Finn's new Friend

So, we'll see how long Bromo tolerates this-- but since Murrey always keeps out of reach, Bromo has become Finn's newest obsession. He LOVES him, and as you can see here, has discovered his tail. He can't seem to comprehend that it can move independent of the rest of Bromo-- I think he assumes it's a different entity altogether. Anyway, it's super sweet to see Finn pine after the dogs so much, only to have them walk away annoyed. Ahh, rejection in it's earliest form. Just wait until you start dating, buddy.

Just look at that face. It screams, please don't let him come over here and pull my tail again, lady. I already moved once.

Six Pack

Finn has started doing sit-ups, like here when I was trying to fasten him in his seat. I know it's not the best picture, but I only had a moment to document his newest move. He is also scooting himself around very well and has developed much better upper body strength and dexterity.

Oh, and here he was helping me with the laundry again. He likes to help.

And I'm sure you can see the fruits of Tom's labor under the basket-- our new kitchen and staircase tiling is coming along nicely, and we will not be sad to see that ugly, tired old peel-n-stick go!!

And just for kicks, here is Finn helping with the laundry at about 5 weeks old, on the old floor. yuck. He's gotten so big. Oh, and that red striped thing is my undies, in case you wanted to know.

Another Wrestling Smackdown

Camping with the Stars

I mean, Finnegan.

Enjoy the pics, I'll try to write something soon!

I love watching the campfire with Mommy!!

Daddy and I share similar taste in sweaters and hats.

Ugh. I'm such a beast before I've had my coffee. Told you I'm just like Daddy.

I like camping, but I can't keep up with these guys. We must be Irish.

Daddy and I play the best games. I LOVE when he makes me an airplane!

Playing at the park is AWESOME!!!

I think I just pooped. Should I tell him? Or do you think he'll be mad?

Mmmmmmm, tasty.

Good looks run in the family. I guess blue does, too.

Knights of the Round Table

Come hither, my gentlemen frog and bear, and let us discuss the future of our kingdom....

I often hear Finn tossing about in his crib after nap time, and sneak in to find him wrestling his beloved Teddy from Auntie Sarah and Uncle Cecil, or his friend the frog from Grandma and Poppa. I'm telling you it's too cute. I think I may have licked the video posting problem, so give me more time and I'll try to post one of these wrestling events.

An Apple a Day...

Helps your teeth from hurting!!! As long as it's cold. I think he's in love!

Baby Hannibal

Since Finn spends most of his days sucking on my hands or face, I thought these might be appropriate.

OH NO! It's too soon!!!

Well, yesterday Finn crawled. No, it wasn't a full-on, tear up the carpet crawl, but a distinct crawl nonetheless.

We were on the bed, and he crawled two feet to me with my encouragement. He has the strength to hold himself up now, but I think lacks the coordination to lift and move his arms at the same time. So, he kind of scooted on his face while moving his arms and legs in a crawling motion until he got to me. He cried the whole way. Tom ran to get the video camera, but it was out of batteries! Damn! I will try to get footage of it again, and try once more to upload to you tube and post on here.

This is just too fast!!! what happened to my tiny baby that lay quietly in my arms and slept all day? No wonder people have so many babies! They grow up so fast you blink and you miss it!

Cicada Hunting!!!

Well, we decided that Finn NEEDED to see Cicadas en mass since they won't be out again until he is graduating high school (*gasp* could such a day ever come?). So, we went Cicada hunting. We started off in our own neighborhood, and were very dismayed to find an abundance of them 3 short blocks from home, but not in our own backyard! We're hoping the rain makes it easier for them to come up, or that they will migrate here. Then we went to Homewood, where there were many husks at the base of trees and plenty of noise, but not many bugs to be seen.

Then, we hit the motherload. Crete. It's Cicadatopia. You take Route 1 (or Chicago St) straight south from Rte 30 or Sauk Trail past South Chicago Heights and Steger until you get to Crete. Not long after you get into town, there will be a park on your right, and you can park in the lot of the preschool and walk there easily. Not only was it a beautiful park with two pavilions, a gazebo, a monument, and plenty of lush green grass, but it was positively flooded with Cicadas! There were just thousands of them, and the noise was deafening-- we almost had to yell to hear each other talk. It was loud as a lawnmower, and quite a humbling, life-affirming experience. I suggest you all check it out. It was one of the most amazing things I've ever seen-- and I thought it was going to be gross. Tom had to drag me.

Finn loved the noise and was also quite enamered of the critters, themselves. I've posted a few pics of him trying to grab them, and some of their vast numbers on tree trunks, and husks under trees and on leaves and the such. Let me know if you want to take a Cicada field trip-- I'd love to do it again.


I'm all tuckered out after a long day of Cicada hunting. Driver, take me home please!

California Pics

I like when Grandma holds me

This is my new friend Shammy, and my Auntie Bubbles. I love them!

Jason will teach me to surf, and I will get to meet Adam soon!

This is my Great-Gram, and she loves me like I'm hers. Literally, I think.

Here is my Great Uncle Jeff and I hanging out during Chocolate Martini time.

Like my sunburn?

Looks like nap time!