Fun with Laundry Baskets

I had to share these photos. My mom made this lovely con'trap'tion for Finn so we could get some things done. He loved it! He's not quite sitting up yet, so the last photo shows him leaning to the side...help!

Lake Chautauqua

Shane & I traveled to Lake Chautauqua, NY for the weekend. We visited some vineyards and relaxed. Played a VERY close game of miniature golf. ; ) We slept soundly through the whole night (something that has become a luxury) and returned home anxious to see Finn!

Fingers & Toes

Tiny fingers and toes. I enjoy these enjoy these sweet things in life on a daily basis. I love to kiss them, blow 'raspberries' on them, and watch Finn smile and laugh.

He is pure joy. He is growing so fast! Doctor said he is now 20# 3oz. He loves life, loves to laugh, loves people. He has changed my life countless ways...I thank God every day for bringing this precious little angel into my life.

Beautiful babes.

This is my girlfriend, Celia, and her daughter, Paige. I worked with Celia in the actuarial department at Progressive Ins. We were both math geeks and became great friends. She visited me several times in Colorado and I'm happy to connect with her once again in Ohio. Paige is in 3rd grade this year and remember when she was 4. It is amazing how quickly she's growing up. They are both absolutely beautiful!

Snuggle bug

Need I say more? He is just so stinkin' sweet!!!

How the time flies...

Shane's nephew, Clark, is growing up so fast. His mom, Shawn (Shane's sister), shared these photos of the kids with me and its hard to believe they are getting so big!

Kayli had her dance recital and so she had her costume on and make-up done. She is only 12. Can you believe it?!?! She is a knock out.

Nothing cuter than a baby's laugh

I took Finn's photos today. My mom came up to help spot him while I worked the camera. She was sitting on the front porch bench pretending to sneeze. She had his hat on her head and it would fall off when she 'sneezed'. He thought it was the funniest thing ever. I guess my grandmother did this for her as a child too. It was adorable!

My Granny is the best

Finn and Granny are best of friends. Since I've been a stay-at-home mom with him, my mom and I have become really close. I am thankful for our relationship, but also thankful that he gets to know her so well. She has always had a kindred spirit and it is so fun for me to see her get on the floor and play with him or read to him. He lights up when she walks in the room. He loves to play with her. I love to see them have such a great relationship. It is a blessing for me...and him.

My mom got pregnant on her honeymoon and had my three brothers in a row. Kevin in Jan, Tom the following Feb and Dave the following April. And I have just one thing to say...cloth diapers!! Having my own baby has really made me appreciate her hard work raising us. Her mom passed away while she was pregnant with her first baby. So she didn't have the help I've had nor did she get to experience the fun of watching your child w/ your parent. I'm so very grateful that we have this time together with Finn.

Thank you, mom, for loving us so unconditionally.

North Carolina

Aunt Terri and Uncle Mark were so gracious to open their homes to us for a little family get-a-way. For those of you who don't know, my Uncle Mark had countless surgeries over the last year and spent a good portion of that time in the Cleveland Clinic. He had an open wound (about 6"wide and 8" long) to where you could visually see his intestines the entire time. He is a walking miracle and it is amazing to see God's healing and provisions in their life. Hearing their testimony is heartbreaking and yet encouraging.

My Aunt Terri is so much fun. Ever since I was a little girl, I remember going to their house every summer to spend a week or two. She has been a positive, caring, mentor in my life and we always have plenty to talk about.

She had fun with Finn and Finn with her!

Daddy shared his beer with Finn, who loved to chew on the top. Apparently the little bit of flavor he got was enjoyable!

Shane & Finn had fun lounging on the couch watching cartoons. Finn LOVED having all the undivided attention from daddy. Being it's Shane's busy season, a few days of down time is a cherished gift!

Finn played on the floor with their dogs and loves to roll around, grab his toes and make motor noises...just like daddy!

Here is Uncle Mark with Finn. Not the best picture of Finn, but the best picture I snagged of Mark. Mark was actually teasing me that he was going to teach Finn how to go down the stairs. Lol. Maybe that explains the look of sheer terror on Finn's face?!?!

Here is a video of Finn playing with daddy:

Chunks of love

Finn's legs are so chunky! He absolutely loves his jumper.