A gnome in the family

Our friend Amanda turned 30 and we gathered at Emily's (who took all the photos) house to celebrate.

Then we figured out something about Finn.

He looks just like a gnome!

Actually our whole family does.

Other people taking shots

At the reunion my cousin Jaime took some shots of me. It's always fun when someone else just takes photos of you instead of me going, "Jared will you take a photo of me." But it's always hard getting candids of myself when I'm the one who usually has the camera.

Finn holding on for dear life!

Finn takes on the night

So, Finn was doing pretty well with the 8pm bedtime. Then the other night he refused to go to bed after several attempts. We think he might be getting a tooth, too early you might say. Well, I know he's not even 3 mos. but something sharp is there up top and he has been gnawing on our fingers and knuckles like crazy. Anyhow, I ended up succumbing to his wants and boy did he have a lot to say.

Picnic in my backyward with friends

It's been super beautiful (well it always is in California) and we have a wonderful backyard that I wanted to take advantage of so I invited some friends over for a picnic yesterday. I spent most of Tuesday cooking for it, (takes a lot longer when someone in particular is always demanding my attention.)

Menu:
pasta salad with tomatoes and basil from my mother's garden
sun-dried tomato, chive and dill potato salad
strawberry lemonade
mint chocolate cherry oatmeal cookies
cocoa ginger zucchini muffins
(don't ask for recipes, they were all made up)

The boys found sticks.

Lillie and Sarah telling us all about it:)

Finn only lets Emily hold him...and my new friend Karisa and her new baby.

So Finn is particular about people, but he's warmed up to my cousin Emily (thank goodness) probably since we see her almost everyday. (note the double chin...weighed him this morning and he's 16 lbs.)

Her son James sometimes gets jealous when he sees her holding another baby.

My awesome friend Emily made an appearance. Oh what a treat!

***Still not happy about blogger's poor photo quality!

You are the best thing - Ray LaMontagne

I LOVE THIS SONG! I sing it to Finn and he gives me the best smile! I can't wait for Jared to come home from work so I can sing it to him.

Finn gives a lecture

Yet Another Family Photo

This is the beginning to what will hopefully be many family photos...and hopefully more people will join in the future!

Sleeping feet

Phineas meets Royal

Finn got to meet his cousin (technically 2nd cousin) Royal who is just 2 weeks older.

Royal, "um, how long are we doing this guys? I've got a feeding to get to."

Royal, "Do you mind if I snuggle with you a bit Finn?"

Finn, "Sure why not!"

Royal, "MOM!!! HELP...ENOUGH SNUGGLING!"

Finn, "Royal, come back and snuggle some more!"

P.S. Blogger is posting my Hi-Res photos in horrible quality. Need to figure out why.

It was a two bath kind of day...

...if you know what I mean.

My reward for changing a dirty diaper

What we do at our family reunions

Meeting up with family

Finn did pretty well on the flights this time...probably because he didn't have more than one in a day. He charmed the people ind the aisle seats with his smiles.

It sure was a joy to see Hudson again. I love this kid.

I hadn't seen Johnny in a year. He is so much bigger. It's sometimes hard to get a shot of him though...he artfully hides from the camera.

There we go!

Doesn't my sister Emma look great with another baby:) She gave me a break and carried Finn around (while he slept...sure was mad when he woke up and found out that he wasn't with his mom.) He suffered from MAJOR separation anxiety...I barely had 30 secs to use the bathroom, he would scream in anyone else's arms.

After a couple of days with SO MANY people around...Finn finally warmed up.

Content in Dad's arms.

A Big Time reunion '09

First there were
2
who had 7
to =
9
Well those 7 got married and then there was 16.
Those 14 had 25. So we had 41. 13 of those 25 got married and produced 24 more to equal 78.



Here is the original 25 cousins line up (well the 15 who could make it) and some of their offspring.

*I'm signing an "e" for Emily. She's usually right before me in the lineup...but couldn't make it.

Rocking my baby

This is my great-great grandmother's rocking chair. I used to rock my dolls to sleep on it.

My mother gave me the rocking chair (now refinished) before Finn was born. This is where I spend my nights with Finn. Nursing him and kissing his soft warm cheeks as he zonks out on my shoulder before I reluctantly place him back into his crib for more sleep.

*I edited this post because my grandmother informed me that the rocking chair was my great-GREAT grandmother's rocking chair...not just one great.

Welcome to the world baby Keturah!

Finn has been waiting a long time but she is finally here...

I'd like to welcome my brother's new baby girl Keturah Eve into the world today!

You know your husband really loves you when...

...he is still willing to paint your toes even though you're not pregnant anymore and can reach them again.

Tahoe '09

Tahoe was a bit different this year. I'm used to running, biking, swimming in the lake each morning and hiking a lot. However I did a lot of laying around with Finn, some swimming in the lake...Jared and I did get out to kayak once. It was a lot more mellow. As Jared got to do a swim each morning, or bike ride...I tended (along with my mom's help) to our new little one.

I got this big hat to shade Finn while I held him at the pool.

Uncle Sam getting the hang of things.

Little feet poking out.

Something I do ALL THE TIME...nurse.

It was nice to hang out with my brother Sam.

My boys sleeping!

Beautiful sunsets.

Finn enjoys his baths, and Grandma loves giving them.