C'est Magnifique

Bil gave me the most AMAZING birthday present a girl could ever dream of, a trip to Paris with one of my best friends, Karen! He is officially the best husband! It has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl and he made it come true. He did this water color and gave it to me enclosed in the book This is Paris. Finn couldn't wait to give me the present and seems to think that he will be going with me.

Happy Birthday Merry Christmas!

I love the holiday season, even more so because my birthday is just 6 days before Christmas. I have to say that I do get the shaft most birthdays, but it's easy to forget with all of the holiday excitement. This year feels different from any other. I am celebrating a huge milestone, turning 40. I've been preparing myself for the past year, so I am ready to say that I'm officially old. Although, I don't feel old and that is the good news. I started running for the first time in May and completed 3 5Ks and a half marathon in 6 months. It was my goal to run a 5K before I turned 40 and I'm so proud that I could accomplish that and more. Finn keeps saying that I need to decide what I want for my birthday. He says it is a tricky one and suggested a doll house. It's a very sweet suggestion, but I can think of many other things I would like. I have no idea what Bil has planned, so this should be interesting.

Giving Thanks

The past couple of years have been extremely difficult for my family. We've had to sadly accept an ending to many lives and relationships in a short period of time. When our son was diagnosed with ASD last year, it felt like the end. Little did I know, it was the beginning of something amazing. We were pushed to the edge emotionally and physically. After a year of hard work, I now see that it was all worth the effort. I am so thankful for our adorable, hilarious, loving and super smart little guy. I am thankful for my husband, who keeps me laughing through all of the crap and happens to be the most amazing father. I am thankful for our families who have supported us in more ways than I can mention. I am thankful for our friends who checked on us constantly and made sure we stayed sane. This year, I realize that I'm a pretty lucky lady. I can't wait to eat a ton of stuffing and celebrate with good friends. Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Halloween

Trick or Treat? Finn prefers trick or better yet a toy. Four Halloween parties this year and trick or treating. All of this candy that Finn will not eat! Who do you think eats it? Me of course! I do have my favorites, the chocolate is the first to go. Finn also likes to tell everyone that he doesn't like candy and that his mommy will eat it. He also tried to give some of the candy back at one house in the neighborhood. I wonder what they were giving away? We made it to 5 houses and Finn told me that he was ready to go home. When he woke up the next morning, he asked if Rudolph would be coming to our house. I guess it's time to get the Christmas decorations out.

nighty-night

Bedtime is very methodical at our house. Sometimes I wonder if my "Baby Wise" scheduling methods created a monster. Finn goes to bed without any arguments, goes right to sleep and sleeps through the night. He has always been like this, which amazes our friends when they witness the routine. The problem arises each night when we spend 15 minutes putting every stuffed creature in a particular order on the bed or the dresser, some covered with blankets, a few of them need squishy toys to hold to and aliens go on the dresser lined up nicely. This method is to be taken seriously. Finn is not messing around and it needs to be perfect before he can fall asleep. Luckily for him, I also have OCD and totally understand the method to his madness. Sometimes it is a little ridiculous, especially when Yoda requests a specific squishy toy.

Endless Summer

The weather in Florida is finally cooling down, mid 80's. We can actually go to the park and enjoy being outside. After spending the last couple of months hiding inside from the heat, Finn can't get enough of being outside. This is why I love FL, we will be outdoors through the winter and into spring.

Finn's View on Video

Finn was playing angry birds on my phone the other day while I was putting gas in the car. Later that day I was looking for a photo on my phone and noticed at least 10 mysterious videos. We watched them together 3 or 4 times. Apparently he is his own biggest fan, as he fell onto the floor from laughing so hard. Here's a little compilation...