These are the days of our lives

Finnegan has been busy learning, exploring, and testing boundaries. His favorite thing to do when he knows he shouldn't do something is to begin it and then throw a glance over his shoulder at you with a big grin. :)

Last weekend we went to the Cape to visit with Jon's parents and we had a really nice time. I have some pictures of the walk Jon and I took on the beach sans Finnegan but as they are on my phone it may be a while before I upload them. Below Finnegan bonds with his cousin/uncle, Lexie. Jon feels the title for this photo should be Dinner Guests and I believe him to be quite right.


First time painting

What does your house look like on snow days?
Finnegan trying on dad's staff id. As Jon forgot to wear it to work that day, Finnegan wore it nearly all of the day. He is very big with trying different things on right now. This morning he had worn four pairs of shoes before 9am. I use the word "pairs" fairly loosely as Finnegan decides what a pair constitutes. If it is one brown shoe and one black, that's what we do.
One of Finn's favorite books right now is All God's Critters. It's a book you sing and he generally likes it sung three times in a row. If you don't sing it just right, he will slide off of your lap, pull the book with him, and go find the other parent to sing it "the right way." I love the illustrations and am fairly certain his room may need a make-over this summer to hang some of the pictures up.
Wearing his Chewbaca shirt from Uncle Darryl and Auntie Paula. My brother proclaims this, "Finnbaca!"

EcoTarium

Today Finnegan met up with his favorite pals to explore the EcoTarium in Worcester. It was a bit of a bust as the third floor was being remodeled, but the kids still had fun. It was so good to see Anny and Katherine, Drew, Stephanie, and Mike and Finnegan had a lot of fun checking things out.

Anny, Drew, and Finn met in a Beyond Birth class when they were two to three months old and their mamas have been pals since.

This picture makes me realize how much my guy needs a hair cut. His hair has started to curl in the back now that it is longer and so I haven't been in a rush because it is so stinkin' cute. Alas, once you take his hat off after having been outside, it does an odd sort of thing upfront and so perhaps it is time.

It's a lot harder to get a group shot these days as no one wants to sit still.
"Um, mom? I don't want to be in this picture." -Finnegan
"Drew, what are you doing?" -Anny
"Mom, I said I don't want to be photographed. Fine, I'll look at my shoes." -Drew

Maybe photos where everyone is standing is the way to go?
A flashback for reference...
One more because they are too cute.
Ms. Anny
D-Dawg or Drew, as he's more commonly known. :)

This and that...

Fashion statement and breakfast on the go--what's not to love?
Yes, that is the cover to my New Yorker (that I had not yet read). No, I'm not angry, I'm too busy being happy that Finnegan has started understanding that the book nook is for reading, not just rolling around among the pillows--though that's quite fun too. :)

Like father, like son

Then...

Now...

What we've been up to...

As I haven't updated this blog in quite a bit, there are too many photos to post. Here are some cute moments from the last two months or so and a hopeful promise to be better about adding info on our lives.

Finnegan loves his new wagon and mostly loves to pull it and be pushed all around. Alas, the weather is a bit too cold for long jaunts outside these days and so he will have to wait for spring for any long journeys. Lucky for him it came with an umbrella to keep him and his rein-dog out of the sun. Thank you, Grandpa and Meme Newman!
Another thing Finnegan enjoys sitting in would be his Lego bin. He points and furrows his brow until you help him remove all of the Legos and then climbs inside. Usually he initially sits on one of his legs and then sneaks glances over his shoulder to wait until you look away. As soon as this occurs, he moves into a kneel and then goes for the surfer stance that gives his mother gray hair. Thus this seat is only used with adult supervision, but what glee it brings when these moments arise!
On Thanksgiving weekend (I know these are old) we went to the Boston Children's Museum with Finnegan's pal, Anny. We made it a bit late in the day and so we weren't able to explore all of the toddler areas, but Finnegan and Anny had a lot of fun with golf ball area and trying to figure out all of the different ways to make balls move up and down ramps and tunnels.
This coat was one of those thrift shop finds that make you come back for more. He looks so cute in it, but it isn't that great for the car seat as it is a traditional style and extremely stiff. Still, we paraded around the house and when we know we are mostly walking, this is our go-to look. A little Liverpool-lad in the making!Hanukkah, Christmas, and general holiday updates to follow!

You are the best thing that's ever been mine.

Plenty to be thankful for

I've got plenty to be thankful for
I haven't got [a] great big yacht
To sail from shore to shore
Still I've got plenty to be thankful for

I've got plenty to be thankful for
No private car, no caviar
No carpet on my floor
Still I've got plenty to be thankful for

I've got eyes to see with, ears to hear with
Arms to hug with, lips to kiss with,
Someone to adore

How could anybody ask for more?
My needs are small, I buy 'em all
At the five and ten cent store
Oh, I've got plenty to be thankful for

I've got eyes to see with, ears to hear with
Arms to hug with, lips to kiss with,
Someone to adore

How could anybody ask for more?
My needs are small, I buy 'em all
At the five and ten cent store
Oh, I've got plenty to be thankful for