Finn is just a few weeks from 2 and a half years old! I am a broken record, but I honestly don't know where the time goes. Being a mom brings me the most joy, fulfillment, stress and exhaustion. But I would not have it any other way.
In this post, I am going to focus on all the "current" updates with Finn. A few details might slip through the cracks, but I will do my best. My upcoming posts will be more about events and things we've been up to!
- He is asked constantly if he is 4 years old. I almost wonder if people expect more from him, because he looks much older than he is. I am learning to not care when I get looks in the store for his "terrible two" tantrum currently happening. Dallin and I even find ourselves expecting more from him, then quickly remembering that he is still so young, in the scheme of things.
- He still resides in his crib. Thanking my stars he hasn't crawled out of it yet. I truly can't explain it because he scales almost everything and anything. I am gonna milk that for as long as I possibly can. Still riding the nap train. 2-3 hours a day. That time is oh so glorious. I seem to accomplish so much more when he isn't nipping at my ankles. And by ankles I mean waist, because he is already more than half of me, in length.
- He is quirky. Will randomly stick his foot in his mouth and giggle. We'll see how long that flexibility lasts. He is drawn to velcro. Not the poky part, but the soft side. He can be found on a regular basis, chewing/sucking on it. Anywhere, anyplace. It might be a sensory thing? I am not sure. Maybe he is deficient in something. I should look into it! He does not discriminate. He sucks on the velcro on his shoes, on the inside of his glamma's sliding glass door, the straps for his bike seat, and the inside of his grandma's cup drawer. One of his nursery leaders told me he literally removed another little girl's shoe and began to chew on the velcro of her shoe. He is unstoppable!
- Talking more and more. Still a bit of gibberish with words thrown in. He is getting it! I try not to compare him to the other little girls in our ward that are speaking in full paragraphs. He is putting words together and learning more each day. My mom often reminds me how fast I spoke and my little brothers eventually got there. Comparison is such an evil thing!! His doctor said he is doing great and to keep working with him.
- Some of our favorite things he says: "Mamen" for amen after prayers. He is very enthusiastic during family prayer these days. D and I love it. He'll fold his arms so tight, close his eyes and can't wait to shout "Mamen." Still working on the reverance:) He calls my mom and dad's dog Sophie, "Phee phee." Yesterday he pointed at that sun and said, "Moon," and I said, "Actually, that is the sun." He then said, "Sun.... that's so hot." I just love hearing the way his mind works and all that he learns every day. Calls my dad, "Bumpa." R2 D2 is lovingly called, "D2." "Tank too" is thank you. Has realized if he says "Please," he is more likely to get something. That word is on repeat. Has it down pat. "Paci" is his word for popcicle. Begs for a bath by saying "toys" because he loves his bath toys. Always asking for a "show" when he wants to watch a movie. He knows every single body part, or close to it. Says the word, "nipples" very well. :) Became obsessed with pumpkins during the month of October and referred to them as "Punsins."
- He is still very much in love with being outside. I am in denial that we are swiftly approaching winter and the colder months. I need to take him places and do activities to deplete his endless supply of energy. He LOVES throwing rocks into any body of water. Puddles, lakes, rivers and he could do it all day every day.
- Very aware of his surroundings and sense of direction. We all know he doesn't get that from me! He knows when we turn into our neighborhood. Whenever we go to my parent's new house and pass their old house, he is livid we didn't get out and visit. He also starts to complain when we pass the park closest to our house and don't stop. So that's fun.
- Still a very picky eater. I can tell you who he got that from. He just has no desire to slow down and eat. I'm convinced he would go hungry, if I didn't make him stop and eat. Rarely asks for food. But he is in the 90% for weight, so he is getting it somehow!
- He is THE biggest helper. If he sees me vacuuming, he runs to grab his vacuum and assist. Same goes for sweeping, dusting, scrubbing, dishes, mowing the lawn, weeding and everything in between. I sure hope that continues into his childhood and teenage years ;)
- Not so much of a dancer anymore. He can be found nodding his head to some sick beats. Maybe a few jumps here and there. But that is the extent of it.
- LOVES to wrestle and to be rough. With his dad and especially my little brothers and Dallin's little brothers. They are all not so little anymore. But Finn is in heaven when they will get down on the ground and let him tackle and chase him.
- Still doing well in nursery. I kept him out for a few weeks due to an evil cough that wouldn't leave. He is a little tricky with drop-off, due to some new kids who sob. He has realized we leave too, and doesn't quite know what to think. We are golden, if we distract and slip away. Usually doesn't want to leave, when we pick him up.
- Instead of waving at strangers, he now growls at them. A part of me loves it and another part of me feels like I have to apologize to them.
- To say he is obsessed with balls is in understatement. I think they could be his very favorite thing. He loves throwing them, bouncing them, hitting them with a bat, kicking them. Everything is a basket. My lampshades and my mom's chandelier are his favorite things to shoot into. He also enjoys aiming into an octagon window at my mom's house. I am excited to put him into sports, not only because I know he'll love it, but because it will help drain that endless supply of energy. :)
- Lately he'll fake laugh, slap his knee and say, "That's so funny!" Loves the ride-on train he got for his birthday. Especially when D straddles the tracks and makes a "tunnel" for him to drive through.
- Started to really love babies. Talks about them all the time. I am thinking it has to do with my sister-in-law having a baby. He just adores his new little cousin, Aldon. Everyone loves to bring up that fact that it is time for us to have another. I do know he'll be a great big brother one day!
- Loves playing basketball at Grandpa Koski's gym. Getting better at his balance bike. Completely mastered the rock climbing part of the playground by Glamma's house. Really loves to brush his face with my makeup brushes. Also loves applying lotion to his face. Fancies donuts. Of course he does! I am his mother. LOVES his blankets. Still a very big snuggler. Went through a phase of sitting sideways in his highchair and the shopping cart. I just went with it. I choose my battles these days.
- Had quite the debacle with a tube of my lipstick, a few weeks ago. Let's just say he won against the wall, carpet and my bedspread. I might've thrown away his clothes from that experience.
- He is very emotional. Can change his mood at the drop of a hat. Tears are cocked and ready. Has perfected a pretty shrill scream that emerges in the store. Time out is frequented often these days:) He will start saying, "Sorry...sorry.. sorry, " the minute he goes in time out. We can't stay mad at him for long. He owns us. Discipline is still hard for me. He just doesn't understand most of the time. We'll get there!
- All in all, he is the sweetest toddler with a little spunk and sass thrown into the mix!
Well schnikes! That was a novel. Hopefully I will be better with his updates and never have to do that ever again. This is mostly for me anyway. Bless you, if you made it this far!!
His reaction when I told him it was time to go.
Getting after that donut.
Obligatory photo op in front of my mom's tulips, this spring.
His sweet 2nd cousin, Sawyer. Built in friends--exactly 4 months apart.
Another donut session. We don't kid around.
Cheerios with Rubi!
Visiting Great Grandpa Phillips.
I looked over and witnessed the sweet moment when he grasped Gabe's hand during a movie.
His sadness when he accidentally busted the tip of his beloved vacuum. He is still not over it.
When he spots a treat.
He screamed "Go, go, go!" at Ryker's Region swim meet.
He loves his uncle "Gyker."
Mom set him up with some snacks!
Literally slept in thee EXACT same position during a Sunday snooze fest.
Rare calm--not running moment.
Great Grandma Phillips.
National Donut Day! Should we be embarrassed at this point?
Loves snuggling up to Rubi.
One with nature. And rocks.
Bumpa must've said something inappropriate. :)
I get that look ALL THE TIME. And I'm not mad about it.
Where we spend about 85% of our Sacrament meeting.
Bumpa's birthday.
Now that there are pictures coming out of my ears, I'll end on this one.
I was headed into work one night and caught a glimpse of this.
D said he mowed the entire back and front lawn with Finn on his shoulders. I can't.
I probably have a bazillion more, I could post, but I just don't have the gumption for more.
I will NEVER go rogue again. I hope.
