Updatalicious

The title sounds more interesting than it probably should.  I have been busy as usual, so I haven't done well with my commitment to update the blog regularly.  Today I am taking a bit of time out to do just that...since if I don't, Christmas will have come and gone before you see anything new here.  And, that just wouldn't be right!

So, what is new?

We took a trip to Washington DC to tour the White House as it is all decked out for Christmas.  It was beautiful, to say the least.  This trip involved our first ever stay in a single hotel room with the wee one.  That was "interesting".  Finnley was quite impressed, but she also knew how to work the system.  Given we were right next to her pack and play, she wouldn't sleep in it.  The only way she would sleep?  In between her mom and dad.  Uggh!  We all survived it, though, so that is good.

Finnley continues to build a relationship and bond with her "brother" Batman.  She loves that dog SO much, and it is so fun to watch them together.  The other morning while I was doing dishes in the kitchen I caught wind of some giggling coming from the front room.  When I walked in and peeked around the corner, I witnessed Finnley curled up in Batman's dog bed giving him hugs and letting him lick her hand.  Such love, and such tolerance.  It melts me every time.

We are closer to filing our application for Finnley to enroll in clown school.  The reason being?  The girl just continues to get taller and more lean, and her feet are growing like crazy!  Just ONE month ago, I bought all new shoes for our little girl.  After about a week of thinking that I had started to really have to jam Finnley's feet into her shoes, I decided to have her feet measured at Stride Rite.  And?  Her feet have grown a full size in about one month's time!  Gulp!  That means all new shoes AGAIN...and it means that we might have a blossoming clown in our family.

What else....what else...what else????

Our smart little toddler is now able to identify her nose, mouth, hair/head, and her belly.  She understands so many words and commands that I am constantly in awe.  Just the other day I realized that she understands both the words basement and laundry.  If I say one or the other?  She heads straight to the basement door and tries to open it.  In addition to my amazement of her verbal comprehension, I am also struck by her dexterity, her strength, and her overall command of fine motor skills.  There isn't much she won't try to do, so that helps her development, for sure.  We are blessed every day to be a witness to such constant growth and change.

Finnley and I have continued to take trips and be a part of many outings.  We both enjoy it.  We have been to the Adventure Aquarium, The Pop Shop, Barnes and Noble, The G Boys Plaza Winter Wonderland, Center City Macy's, The Hard Rock Cafe, The Pottery Barn Kids Christmas concert...and on and on.  I love that we get to explore things together, and I look forward to more outings come the new year.

 

Speaking of the new year...we probably won't be around much until then, as we are off to Chicago to celebrate Christmas with my family.  I think we all can't wait to see all of the many people who eagerly await us there.  So, in the interim before the calendar turns over again....Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year to all!  I look forward to sharing more of our family moments with you in 2011!