One Brown Dog and a Baby

Finn's 1st Tattoo!

2009-08-05T22:21:00.002-05:00

Finn got INK!

THE CUTEST, SWEETEST BOY EVER!

2009-08-05T22:14:00.002-05:00

Now isn't this the most precious boy you have ever seen? I went to check on him one night and found him as cute as can be so I had to take a picture. He's got his mation in one arm and his blankie in the other! My favorite!

Also, quite impressed on the picture taking quality of the camera in a dark room!

2 dogs, 2 boys, 1 Mom!

2009-08-02T22:15:00.008-05:00

The other night I watched Finley, Peter, Chet (Peter's pup) and Molly for 2 hours on my own! I was a pro! I fed, played and BATHED the boys flawlessly. Then Ollie and Kirsten came over and Tim came home and then the party began! Oh Yeah! We had sooo much fun! We love it when our friends come over! We are just way too busy having soooo much fun this summer, we are slacking on updating the blog!

Molly and her friend Chet!
Molly is waiting ever so patiently for Chet to give up the ball!

So Proud!

Chetter Cheese!

Peter playing on the play table!

Are you lookin' at me?

So sweet!

I apparently missed washing off his face! It add character!

Hi!

Great action shot! Chet's going to get the ball! Molly, not quite as swift!

Happy Father's Day!!!!!

2009-06-21T21:40:00.008-05:00

This is just a little something of Finn playing in the tub tonight. I'll catch up with some pics of the past month soon!

First Steps!

2009-05-17T20:36:00.004-05:00

Yesterday Finley took his "Official" first steps! Here's a video of him walking for the first time!

Fun in the Backyard!

2009-05-11T22:42:00.006-05:00

Just can't get enough of this swinging!
Look at all my teeth! You can even see the chipped one! (Click on pic to enlarge)

Playing ball with Molly

The seeds I planted for Mom at Daycare. They are Marigolds!

Bath Time Fun

2009-05-11T22:36:00.009-05:00

Playing with the features of the camera - this one obviously has bad color....

I'm ready to get out Dad!

First Steps

2009-05-11T22:36:00.007-05:00

First pictures with new camera

2009-05-11T22:35:00.003-05:00

You can even see the scratches (click on the photo and it'll get bigger) on his nose from where he looks for his nuk.... :( Sometimes I just think he's so sad he doesn't have it.
Drinkin some morning sippy

What is that crazy lady doing?

Day at Sunnyvale with Molly, Libby, and Jazz!!!! CRAZINESS!

2009-05-11T22:01:00.005-05:00

To wear the dogs out on Mother's Day, Grammie met us with Jazz and Libby at Sunnyvale Park for a swim. Oh boy did the girls have fun! Here are of few pics of the 129 I took! Molly Mae - is this a dog or a crazy hyena???
Jasmine Rose

Libby

Finley Gene

Remember him????? He was there too!!!!It's a flyball!

Getting into position....

I'm ready, I got my glove open and I'm under the ball!

Got it!

The best of friends!

I love this action shot of Jazz!

Come on Dad - throw the ball again! I've only retrieved it 100 times!

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-11T21:50:00.001-05:00

Finley sure out did himself for Mother's Day! He recruited Dad's help and got me a Nikon D40 digital camera! Woo Hoo!!!! You all get to see me now learn how to use this thing! Enjoy the pictures!

Thank you Finley, Daddy, and Molly! I love all 3 of you so very much! I'm the luckiest girl in the whole world!

Swinging in the Backyard!!!

2009-05-03T20:57:00.002-05:00

Today was such a nice day! We started the day waking bright eyed after sleeping through the night WITH NO NUK! Fueled up on some cheerios, avocados, pears, milk, and yogurt for breakfast. Then met Jen, Kirsten, Paige, Ollie, Betsy, Rhianna, Wendi, Matt, and Gideon for the MS Walk (I forgot my camera so I'm hoping to get some pics emailed and post them soon)! We had a wonderful walk and then a great lunch at Applebee's with all our friends. On the way home from lunch, Finn fell asleep in the car and didn't want to sleep once we got home. I took him into bed with me and had a bunch of fingers playing with my teeth, nose, eyes, etc...you know the drill, everything but sleeping! Finally, Finn went to sleep.

When we woke up, we did some swinging on our new swing from Grandma and Grandpa LaLa, then grocery shopping for Mom and Finn. Note: Don't take Finn grocery shopping while he's hungry....he tries to eat everything and gets a bit mad when he can't. Then we came home, ate dinner, and went for a walk as a family. It was so beautiful out and Molly walked great. We got home and did more swinging!!!!! Yeah!!!! Played some ball with Molly and then it was time for the bath!!!! After the bath we cuddled and had some milk and books and off to bed.....

WITH NO NUK AND NO CRYING!!!!!!!!!

Way to go big boy!

Enjoy this video of Finley Swinging!

Outside in the backyard!

2009-04-29T21:54:00.007-05:00

Here's a video at the request of Nana....it's of Finley walking with his lion, a little bit of Molly playing ball in the backyard and a little walking with Dad. When you see Finn look up, he's watching the ball that Tim threw for Molly. Enjoy......

On a side note, tonight was the first night Finley has ever cried himself to sleep. Boy was this painful for me! It took 23 minutes! The reason we chose to allow him to work it out himself is because he keeps throwing his Mation and nuks out of the crib and crying until we pick them up. He had 6 chances and that was enough....so....he fell asleep without the nuk! Not sure where this is going to go from here but Mom needs to go to bed because she's exhausted after going through that!

Finley and Libby.....

2009-04-29T21:42:00.003-05:00

Ah! Gross Finley! Don't let her lick your tongue!
Finley had some left over Chili on his neck! Thanks for the bath Libby!

Just a cute one!

CRAZY HAIR DAY!!!!!

2009-04-22T20:27:00.005-05:00

Today was Crazy hair day at Finley's daycare! He was actually very cooperative allowing Mom to style his hair!

IT'S OFFICIAL! HE'S BABY EINSTEIN!

Yes, LOTS of product! I was actually worried that maybe he would have a reaction....but beauty (or craziness) is painful!

So innocent.....but yet.....so CRAZY!!!!!

His hair actually looks like the crazy mess of a living room behind him! The sign of true fun!

This one is perfect! Grammie Candy went to daycare to take pictures of the hair in action! Thanks Grammie Candy!

There's a reason for everything.....

2009-04-21T21:20:00.004-05:00

Last night was a pretty rough night for us.....Finley was just crying and crying when we put him to bed. Finally, at about 9:30, after our 2.5 hour ordeal, he fell asleep. I gave in and gave him tylenol. I don't like to give tylenol if I don't have a cause but we didn't know what else to do; we checked everything we could think of.

So tonight started the same way, but wait! While changing his diaper.....I caught a glimpse of a MOLAR poking through on the top! That's it! His first molars are half through on each side! So on with the tylenol and back to the good sleeping boy!!!!

Teeth to date: 8

2 bottom front
4 top front (well 3.75 with the chipped one!)
2 first molars

Airport Park - Friday, April 17, 2009

2009-04-20T22:17:00.004-05:00

Okay, so these pictures make me a little sad......I think it's official......we have lost our little baby. Finley, YOU ARE GETTING SOOOOOOOO BIG!

Here are some pics of Finn at the park by Grammie's house last Friday. Of course, Mation couldn't be left out! Mation! We are in the swing! Weeeee!
Mation! We are at the end of the slide!

This one looks like he's 5!

Ah! I chipped a tooth!

2009-04-12T21:41:00.002-05:00

I just remembered another significant event that happened on March 26th. Finley has an obsession with trying to eat Molly's dog food. Molly is very patient with this. She just watches and shakes her head. Well, this night, Finley put his hand in the water dish, Mom took it out, then he put the other hand in the food dish, Mom took it out. What happens when Mom quickly picks up both hands? HIS FACE GOES CRASHING DOWN!

Finley started to cry a bit and there was some blood on his lip and some white stuff. The white stuff we thought at first was the ceramic from the dish. We thought he chipped the dish....NOPE THE DISH WON! IT WAS HIS TOOTH! Oh I felt soooo terribly bad. It turned out to be okay however, the chip was small and didn't need any doctor action. It's a good thing it's just a baby tooth!!!! I'm sorry though Finn! Momma didn't think! We now just pick up the dog dishes to take the temptation away!

I think that catches me up for the month of March and April so far!

First "MAJOR" illness.....

2009-04-12T21:32:00.003-05:00

On Monday, March 9th, Finley seemed to be coughing a bit and sounding a little raspy. March 10th was his 1 year appointment. He was 30 inches long and 22.3lbs. He's in the 50th percentile for weight now! No more 10%!!!! He also has 6 teeth, 2 on the bottom and 4 on top! Crawling like a mad man but not quite walking yet!

His doctor said that he thought Finley had RSV but was dealing with it very well so just keep doing what we were doing and keep him out of daycare for the rest of the week.

Thursday came by and he just seemed a bit worse, he was sounding worse and having a fever, I called the nurse just to get a read on her thoughts and she asked me a question I never expected "Have I noticed his lips turning purple at all?" My answer was "I HAD!" I did notice that he had purply lips that last couple of nights which didn't really occur to me as that weird. The nurse said to try and bring him in ASAP; he's probably not getting enough oxygen. OXYGEN!?! It never occurred to me that we wasn't getting enough oxygen! What a bad Mom am I????

I brought him in and his oxygen levels were low. They were at 92 and the acceptable level is 96. The doctor gave him a nebulizer treatment and then gave him a half hour to get his oxygen up before admitting him to the hospital.....well, the nebulizer worked! We didn't have to be admitted! This was pretty scary! We ended up needing to give nebulizer treatments 4x per day for a week but eventually kicked the darn illness! One I don't care to experience again any time soon!

Easter 2009!

2009-04-12T21:27:00.004-05:00

Finley met the Easter Bunny today at Easter brunch! It sure was a nice day! We really enjoyed our weekend and brunch with Nana, GrampPa (don't ask!) Gerry, Uncle Adam, Cousin Ben, and Aunt Sandy in Milwaukee!!!!!

First night away from Mom and Dad!

2009-04-12T21:17:00.002-05:00

So, last weekend, Finley had a sleepover at Kendra's, Ben's, Sandy's and Larry's house! It was our first night away from him. Tim and I went to a concert in Milwaukee with some friends and had a great time. Finley had a great time, they had an easter egg hunt and spent a lot of time walking and crawling all over the floor together! Thank you all so much for the much needed night out!

Party Night with Ollie!

2009-04-12T21:07:00.002-05:00

We had the pleasure of watching Ollie one night while Kirsten had a concert to help with. Finn and Ollie had soooo much fun! They ate dinner together, then shredded red tissue paper all over the living room, TOOK A BATH TOGETHER, and read books and then went to bed! It was a great night!

"Mom! Ollie's splashing!"

"Here, let me help rub in the shampoo!"

Black Mail!

Finley won't really have the opportunity to take many baths with others like when I was a kid and I was put in the tub with all my cousins so I thought I had to take the opportunity while I had it! They both needed to be cleaned, so guess what - they got cleaned together! We are very efficient here!

More 1st Birthday Photos!

2009-04-12T20:46:00.002-05:00

Well, I'm finally trying to catch up with some pictures and stories of the past month and a half. For Finley's actual birthday, Tim and I took the day off and the three of us spent the day together at the Lodge at Cedar Creek enjoying the water and eachother. I don't have very many pictures because we were so busy and in the water! We are truly blessed to have this little guy in our life. We just love him to pieces and are suprised every day with what we learn from him and can't wait to see what the future holds for us!

I know I know.....

2009-03-30T05:53:00.001-05:00

Okay, I know so I have slacked once again on the blog. I will be updating this week so stay tuned!

FINLEY'S 1ST BIRTHDAY PARTY!!!!!

2009-02-23T21:16:00.004-06:00

Oh, Finley had a wonderful birthday party on Saturday! He had such a great time. Lots of our friends and family came out for the fun. Thank you to everyone who came to celebrate with us and for the nice gifts. I can't believe I'm 1!! It sure is Fun to be 1!
Yum, cake!

All my friends and family!

My friends Amber, Lydia, and Ollie. And of course cousin Kendra!

Everyone sing "Happy Birthday" to Finley and blowing out my candle!

MY FIRST HAIR CUT!!!! AHHHHHH!!!

2009-02-15T21:37:00.004-06:00

So Tim has been threatening to cut Finley's hair for quite sometime now and I've been trying to put off the event. I was afraid I would lose my baby....but I decided it was also time and he'll be all clean but for his 1st birthday party next Saturday. Yes, that's right, I said his 1st birthday party. How sad is Mama about this????? Well, the haircut starting out a little rocky but Dad pulled through with an Orange Cream Dum Dum Sucker!!! This was Finn's 1st candy as well! It was really funny because he didn't swallow any of the "spit" so there was just massive sticky drool every where! He ended up doing fabously and I like his hair cut; he looks like a little boy now though.....

Where did my baby go???? :(

Maddie's Snowman!

2009-02-15T21:30:00.003-06:00

Last weekend we had an awesome time having the Madelyn, Lydia, Brian, and Katrina over for a playdate. Madelyn had a blast playing outside with Molly and built a snowman with Brian outside!!! The next day it was really nice and the snowman is now gone but how exciting we had him for a short time! Finley and Lydia had a great time playing with Finley's new toys from Christmas!

Check out my cool Nike Shoes!

2009-02-15T21:20:00.004-06:00

Look at my cool shoes that the Kiehnau's got me when I was born!!!! They rock!!!! My feet and ankles have been bowed so I've been having troubles fitting into them because they are high tops. I finally got them on today and they just fit! They help me stand and they sure are fun!!!!

We are finally Crawling!!!!

2009-02-08T21:29:00.004-06:00

On the day before Finley turned 11 months old, he finally decided it was time to crawl the correct way.....on all 4s. No more belly crawling and rolling for him! We are all enjoying this milestone very much. Finley is very much as well.....he feels so free. We are constantly pulling him away from Molly's food, we have pryed it out of his mouth a couple of times now!

Other updates:
We all went to Minneapolis last weekend to visit all of our friends. We had Erin's baby shower and the big Super Bowl party between the Arizona Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers won at the end but it was a great game. We also went to dinner with Al and Roxie who was also expecting. Al and Roxie were due any day and Erin and Dan at the end of February....

WELL....BOTH BABIES ARE HERE TODAY! Al and Roxie had Mason Allen on Friday, Feb 6 weighing in at 7lbs 12oz and 21 inches long. Mom and baby are doing well!

Dan and Erin had Mason (yes that's 2 Masons) Daniel on Saturday, Feb 7. Mason Daniel was 3 weeks early, 5lbs 14oz, 18 3/4 inches. Both happy and healthy.

Finley also has 2 new teeth on the top (both on the left side so he's a little lopsided)....pictures to come when we can get them.

Yesterday we had a great day. In the morning, Lydia, Madelyn, Katrina, and Brian came over to play with Finn and Molly. We had an absolutely wonderful time. We just love our new friends! Then Mom and Dad had an adult night. Ashley came to babysit and Mom and Dad went to dinner and a friends' 30th birthday party. We needed that!

P.S. Don't mind the talking or sound on the video. The TV was on and I was on the phone with my Dad.

Meet the newest Family member ..... Jasemine Rose and Finley's two bottom teeth!

2009-01-24T09:46:00.005-06:00

Fun at Grammie Candy's again! Please meet my two teeth! Aren't they cute. Also, Grammie Candy got a new Golden Retreiver Puppy named Jazz right after Christmas! She's darling.
Jazz, that tickles!
Chillin in the cold sun!

AHHHH! My face turned orange!!!!!

2009-01-13T22:01:00.003-06:00

Mama gave me Lasagna tonight!!!!! What fun is this!

See my two teeth!!!!

Mmmmmm Good!

Our deer friends

2009-01-13T21:56:00.002-06:00

Who needs the Up North when we have our own woods in our back yard....... let me remind you.....WE LIVE IN THE CITY!

Happy New Year's Babies!!!!

2009-01-13T21:44:00.003-06:00

Many of you may think we are crazy for inviting 10 babies and 20 parents over for a New Year's Day party. It was actually quite enjoyable. We had a great time!!! We absolutely love our friends! Some of the babies playing

Finley and his buddy Ollie

"Darn, Ollie, we were caught!"

Finley....Where are you????

2009-01-07T21:37:00.002-06:00

Belly Giggles

2009-01-07T21:28:00.002-06:00

The Schneider Family

2009-01-07T21:24:00.003-06:00

A Very Hermie Christmas!!!!

2009-01-07T21:17:00.003-06:00

Another Christmas with the Hermsens! This year we changed it up a bit! Christmas was in Plover at Leah's! We didn't have too far to go! We had an absolutely wonderful time seeing everyone. We just don't see them enough. Why don't we all live in the same city???? Auntie Sandy sure tells a good story.
Auntie Sandy, Finn, and Sophia

Look at the cool dump truck Auntie Sandy got me! I can fit in it!

Also notice the cool puzzle Auntie Ali got me in the back ground!

I also got a shark's fin towel from Auntie Judy and two CDs that play music with my name in it from Kendra and Ben that Mom didn't get pictures of.

Thank you everyone!

All I want for Christmas.....

2009-01-07T20:48:00.006-06:00

Is a Finley Santa Baby!!!!!!

Our Christmas wish came true - we got our little Finn Man!

Finn and Daddy on Christmas morning.

I got a card!!!!!

Look! I like cards!

Who's big furry foot is in this picture??? It's mom's! That's about all you'll see of her since she's always taking the pictures!

What's this now?

I love Marley!

Dad, let me read you my new book.

And a big box!

A new teddy!

Spider-Man Jammies!!!! Just like Uncle Adam!!!!

Thank you to everyone who got us all such nice gifts this year and making our Christmas so wonderful. Finley sure was literally showered with gifts. Our living room holds the proof. We really couldn't ask for a better family to be a part of! Love you all!

I know this stocking has my name on it!

2009-01-04T22:35:00.004-06:00

A Christmas puppy is one of the greatest Christmas gifts!

Please note the nicely knit stocking....I made it. I designed the bone myself! I was NOT easy!

I made Finn's as well!

Christmas at Grammie Candy's!

2009-01-04T22:05:00.004-06:00

Wow, this Christmas thing is great! I got such nice presents but I really liked the boxes! I'm looking forward to more of those next year!

November 22, 2008 - Friday at Grammie Candy's

2009-01-04T21:34:00.004-06:00

Friday afternoons at Grammie Candy's sure are fun! Here are some pictures of me back in November livin' it up!

Oh, how I have slacked....

2009-01-02T22:32:00.002-06:00

I apologize for slacking on the blogging. I'm not quite sure where the time has went. It's amazing to look at Finley in the outfit from Grand Judy. I'll have to take some more current pictures to show how's he's grown!

Well, the months of November and December were a lot of firsts for us.....Finley's first Thanksgiving, Finley's first tooth,Finely's first Pink Eye, Finley's first stomach flu, then Tim got the stomach flu, Finley's first Christmas (or should I say Christmases), and Finley's first New Year's.

I've been trying to get a picture of the tooth but it's just not working out....eventually!

THANK YOU GRANDJUDY!

2008-11-10T20:59:00.006-06:00

Our prayers were answered! GrandyJudy came through! She made Finley way more than one hat that was requested! She made Finley another hat like the one we had, just bigger. Then she made him a Finner Fudd hat with paw prints and mittens to match. The kicker is she made him a super warm fleece Jacket and Pants outfit with a Fudd hat and mittens to match. This outfit is absolutely amazing. A bit big on him now but it will fit him better shortly as well as she's so brilliant she made it so it can be lengthened in the future! Here are some pictures of Finley in his new gear!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU GRANDJUDY!

Partying with Anna at THE BAR!

2008-11-10T20:55:00.004-06:00

This past weekend, Finley and I threw a big bash for Daddy turning 30! Many of our friends and family came. We had a great time!

Patrick, Mindy, and Ann also came to celebrate. Finn and Anna sure had fun partying on a blanket on the floor of THE BAR. We sure are starting them early!

Daddy's Favorite Band

2008-11-01T09:46:00.002-05:00

http://www.ofarevolution.com/video/Music_Videos/shattered_music_video

http://www.ofarevolution.com/player

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-01T09:45:00.006-05:00

Although, I'm not a big fan of Halloween - dressing up a baby sure is fun! Here are pictures of Finley the Giraffe and his friends! Erin the Ladybug (Finley the Giraffe on the right)

Lydia the Bear.

Finley the Giraffe.

Gideon the Scarecrow (this is a homemade outfit - it's wonderful)

Lydia the Bear again

Finley the Giraffe with Gideon the Scarecrow.

Play date with Cousin Sophia!

2008-10-19T13:22:00.009-05:00

Last night we had a play date at Cousin Sophia's house. Well, I guess she's 3rd cousin or something like that but we will just call her cousin. We had such a good time. These two are really growing! Only 7 1/2 months apart; so Sophie is twice Finn's age! Also, let's note, Finn is 17lbs now and Sophie is only 19 1/2lbs. So, the once worried about child that wouldn't gain weight has sure figured it out - little chunker!

Once it became time to get into our jammies, just as they were naked.....we decided to play dress up! Scroll down to see Sophie the Spider and Finley the Disco King (just in time for Disco Cures Cancer!) and also Sophie Boone and Finley Boone.

Thanks for a great night! We'll have to do it again sometime soon!

Fridays at Grammies

2008-10-18T09:50:00.003-05:00

This is Finn saying "Hi Mom, don't come too soon to pick me up. I'm having a great time!"

Grammie Candy and Finn have started a Friday tradition.....Afternoons at Grammies......and they are both enjoying their time together greatly. Mom and Dad enjoy it too because she sure wears the little shark out and he sleeps till 9 or 10 on Saturday morning! Here are some pictures of Finn standing and playing with the remote. He will do anything for the remote! We ended up pulling out an old one that doesn't work anymore. We have to pretend to change the channels with it so he becomes interested in it. So far, with the real remote, he has Ti-Vo'd Everybody Loves Raymond and an hour and a half of music videos! Anyway, back to Grammie's, they bake cookies, and muffins, go for walks, eat snacks, and just have a great time together. Thank you Grammie Candy and we look forward to next Friday!

Request for Auntie Judy

2008-10-14T19:17:00.003-05:00

Auntie Judy,

I just love my winter hat you made me. I'm the cutest in it. I'm afraid it's getting a little tight on my big head and I'm needing another one. This one is soooooooo nice, could you make me another one? Pretty please? If it's not too much of a problem, could you add ear flaps and ties that go under my chin for when I get a little bigger and want to pull it off???? I would just love it!

Love you, Finley Gene

Snuggle with Uncle Adam

2008-10-12T22:05:00.003-05:00

After being so darn cute in all those pictures and playing so hard - it was definitely time for a nap. Uncle Adam is a perfect snuggler!

More and more and more pictures!

2008-10-12T21:59:00.003-05:00

This age is just too much fun!

Thanks Jim and Pat for the beautiful scenery!

Molly and Finn in the leaves....

2008-10-12T21:50:00.002-05:00

These two sure are becoming the best of friends!

The La La Family!

2008-10-12T21:47:00.002-05:00

Swing Swing Swing

2008-10-12T21:29:00.004-05:00

At Jim's retirement party we stumbled upon a baby swing! How fun is this! What a big boy!

My first Autumn!

2008-10-12T20:29:00.005-05:00

Finley was introduced to leaves for the first time this weekend. They sure tasted funny! There were so many cute pictures I just uploaded them all, I couldn't choose between them!

Playing in the flowers with Nana Terrie!

2008-10-12T20:16:00.004-05:00

Oh what a nice weekend we had. Aside from Finn having a fever of 101.9 on Friday night into Saturday morning, he sure was in good spirits and loved the flowers he and Nana picked up north at the cabin. It was such a beautiful fall weekend with the leaves falling. The only thing that wasn't that great was the Badgers loss which pretty puts them out of the running now. :( I received my Brett Favre JETS jersey in the mail this week though so stay tuned for those pictures, as well as more pictures of me playing in the leaves with Molly and uncle Adam and a family picture as well!

Happy 2nd Birthday Molly!

2008-10-12T20:08:00.004-05:00

Well, our first born turned two on October 1st. She invited her best friend Libby to go swimming with her and then we celebrated with hats and a bone at home. Oh how fast they grow up!

Our VERY Sleepy Boy

2008-09-25T20:13:00.003-05:00

So.....this is what happens when Finley only takes one nap at 9:30am at daycare and has swimming lessons in the evening. He leans over on Dad to reach for his slipper and falls asleep. This was just too precious I had to share!

Also Finley is 7 months today!

Look at me I'm sitting!

2008-09-23T21:42:00.003-05:00

First day of "real" sitting (more than 10 seconds) was on Monday, September 8th!

Month of September....

2008-09-23T21:07:00.003-05:00

September has been a very low key month for the Schneider family. Finley and Mom traveled Up North to the cabin for Nana's quilting retreat the first weekend but other than that; we have vowed not to travel this month! We are sick of it! We have just been relaxing at home and spending quality time together.

One thing I did forget to mention however was Finley's first words....On Wednesday, July 23rd we were at Grammie's pool and Finley looked straight at me and said "Mama" as clear as day. Later that evening he said "Dada" as well. The next morning he was playing in his gyminea and he looked straight at me again and said "Mama"; again clear as can be. I then thought we were maybe onto something - like he knew who I was. Well, as the days progressed there was no more "Mama" and lots of "Dadadadadadada" and this is still the case today. I have not heard "Mama" since July 24th. I picked him up from daycare last week and he looked straight at me and said "Dada"; we've got a ways to go!

I'M 6 MONTHS!!!!! THAT'S 1/2 A YEAR!!!!!

2008-09-03T21:44:00.006-05:00

So we had our 6th month check up for Mr. Finley Gene today. All good reports!

He is weighing in at 15lbs 9oz (10% on the growth chart)

Measuring to 26 inches long (25% on the growth chart)

And wonderfully healthy!

He may seem small on a growth chart but he by no means is. He's solid and as happy as can be.

What Finley does today:

1. Babbles, Babbles, and Babbles. He can say Mama, Nay-Nay, Hi, and Dadadadadadadada....

2. Finley has also found his screaming voice....oh lord!

3. We are so close to sitting up, by the end of the weekend we will have it!

4. Finley loves to play "Row, Row, Row your boat"

5. Finely loves his homemade brown rice cereal and will soon be trying homemade oatmeal!

6. Finley also loves his homemade fruits and veggies that Mama, Nana, and Great Nana worked hard (but not very hard) to make for him.

7. Finley can smile from ear to ear and laugh when you tickle his collar bone or his belly.

8. He can roll from front to back, back to front; although he prefers his back.

9. Sleeps through the night (thank God!)....for quite sometime now.

10. Can roll his tongue to imitate the twisty bug toy Great Nana got him.

WELCOME MALLORY ELIZABETH!

2008-09-03T21:39:00.006-05:00

WELCOME TO THE WORLD

BABY MALLORY ELIZABETH!

Mallory came into the great world at 1:24 am after what sounds like not too bad of a labor for Mom. Yeah!

She weighed in at a small (but healthy) 6lbs 4oz and 18 1/2 inches (Dad says 19!)

She is wonderful and beautiful.

We are so happy for you Richter family! Congratulations and Meredith is going to make the best big sister ever!

Dog Gone Pool Party!

2008-08-27T17:46:00.002-05:00

On Sunday night, the Humane Society had a fund raiser at the Marathon Park Splash Pad where all dogs came out to play in the water and make new friends. It was a great time! Molly had a blast. We can't wait for January until the Dog Gone Snow Stomp!

Coolest brown dog on the block. Molly is sporting Finley's new shades!

2008-08-17T21:18:00.001-05:00

Look at me in my big boy bath!

2008-08-17T20:31:00.003-05:00

Finley has out grown his baby bath tub and is now in the big boy bath! He just absolutely loves his bath seat and it's much easier to wash him in as well! Here are a few pictures of bath time fun!

Olympic history was made this weekend!

2008-08-17T20:23:00.004-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS MICHAEL PHELPS ON WINNING 8 GOLD MEDALS IN THE 2008 BEIJING OLYMPICS!

http://www.nbcolympics.com/athletes/athlete=2/bio/index.html

In Honor of the legendary Brett Favre.....

2008-08-17T20:22:00.004-05:00

Tim and I got away for a few hours on Saturday and took a long overdue tour of Lambeau Field and the Packer Hall of Fame. Funny, I've lived just outside Green Bay until college and go there at least once a month and have never gone to see the Hall of Fame or take a tour of Lambeau. The tour was really a neat experience. I've been to games before but it is a totally different experience when the stadium isn't screaming with fans. Thanks Nana Terrie and Grandpa Gerry for watching Finn and Molly so we could get away a little bit!

Congratulations Great Uncle Tom and it was great meeting Kelly, Nick, Cole, Chad, and Jenny!

2008-08-17T20:15:00.003-05:00

This weekend we celebrated Great Uncle Tom's Retirement party and we got to see lots of the family we haven't seen in a long time and some we haven't even met yet! It was wonderful meeting Kelly, Nick, Cole, Chad, and Jenny! You are a little to young for beer yet buddy!
Finley with Cousin Nick (above) and Cousin Kelly (below). Love you two!

Happy Birthday and Happy Retirement Great Uncle Tom!

I eat at Mom's!

2008-08-13T13:09:00.003-05:00

Here are some pictures of Finley and my Mommy and Baby Group. Our leader gave us these great shirts! Finn is second from the right
This is Finn's buddy Ollie

What a good helper to the little new comer. "Hey buddy, I'll show you how it's done."

Exersaucer Fun!

2008-08-13T13:00:00.002-05:00

Nursing vacation....August 1-3, 2008

2008-08-13T12:57:00.002-05:00

So, from the beginning, nursing hasn't been the easiest thing Finley and I have conquered. We had troubles from day one but we never gave up through the weight loss and trouble weight gain because of him falling asleep at breast and caring more about sleep than eating (that should be a good thing, right?). Just when we thought we were out of the woods, he stopped gaining weight again! This summer has been absolutely crazy and so busy that we decided to roll back the craziness and take a nursing vacation. You may think this means to take a vacation from nursing but it's exactly the opposite. We nursed all weekend and didn't do much of anything else.

Beginning on Friday after work we nursed every 1 1/2 hours during the day time and every 3 hours through the night. We took lots of naps and bonded all weekend. We did take a couple breaks to go swimming but boy was this a nice and super needed weekend. The following week Finley gained 11 ounces so all of our efforts payed off. This past week he gained 4 ounces so we are back on the right track again! Yeah!

I never thought I would breastfeed my child. I can't really say why I never considered it but Tim asked me to consider it and I'm so glad we did and I was very stubborn about it in the beginning and had to prove to myself that we could do it. It's very rewarding knowing that I can provide something for my child that no one else can....not to mention the savings we have experienced on not having to purchase formula!

Finley doing what Finleys do best!

2008-08-13T12:53:00.003-05:00

Hanging in the sun with Grammie and the enormous sunflower!

Look at me, I'm reading!
I sure have a rough life always having to float around in the pool! Also, thank you Grandpa Gerry and Nana Terrie for coming to swim with me on Sunday! See you both Friday at Uncle Tom's retirement party!

July 19-27, 2008 Vacation Week!

2008-08-13T12:04:00.002-05:00

Of course I have no pictures but we had vacation this week. We started our vacation off with going to Green Bay to meet Jaime and Joe's baby Lily Ann. What a doll! Finn got really excited when he realized he wasn't the littlest baby any more!

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY LILY ANN!

We then headed up North and what should have been an hour and a half trip took about two and a half hours.....We quickly learned that driving through bed time is no longer an option. Finley was not happy about not being in his bed.

Uncle Adam, Nana Terrie, and Grandpa Gerry were all up at the cabin. Then Great Grandma Bernice and Cousin Kendra came for a few days as well. That Cousin Kendra sure is a lot of fun! She plays with Finley so good and keeps him occupied all day!

In the middle of the week we came home. Thursday night Finn had his first baby sitter, Ashley, and Mom and Dad went to see Swing Crew at Players Bar. We had a great time and it was the first time we saw a different guitarist with the band. You see, Chris, the regular guitarist got himself into some trouble and is at rock star camp for 3 months so they had the guitarist from Colorado come to fill his spot for the rest of the summer. He was really good!

Then Friday was Jenny and Marre's wedding. It was a beautiful wedding and Finn stay with Auntie Judy and Cousin Kendra. Boy did they have a good time and he slept sooooo good that night. It was also the first time Finn met Jenny, Val, and Dana. He was very smart not to spit up on the bride!

CONGRATULATIONS JENNY AND MARRE!

Our Saturday was then jam packed with Ethan's first birthday party. That was sure a great time as well!

This now brings us to August! A more low key month.....

July 13, 2008 - Finley's first bite of solid foods!

2008-08-13T11:30:00.005-05:00

Finley's first experience with rice cereal!

Since then, Finley sure is enjoying his solid foods! He has now had rice cereal, avocados, sweet potatoes, bananas, and today he is trying nectarines...all homemade of course! You wouldn't believe the cost savings of whipping up for own baby food!

July 10-13th - First weekend without Dad.....

2008-08-13T11:01:00.003-05:00

While Tim was partying it up in Las Vegas with a bunch of guys at a bachelor party (I'm a very nice wife), I was to stay home with one brown dog and a baby all by myself. We did pretty well! Grandpa Gerry came to play on that Saturday for the Scheffler Family Reunion (I don't have pictures from that) and Grammie Candy's Balloon Lift Party! Sunday I almost lost it on poor little Molly however but Grammie Candy came to the rescue and took her for a few hours while Finn and I rode to Green Bay with Grandpa Gerry to surprise Daddy at the airport and ride back with him. We had a great weekend but we sure missed our Daddy!
Hanging out of my floaty checking out the chicks at the pool.

Concerts on the Square

2008-08-13T10:48:00.002-05:00

Every Wednesay, on the 400 block downtown, there is a Concert outside and everyone comes together to listen to the great music. Some people really go all out, bringing tables, all sorts of snacks, and wine. It's a great event to get outside, get some fresh air and enjoy friends and music. We try to make as many as we can. Here are a few pictures of our wonderful times. Finn and Kailey (isn't she just the cutest!)

Faye and Finn. Faye is a proud new Grandma as well to little miss Vivian Love who will be 1 year old at the beginning of September!
Karen, Finn, Faye, and myself! Great picture taking Kailey!

Look at me! I'm so photogenic!

2008-08-13T10:45:00.001-05:00

Check out Finley's pictures at JC Penney!

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or go to http://www.smilesbywire.com and enter the following:

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HAPPY 4th of JULY!

2008-08-13T10:29:00.003-05:00

Here is our "Little Firecracker" celebrating the Independence Day of his great new nation! We had an absolutely wonderful time at Lynn and Dean's house! We look forward to their 4th of July part every year. After the party, we headed up North to hang out with Grandma and Grandpa La La.

Finley's first swim at the lake. It was a beautiful day at Wheeler Lake. It's too bad Molly can't come play in the water with us :(
Finley - get back here! You aren't supposed to go past the boeys! Obviously you can see the water's not that deep out there. Dad and Grandpa are standing!

July 1, 2008 Finn's first swim at Grammie's!

2008-08-09T21:43:00.002-05:00

Finally, it was nice enough to take our first swim at Grammie Candy's for the season. Boy did Finn have a good time.....we sure start them young around here. He needs to enjoy the water - his name is Finn, like a shark's fin!
Greg sure can make Finn crack up!
Grammie Candy bought this great floaty for Finn to cruise around in and check out the babes at the pool.

Other Fun happenings in June....

2008-08-09T21:29:00.002-05:00

Okay, so I'm terrible at remembering to take pictures. I'm really trying to get better. I will put it in my purse so it follows me around a bit more. Anyway, we took our first family trip to Minnesota the weekend of June 20-22 to visit with friends and attend Al's surprise 30th birthday party! On Friday night we went to dinner with Julie and stayed with her at her new house. It's a very cute house and we also really enjoyed her dog Jacks.

The next day with went shopping, went to Al's birthday party, and stayed with Auntie Crystal. We really had fun. We miss her. Al and Roxie had a surprise of their own for everyone....they are expecting their first child. He or she is due in early February so Finn will have another buddy to play with. We are so happy for them. When people tell me they are pregnant now, my reaction is so different because I know what they are getting and what a blessing it is.

The following day we went to IKEA, not expecting to purchase anything significant really, and ended up driving home with a whole new bedroom set. Pictures to follow.....

Then it was my birthday! Happy Birthday Mom!

The weekend of June 27th and 28th, Grandma Terrie and Grandpa Gerry came to stay and Finn had his first cookout party with all his friends (and Mom's friends) and we also got to meet the Dad's of Finn's friends. Chris, Erin, her Daddy (I can't remember his name at the moment), Betsy, Rhianna, Katrina, Lydia, sister Madelyn, Daddy Brian, Heather, Raegan, and Daddy Dan all came to play with Finn. Also, Ruby (Erin's doggy) came to play with Molly. Wow did they ever get along! We had a great time and the Grandparents enjoyed seeing the babies at different stages.

Finley's first trip to the Walk-in Clinic..... Sunday, June 15, 2008

2008-07-27T08:53:00.003-05:00

We had a huge weekend June 13 through June 15. We met a lot of the Hermsen family for dinner at Macinaw's on Friday night, then met Auntie Sandy, Great Grandma Bernice, and Cousin Kendra at IHOP for breakfast Saturday morning. Following breakfast, we all packed up in our cars, picked up Auntie Judy and met Auntie Nancy at the NEW ZOO in Suamico. We had a wonderful day at the zoo, then went home and Finn took a nap. In the late afternoon, we attended Bob and Dot's 60th wedding anniversary party. Finn was still sleeping well into this event. The whole weekend Nana Terrie and myself kept feeling his head and saying, he seems warm, I didn't think much of it though since it was a really hot weekend. After Bob and Dot's I took his temperature. He had a lower grade fever of 100.8. Again, I didn't think much of it, Finn was a little fussier than normal but it was hot and he wasn't feeling the greatest. Nana Terrie and I gave him a cool bath and his fever broke almost immediately. It was up and down through the night. In the morning, I called the Ask-a-Nurse line just to ensure it wasn't a must to bring him in. She of course said to bring him in right away because all his symptons sounded like an ear infection. So, as a good Mom, I did.... the doctor laughed at me. He had a small cold and sniffle. That was about it. Still better safe than sorry.

I would also like to note....other than this incident, Finn is 5 months now and we have not had one other fever, ear infection, cold, etc. Breastfeeding really works wonders!

First trip to the NEW ZOO - Saturday, June 14, 2008

2008-07-27T08:37:00.005-05:00

It was a beautiful day at the New Zoo and Finley saw some of his favorite stuffed animals come to life! For instance, somehow the giraffe that hangs down on his play mat that he bats at all the time, was standing right in front of him and he was able to feed it crackers. Also, the llamas that he reads about at daycare were coming up to smell him and learn about him.....Nana Terrie got him out of the way quickly of course! Here are some pictures of our wonderful day. He sure was tuckered out after all the excitement of the zoo because he took a nap for 3 hours! Llama Llama Red Pajama!
Cousin Kendra sure does good with Finn and he really likes it when she comes around.
Here's Finn feeding the giraffe crackers. They looked like triscuits!

A whole month has gone by!

2008-06-18T20:43:00.002-05:00

Okay, Okay, I know we've been sassy and haven't kept up our blog lately. The past month has just flown by. I had a reality shock yesterday when I brought Finn to daycare and they put him in the exersaucer. I almost started kicking and screaming saying "He's not big enough for that! Take him out!" They were like "No, he loves it!" They put blankets around him for extra support and he just has the time of his life. I'm a bit depressed about this reality of my baby going upright instead of always on the floor. He's going to be 4 months old next Wednesday and he's getting to be quite the character. Finn is cooing up a storm and loving his fingers. He prefers them over his nuk. This will be a challenge for us later on I think.

Well, anyway, throughout the next week I will be updating everyone on the last month's events so stay tuned!

Happy Father's Day Daddy!

2008-06-12T19:23:00.001-05:00

This was actually Tim's second Father's Day; last year was his first with his first born Molly. It sure was a big deal though this year now with 2 kids. Finn and Molly teamed up together and asked me to take them to Sam's Club to purchase this kick butt hose reel he has been eyeing up for some time.

I couldn't ask for a better father for my two children. He surprised me with Molly and has now surprised me with Finn. Coming from a family of onlies, he hasn't been around babies much, I know there was a time when he felt that he might not be fit for this but instead of dwelling over these feelings he dove right in. Finley cries to go by his Daddy, Tim is the only one that can settle him down when he's wailing, or get him to sleep when he's having trouble. We sure love our Daddy and we thank God every day that we are so blessed to have him as a part of our lives.

Happy Baptism Finley!

2008-05-21T02:34:00.004-05:00

Sunday, May 18, 2008 was a big day for Finley. He was baptised and presented to the First United Methodist Church. Not one peep out of him through the whole service. Just a little startle when the cold water was being poured on his head but nothing to worry about. After the service, we gathered at our house to celebrate and eat hamburgers, hot dogs, lasagna, and cake! We had a very nice time and Finley is very appreciative of all the wonderful gifts that were given to him.

Day at the Lodge at Cedar Creek Water Park

2008-05-21T02:12:00.004-05:00

Finn and Cousin Kendra
Finn and Cousin Ben
Sophie playing in the water!
Sophie and Daddy enjoying the lazy River
Finn and Daddy enjoying the lazy river
Goofy Uncle Adam
Ben and Collin after riding the "Toilet Bowl"
Grandma Terrie after riding the Toilet Bowl
Grandma Candy after riding the Toilet Bowl.

This past Saturday, the Kiehnaus, Shulfers, La Luzernes, and Schneiders gathered at the Lodge at Cedar Creek to play at the water park for the day. We had an absolutely great time. This was Finn's second trip to a water park in his short 12 weeks of life. Can you believe it? His neck held him a little better in the water swings as well as the lazy river with Daddy. He sure likes water! I think he will take after Mama and be a fish. Everyone enjoyed the water slides, even the Grandmas! Thank you everyone for such a nice memory!

Finn and his big sister Molly

2008-05-21T02:08:00.002-05:00

Molly is so goofy. If you put a blanket on the floor, she has to lay on it. Here she is with her little brother Finn!

Happy Mother's Day Mama!

2008-05-20T19:38:00.004-05:00

Finn asked Grandma Terrie to help him embroider a kitchen towel and knit a wash cloth for me. Can you believe he's so talented?!? He surprised me with a Mother's day gift presenting me with this gift bag. He also recruited his father and Grandma Candy to give Mom a special night out when Sex and the City the movie comes out!

I learned to roll over before Molly!

2008-05-20T19:33:00.002-05:00

I can do a trick before Molly can!!! Haha! Molly watch!

Super Nanny!

2008-05-20T19:19:00.003-05:00

2 weeks ago Super Nanny, Grandma Terrie, came to the rescue and played with Finn all week. Boy did they have fun and boy do we wish we had her always! Finn hasn't coo'ed so much since! You see, Grandma Terrie talks funny and Finn also talks funny so they sure could hold quite the conversations!

Thank you Grandma Terrie for getting me off to a good start before having to start Day Care and so my Mom could ease into full time work slowly. I sure had a great time playing and learning all about you! LOVE YOU!!!!!!

Say Cheese!

2008-04-24T20:08:00.006-05:00

Look! I'm starting to smile! I sure am cute! I'm also 2 months old tomorrow!

Play mats aren't just for Babies! Dogs like them too!

2008-04-24T20:03:00.003-05:00

Working with Daddy

2008-04-23T09:15:00.003-05:00

I went back to work half days this week and Finn is staying home with Daddy while I'm at work. As you can see he's catching on quite quickly to the appraisal business. He's got his own laptop to work on and everything. It appears they are doing quite well together!

This is a tough one...it's a real head scratcher!
What is this person thinking?!? They think it's worth how much?

A Dream Vacation in the Dells....

2008-04-17T09:47:00.003-05:00

This past weekend, we took a small family trip to the Kalahari in the Wisconsin Dells. Finley had a great time riding with Dad down the lazy river and through the wave pool. Mom was pretty nervous about this at first but relaxed after a while. By the end, Finley was even asking to go under the waterfall and the team of them kept pushing mom into it! Finley also enjoyed hanging out in his bouncy chair while Mom and Dad enjoyed cocktails in the hot tub! Here are some pictures from our trip and Finley in his cute towel outfit.

What a beautiful Winter Day in April??????

2008-04-12T21:44:00.002-05:00

Someone needs to tell Mother Nature that it's not winter anymore! Molly doesn't seem to mind though. I think she thought we won the lottery this morning with the newly fallen snow! She was getting depressed that it was gone! Boy will she be excited though when she gets to go swimming again.

6 weeks - 9 lbs 6 oz

2008-04-08T09:22:00.004-05:00

Look at how I'm growing!
This is the "cheerio" face

THE SNOW IS MELTING!!!!! :(

2008-04-06T08:51:00.004-05:00

THE SNOW IS MELTING, THE SNOW IS MELTING, THE SUN IS SHINING, SPRING IS HERE!!!!

Oh no, the snow is melting!......right into our basement! The water is coming up through the cracks in the concrete. It didn't so this last year. That's what happens when the ground doesn't freeze so the quickly melting snow is absorbed into it. Here are some pictures of our great adventure this week! :(

Finley is just one of the Quilters!

2008-04-05T09:34:00.004-05:00

I didn't get any pictures, but Finley attended is first quilting retreat this past Thursday. We were bored so we drove up the Crivitz to meet Auntie Sandy while Grandma Terrie, Auntie Judy, Auntie Sandy, Carrie, and Alice (Carrie's Mom) set up for this weekend's quilting retreat! Finley also attended a dinner at his first Supper Club - where he was adored by all there.

Play Dead......

2008-04-05T09:30:00.004-05:00

This dog sure has it made.....most dogs aren't even allowed in the house much less in the bed. We recentally acquired a King Bed to help Mom and Dad have a little more room - needless to say, Molly just sprawls out further and still pushes us to the edge! But we love her!

Finley's been Tagged

2008-03-31T13:20:00.004-05:00

Second Cousin Lydia (actually, I think she's third cousin but Tim believes that anything past first cousin is second cousin) tagged Finley to tell you 10 things you may not know about him. You can see Lydia on her blog at http://threelittleprincesses.blogspot.com/.

1. Tim picked his name out. I was a little skeptical at first but it seemed that the more some people didn't like it, I liked it more!
2. He is Finn for short. Other nicknames include Finners, the Finn Man, and Finnegan.
3. His middle name is Gene...named after his Great Grandpas Eugene Hermsen and Eugene Schneider.
4. If we didn't choose Finley Gene, he would have been named Carter William.
5. His favorite face to make is the "cheerio" face where he makes his mouth look like a cheerio.
6. He's an extremely loud and messy eater. But you wouldn't know it; the kid also doesn't gain weight. He is only 8 ounces over his birth weight which he should be about 1 1/2 lbs over his birth weight by now. Mom must have given him a complex while in the womb because we all thought he was going to be enormous.
7. He looks A LOT like Daddy. We dug out Tim's baby pictures and if we didn't know any better you'd think it was Finn.
8. Finley has to have his hands touching and by his face at all times! Don't dare to wrap them up in a blanket!
9. Finely's favorite place to go is the Dog Park with his big sister Molly.
10. He is just starting to focus in on things and loves to look at the cute baby in the mirror starring back at him!

Well, thank you Lydia for tagging us! We quite enjoyed it!

Since Lydia already tagged Sophie and her Mama Leah, Finley would like to tag big 2nd cousin Abby!