Carter Loves Cereal!

Kinda...only with water and only if he opens his mouth wide...otherwise it ends up all over his bib:)

Letters From Santa

Kit & Carter got both of their letters and even some reindeer dust to sprinkle on the lawn for Christmas Eve night.

Christmas Craft Day

Do we have a tradition in the making?

Dear Carter,

You are four months old now and you are a very good baby. You are strong, healthy, and smiling. Our lives are that much more special because you became part of it. I don't know why I was nervous for you to come? Because once we welcomed you on August 7th, I knew that everything was going to be just fine. And it is. We are, all four of us, trying to figure out how this Finley family works well together. It's been a bit bumpy...but we are getting there. I hope that you feel safe, secure, and loved here. I hope your first year is as good as Kit's. Both of you are so lucky to have many people in our families who genuinely love you. There is nothing better than growing up around people who will always encourage you, laugh with you, and love you. I know that because you will build strong connections with family and friends, you will be happy and feel confident in the fact that you have a special place in the hearts of many. Right now, when sometimes it feels like the world's future doesn't seem the brightest....I hope, at the very least, you will be grateful for your family and return that love into the world. Remember, you are my favorite son and you always will be.
*Mom

We are Ready for Santa

We are decorated inside and out. Kit thought decorating the tree was the most fun this year. She made sure that her pink ornament was a lot higher to the top of the tree than Carter's blue ornament. Is this the beginning of holiday sibling rivalry? I have a feeling she's going to make sure Carter doesn't have more presents than her:)

Kit and a Few of Her Boys

We are Ready...Winter, Bring It On

Leaves & grass gone. Final mowing of 2012 done. Outdoor furniture stacked away. Garage clean and ready for cars. New snowblower just waiting for a chance to gobble up the white stuff. We may be sad to see Fall go...but at least we are ready for Winter. Good job Troy Finley, once again the neighborhood got tired just watching you work.

One Happy Baby

Our Last Week Together

Carter got a cold this week. His nose is stuffy and his eyes are a bit gunky. He's getting to know the nose-sucker and vicks chest rub all too soon. I hope his first Wisconsin winter will treat him well.

It's our last week to snuggle together before I go back to work. That's right, the money tree didn't bloom this summer in our backyard. Must've been too dry for it:)

Another Stripe Lover

There's another member in the family that I can buy stripes for! The more the merrier.

Halloween Prep

Little Miss Independent

This was last Sunday when it was 50-60 degrees outside. Kit was watching someone swim on the IPAD and needed to match them. (Several outfit changes are not uncommon these days.) She lasted about 15mins outside before she got cold and wanted to come back in.

He's Gonna be a Charmer

Carter's starting to get a bigger personality. More smiles and sounds have been coming our way lately.

Carter Can Make Service Calls

Carter is starting his internship early with Point Electric & Pump. He's working from the top-down, supervising/observing Troy first before he can roll-up his sleeves and get dirty. 

Hunka Chunka Baby Love

Carter and "baby" Ellie hangin' out on the floor.

Mirror Mirror

Sometimes Carter needs to be held and rocked to sleep in the bathroom where it's kinda dark and the floors don't creak. This gives me time to look in the mirror and ask:

"Why won't he go to sleep?"

"Why don't I just lay him in his bed?"

"Why haven't I brushed my hair or my teeth?"

"Why doesn't the laundry put itself away?"

"Who is going to scrub the tub?"

Believe it or not, the mirror doesn't answer me back.

Big Sister

It is rare that Kit will actually sit still when she holds Carter. She always has to move him around and I am constantly reminding her that babies do not like to be jiggled. But, you know what? I don't think he minds...I think I mind more than he does. I just have to remember that all the jiggling is filled with love.

One Tutu, Two Kids

Happy Birthday Grandma Wagner!

Kit and Carter can't wait to see you this weekend to share some birthday cake.

Dear Carter,

So, you've met us and you've met most of the closest famdamily.  What do you think? Did you make it to the right place? We hope so, cuz we wouldn't return you for anything. (Kit, on the other hand, we would consider for the right price!) You are one of the easiest babies we know. A good eater, a pretty good sleeper, and a great communicator...just like your sister:)
You will notice that your sister is one-of-a-kind. She is very extroverted, opinionated, friendly, active and loves to snuggle with you. I am apologizing in advance for the 1+ years you will have to endure her pokes, prods, yelling in your ear, and squeezing until you can fend for yourself. You will learn that she is a great nurturer and she will become one of your favorite people because you are already one of hers. She can't stop taking care of you and I think that sooner or later I will have to leg-wrestle her for bath-time rights. But, you already know all of this because you can hear us negotiating, comprising, loving you together 24/7.
Your Dad is also one-of-a-kind. You will observe over the next few months, that he doesn't sit still much...usually to eat and watch the Packers. I'm convinced all Finleys are born with worms because they don't sit still very long.... and you will probably have this quality too:) He is strong, honest, reasonable, clever and patient. He is an excellent teacher and engineer. He is one of the most self-less people I know. One that others call to for help and he is one that helps in return.
And then there's me, the one that answers most of your night-time calls and dirty diaper 911's. I think we've been doing pretty good together when Dad leaves for work and Kit leaves for school. You will soon find out that I can get a little high-strung, a bit impatient, and worry about the smallest things. This is a bit far-off, but I hope you realize I make an effort to have a decent supper on the table and I wish more than anything that you will eat it...unlike your sister. (FYI- I don't think eating will be a problem for you and we are quite sure that you would drink liquefied steak & potatoes right now.) I never thought I would say this...but if you decide that you want to be a "mama's boy" I won't tell anyone. It will be our little secret.

Officially a Preschooler

Kit ran to the bus when it pulled-up and seriously, I had to ask her twice to "please stop!" to get this picture taken. Her good friend JackJack was sitting inside and she slid-in right next to him. A great first day and she has lots of show & tell's, letter sound-bags, and Friday cooking days ahead. And yes, the polka dot shirt, check skirt, and flip-flops were all her:)

Kit is Getting Ready for 4K

Tonite we visit school so Kit can meet her 4K teacher, unload her supplies, and meet some new friends.  She is ready...more than ready. This little girl was born for all things school = she loves people, she needs a good challenge, and she says she is ready for homework. So happy to see her excited as she starts being more independent than ever. She will ride the school bus to and from school and we can't wait to hear her stories. 

Being Silly

Carter Comes Home

And baby makes four....we are settling-in this week and trying to get into the swing of the things. Healthy baby and happy big sister! Welcome Carter William, you were definitely worth the wait.

I'm Gettin' There

Baby #2 coming in a couple of weeks. Have been getting a lot of good energy sent my way and have been sharing birth stories with a lot of people. Thinking a lot lately about upcoming labor and looking forward to a positive experience. Can't wait to see our new little man and either can Kit!

Summer Pix

It's been too long since we've checked-in here and just wanted to post a few pix of what we've been up to in the last two months as we've tried to stay cool, have fun, & play with family/friends.

Painted

Kit & Liam sat nice and still for some body paint last night. Not too often that just Kit & Liam get to play together without big brother RoRo...they had fun!