static and smiles...

Our little family enjoying the bitter cold and the sunshine : )

I have no idea why my hair is so static-y, its been like this for days, oh well. At least Chase and Finn are both so handsome!

baby it's cold outside...

We've loved this chilly sunny weather we've been having! So we played out in the yard most of Saturday afternoon, even though it was freezing. It was fun to see Finn playing and exploring around. Also we recently added a new member to our family; a trampoline!

This is the ice from the kitty pool!

my hope for finn...

Before our walk this morning I left the front door wide open to see what Finn would do. This curious little man comes running out of his room only to climb out the door and come right back in. I notice that when Finn starts getting into something or is curious about a new thing he'll look at Chase and I to see what our reactions are. Unless it's the garbage or the toilet (he loves both) I'll just smile and encourage him to try something new.

I think my hopes and prayers for Finn as he grows into a man is that he'll love God with all his heart, and that he'll be confident in who God made him to be.

Go explore the world little man...

pirate party...

Well we did it. We survived Finn's 1st birthday party. I can't believe so many people fit into our tiny home. I really enjoyed seeing the many many faces of those who love on Finni, and all of the babies that were there too! It's funny looking back a year ago, I felt discouraged about having a baby. Now all of those feelings and thoughts seem so silly and so selfish. And I'm so thankful for the people the God's brought into Chase and I's life since Finn.

Here is my little pirate right before the party started!

I am so thankful and blessed to have 2 such handsome guys to call my own...

Oh boy here comes the chocolate cupcake...

Well it wouldn't be a pirate party without a beard.

Thanks to everyone who came and gave my baby hugs. He is a very blessed baby to have so many who love him. And he made out like a pirate with all of the toys he got...

happy x's 2...

Today we celebrated all of the things we are thankful for. Obviously are thankful for our little man Finnigin; for it was exactly one year ago today we met Finn for the very first time.

I always have so much to be thankful for but this year I am mostly thankful to God for giving me a loving husband and a healthily baby. There are so many trials Chase and I overcame this year (I hope we never have to relive them); job layoffs for us both, surgery, broken bones, not to mention the ups and downs of the day to day. I've just felt like there has been a constant cloud of spiritual warfare that's followed me around driving me nuts. It wasn't until I got home from Sierra Leone that I feel the fog has cleared and God has given me direction, which I've been begging for since June. Hooray for new beginnings and God's faithfulness. And I am thankful for the seasons of the undefined; it's not always about where you're going, but who you become along the way.

My amazing parents (who I know will hate me for posting this picture that I made them take).

Happy Birthday Finnigin! Here he is eating his very own pumpkin pie.

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Birthday Finn!

12 month stats...

Today was Finn's 12 month doctor check up. I've been looking forward to this appointment ever since Finn started walking because Finn's pediatrician was my family doctor growing up, and I feel like such a proud mama when Finn is developing and growing and I get to show him off.

It was so cute to see him trot ahead of me into the lobby and walk straight to the toy area.

Now I know some of you might be disgusted by the picture below because of all the possible germs etc. on the floor. BUT, I've found that it is IMPOSSIBLE to hang on to my child if he doesn't want to be held. So if he wants to crawl and walk all around the doctors office, lick the cabinets, and chew on the wheels of that stool; I'm just not strong enough to pry his grip off of anything or wrestle his squirmy body.

My sweet blue eyed baby boy!

Height: 29.5 inches (50%).

Weight: 22.5 lbs (50%).

Head: 18 inches (25%).

Hooray for my growing boy!

a little tuesday hello...

Just wanted to post about how proud we are of Finn. He is walking like a champion, and kind of running! It's so funny to see him trotting through the house like a little man.

Love you Bugy!