Playing Catch-up

Our first few weeks home with Jonathan have been a whirlwind of various events, many of which we've captured on our camera but not on our blog. Here's my attempt to play catch up.

We had our very first visitors within 2 hours of arriving home from the hospital the day after Jonathan was born...Aunt Kimberly and cousins Amanda and Elizabeth.


On Saturday the 8th, Jimmy took James to his first roller skating birthday party. The two of them had a blast skating together and James is now begging for a skating party of his own one day. The practice was good for Jimmy who then took Abby to her first roller skating party the following day after church. He even participated in a speed skate competition and came in 2nd place. Abby was so proud of her Dad. I'm just sad we didn't get pictures of either event. We're hoping to plan a family trip to the rink soon, so there may be pictures down the road.

Veteran's Day marked Jonathan's 2 week "birthday" and well child check. The Dr. said he was doing great and measured in at exactly 8 lbs and 21-1/4". While we were at his appointment, the Earnhardt's were here playing. Jonathan & I were anxious to get back to the house to join the fun.
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On Friday the 14th Daddy took the older 3 kids on a date to see High School Musical on Ice. There they met up with Aunt Stephanie, Kyra, Maya and two of their friends. The kids loved the show and can't wait to try ice skating for themselves. Now, it may be awhile before we attempt that family outing. Until then, we'll leave it to the pro's and enjoy Disney on Ice again in the future.

Showers of Blessings

Thank you so much to my awesome sister-in-law and mother-in-law, who hosted a family shower today in honor of our sweet little Jonathan.

He got to meet his Great-Grandma Strate for the first time, along with several other dear friends and family members. Thank you so much Kim and Sue!

Artistic Aliya

What a two year old does when there's not paper readily available:

Photos Compliments of Abby

So Abby grabbed the camera tonight and started snapping pictures. I'm so thankful that she did, as I'm realizing just how few pictures I have of the two of us.

Typically I'm the one behind the camera capturing those tender moments between the siblings. It sure has been fun having "older" kids in the house this time around.
Yes, he IS my son despite all the blonde in his hair. Can't wait to see what color his hair is this time next year. Until then, I'm enjoying the highlights.

Jonathan's One Week Old

Has it really been one week since little Jonathan arrived? He's already changing so quickly, becoming more alert and interested in what's going on around him. Fortunately for him, he's been blessed with a bunch of fun siblings who love to entertain and cuddle him.
Snoozin' in Josiah's arms
"Mom, he must love me! He's smiling" Taken the day we came home from the hospital 10/29/08
One of many, many kisses he's received from James
Brotherly Love
Do you think she could be any happier to have her little brother?

You Know You're a Finnestad If...

We've all heard the jokes "You Know You're a Redneck If..." but today, a brief conversation started me thinking about those wonderful traits that define us as Finnestad's. You Know You're a Finnestad when the following conversation is as normal as discussing the weather:

Josiah walking into the kitchen: "Mom, look at these huge worms I found."
Mom: "Wow! Those are so big Sy. Very cool!"
Josiah a little later...back in the house: "Hey Mom, I made them a habitat and found them some friends."
Mom: "You sure have a bunch of them there. Way to go! You may need to release them soon. We don't want them injured."
Josiah after releasing them: "Well, I released them...but I had to kiss them first."
Mom: "Oh really? Did they kiss you back?"
Josiah (eyes rolling slightly): "Mom, they don't have no lips."

End of conversation and on to the next adventure of the day.

Now I'm curious. How would YOUR FAMILY complete that sentence? "You Know You're a __________ If..."??? I'll be looking forward to your responses.

Go Bumblebee's!

The boys "jumped" right into their Saturday morning with Josiah's Soccer Party held at the Bouncy Place at 8:45 am!

Josiah really enjoyed playing for the Bumblebees this year and became quite the "Goal Scorin' Machine"! He had a blast celebrating with his team today.

Josiah and Coach Bobby