sticks

I know that Tess is totally getting the shaft lately on this blog, but I had to post this video of Finn at his grandparents' house because it's just so cute.

he's come around

Last week, Finn hated the swings. Wanted nothing to do with them. Then, he changed his mind and now he loves the swings again. Phew!

Story for you. Yesterday, I was sitting on the couch feeding Tess when she spit up with no burp cloth in sight.

Me: Finn, could you get a kleenex for me?

Finn runs to the other room, returns with a kleenex.

Me: Thank you so much!

Finn runs to the other room, returns with the entire box of kleenex, and starts systematically taking them all out and handing them to me.

Me: I'm all set! You can put the kleenex back.

Finn: Finn wash hands!

He runs into the bathroom. I hear the faucet running. Next I hear Finn say, "Mama, waterfall!"

This is probably not good. So I run into the bathroom to see an almost-full box of kleenex in the sink under running water. He was so proud of himself. I'm all for encouraging creativity but his obsession with the bathroom faucet might need to stop. Any helpful hints, aside from keeping the bathroom door shut? That is easy enough...

Big Suit

This is the special "big suit" Finn wears to swim in the Barber pond. He is crazy about the pond. I'm so happy he's turning into a water baby and that he wasn't scarred for life by the Infant Swim classes of 2009. I doubt that any of you who have been reading this blog for a while need me to link to the video of him turning over in the water then loudly voicing his displeasure about the situation. This year he's all smiles.

Katy's upstate trip

My sister Katy was in the city for a meeting last week, so she was able to skip up to Corning for a couple of days to see us and visit Mom in the hospital (she's since home and doing much better, thanks everyone for asking.) It was so much fun show her around - and for Tess, who was on her best behavior, to meet her aunt for the first time! Thanks again for coming up and we look forward to seeing you and Dario and Massi and Enzo in a few weeks.

Swimming!

We are loving the Corning club pool this week. Which I'm so glad about because I love the pool on these hot days. Tomorrow I'll try to get a pic of him wading in the baby pool (or as Finn calls it, "Finn swimming.")

what a week

With Nana in the hospital, Papa and Mimi were kind enough to take Finn to their house (aka little boy paradise) for a few days last week. Busy busy!

Collecting sticks is a breeze with his new yellow wheelbarrow

(pronunciation: WHEEEEEEL-barrow!)

Time for a break!

Tess was telling her Great Uncle Bob how quiet it was at home without Finn
(quiet but also boring!)

Thanks for all of the concern about Mom. She is still in the hospital, but her blood sugar levels and overall blood work was much better this morning. The doctor still has her on antibiotics and insulin, and the physical therapist said she's getting stronger every day. I asked them to help her with stairs today since she'll have to start getting used to climbing up to the third floor, where her room is. Still no word on when she'll be released but the good news is that she's doing better every day. I can't believe this all started a week ago, it has been a blur. Thanks again for the emails and texts everyone, we really appreciate it.

Possible long night ahead

"What's up? So what if it's almost 9 pm and I've been napping in my car seat since 2:30, is that un problemo?"

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Blueberry Tart

We have been experimenting with homamade play-doh this week and Mimi made this delectable "dessert" for Finn this morning. He was psyched. If any of you would like the recipe (for play-doh, not the tart) let me know.

In much less fun news, my mom has been in the Corning Hospital ICU for a few days since passing out at home on Monday. She is improving with the help of antibiotics and we are hoping that the hospital staff can figure out what triggered this, as they don't seem to have any good ideas. We are going back shortly to visit and see what we are able to find out... Please keep her in your prayers.

sweet dreams

As we did with Finn, we love to take photos of Tess napping. She's still not terribly fond of her crib, but she'll sleep in the middle of our bed or in her car seat (where she currently sits) for HOURS.

happy baby

The expressions of Tess...

pensive?

sweet.

so happy!

I tried to get a photo of Finn kicking his soccer ball this morning in honor of the World Cup but didn't quite catch him in action. This was a quick convo we had during this morning's match on tv.

It's a variation of the conversation we have every morning.

Finn: Elmo Abby [translation: Sesame Street, please.]
Me: Let's watch soccer instead.
F: Elmo Abby.
Me: Elmo and Abby are at the World Cup.
F: (satisfied) OK. More soccer.

Memorial Day

We had a lovely (and HOT) Memorial Day with family and friends...

My cousins Tisha and Shawna wrote two sweet posts reminding me how we used to celebrate the holiday in Nebraska. I thought about that a lot on Monday, and was very proud of our families and their history of service.

Mimi and sleepy Tess.

Papa went to a bit of effort to put up this swing for Finn. Although he has yet to use it, we have faith that it will happen eventually. (I love this photo for the flag composition. Look at me! I'm an artist!)

Papa and Cousin Paul took Finn for a ride on the Gator. Last year? Loved it. This year? Cried. Chalked it up to no nap/over-tiredness and too much sun. Of course, the Gator is all he has talked about all week: "Paul and Gator! Paul and Gator!"

Papa built this Finn-sized Adirondack chair especially for him.

Swimming in the pond was a big hit.

I love my baby girl.

Mini-Andrew.

Running through the garden.

Paper Towels

This is what happens when we fail to put our Sam's Club purchases away in a timely fashion.

growing girl

We're loving our new digital SLR camera. Still getting the hang of it but the photos are just so much better than with our old camera ... mostly it's much easier to catch the kiddos in action. I'm hoping to take a class in a few weeks and learn more, but in the meantime, here are some of my recent faves.

She loves her mobile.

All smiles! (If only this was always the case...)

One of my favorite recent pics of Finn for good measure.