The "Finnster, et al."

Thanksgiving this year started with a drive to Manchester on Wednesday night. When we got to Nana and Papas we ate taco soup and baked potatoes. After supper we watched the boys play and then watched "American Horror Story" in the den. Midway through the show Finn decided that he wanted to sit with us. He came and sat in my lap and asked for his soft blanket. He wiggled around until he got comfortable (not sure how he managed given that I was sitting indian style in the floor) and dozed off. When it was time to go to bed Finn, Daddy and I crawled into the murphey bed and attempted a restful night sleep. We did pretty good until around 2:00 at which time Finn started sitting straight up in bed and saying random words. Michael would come back at him with inaudible grunts that were clearly complaints. After the next few hours of getting kicked in the back I decided to make a move to the couch. I finally ended up falling back to sleep around 5:00. At 6:30 mom, Cooper a

This morning about 5:30 a.m. I heard a little whisper say, "Mommy . . . what time is it?" It definitely wasn't time to get up so I grabbed Finn and he slept another hour with me. After dinner tonight we finished putting the ornaments back on the tree. They were mostly Mickey and Harry Potter ornaments so he was fairly entertained. After we finished up we ate homemade cookies and took pictures in front of the tree. He looks so grown up in this picture - this picture also reminds me of my childhood pictures. Next Finn decided that he was going to play with his snow globe. He also thought it important to ensure that his "soft bunny" also known as "mini trash" had optimal viewing. Finn loves this snow globe. He could watch the train go around the tree for hours. He also has fallen head over heals for his soft bunny. After looking at the globe, Finn decided that he wanted to torture baby Jesus for a few minutes. On a completely non-related note, I

This morning Finn was very excited about going to Sunday School. All I heard about were "goldfish" and "colors (coloring). After getting Finn ready we took a few pictures of him in his new Snowman sweater. He looked so grown up. Finn's new favorite place to play. When I am working in the kitchen he likes to bring his trains to the table and play. After church we drove over to Gran's church to eat Thanksgiving dinner with her and her church family. Finn wasn't interested in eating, but had a great time running around. After lunch Finn and I made a quick stop to Target and then we came home to settle in for a long nap. Finn slept 2 and 1/2 hours! He awoke to find the Christmas tree set up in the den. He was so excited. It didn't take very long for him to discover the train set that goes around the tree. He also found the music boxes. This is a picture of Finn attempting to feed a fake holly berry to fish. After so rudely pulling the berry off

On Saturday my family all gathered at Em's house to welcome Sam out of my uterus. He will not be here for eight (8) more weeks, but I am hoping for a December 31st tax break baby. The hostesses for the party were Mom and Emily. They did a great job! The food was wonderful! Sadie was the honorary presenter "hander-outer." Finn and Sadie opening a present. Finn opening his Percy pillow from Nana. Emily serving as the "writer-downer." Sam surely is a fortunately little boy. He received lots of wonderful gifts! The kids . . . Sadie and Finn blowing bubbbles. The cousins and their kiddos. Michael's crew. My crew too of course - just other side of the family. Hank preparing for his role as baby Jesus in the Christmas play at Em's church. I want to thank everyone for coming and for loving Finn so much. Thanks especially to mom and Emily for working so hard to make everything so wonderful. I love you both. When we got home Gran, Mimi and Chelsea stopped

My 31st birthday officially began at 5:45 on Friday morning. Finn came running into the room and whispered "go down stairs? Eat breakfast?" I asked him if he wanted oatmeal or pancakes and without delay he yelled with excitement "pancakes." At around 6:00 Finn had a pancake. He was very exited and very appreciative of his special pancake treat. At around 9:00 Daddy woke up and he and Finn gave me my present; the 8 disk blue-ray Harry Potter collector's edition - heavenly!!! I was so excited and my excitement rubbed off on Finn. Finn brought in a very nicely packaged bag and said "Happy Birthday Mommy." He could barely contain his excitement over the Harry Potter disks. He sat and looked through them and said "Finn's excited." He wanted to watch one immediately but instead we all got ready and went to IHOP to redeem my free birthday breakfast - a Rooty Tooty Fresh-n-Fruity. Finn was absolutely a mess. He was so keyed from the

This morning while Finn and I were coloring in the floor, Finn, seemingly, out of nowhere, stopped what he was doing and hugged by stomach. He then looked up at me and said, "Maybe Sam watch Mickey Mouse with Finn." I told him that Sam would watch Mickey Mouse with him. He got this big smile on his face and hugged my stomach again. Then, he very excitedly said, "and play trains?" I said, "yes, Sam will play trains with you." His whole body shook with excitement and he threw his arms around my neck and gave me a big hug. As sweet as that moment was, Finn reverted back to major brat status on our way to Mr. Oliver's office. Periodically I stop in and say hello to Mr. Oliver and Evelyn. Today, I was going to stop by for just a few minutes to pick some things up. On our way I told Finn that we were going to see Mr. Oliver. Very defiantly Finn said "I will NOT go see Mr. Oliver!" I told Finn that we were going no matter what and he would

Tonight Finn helped me cook. I didn't necessarily want to put Finn up in that chair, but I didn't have a lot of options. Michael wasn't home and Finn would not let go of my legs (he wanted me to hold him.) This was our compromise. . . Yes, we were next to the hot stove and yes, were right next to the knives, but no injuries. Finn pretending to cook with a measuring cup and measuring spoon. Too bad I read that the culinary arts is one of the ten lowest paying jobs.

This week we are working on personal pronouns with Finn. Finn refers to himself way to often in the 3rd person. To avoid some over confidence issues in the future, we are pushing the pronouns. The problem is its a lot harder than I thought. I have been referring myself as "mama" for the past two years. It sounds like I need the help as much as Finn. Our hard work is paying off. I am hearing lots of "I do it!" I don't know what's worse. I am always entertained and amazed at the things Finn says, some of his phrases this week include: 1. "No, go this way honey." Finn mimicking his mother giving his father directions. 2. "Love you Sam." Finn as he hugs my belly. Just you wait Finn - you won't be so loving in a few months. 3. "No talking on the phone, Mommy!". Finn asking me to NOT to work after 5:00. 4. "Biggest bite ever seen." Finn after scooping up a spoonful of oatmeal and shoving it in his mouth. Finn