love actually

The Update

2010-10-06T19:46:00.000-05:00

So the latest on the boys:

Finn started walking around 11 months and frankly, I miss the days of children staying seated, but...I'd be lying if I didn't admit that the crazy chaos, laughing, chasing, and wrestling is pretty entertaining at least fifty percent of the time. He was 22 lbs 7 oz and 30.25 inches at his one year appointment. I think he's peaked in terms of largeness and is easing his way back in to being an average sized kid. His current hobbies include, screaming, wrestling, pulling everything out of somthing and running away, copying his brother, copping the occasional stiff-back, clapping, dancing, blowing kisses, licking things before he decides to eat them, and shaking his head or saying, "nuh-no," just to show he knows what it means but he doesn't care. His vocabulary includes, ma-ma, da-da, all done, nuh-no, and he's started to babble very emphatically about something but, to be honest his brother could talk a dog off a meat truck so we're really all stocked up on talkers here.

As for the big kid, we have our phases of tolerability. We've been experimenting with an earlier bedtime and so far (fingers crossed) it has made a big difference in the whining, and rudeness. His hobbies include, mouthing off, telling stories, pretending to be his daddy, tying things together or to himself to either carry or tow things (I asked Greg if he things we need to be concerned about his desire to tie things up? So far no attempts to restrain his brother so we'll just tuck that one away for later debate.) He loves books, cars, Phineas and Ferb, and ropes. I have one terrific story to share this time around and the setting is the dinner table:

Greg and I hug and kiss, nothing weird, just your average greeting PDA. This sometimes makes Tommy mad and he says:

Tommy: Stop that you two!

Me: Why? Aren't you glad that your parents love each other so much? You're pretty lucky that we love each other so much!

Greg: under his breath You have no idea! (Greg likes to garner pity for his childhood experience with divorce by pretending that I should feel sad for him)

Tommy: No, I'm not because I just love you mommy, so daddy can't.

Me: Well, Tommy it's good that your daddy and I love each other because someday when you and Finny grow up, you'll meet someone that you want to leave us and be with and get married and live together somewhere else and then daddy and I will still have each other.

Tommy: Well...first I'll go meet somebody but then I'll come back and live with you guys.

Hmmm, I'm pretty sure that my one and only requisite for my childrens' futures is that they NOT live with me forever. Other than that, they can do whatever they want in their lives. I might need to start laying the groundwork on this one.

Finn likes to party

2010-10-06T19:14:00.000-05:00

So my baby turned 1 (two months ago). Finally, I feel guilty enough about my lack of effort here to do something about it! We enjoyed the first (sort of) birthday party with my parents before we all took in Target Field for the first time (also the boys' first game). Finn was digging the baseball cupcakes.

We had a second party on his birthday and we were joined by Alis, the godmother, Auntie Em, and cousin Lucas, and our special friend from Madison, Tyler G. I made pumpkin bread cupcakes which, for the record, Finn did not enjoy as much as his store bought cupcakes from party #1. The highlight were the balloons and plastic baseball hats that Alis brought. Not much to report as far as a kid's first birthday party goes but the pictures are pretty cute, if I do say so myself!

A year's worth of Finny J

2010-08-11T23:59:00.001-05:00

So even though I have been planning on doing this for a few days, I (of course) am scrambling at the last minute to put up a birthday post for Finn's 1st birthday. These photos don't even begin to cover it.

I love you to the tippy-top in my heart Finn!

101 in 1001

2010-08-01T21:20:00.002-05:00

So I totally stole this from every other person who has done it, but I think that the idea is great and since I have had more time to think lately, and my time has been less dictated to me by work, I have been feeling the strong desire to create some goals for myself. So here's what I got folks.

1. Try one new recipe a month.
2. Take my kids to see Duluth and northshore attractions.
3. Go on our honeymoon.
4. Read The Iliad and The Oddessy.
5. Take a photography class.
6. Have friends over for a game night.
7. Go camping.
8. Call 1 or 2 friends a month.
9. ~~Eat dinner at the dining room table every night for one week~~. July 2010
10. Learn to golf.
11. Take a road trip.
12. Play a song on the piano.
13. Have season tickets to something.
14. Make one entire meal from farmer's market purchases.
15. ~~Blog 4 times in one month~~. January 2010
16. Go away for the weekend with just Greg.
17. Watch the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
18. Make a cookbook of the favorite recipes of family members.
19. Buy Greg a gift that he is surprised by and actually likes.
20. Own a home.
21. Completely, and consciously decorate one room of that home.
22. Be active everyday for one month.
23. Call my brothers every Sunday for one month.
24. Travel to Ireland.
25. Go on a trip to several different Major League Ballparks.
26. Run the TC 10 mile.
27. Figure out what I want to go back to school for.
28. Go back to school.
29. Make a holiday meal for my family.
30. Add some scrapbook pages for Finn.
31. Make Halloween costumes for my kids.
32. Perform a random act of kindness each day for one week.
33. Make a DVD of our wedding video.
34. Visit a national park.
35. Travel to Canada.
36. Go on a family vacation.
37. Update my wardrobe.
38. Get professional family photos taken.
39. Grow my own vegetable garden.
40. Grow and cook from an indoor herb garden.
41. Learn how to apply make-up.
42. Learn how to fix my hair (and put that into practice).
43. ~~Go to a Twins game at the new stadium~~. August 2010
44. Learn how to lay tile.
45. ~~Potty train my son~~. October 2009
46. ~~Sleep through one whole night~~. June 2010
47. Watch childhood family videos with my siblings.
48. Clean for 20 minutes each day for a week.
49. Teach Tommy a song.
50. Go on a date with Greg one night a week for a month.
51. Do something special for my mom.
52. Enroll Tommy in a class.
53. Update my resume.
54. Count my blessings one night a week for a month.
55. ~~Watch a friend or siblings child(ren) so they can go on a date~~. July 2010
56. Turn off the T.V. by 7 p.m. everyday for one month.
57. Go on a walk everyday for one month.
58. ~~Purchase a new camera~~. (my parents did this one for me) April 2010
59. Update my resume.
60. Spend time alone.
61. ~~Attend an NHL hockey game~~. December 2009
62. Attend a Gopher hockey game.
63. Cook a roast.
64. Go back to where my husband proposed (with him) and take a picture.
65. Make a christmas gift for someone.
66. Visit or talk to my grandparents once a month.
67. ~~Play in the snow with my boys~~. December 2009
68. Buy a new(er) car.
69. Take one photo of my boys each month for a year.
70. Make my own pesto.
71. Cook a full Thanksgiving dinner by myself.
72. Wake up on a major holiday in my own bed.
73. Get old photos of my parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents for a family photo wall.
74. Send a package to friends, or family who live away once a month.
75. ~~Finish this eff-ing list~~. August 2010
76. Take the boys to an art museum.
77. Record funny things the boys say and do in a notebook, before I forget them.
78. Learn how to cook chicken soup like my Grandma L.
79. Re-learn how to make sugo from my mother-in-law.
80. Buy a grill.
81. Work on the boys baby book/scrapbook.
82. Go on a cruise to Alaska.
83. Be pregnant one last time.
84. Send a card to someone who is important to me once a month for a year.
85. Learn how to use my sewing machine.
86. Create something using my sewing machine.
87. Learn how to knit.
88. Knit some cute hats for the boys.
89. Spend a day with my grandmothers and have them share stories and old photos.
90. Take a portrait of each of my grandmothers.
91. Take a portrait of my parents.
92. Learn how to use my camera.
93. Drive the circle tour of Lake Superior.
94. Read 5 books a day with my boys for a month.
95. Go to a storytime once a week for a month.
96. ~~Get my wedding band resized so I can wear it again~~. May 2010
97. Learn how to properly store fruits and veggies to extend their life.
98. Get a job.
99. Stop picking up toys for one whole day.
100. Build a treehouse for my boys.
101. Do something nice for Greg once a day for a week.

Oh my god, I finally finished it. It's probably not the deepest list you'll ever find, but it will definitely take me a while. Ha, it freakin' took my forever just to come up with this many things! I can already cross some off from the time I started this (October 3, 2009) until now ;)

Some summer, in photos

2010-08-01T20:19:00.002-05:00

More later...

Six teeth, a few steps, and a lifelong love affair with sugo

2010-07-21T21:19:00.004-05:00

The heading reflects the most recent news in Finn's life. Considering that I have referred to the little man as "a spicy meatball" on more than one occasion, it's a surprise to me that I have only recently introduced rigatoni and red sauce as a meal option for Finn. And he officially loved it...he expresses his love by devouring, growling, and bathing himself in the sauce. I've never seen him eat like that before. We found sauce behind his ears, and his knees! He gets it from his dad, I guess. Oh yeah, and also, four teeth came in on top giving us a grand total of six. Also, he officially took his first steps on Sunday, July 18 at Lake Josephine where we had picnic with my parents and Uncle Miguel. What was his motivation you ask? Food. Surprise!

Finny J's sweet ride

2010-07-05T15:43:00.002-05:00

Finny growls

2010-07-05T15:41:00.003-05:00

Talking to Daddy

2010-07-05T15:41:00.002-05:00

2010-06-18T17:08:00.004-05:00

Tommy and his best girl

smooches

This is as close to "smile for the camera," as I get.

Finners

So, here's what's new...

Finn is 10 months. He crawls, cruises, stands on his own, eats finger foods, drinks from a sippy cup. Tries to be as hilarious, and get into as much danger as his older brother. At his last appointment he was 20 lbs 15 oz and 29.25 inches long. He finally grew longer than he did wider. Quite an accomplishment. He loves to wrestle, go after outlets, clap his hands, and growl. I believe that he mostly sleeps through the night (thank god, I'm irritable enough even with a full night of sleep). Sometimes Finn says something that sounds like, "yeah!" It is hilarious when he does it at appropriate times. (I don't think he's actually saying the word, it's just cute)

Tommy is hilarious, difficult, impossible, and amazing all at the same time. He is nothing without drama. His newest great idea is to try to turn around the things that Greg and I say when he is in trouble. Sometimes he makes a very angry face at us and so we've said to him before, "Tommy, I don't like that face, you need to change it." Last night, we were having some listening trouble and Greg had to use a sharper voice and more serious face. Tommy replied, "Daddy, I don't like that face." Touche. Another great example is if he's being sassy, sometimes I give him another shot to change it before he gets in trouble and I say, "Excuse me?" Well, if the child doesn't like what I am telling him he now says, "Excuse me?" In the same, authoritative attitude. Our response after careful consideration, "Sorry pal, that doesn't work for you."

Don't get me wrong, it's not all sass and defiance, Tommy is probably the most lovey kid I know. I can't get enough of the squeezes, and kisses. He's great with his brother, only occasionally over-enthusiastic.

In conclusion, things are good.

Finn Crawling

2010-06-18T16:38:00.001-05:00

Tommy singing happy birthday

2010-06-18T16:38:00.000-05:00

Tommy's Harmonica Skills

2010-06-18T16:37:00.000-05:00

Finn Clapping

2010-06-18T16:36:00.000-05:00

Hello Stranger

2010-04-28T19:30:00.006-05:00

Yes, yes, I realize it's been a long, long while. We were without a computer for a while and frankly I just didn't think about it much for a bit. I think my mom might be one of the only readers anyways. ;)

So, on to what we've missed. I meant to post around the milestones, like Tommy's 3rd birthday, and Finn was 6 months etc. and well, we see how that turned out.

Finny J:

9.5 months and crawls, stands and moves along furniture, does NOT sleep through the night (insert grumbling), likes to wrestle his brother, and it the proud owner of two teeth on the bottom and is close on 4 others. He started crawling around 7 months and frankly there has been little to no peace for the rest of us since. He's quite happy that he can finally be involved in everybody's business and Tommy is getting some real practice with sharing. He can also stand and move along furniture so we'll see when the whole walking bit starts...I wouldn't mind that taking a while. Outside of the destruction, Finn is a super happy kid, mostly smilely, loves food, Tommy, birds, dumping the tupperware bin, his daddy...and that's all I can think of for now. He's a super husky little guy, or big guy, I should say. His last appointment he was 19 lbs 6 oz and 27.5 inches long. We go in a week and I'm super curious about his stats.

Tommy:

The big guy is now 3 and a couple months (way to miss posting about that milestone) and full of it. It is a super fun age, despite the whole 3 year old defiance thing. (I say that because we are in a more cooperative spot right now...sure to end now that I've recorded that here) For the big day we rode the light-rail and had lunch in town and then attended a St. Scholastica baseball game at the dome. He had an amazing time, and thought we were the coolest parents ever...for real, he told us that.

T is an awesome big brother, and the boys are super fun together. He spends his days as a fighter-fighter (firefighter), two strikes guy (umpire), worker man (construction worker), etc. Each day brings something new and entertaining, and as I mentioned before, there is a lot of wrestling, rolling, climbing, running, hockey, baseball, and "helping." uhm, in conclusion, that's all I can think of right now...maybe if I did this more often, I would have an easier time remembering what I want to say.

Greg and I:

We're still married, and we're both 30...that's about it. Really. So far, our kids are our best work.

As I've said before, (I'm sure) I'll try to post more photos and videos, even if I can't quite come up with good things to say! Lastly, some of the brotherly love...

my mom's ride

2010-04-12T16:40:00.004-05:00

Bee-line from the door...

2010-04-12T16:34:00.003-05:00

Rhythm masters! Day with Nana.

2010-04-12T08:46:00.007-05:00

Finn Says His Piece

2010-01-23T19:30:00.006-06:00

Finn's Baptism

2010-01-20T13:07:00.007-06:00

Finn was baptized on Sunday, December 27th at St. Mary's of the Lake in White Bear Lake. It was the fourth day of our four day holiday extravaganza. We woke Tommy early after several days of travel and family because we wanted to have Santa visit to our own house. Pretty much Tommy could have cared less after all the people, late nights, food, and gifts. He was only psyched about the Cars movie he recieved and watched it a few times. Finn wore his cousin Luke's baptism gown because he's too big for what Tommy wore and it's the wrong season (Tommy was baptized in the summer). It was a really nice day, Finn's Godparents are Alis Abbott, and Uncle Miguel. My parents and two of my brothers were there, and Greg's mom and brother. Tommy slept through most of church before the baptism and was a robot after that. He also thought that getting baptized was like getting a shot at the doctor, so he was really nervous about it and was super comforting to Finny afterwards. After we have people over for pizza, salad, carrot cake, and the Cars movie. It was a great day, but I was relieved to have the holidays over. And I'm pretty sure I'm the only one who was eating carrot cake, but that's fine. ;)

Finn makes a really pretty girl, doesn't he? ;)

The T Man

2010-01-20T13:06:00.001-06:00

So Tommy is a very busy boy. He'll be three in March...THREE!!! I can't even believe it. It goes by so fast. He's growing like crazy through pants, shoes, jackets, everything. It's hard to keep up. The stories only get better as he gets chattier so I'll probably share a few. The end of Christmas was a great one. Also, the accident story is a classic. Everyday there is another more entertaining event. It used to be cute just because he was such a mimic. He'd repeat everything in that little voice. Now it's so hilarious because he comes up with his own material. I don't know if I can make a list of Tommy's magical milestones like Finn's but I'll think of something. He is obsessed with the Cars movie. Ask for it day and night. Loves "hockey skating" I have this awesome video of him, but it's trapped inside my blackberry and I didn't shoot it in the right format for MMS so I guess it might just have to stay there, but I'll try again with a different one, but basically he can skate by himself, and when he falls (which is a lot) he can get up on his own, too. He likes to skate "faster, faster," with his daddy, but knows how to go in a circle by himself. It's pretty cool. We've only been maybe three or four times this year, so I'm amazed at how quickly he picked it up. My mom took some video that included me skating a little, and let's just say, Tommy's better than I am! He loves to help, loves his brother, and all and all is a pretty awesome kid despite the stand-offs that develop between and adult and a 2-almost-3 year-old. Okay, the stories.

The accident story goes; Tommy goes tearing into the bathroom (sometimes when he waits too long he goes a little while he's trying to sit down and when this happens he always says the same thing, "I made a mistake.") Well this time, judging by how fast he was running and by how long it had been since he went, I turned to Greg and said, "I'll bet he has an accident." Not two seconds later we hear, "Uhm, mom? Don't freak out, okay? Just don't freak out." Then he says, "I made a mistake, okay? I just made a little mistake." I was laughing super hard, and come into the bathroom to find the kid laying on the floor with his pants stuck around his ankles, and pee everywhere! That was classic. Greg says what's mostly funny is how casual we are about urine these days.

The end of Christmas story, goes a little something like this. Tommy was a little sad when I took the decorations down but it was really not a big deal in terms of how dramatic the kid can get. But the next day he comes into the living room to see me pitching the Christmas tree off of our apartment balcony. When I turn around and come in, he has this look of pure horror on his face. He looks and me, then runs to the window and looks out, face pressed to the glass. "Mom, what. are. you...how could you?" he cries. Then he runs away to his room and sits on the edge of his bed with his head in his hands. When I come in, he looks up and says to me, "I just can't believe it's over."

working in Grandpa Guy's shop

skating with Daddy

throwing snow at Mommy (this is a sweet shot, but he got in big trouble for this one!)

Two silly boys in the snow. Finn is over it.

Lovin' on Mr. Finn. Aw..sweethearts.

Finn

2010-01-20T12:31:00.001-06:00

Mr. Finn is currently about 5 months old. When he went for his 4 month check-up (about two weeks ago) he weighed 17 lbs 3 oz and was 26.5 inches long. So he's about where Tommy was at around 9 months. Basically, he's huge and I can hardly carry him in the carseat carrier anymore. :( He can roll over both ways (since like 3 months), sit up kind of by himself, kind of supported. He eventually either leans down and rolls over, or straightens too much and tips backwards, but he can do it for a few minutes before that happens. He is also a big fan of scooting himself backwards or in a full circle. Mostly he does it to watch his brother. He loves his Tommy the most. It doesn't matter what Greg or I say or do to distract him, if he's watching his brother, he won't turn his head for anything!

His true loves right now are his toes. They make him so happy, and when you try to pick him up when he's playing with them, he likes to keep them up by his face, so he looks like a gigantic bowling ball. He loves to babble and make that razzing noise. He started cereal after Christmas and loves it, and has also tried peas, and sweet potatoes. He's a big fan of food, but that's no surprise.

My favorite part is that he's a big sweet, butterball. All his rolls are so ticklish, and he is a great snuggler. He loves to cuddle right in and touch faces. My favorite when I'm holding him or feeding him and he sticks that chubby hand up and rests it on my cheek. He'll kind of wiggle his eyebrows until he gets a grin or a laugh out of me. Ugh, it just melts my heart. I think that's mostly it.

Not much to report about the holidays for him, except that he decided not to sleep through the night anymore after all of our running around and staying different places. For me, the beginning isn't so bad when you don't sleep, I mean it starts to wear after a while but you just sort of keep going through, but after you get your sleep back and then they take it away, well that's just the worst for me. It makes me real grouchy! But we're working on it. ;) Enough babble; a few pics.

After a swimming in the pool

Uncle Mo-mo's graduation from CSS

Loving his first cereal experience

Opening his christmas gifts from Nanny and Bonka

Playing with his toes. Will you look at those leg rolls!!!

Sad, Sad State of Affairs

2010-01-18T08:20:00.001-06:00

Blogging = shoddy
Computer = broken + resurrected
New Blackberry = distraction

Here is what we missed...the holidays, Finn can sit up a little, roll over both ways, likes to babble, loves his toes, Tommy is obsessed with "hockey skating," the Cars movie, and being hilarious, Greg working hard, and me trying to get back into my jeans. I'd put up more pictures and video, but I need to get the computer back from the fix-it guy, use the external hard drive to back up my children's childhood, and then I'll post some more stuff, updates on the boys and holidays, etc.

January 17, 2010 skating at Shoreview (Finn actually got to skate with Greg)

Reminder

2010-01-11T20:58:00.000-06:00

This is a reminder to myself that I need to blog soon. Lots to catch up on. Ready, go. Blog soon.
the end

Family Time

2009-11-09T21:34:00.000-06:00

Took some fun pictures today while we played at the park. I love Sundays!

I know it's not Thanksgiving just yet, but I know what I'm thankful for ;)

Lately

2009-11-01T23:07:00.001-06:00

Around here lately these are the things I know...

*Finn is a giant! 14 lbs 3 oz and 24 1/2 inches at his two month appointment. Whatever he is getting to eat is NOT what Tommy got. They will be wearing the same size in about a year! He gained about 5 1/2 lbs in two months! He is so happy, eating, sleeping, smiling, and cooing. He loves to hear stories, watch baseball, and look at himself. He can roll from his tummy to his back, and holds himself up on his tummy really well. He tries so hard to sit up, that sometimes when I set him down it looks like he is doing stomach exercises!

*Tommy is basically potty trained. (Please note, now that I have typed this it will probably be completely undone.) He hasn't had an accident in about two weeks. He goes both #1 and #2 on the potty, I haven't changed a dirty diaper (of his) in about two weeks, either. He wears a diaper at nap and and night, but usually wakes up dry from both! Most importantly, he is starting to be able to tell us that he has to go, and not have to hold it until I take him or tell him it's time to go try. I honestly, don't really know how it happened, but I am so happy. I just saw the light click on for him in terms of controlling it and we were rolling. Also, the funniest part is, after he goes #2, I generally say something like, "oh, good job," etc. He replies every time, "Oh, you're welcome, Mom!" It's super funny!

*We went trick-or-treating with our good friends and the boys had a great time. Tommy got the hang of it and they took turns ringing doorbells, and his friend Gavin said, "Trick-or-treat! And also, Happy Halloween!" at every house. It was so funny! He had several costume options including, a baseball player, a lion, or a cowboy. They were all costumes that we either had or could easily put together. I was surprised that he chose the baseball player, and more specifically to be Joe Mauer. He has a special love affair with that guy. I use it to my advantage though, ("Oh Tommy, Joe Mauer always listens to his mommy in the store!") Anyways, Greg said that the most important part would be the sideburns. He wore the lion trick-or-treating because it was the warmest costume, but he was Joe at storytime and also Halloween morning at the grocery store. He made lots of friends! Finn was a sushi roll. (I got the idea from a parenting magazine.)

*So, this year has been kind of a...how do you say? Character building year for us, I guess. We made a lot of changes, resulting in some growing pains, but ultimately we are starting to feel so comfortable and happy with our choices. I am loving my time with the boys, and we are really happy to be so close to friends and family.

Pumpkin picking

Cutest pumpkin in the patch!

Presenting, Mr. Joe Mauer! Also, my friend asked him, "Do you want me to call you Tommy, or Joe Mauer?"

His reply was very serious. "You can call me Joe." The even after the costume, he wanted me to call him Joe!!!

Tommy and Gavin, trick-or-treating buddies!

Happy Halloween!

Love it

2009-11-01T22:27:00.001-06:00

* The first sip of coffee in the morning
* Finn's smile and coos
* Tommy being a big brother
* That smile song
* Greg and Finn always asleep together
* Scrubs, especially the musical episode
* Glee, my new favorite show
* Tommy's manners and the charm, when he chooses to turn them on
* Driving the red car
* Hanging out with my big brother
* Fall (also winter since that's pretty much where we're at)
* Singing in the car
* A minute to myself, when I can get it
* lower case letters
* When Tommy dances with his head
* The dream of my jeans someday
* Pesto (and some good gnocchi) especially from Valentini's in Duluth
* Spending a random weekday afternoon with good friends
* Being able to stay in my jammies all day if I say so
* Being present for the little moments with my kids
* Cider, pumpkin seeds, sweaters and hats
*Cloudy days with a little bit of wind (no rain though!)
* My cd's from Sheila
* A good book
*Snuggling my boys on a Sunday afternoon
*Having Greg for one whole day on Sundays
*Good coffee and a walk around Target
*When the first thing out of Tommy's mouth in the morning is, "Tag, mom! You're it!"
*Finn flapping his arms and legs while he listens to a story
*These pics...

My favorite little sushi roll

Gimme, Gimme, Gimme!

Tommy just can't resist lovin' on his baby Finn

Also, can't resist his best girl, Ella.

Ahh! The good things in life...

Things that actually happened

2009-10-02T00:20:00.001-05:00

In the same day...

* Tommy is getting in trouble with me and crosses himself and says, "Father, soup, and something spit." Not sure if he should still get in trouble and also a little bit unsure of my parenting skills if my son has to call on the holy trinity to save himself.

* Tommy blows kisses to the T.V. (Twins are on) and proclaims to the world his love of Joe Mauer. Might I also add, that he regularly asks me if Joe Mauer likes to go potty. (I told him this to encourage the potty training process)

* Tommy carried two gallons of milk from the door of the apartment to the kitchen.

Regular occurances...

* At nap and bedtime Tommy uses the fact that I will let him sit on the potty anytime he asks in order to delay having to lie down. He never asks, except when it's time to do something else he doesn't want to do i.e. sleep. Then he proclaims his undying love for me several times and requests hugs and kisses further delaying the impending bedtime because, lets face it folks, I am a sucker for affection.

* Tommy asks, "So...How was you day?" Sometimes at 6 a.m., when he wakes up. Or twice at lunch.

* When he wants a story read he always requests that we, "talk about it" as in, we can't just sit there and look at the pictures with him or ask him to tell us what happens, this mean we have to read the book and he knows the difference.

* I give Tommy two options, the one I want and an undesirable one (for example, a penalty) 75% of the time the kid chooses the undesirable option and I know it's just to spite me. God help us when he's a teenager.

* Finn is starting to smile and babble a little bit. He mostly prefers to babble and smile at inanimate objects but we'll take it.

A few pics...

Watching the planes, eating a muffin, waiting for Cara! Nice outfit T!

For comparison...

Finners & Tommy

They look really different to me. Do you know which one is which? Sometimes I see similarities, but here they seem so different.

Things I love today

2009-08-25T17:49:00.001-05:00

* the way tommy puts on a ball cap. He's all boy ready to run off and be all rough and tumble...then he chooses footwear, his rubber frog galoshes of course...then he wants to wear my "beaufital neck-a-lis." (his pronunciation is hilarious).

*Greg, just Greg. Especially doing anything dad related.

*Finn. Not much happens yet, but his hobbies include napping with dad and staring at his big brother.

* when Tommy says, "Oh Finners is crying, he wants his big brother!" Then he runs over and hugs and kisses him. Or when I walk by and find a little car or truck tucked in with Finn, because Tommy wanted to share.

* fighting with Tommy over cleaning up his blocks. He has some funny tactics, I'll admit. One of my favorites is when he has alligator arms and says, "uh, uh I can't reach them!"

* they way Tommy pretends. He likes to make pizza pie and drink coffee. He asks me to cheer for him when he participates in a variety of sporting activities. He says things like, "Hey you tree, you're gonna go in a penalty for being naughty!"

* when T "reads" his books to himself.

* the questions, including:
       What are you doing?
        What am I doing?
        What? (this one is best if you can hear the inflection)
        Can I have some?
        What's that noise?

* that Tommy thinks there is a train and a conductor involved when his dad "trains people" at the gym.

that's all I can think of for right now...but this was refreshing, maybe I'll do it again sometime.

Baby Finn

2009-08-23T21:43:00.012-05:00

So the big news...the newest member of our family is finally here. I say finally, but he was two days early so I should be less dramatic. However, I have been pregnant since right around the time we moved back to MN, so at my work I've been pg for as long as they've known me which = forever.

Finnegan John Young was born Tuesday, August 11, 2009

9:40 a.m. 8 lbs 9 oz 21 inches

WARNING!

If you are not interested in any details no matter how mild, skip this section!

My last day of work was Monday, August 10th. As we got closer to the end I was getting more nervous about our decision to try and labor after ending up with a c-section last time. (Tommy = 36 hours of labor including approx. 4 hours of pushing and forceps then a c-section) The recovery was not good so I was nervous in general for any way that this baby wanted to enter the world. Monday a.m. we had an ultrasound to gestimate the size of baby. The reasoning being Tommy was 7 lbs and 19 1/2 inches (average to small), so if this baby seemed like it was going to be bigger, we'd just schedule a c-section. The results didn't really help. They said the baby was approx. 7 lbs 12 oz, BUT that could be + or - a pound. So basically this baby could be anywhere from about 7 lbs up to almost 9 lbs. We had to wait for the "official" results at our next appointment anyways, so we decided it didn't really offer us an easier way to make or change our decision.

Off to work for my last day which was going along fine, until the kids woke from nap. Someone wet their cot, another kid had a bloody nose and then I was pretty sure... then yep totally sure my water broke. At first just a little, then huge! (like my shoes were wet) A few details in between Greg takes me to the hospital. I was having contractions but nothing major. We gave it through the night but by morning less than nothing was happening. Our basic wants for trying to labor again were:

1) didn't want to pick baby's b-day

2) wanted to try because after the 2nd c-section, I won't have a choice

3) it's nice to avoid major surgery and the recovery

Basically I wanted to give my body a chance to have this baby and it wasn't doing anything and I wasn't so gung-ho about labor thing that I was willing to move into pitocin etc., so we decided to just move on and have the c-section.

Having made that decision, this time the surgery experience was really different. Last time it was a relief and I felt like everything happened so fast. This time I was very aware of everything getting numb, how heavy it felt to breathe, that Greg couldn't be with me until they were ready to start. Plus, I was freaking out about if we made the right decision. But once he cried, it was all right. I also got to see him coming into the world (or at least his butt being born).

Excuse my nose, they told me that the numbing stuff would make me itchy. They did not mention that it would be my nose itching and I would be able to stop. So it's swollen and itchy, and I itched it so much that I had to grow some new skin. ouch!

The recovery part has been way, way easier this time and Tommy has been an amazing big brother. So helpful, compassionate, loving, and patient. I keep waiting for that to change. Finn has been awesome! Super laid back, a fairly decent sleeper, hardly fussy and has gained 1 lb 1 oz in a week. (The opposite of my first experience)

getting ready to go home, practicing his future profession, hog calling champion

The thing that strikes me the most is the first time you do certain things or go certain places after a baby is born into your life. It always feels so strange to stand in a place you've been many times without a child, or being the parent of only one. It is really weird to hardly be able to remember the experience as it was before...

Before we had kids, plural. Before it was "our boys."

Back from a hormone-induced hiatus

2009-08-23T21:03:00.013-05:00

It's been a while. It seemed like the longer I waited and the more I made the statement, "I should really put something up on the blog," the less I felt motivated to do it. Now it's just plain awkward. No time like the present I guess. Here is the quick version of all that has happened during July and August.

Me = Big, hot, swollen, and irritable. Then I had a baby, more on that later.

Greg = Working hard and definitely fulfilling the role as the fantastic guy I married.

Tommy = Awesome! He has been growing so fast. Only complete sentences for this guy, followed by tons of questions. (Most popular question: "What are you doing?") My favorite thing lately is to watch him eat raisins out of those little tiny boxes. He concentrates so hard on shoving those pudgy fingers in that little box and he is so joyful about eating them. Funny guy!

Some pictures of what we've missed.

Fourth of July parade in Forest Lake. I got hot, Tommy had a tantrum and a subsequent 2 minute minor for unsportsmanlike conduct, I fell grabbing him as he darted for the street, got a grass stain on my pants, If I remember correctly there may have been a messy diaper involving some time spent walking around with no pants. (Tommy, of course) ;) Later for fireworks he freaked. Happy Fourth of July.

Tommy showing off his fire fighter hat from The Taste of Shorview. He got to man the fire hose and go inside a real fire truck. A very popular activity.

Also a very popular activity, getting some loving from Ella!

Also shameful from these past few months...the picture taking of thing happening in our lives. Oh well, maybe next time.

Down at the Station

2009-06-30T14:10:00.004-05:00

So we went for a train ride a few weekends ago with Nanny, Bonka, Uncle Mo-Mo, Lyssa, and Great Grandma and Grandpa. I was a little nervous about how it all would go since Tommy loves the idea of trains, but his in person reaction is funny. It's kind of like dogs...he likes them until they make noise and then he chickens out. I worried needlessly, because it was a huge hit and now everytime he sees a train he yells, "Hey, come back here! Hey, mom! I want to ride it, that train." Also interesting about this train ride, the conductor guy. Everytime Tommy sees him he wants to give him his ticket, and for a guy who volunteers/works (i'm not sure which) for a pretty family friendly gig, he was ridiculous. He kept trying to tell the 2 year-old, "no, no you keep it. I already did that." Seriously guy, just take the freakin' ticket from the kid and then hand it back to me. He might ask you to do it 1000 times, but he was saying please! Tommy was so confused. I'm sure he was thinking, "I know this hat guy takes the ticket...why won't he take mine?"

Looking for boats, another a Duluth obsession

This fella was interesting, but Tommy loved the hat

How could you not take this kid's ticket?

Cricket taking Tommy for a walk

2009-06-30T14:01:00.002-05:00

This is my parent's dog, Cricket. She's a total diva and my mom is trying to teach Tommy how to manage her on a walk. I like the part where Crick starts to jog a little and Tommy's going, "uh,uh,uh,uh!" and running after her.

The latest of the belly

2009-05-26T20:41:00.003-05:00

If you think this looks like a magic eye photo, you might be correct...our camera is messed. It has taken plenty of decent photos lately but every belly photo is just enough out of focus to mess with your head...maybe it's a sign the camera doesn't want to take any more photos of me. I wouldn't put it up except it takes me so long to coordinate Greg and I to be together to take a pic ;) so this is 29 or 30 weeks. I should have had an appointment this past friday, but we were down to one car so I had to reschedule. It takes me longer to get there than to have the appointment, so I don't mind too much. I am definitely huge these days. By the end of the 10 hour work day, it takes a concerted effort not to waddle. Tommy is doing well and growing so fast. I pretty much can't keep up with him right now. So I know this is short but I'll write more when I can get a decent photo. ;)

Play Ball

2009-05-08T20:49:00.007-05:00

Daddy said there had to be a bat picture :)

One of my favorites

thowing from the stretch

throwing lefty

now we're righty?

don't let your daddy catch you kicking it ;)

We made a trip up to Duluth to watch our favorite team, play a few. Tommy mostly chased his pal Max around and decided to get in some bp (but he was scared of the netting around the batting cage) and pitch a few from the mound in the bullpen. I was quite angry at my camera when all was said and done, the light was great and I got some cool shots that I can't use because I can't even tell where the camera was focusing, if at all. I'm mostly an idiot that's why I have a point and shoot, but I was still bummed. I have a few good ones, but I know there were two for sure I was really bummed not to be able to use :( Also since he moves around so fast, I'm mostly behind him trying to catch up. Not too many face pictures. Plus the camera is so slow to take the picture, even it he is looking/smiling ever, I miss it.

A Thing or Two

2009-05-01T03:35:00.006-05:00

Since, sleeping at 2:30 in the a.m. is not happening right now, and I already cleaned the bathroom and I can't get my hair trimmed at this hour, I'll share a few things.

Baby #2 update: 25 or 26 weeks, not sure...they told me both due dates at different points during my last appointment and I know around mid-July I'll be hoping for an early arrival so maybe next time I'll ask which one is "the one." No big issues to report, besides the obvious, I'm NOT sleeping right now. This baby moves around way more than Tommy did, and other than that, we're just trucking along. I'll add a picture sometimes soon...Greg and I might need to be in the same room in order for that to happen, but I have hope that eventually that's going to happen :)

Tommy is as busy as ever. The pictures below are of Tommy, "helping it" in my parents yard, (I tried not to panic that he grabbed Cricket's pooper scooper for a shovel) and also his new haircut (courtesy of mom) that is a LITTLE too short. I know it will grow back but it makes me sad he looks so old. I wanted it a bit shorter to save myself that it needs to be cut like every other week, but I guess my depth perception is not very good and once I buzzed one strip, I had to do the rest. I'll include a better pic, but he was so proud of his haircut being like his dad's I had to include it. I almost forgot about the last little pic. Mr. T put himself in a 2 minute penalty. He was having a moment and Greg asked him if he "needed a 2 minute penalty" (it's what we call it) and Tommy, fussing in very flamboyant style, walked himself over and sat down next to the half wall in the kitchen to pout. We wanted to go and talk with him, but we were trying too hard not to laugh out loud or be seen laughing at him. I crawled over and peeked the camera around the corner to get that photo. Notice the t-shirt (I Blame My Parents). Hil-a-rious!!

"I'm helping it mom!"

more helping

Like father, like son (still looks Hennessy to me)

2 minutes for unsportsman-like conduct

Conversations with T

2009-03-23T20:29:00.006-05:00

So my child is a chatty little thing and I want to share some of the many funny things I hear on a regular basis. Keep in mind some of the words only come out as versions of this as opposed to the actually way the words should sound but, I'll only substitute his true pronunciation when I can figure out how to type it. ;)

"Mom, I'm funny."

"No, I'm serious."

"Mom, coffee please." (one morning, his first words...he has never had coffee)

"No lelling (yelling), Mom." (on our commute, I may have said something unkind but I kept it clean)

"Bluebellies, mom please, please, please." (he really likes blueberries, he could eat a gallon for sure)

"Hey, girl, hey!" (a favorite greeting he learned in Omaha)

"Cute, oh cute shoes." (he likes to wear my shoes, and he always says this when he has them on)

"Oh good job guys, good singing!" (he said that after I stopped on American Idol to listen to someone)

"Good job guys, good driving, see ya 'morrow!" (he said this one day to the other cars on our drive home)

"My sad" (he always says this when he's sad, instead of saying, "I'm sad." I know someday he has to say it correctly but I hope this one lasts for a while)

That's all I can think of for now, but if I come up with some good ones, I'll post them.

20 weeks baby #2

As far as baby #2 goes...not much to report. The big ultrasound in on Friday, but we don't find out what we are having so it's a little anti-climatic compared to most. This pregnancy has been similar to my first in some ways and so different in others. Luckily both times I was never throw up sick, although this time the second trimester has been a little bit more "blech" for me than any of my last pregnancy. I'm either starving, but don't want anything to eat or I crave something so specific and it is the only thing that I want. Last time I didn't really have any cravings. The weird one for me was biscuits and gravy. I had to have it and once I did it was over. It was just weird and something I would never eat under any normal circumstances. I think I am more tired but don't really have time to think about that I am feeling more tired. ;) I have been able to feel the baby moving since about 15 weeks, so that's cool. It took me forever to figure out which abdominal feelings were baby moving last time. I am also quite proud of the fact that I have not gained a pound yet, however, considering how far behind I started, I probably still have a ways to go yet before that fact translates to less weight to lose after baby is born. Plus, as evidence by the picture above, you can't really tell my belly is there too much, but my backside is definitely representing. My friend Kim, is also expecting her second and it has been fun to talk about the difference etc. between the first and second times around. I also look forward to commiserating with her during the scalding hot months of summer when we are large and swollen. :(

Tommy's 2 (and we have a new family member)

2009-03-12T09:36:00.018-05:00

So T turned the big 2 on Sunday, March 8th. We didn't really do much, my brother and his family and Alis came over, and brought "bluebellies," so pretty much we were set! Tommy could eat a gallon of blueberries, easily. So not much else to report. Baby Lucas, my nephew and T's new cousin, was born on Monday, February 23, so he's the beautiful baby. Tommy talks about, "Baby Lucas cly (cry), he sad, he bonked." I'm not sure how this story came to be, but anytime we mention a baby, this is the line we hear.

I think this pic is funny, because he looks so disgruntled!

Now he's happy!

Baby Lucas' feet are so cool!

Kisses!!!

I love to giggle at Baby Lucas!

I remember when Tommy turned one, I spent the 36 hours previous to his birth time, remembering, and realizing exactly how many things happen in life during that amount of time. Sleeping, eating, working, cooking, watching tv, sleeping some more, waking, eating, working almost another full day and the whole time saying, yep, last year at this time I was still in labor.

Now to the current time, at 2 Tommy loves running, yelling, cars, trucks, trains, bluebellies, hockey, and is a great mimic, unless your request is good behavior. He seems all boy but can walk amazingly well in high heels and also tells me "cute" everytime he wears them. He is adjusting well to "school" but still fusses at drop off and also gets sad at the end of the day, when he watches others get picked up and still has to wait an hour or so for me. I think he will be a great big brother because he loves to help, and wants to be a "big" boy more than anything. I had a conference with his teachers yesterday, and they reassure me that he's doing great and he's cute and fun, but I worry, does he hit, throw fits, is he a poor listener? So far no, or so they say. I can't believe how fast it has gone, or how much I love this little person. The best thing is a big smile and a request for hugs and kisses. Anytime, pal.

2009-02-17T13:33:00.002-06:00

Weekend @ Nana & Bonka's

2009-02-16T19:58:00.007-06:00

Since we moved here...

2009-01-29T22:10:00.001-06:00

Tommy doesn't say "Home," all the time and doesn't talk non-stop about hockey. Maybe it really was a sign. Ultrasound tomorrow!!

Appointment Update

2009-01-19T19:39:00.003-06:00

So my friends, we learned absolutely nothing at the appointment, except that I think going with a midwife is the right decision. I'm not talking at home in the bathtub kind of midwife, but in a hospital setting, with a midwife.

The reason that we learned nothing at the appointment is because a very little someone vomited everywhere right when we got to the clinic. AWESOME! Did I mention that I also lost my wallet (thank god someone turned it in) and we needed to go to Omaha to pick up the rest of out things this past weekend. Boo sickness! So since vomits Mcsickpants showed up I cleaned him off and hoped it was a fluke, but when he vomited the second time (into a trash can this time) we decided that we wouldn't accomplish very much at this appointment, so I'll try again on February 6th. It was the first time my day off coordinated with the schedule :( I am a little sad to wait, but I have an ultrasound a week from tomorrow so at least we'll learn something then. Plus when we got to Omaha I had an extra pregnancy test so I took it just to be sure and it was positive, again! Lately I've been wondering if some of my prenancy symptoms like tiredness and crying about EVERYTHING are just in my head or not. I don't really get that sick so I could in theory just be mental. But the test held me off for a while at least. Then maybe next Tuesday it will seem real. The sick boy spent the weekend with Nanny and Grampa and is recovering well, even though we had to stay home today from problems with his other end. AH, the joys of children! At least he was cute and cuddly today ;)

Hello Again

2009-01-15T21:55:00.012-06:00

I know, I know. I take too long. And since I don't really have much to say, I thought I might post some pictures to take us back in time a while. Not like the juicy, embarassing eighth grade haircut photos, but pictures of little T. Since I have a new little one on the brain these days...first appointment tomorrow. So here's a few.

leaving the hospital, he's so little!

This is one of my favorites! He's about 6 months or so.

Last but not least...

I am actually going to do this again?

Maybe after my appointment I'll have something more interesting to say. I suppose when it comes to all things medical, less is more as far as interesting goes. Interesting probably means trouble, hey?

Update

2008-12-30T13:57:00.006-06:00

So I told myself that if I did this blogging bit, I would do my best to post once a week. That is obviously NOT happening right now, but I'll share a little update. We are in the Twin Cities area with our bodies and about 15% of our belongings. Both Greg and I have started jobs that I think are going well. We will eventually return quickly to Omaha to collect our things, hopefully by the end of the month. Tommy is slowing adjusting to his new setting in a room at the preschool. He's been a touch emotional, but we'll all adjust once things calm down (if that every happens). It was great to be with family over Christmas and to know that we don't have to wait another year before that happens again. I am looking forward to the new year and all the promise it brings for us. So in conclusion, we are happy, healthy, and mostly here. I'll try to make the next one more interesting ;)

Bun in the Oven

2008-12-16T13:23:00.000-06:00

Just in case we weren't all sure that the Young family is a total gong show right now. On top of everything else, we are expecting a new addition to our family sometime in August. Obviously. Why wouldn't now be the perfect time, right? Everything else is up in the air and unknown, lets add a dash of a NEW BABY. Yup, nuts...totally crazy, nuts, and happy.

another potential one of these ;)

p.s.

2008-12-08T20:36:00.001-06:00

It says I posted that last one at 5:24 a.m. Totally did not. It's 8:37 p.m. in fact. Just so you know.

There's no place like home

2008-12-05T07:24:00.001-06:00

So if you haven't heard, we are moving to the Minneapolis area. And yes, we just moved 3 months ago. We just like moving so much, we wanted to do it twice...more like we just couldn't stand to be away from all of you great Minnesota people for even another second. We are very excited but there are lots of details to work out yet, and I think Greg will leave in a week and I should follow soon after. Look out, Sieberer's here we come!

Okay, now for the fun stuff. I'm going to try to post a video of T.
Let's see if this works!

You can't tell because they've fallen down in this part of the video, but T is wearing a pair of his dad's vikings shorts. They looked really funny ;) You can see him kind of scoot towards the camera near the end of the video because they're around his ankles. (It's taking a really long time to "process," I hope that it works.) I would also like to note that at the end of the video, I ask him to say, "love you," and he says, "love you, daddy." The nerve! We all know he's the favorite but come on, play hard to get or something! Man, I've been using a ton of exclamation points lately. I need to cut back. New Year's resolution maybe...though I probably have bigger things to work on. I'll try to post some harmonica action on the next video post. He got it from his mee-ma, and I'll never forget the first time he played it, I though the kid was going to pass out! He made music when he was breathing in and out! Too funny!

Two things

2008-11-21T14:09:00.000-06:00

Okay, two things I had to share...maybe three. First thing, we love Minnesota and miss it a ton. Right now we live in Nebraska which is feels like forever away, and we hope that we can get closer to home someday. Now, when you think Minnesota, besides cold, you probably think, hockey, right? So Nebraska is the opposite of that, not much hockey going on here. There is definitely a hockey drought here. So Tommy has lived a lot of his life without this staple of Greg's and my culture. Although we did take him as an infant to a Wisconsin hockey game, but I don't think they were very good that year :( and other than attending a hockey game, probably before he could see color, he has not experienced this. Okay, getting to my point...whenever a channel flashes by with a game or hockey highlights on, the kid sits up and says, "Hockey." Now I'm sure he's heard the word, possible referred to occasionally along with an image, but I think the northern MN is so ingrained, he just knows what hockey is. I worked for weeks just to get the kid to say, "love you," or something like that, and he's only heard the word "hockey" in passing and he can smell the hockey before we get to the channel. It's definitely a sign that we belong in MN.

You know when you are in the car and you pull up to your house after being gone all day, or on a long trip and you say, "We're home!" Our kid is so used to being a nomad, every time the car stops he calls out, "HOME!" Poor kid, he's been in so much transition and moved so much, he thinks home is the grocery store, gas station, where I nanny, and the stoplight at 156th and Q street. Or maybe the constant use of "home" is another sign that we should move home where the kid can see "hockey" anytime he pleases!

Alright, last thing, #3 I think ;) Yesterday I was talking to Tommy and he does this:

Excuse me? Really, Tommy? Sticking your fingers in your freaking ears, how old are you, like 2? Okay not 2, but getting close enough apparently to sass me. What, did your daddy teach you that really cute trick? Is he trying to tell me that I talk to much? So most people don't see Greg right off the bat when they look at Tommy, but his name is written all over this little move. Would make a lovely Christmas card, don't you think?

Chatty Cathy

2008-11-18T12:51:00.000-06:00

blowing kisses in his new Irish sweater ;)

So I know I said the next post would be video, but that might take me a bit.

Lately I've been trying to tally the number of words Tommy has. My friend Kristy mentioned that she was doing this and was amazed at the jumps in vocabulary that she wasn't even aware of. For curiousity sake, I tried to do that this weekend. The kid says far more than I ever imagined.

I'll only share the ones I think are the funniest or I enjoy the most. One of the latest things is the phrase, "here you go." Although it sounds like "hee-ya go," we've been working on being helpful and that's his go-to helpful phrase. We also recently discovered the "moon," "pockets," and "punkins." I love the way he looks for the moon no matter what time of day it is, looks for everything in his pockets, and during Halloween spoke to his pumpkins as though they were his friends. "Hey, punks!" Sometimes he would pat them gently or give them a kiss. Another fan favorite is the word, "guy." It works for everything. I am surprised at the frequency that one word applies appropriately to communicate with us.

The last words I'll share I think are interesting because I never know when he's going to pull them out. Usually when we're driving somewhere he starts asking about "Tom" and "Abra." We haven't seen Tom and Audra in several months, yet he regularly brings them up. They must be the friends in Madison he misses the most ;)

In the end, we stopped counting around 120 or so. The final tidbit I'll share is a conversation from yesterday. We were waiting for Greg to get home and I asked Tommy, "Is daddy your best bud?" He turns to me, dead serious, nods is head and replies, "Oh, yeah." Hilarious.

Sharing a little love

2008-11-11T12:35:00.000-06:00

Since we live so far away from EVERYBODY, I thought maybe I would attempt this blog thing to share some of the love we have for everyone so far away! So here's a photo of Mr. T...he's nineteen months in this photo, I think we took it sometime in September. So as Tommy would say, "lub-loo." Translate, "love you." My next goal is to post a video of him...the question is, which talent do we showcase? Dancing, harmonica playing, the list goes on. We'll see!