I’ve noticed in the past few months just how friendly Finn is.  We enjoy going to PB & Jack so Finn can run around and play and mommy can catch her breath!  Finn will raise his arms to be picked up by just about anyone!  He loves seeing his cousins and always greets them with a smile and wants to hug and kiss them.

Lately, he will climb up into our lap and sit long enough for half a story book.  His personality is really coming through.  When we eat he always has to have a fork or two because he likes to do it himself.  Yogurt is usually reserved for dinner time since bath is shortly after!  Watching Finn do things for himself makes me so proud and sad at the same time because once I show him how to do something he’s an ‘expert’ and no longer wants my help.  Sometimes he will humor me and ask for my help, for the interaction, if anything.

Oh, I forgot to mention that Finn is now dancing and riding his new ride on dino that I got for a steal at the consignment sale!

Finn got to dress up twice for Halloween this year!  I’m pretty sure he was just humoring me…

My IKEA group dressed up Tuesday:

I’m ready to get out of this now…

Then we went to visit with Nannie and Grandpa on Halloween.  It seems someone has been telling Finn exactly what to do on Halloween.  He went right up to the candy bowl that Nannie set out and began picking out the candy that he wanted!  If he found something he didn’t like he picked it out and dropped it on the floor.

Our little monkey

Yep, this one looks good.

He finally decided on Starburst

We have been busy, busy, busy this fall!

At Burke nursery

So many to choose from

Do I have to wear this hat, mom?!
At Cox Farm

Beep, Beep

This is the way the Fionbharr rides!

Daddy and Finn on the slide! Mommy was too scared!

At the Heather’s for the fall picnic

Mommy, Finn and Heather

I found my punkin

Hey, we’re both looking at the camera! Great picture, daddy!

Last weekend for Cox farm!

Darn, they even walk alike

weeeeee…

Violet, you’re so funny!

Hanging with my cousin

Am I really related to these people?!

Finn is turning into quite the little person with likes and dislikes…who knew?!  A few of his likes:  bath time (anything to that involves water, really!), hot dogs, string beans, looking at pictures, playing with his cousins, grapes, bananas, walking outside, finding sticks, grapes, long walks on the beach, petting all the dogs in the neighborhood, grapes, did I mention grapes?!

A few of his dislikes:  bed time, putting on pjs (any clothes for that matter!), hearing the word ‘no’, ear infections, Dr. Murphy, teething, getting his butt cover changed, getting in his car seat, saying goodbye to mommy or daddy and dancing with the devil in the pale moon light.

When Finn was itty bitty he never showed much interest in the water and bath time.  Once he was able to sit up on his own, though, it was a different story.  Getting him out of the bath and ready for bed is quite a feat.  He enjoys filling up his cups and helping himself to a little drink.  Recently, for his birthday, he got bath crayons.  HE LOVES THEM!  If I could get him to stop eating them, I’d be happier with them.

I don’t wanna go to sleep, having too much fun!

Happy 1st birthday, Fionbharr!  Finn had a busy couple of days celebrating his birthday.  Nannie, Finn and I spent his actual birthday at PB& Jack, it’s a play place for kids.  He loves to run around and play with all the toys and see the other kids.  I don’t know who had more fun, though, Nannie or Finn!  She watched in amazement as Finn tried to take a bouncy ball from a little boy that didn’t want to share.  He just pushed his way through and got what he wanted.

Friday we stayed with Nannie and Grandpa so we could get ready for Finn’s party.  To my amazement Finn went right to sleep after his bath and slept the entire night.

We were up early and began getting the decorations put out.  Mom and I had been shopping the day before, so all the food was ready.  Now, just decorate and party!

Finn certainly was the life of the party.  At one point I realized I hadn’t seen him in awhile.  He was just walking around saying hi to everyone and swiping treats from the table.  It’s as if he knew we were all there for him.  He showed his cousins all his toys and was showing Violet how to go up the stairs!

When it came time to sing and have cake, Finn just sat there in awe.  He really wanted to play with the lighted candle placed in front of him.  To no one’s surprise he dug right in to his cookie monster cupcake and proceeded to make a great mess.  With all the excitement and all the sweet treats he had, it was no wonder the kid didn’t nap at all that day!  Talk about a sugar high.

Thank you everyone for coming and enjoying Finn’s special day with us.  We had a wonderful time!

With his favorite Godmother, Anne

He will only willingly share with his cousin, Violet

Taking his time…

Finally, digging right in!

What a mess!

Here, Bruno, have some milk

and some cupcake

A couple weeks ago Finn and I went to visit my friend Heather at her home, Bramble Creek Farm.  Since it’s about an hour away, Finn took his morning nap in the car.  When we arrived, we were greeted by their huge yellow lab, Oliver.

Finn was able to get up close and personal with the farm animals!  He saw chickens and ducks, oh my.  Next we took a quick walk down to the pig pen!  Finn was fascinated by Chunk and Baby Ruth.  He wasn’t scared at all, just went right up to them with his hand out.

I guess the fresh farm air was too much for Finn, because he slept the entire way home!

Hey, where does this go?!

Finn and his new buddy, Oliver

Finn stole Ollie’s stick

I need a hug

Here, piggy, piggy

I asked “How big is Fionbharr?” waited a second, then said “So big!” and Finn raised his arms for the first time!  I repeated it a couple of times and the last time he raised his arms and lowered them very quickly, as if to say, “yeah, yeah, I get it mom, I’m so big!  Now let’s move on.”  He’s also started dancing a little.  I’m guessing Violet was showing him a couple moves last weekend!

Finn continues to explore his surroundings every day.  He points at everything looking for explanation as to what it is and what it does.  Then, he wants to touch and play with it.  Of course, not everything is for little hands so he begins to throw a fit.  How do you explain to an 11 month old that ‘no you may not have that’?

As we prepare for Finn’s first birthday I find myself looking back and seeing how much our lives have changed since he arrived!  Every task takes much more time to complete:  grocery shopping, vacuuming, folding laundry, hell, cleaning up in general!  I have come to terms with the fact that our house will never be clean again.

To no one’s surprise, Finn’s first word was doggie.  However, it came out more like ‘dah uh’.  He continues to enjoy playing with Jasper and Fred.  Finn will grab one of his stuffed animals and shove it in Fred’s face as if to say ‘play with me!’.  Jasper continues to be unimpressed with this fumbling ball of energy.  If Finn takes a tumble, Jasper will come over to make sure he’s okay, but will otherwise keep himself confined to the kitchen.

Hey!

I’ll help you fold, momma

While Finn and I were having dinner tonight he dropped a piece of sweet potato in his high chair.  This is not uncommon, I know, wait for it…He was having a difficult time grabbing it so I asked if I could help.  I picked up the sweet potato from his seat and placed it back on his tray.  Finn watched my every move.  When he saw that I was finished moving his food he proceeded to pick up the same piece and place it back in the high chair, pick it up himself and eat it!

Time is flying by!