1 year

I have done a very poor job of keeping up with these posts, and unfortunately, don't see me continuing to do so.  Everyone I know that was following this post is also a Facebook friend of mine, which is, as you know, where I update about Finley.  So, goodbye blog ... more time with my daughter instead. 

8 months old

Finley is healthy again, and hopefully going to stay that way for a while!  I know it's hard for her to not get sick with Brian & I both in 3 schools between the 2 of us.  We're carrying all sorts of nasty germs.  Thankfully we have a nebulizer for her and I suppose will be traveling with it from now on for "just in case" purposes.  Hopefully this all wears out while she's young & she builds an immunity system tough as nails!  She did get her 2nd round of flu shots on Friday and was the best little champ ever!!!  They were holding her down and Brian was all nervous, but my girl didn't flinch for a second!  The nurse couldn't believe she didn't even blink ... but then again, when does she blink?  Haha!  I tell her with eyes that beautiful, she shouldn't blink - they're gorgeous! 

She's attempting crawling, but with little success.  She's getting around, but could do better if she could get into a sitting position from laying down.  No pushing from me, I am quite content with her non-mobile!  This house is not quite baby-proofed enough for her, I fear and I am looking forward to her growing up anymore.  Speaking of growing up, she'll be 1 year old June 13 and we're planning a party June 9 (around 11, probably) for anyone who thinks they can make it.  Apparently June is a bad month for parties for a lot of people, but it was the best time in the world for us, so we will do as we can and hope to see as many people that can make it as possible. 

7 month update

So, work has greatly picked up and continues trying to take me away from Finley more and more.  It's exhausting trying to keep up with everything (cooking, laundry, cleaning, school, Finley, Brian, myself, etc.) Therefore, this blog has been the thing to suffer.  Funny how I didn't think anyone read this and I've had a few comments about it lately.  I'm not promising anything, but thought I would post a quick post while watching the FL primary and grading papers. 

* Finley has her 2 bottom teeth in and is working on her top 2 teeth currently. 
* She says "Dada" and "mama" and it's adorable!
* She is waving "bye bye"
* She sits perfectly and is anxious to crawl, but has yet to fully begin - we're working on it!
* She feeds herself with her bottle after she has completed her cereal/fruit/veggie/meat

She is still a happy, pleasant girl and trying to stay healthy.  Obviously, Christmas was awful with how sick she was with croup and bronchialitis and she is experiencing cold like symptoms right now with a runny nose and slight cough.  She is quite a squealer, however, so we're not sure if the coughing is a result of the high pitched screams.  We're monitoring her closely and happy to report her mucus is clear. 

As far as pictures, I realize I don't take many.  My camera battery charger is MIA right now and any pics that are taken are posted to FB directly from our cells.  We did receive a camcorder as a Christmas present from Grammy & Pappy and are trying to get in the habit of using it and learning how to upload/edit.  You go for 29 years without one, it's hard to think "grab the camera."  We're trying to get better on all "documentation fronts."  Our girl is doing wonderfully and is loved beyond words!

6-9 Months ... but only 3 1/2?

I spent last night taking tags off a whole new set of clothes for Finley.  She has hit another growth spurt and her 3-6 month clothes are getting snug.  So, laundry was done and drawers unloaded and reloaded with 6-9 month clothing.  Yes, she is only 3.5 months ... a little ahead of schedule, but she is a healthy, growing girl! 

Finley is also back to talking again, which is refreshing.  I love listening to her talk, especially since Pappy only has another week here, it's about to get awfully quiet around here.  But now my girl is entertaining me and I love it.  She's so sweet and getting so active.  She did amazing with her head this week while on her belly - I couldn't believe how high she got it and it stayed for so long! 

By the way, for Christmas, Finley does not need clothes!  We need books and toys believe it or not.  She loves her ocean play mat and seems to spend all her time under it because that's all she has besides some stuffed animals, which does not excite her at this time.  Things that roll or make noise, or are different fabrics and bold crazy patterns she loves.  We've also been reading a lot lately.  I brought some books from school that I own (the classics: Stone Soup, Tortoise and the Hair, Elves & the Shoemaker, Cinderella, Princess & the Pea, Three Little Bears, Little Red Hen, etc) and we recently purchased some Dr. Seuss (Cat in the Hat, One Fish Two Fish, Mr. Brown Can Moo, Ten Apples up on Top, ABC Book, Tooth Book, etc), and a few P.D. Eastman (Go Dog Go, Are You my Mother?)  We could use some Eric Carle or even more Dr. Seuss - there's so many to collect!

No news

Sorry there hasn't been any updates in forever.  Life has been rather busy and I don't see Finley much, so my time is spent soaking her up and it's been rather simple around here.  She's doing great  - talking a lot (although we can't understand her), she's increased how much she's eating to 6 oz, but only eating 5 times a day.  She sleeps at least 8 hours every night, sometimes more, but she's been doing that for over a month now.  She's working on getting better on her tummy - she needs lots of practice though!  She's still very happy in her car seat and sleeps most of the time she's in it.  I know I'm always bragging about her, but honestly there are no complaints when it comes to her except that I don't get enough time with her.  Being a working mother is definitely the hardest job in the world.  I would give up so much to be able to stay home with her and take care of her.  Luckily she has her Pappy a few more weeks and then the dreaded switch comes.  We're so blessed to have such wonderful people to watch Finley, but it's still not good enough.  So, anyone that knows of any legitimate internet jobs out there .... I'm available!

Gulf Shores vacation

My sister, her family, and my parents were gracious enough to allow Finley and me to crash their annual vacation all because my school system switched calendar dates that messed me up.  Brian had football mini-camp and I was not overly comfortable with being left alone for much of the day with Finley.  She's still a perfect angel and a very easy baby, but it can be a little exhausting having full responsibility. 

Anyway, we pushed Finley to the max with a 10 hour car drive (which she only cried for 5 min of) and many loud restaurants (and not quite on her schedule).  She exceeded every expectation I had for her.  Not that I want to continue to live that lifestyle, but glad she could make it all work.  We had a great time and unfortunately had to leave early so I could get back to work. 

My dad has moved in now to help care for Finley while Brian and I are at work.  That has made the transition to work SO much smoother than I know it could have been.  I miss her terribly but she's in the best hands possible and in her own crib and environment.  It's nice having company here also through Brian's crazy football schedule.  Makes me wish we had family close by all the time. 

We also bought Finley's first car.  I sacrificed my dream car, the Jeep Wrangler, for a family vehicle that is much safer for my baby girl to be riding in.  I got the GMC Acadia which I am extremely happy with.  It's a great vehicle and has so much space.  Once again, having my dad, the grizzly bear, as Brian calls him, here to help us make a great deal happen really paid off.  Couldn't have done it and felt as good about everything as I do, without his help. 

Jekyll Island Vacation

We got home Friday from our first vacation.  We met Brian's family on Jekyll Island for our annual vacation there, but with one big change ... Finley!  She did an amazing job being around so many people and in a different environment.  We even managed to go out to two meals, which was very frightening for me because Brian has always said how he would never take a baby to a restaurant and I wanted things to go smoothly so Finley didn't ruin him trying it out.  I even had a terrible upset stomach worrying about it ... should have known my baby girl would do wonderfully - she slept like a champ the whole time, both times!  We even managed to go shopping (outdoor shopping) and to the beach (twice!). 

 All dressed for the beach - bathing suit & matching hat - all SPF protected, of course!

Finley and Mommy relaxing at the beach!

 Safe in the sun tent that her Aunt Leslie & Uncle Garry let us borrow - THANK YOU JENKINS!

 Getting fed in her pretty Antigua dress from Grammy & Pappy  - kept her nice and cool!

 Out to dinner for the 1st time - horrible restaurant, but Finley did amazing!

 All dressed up with Daddy!

 Dinner by the lighthouse with Daddy - he loves his baby girl!

She has two more trips coming up before the summer is over - her cousin's 5th birthday party next weekend and another trip to the beach at the end of the month.  So many adventures for our little one, but that's our life! 

While on vacation, her cord finally fell off, so when we got home, we were able to give Finley her 1st bath, and being Finley, she did wonderful - no tears, no fussing.  Brian took over and I assisted with pointers - she is Daddy's little girl after all and I know better than to turn a willing to help Daddy away! 

After snuggling with Daddy all swaddled up in a blanket to warm up from our bath, we all enjoyed some play time with her toys and on her ocean mat - Thank you Loren & Matt Mathews for our playmat, we love it!