a twelve month recap

It's so fun to see how Finnegan has grown!

And just a few more from the 12 month photo shoot...

Teaching the spirit of MLK

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
"Intelligence plus character- that is the goal of a true education."
And my personal favorite...
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that."
-Martin Luther King Jr.

On Martin Luther King Day last year I was two days away from giving birth and volunteering at the boys and girls club. My hours of community service have decreased drastically this past year, but my hope for a better community, a better America, a better world couldn't be stronger. These days I see my role in that process as raising my son to be a compassionate, honest, and active citizen. When he's a little older, I'm looking forward to celebrating MLK day volunteering with Finn and working toward social justice and dignity for everyone. In the meantime, I'll try hard to remember the wisdom of King and set good examples so Finnegan can easily and lovingly give back to a community who has welcomed him so warmly.

The First Birthday!

Finnegan turned one year old on Friday. The day brought a whirl of emotions for me. Pride for Finnegan. Pride for Clark and me. Gratitude that our little guy is healthy and thriving. Nostalgia for those first few months of 2012. Pangs of sorrow that he'll never be so little again. Pangs of relief that he's  sleeping through the night (Eeek, I shouldn't write that. I believe in the power of jinxing). Joy at seeing him so happy. Contentment. Fulfillment. Happiness.
The day brought on some emotions for Finn too. Mostly he was joyful (especially for his cake), but he was also amused (his mom and dad broke out into the birthday song fairly regularly all weekend), tolerant (there were several photos taken), and inquisitive (regarding wrapped goodies and flames on cake). Happy Birthday, dear Finnegan!

Out for a birthday breakfast bagel

decorations ready!

He's so busy!

Christmas Celebration Part III (Happy New Year in a Finnter Wonderland)

After a wonderful Christmas, Clark, Finn, and I packed up for part III of our winter festivities- New Year's celebrations in Montana! Now a worldly traveler, with two flights under his belt, Finn spent his third plane ride sleeping and confirming that the window shade and tray tables were in working order. Finn was greeted in Montana by his nonnie and papa, three cousins, aunts and uncle, and other friends. I had a sense that Finn is an adventurous little guy, but this trip confirmed that trait for certain. He loved the snow, he spent hours playing and chasing with his older cousins, and he befriended nonnie and papa's dog, a golden retriever twice his size. Play hard and rest hard is Finn's motto these days.
The New Year celebration gave Clark and me a chance to look back with gratitude at the many blessings 2012 brought us.

Watching Auntie Katie's pool form and mentally taking notes. 

Hadley, Addison, Ryder, Finnegan, and Aunt Ellie

With Addison, Finn's "little mommy." Addison took such good care of Finn, wiping his face, feeding him,
bringing him toys, and singing him songs. 

Is there anything cuter than kids in snowsuits?

Hard at work building our New Year's Eve bonfire!

Trying to get four kids to look at one camera is the funniest, most hopeless project ever. Here a a record of our attempts.

1 out of 4

1 out of 4

 With a 25% success rate, we brought in the experts to corral the troupes.

0 out of 6

2 out of 6

Some big shoes to fill! 

Here's to a peaceful start to 2013!

Christmas Celebrations, Part II (the big day)

We spent Christmas eve and day in Bloomington. We continued a few family holiday traditions (christmas eve appetizers and bubbly), and have made some of our own (a christmas afternoon walk). Maybe it was the quietness of the town, the satisfaction of having finished all my shopping and wrapping way ahead of schedule, or the anticipation of Finn's first Christmas, but this was the most serene, relaxing holiday. Focusing our holiday on Finn's needs and wants, which at this point consist of food, sleep, and love, made it easy to remember what the Christmas celebration is all about.

Christmas Eve. Looking for Santa?

Ready for Christmas Eve Mass

Dressed in our Christmas finest!

Finn isn't quite awake enough for Christmouse's morning cheer. 

Enthralled by the tree in the middle of the living room (oh, and maybe the presents too?)

Getting the hang of opening his presents

So well practiced, he opens other people's presents too.