fall shoes

Today the temperature was only in the high 50s so I decided it was time to buy Finn some real shoes, even though he's not exactly in desperate need of them just yet. We know that soon he will be walking around like crazy without holding someone's hand, even if that's a few weeks away. Anyway, we went to Urban Baby and found these very adorable navy blue and orange shoes. They look quite orthopedic in the photo but in person, I swear they are cute. He seems to enjoy practicing his walks in them, especially while holding the largest sweet potato he can find. And Grandma's hand.

Gap casting, just for kicks

So every year, Gap has an online "casting call" for the kids to photograph for their ads. And every year they choose adorable multi-cultural-looking kids, but I figured what the heck, so I entered Finn anyway. If you'd like to see his entry and vote for him as a "fan favorite", whatever that means, click here! Thanks!

FIRST STEPS!!

Today before music class, Finn was taking more steps than usual - lots, in fact! And fortunately, Val was there with her camera to catch the moment. In addition, most of his girlfriends and their moms were there to cheer him on. What fun! Wooo!!

sunday at edgerton park

Fascinated by the miniature pony.

You know what's also fun? Sheep.

It's possible that Finn likes fire trucks better from a distance.

Looking at flowers with Grandma.

Yesterday we went to a nearby park for their annual festival, which featured a petting zoo, a fire truck, italian ice, and a bunch of other stuff that we were too tired (or small) to contemplate. It was a really beautiful day, though and we were happy to spend it outdoors. We've been having the best sunny days lately and are trying to take advantage of them all!!

finn in the box

Aunt Katy sent Finn a new Okiedog Fropper for his birthday. It's still a little bit big for him to ride, but the box is JUST RIGHT!

Finn is so glad that Grandma Barber is here to enjoy these beautiful fall days with us. The nights are a little bit chilly, which is why Finn is wearing fleece pj's, but the days have been great. Today we went for a long walk (two of them, actually) and he is eating way better than usual, too. We're having lots of fun!

boots, made for walkin'

We are so happy that Finn's Grandma is here visiting for a little while to spend some time with us. The other day she showed Finn how to walk in his cowboy boots. Although they're still a couple of sizes too big, he really enjoyed clomping around the wood floors making some serious little boy noise. And don't they look great with his plaid shorts and polo shirt??

He's still hanging on with one or both hands when he walks, but his confidence level is increasing and I'm convinced it's just a matter of days before he lets go and takes off on his own.

the gym

Finn on the giant swing.

We went to a little baby gym this week to try out their class, and it's really too bad that it falls right at the time when Finn is usually taking his morning nap because it's such a cute little spot. Strangely, all of the classes for kids his age are smack in the middle of nap time, so we'll try again once he transitions to one nap, although that might be a while. Thankfully it's still nice enough most days to spend time outside, so we're trying to get to the park as often as possible while we can!

whirlwind weekend

We got home at 1:00 this morning from a fun and busy weekend in Miami. We celebrated my dad's 70th birthday with our family and then on Sunday morning, baptized Finn and his cousin Baby Enzo at a really lovely ceremony at the church where Katy and Dario were married. This is a short post with a lot of photos because it's almost 8 pm and I have to go to bed.

Finn is thinking, "surely you are joking if you think
I'm sleeping in this crib while you're both over there in that fluffy king-sized bed."

Katy, me and Baby Enzo (clearly thrilled to meet me)

Finn's pre-baptism bath in the hotel sink

At the ceremony (better photos to come)

Finn is wearing a beautiful linen outfit that Grandma Barber sewed for him.
Auntie Ann stitched a Celtic cross on the front. We'll have it for generations!

Dad with his six grandchildren

(Massi, Finn, Enzo, Audrey, Olivia and Claire on the floor).

I love this pic of Massi with Finn, Dad, Enzo and Claire!

standing up!

pulling himself up (while holding toothbrush)

hee!

Finn's not walking yet, but the balance is improving. The walking is probably a few weeks away but he gets really excited when standing up and not holding on!!