knew she needed something "more" with her slings, she found a pouch, designed the Ball Baby mei tai pattern, the angels sang and the rest is further down on the page!
Where:Ball Baby Carriers LLC is located in beautiful Rigby Idaho, nestled in between Idaho Falls and Rexburg. Ball Baby is also located in Texas and soon to be in Nevada and Michigan! You can find Ball Baby mei tais and pouches in brick and mortar and internet stores all over the world! (Just check our "Where to buy" page for a store near you!)
Why:Because Kimber loves her kids and she loves to show off her personality. Babywearing is the perfect way to enjoy both of those things at one time!
"Well, I love babywearing. I love being a mom, but I really love still being able to show my personality through my carriers! If it's bright and fun, I want to wear it. I try every day to celebrate my family and my motherhood and wearing fun and fashionable carriers is just one way I can do that. I want to change the way the world views parenting, one family at a time. If that means I have to make hip and fresh baby carriers to do so, well, I'll just have to make that sacrifice!"
Above: Sam and Buddy 2008
Below: Sam and Xander May 2008
Who: Sam Tower (Kimber's Prince Charming)
What: The support system and occasional day care at Ball Baby. When Sam isn't busy fighting crime in Rigby, he is helping Kimber select fabrics and testing the more "manly" prints while wandering around town with one of his kids on his back.
When: Sam knew babywearing was the best thing ever when Kimber made dinner and washed the dishes... all in one night. He was even more convinced when he saw how cool he looked with his gun holster and cammo mei tai. Now, Sam will help people fix their carriers and give them tips for comfortable babywearing! (All while protecting the citizens of Rigby, what a guy!)
Where: Where Kimber goes, Sammy follows, so he is also enjoying lovely Rigby Idaho.
Why: Besides knowing all the benefits of babywearing, Sam loves that Kimber is more independent and confident in her parenting because of babywearing. Also, she sometimes buys him toys and he enjoys having a "Sugar Mama".
"As a police officer, I see the problems in today's society and feel strongly that many of the problems I encounter with today's youth stem from parenting. While no parent can do everything perfectly and people have the right to make poor choices in their lives, I believe that parents need to raise their children in stable loving environments in order to counteract today's society. Babywearing is one way that I as a parent and as a police officer feel that I am helping to raise wonderful, respectful children who will grow up to be productive members of society. Plus, real men wear their kids!"
Above: Belle and Kimber 2007
Below: Buddy trying to escape 2007
Below: Xander and Kimber February 2008
Who: Isabelle (Belle), Edward (Buddy) and Alexander (Xander) Tower
What: They are the lab rats for Ball Baby Carriers LLC
When: While Belle was worn as a baby, Buddy and Xander are the ones who have reaped the most benefits. Buddy was worn daily from birth until he leapt headfirst into the toddler years. At this point, he'll still go for a "wide on mommy horsey back", but it's rare (and mommy misses it). Belle was worn until she reached about 46lbs and her legs were so long Mommy was tripping when she wore her. Xander is worn daily and enjoys being worn to sleep, nursing while worn and getting drool all over Mommy's neck and shirt every day!
Where: Mr. X likes to be worn everywhere, but Buddy is usually only worn for walks, in places where walking just isn't safe for him and when he doesn't feel good. Belle now wears her babydolls every day and is Mommy's babywearing shadow!
Why: Babywearing is fun! They can see everything and talk to grown ups easier. Buddy likes to tell everyone what he is doing and it's easier at eye level. Xander just loves the easy access to breakfast, lunch and dinner!
Isabelle: "I wish Mommy would still wear me, but she says that I am a big girl and I'll break her back. She gives me her old carriers for my babies."
Buddy: "I'm a big boy! Put Xander in carrier!"
Xander: "Splbbbbt." (pukes on Kimber's shoes. Again.)
Who: Drew, Kimber's baby sister
What: Drew is the true talent at Ball Baby Carriers LLC. Along with being co-founder and owner, Drew is the one who sews all the pouches (because she likes to measure things) and who handles the accounting and internet issues.
When: Drew has been here since the beginning, at one time being the only seamstress. Now Kimber carries the mei tai burden while Drew handles the pouches, but Kimber is looking forward to Drew moving back to Idaho and becoming her personal sewing slave again.
Where: Drew is living her dream of studying rocks (hey, different strokes), so she is far far away from her favorite sister. But, she still sews from afar (thank goodness)!
Why: Because Drew thinks her sister is the coolest chick ever and because she loves to sew. And because Drew is pretty hip too.
"There is a reason why I'm the silent partner. So I don't have to put some quote on a page for people to read!"