Sunday, January 26, 2014

Second Year Accomplishments (and some birthday highlights)

Two years have gone by IN. A. FLASH. But on the other hand, when I think about all the things Finnegan can do, it seems like it would take far longer to master. Here are some things Finnegan can do now that he couldn't do one year ago:

1. Pick out his own socks.
He also picks out his own shoes, breakfast, favorite toy of the day, and nap time. Sometimes Finnegan's choices are whimsical and other times he reaches these choices with the passion and drama of a highspeed chase on the discovery channel.

2. Recognize his letters.
This development seemed to happen overnight. He's better with some letters than others. Finn will joyfully identify and yell praise to the letter E. (This happens every time we walk through the mall. Do you realize how prominently Estee Lauder is advertised?) But letters like C, are identified as “nom nom nom.” Which requires the listener to understand Finn’s train of thought. “Nom nom nom" is the sound of Cookie Monster eating cookies. C is for cookie. That’s good enough for me, but I hope he refines these mnemonic strategies before first grade.

3. Do somersaults, test his balance on anything (the higher the better), and snuggle. 
Well, the last one isn’t new. Finn’s been a great snuggler since day one, but it happens less often these days, so when it does, I know he is deliberately seeking out a snuggle, which makes me appreciate it more.

What can Clark and I do now that we couldn’t do one year ago?

 1. Intuit what snacks and toys will make Finn happy in pretty much any given situation. 
We don’t always have these supplies on hand…something to strive for in Finn’s third year.

2. Take the phases in stride. 
This makes us relish (but not feel too boastful about) the I-only-want-to-eat-wild-salmon-and-broccoli phase and not worry too much about the I-only-want-to-sleep-six-hours-at-night phase. These phases pass more quickly than the time it takes us to read a book on the behavior and try to implement new practices, so we’re better about going with the changes.

3. Communicate telepathically. 
It’s crazy how we can work together without speaking. To know when Finn needs to leave a situation, how special it feels when he learns a new word, and how one  of us can remember an important item that the other forgot.

In all, it’s been a great year. 
And here are some highlights of the day.

Decorations!
Clark and I snuck into Finn's room the night before and hung this on his door. We woke up to his laughs and exclamations of Ernie?!?!? Quack quack! ELMO!!!!

And more decorations just outside his door. 

The tube was a hit! Perfect for goofing around. 

And for resting

Finn loved his new easel
And the artist thought mommy needed a little touch up with the new markers. 

After a little dinner and cake

(which was enjoyed by all)

We got back to playing with the presents

And more presents

And more presents
(thanks grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins!)





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