i know, i know...

I will be shocked to find that anyone even checks this blog anymore. If you do, I applaud your perseverance and thank you for believing in me - for having faith that i would one day blog again. You're faith has been rewarded - i blog.

A lot has happened since I last updated. Finley is an experienced crawler, who eats an enormous variety of foods (that don't just come in jars). She is pretty near to walking, and manages to stand for short periods (seconds) on her own, and cruises around along furniture with expertise. She is just as darling as ever, and makes us smile nonstop. We have had more visits from family, celebrated Finley's first halloween and thanksgiving, and look forward to her first christmas, new years, and (unbelievably) her first birthday in the coming weeks.

Enjoy the pics. and i will sign-off with a promise to update more frequently.

here is miss finn this very a.m. note the two little bottom teeth she is showing off!!

also earlier this morning...

also this morning...Finley has a new "cart" that converts to a pushcart, too. She walks behind it. we'll have to get some video and upload it.

just think this face is to die for. she is caught in the middle of blowing raspberries i believe.

our big girl. digging through her toys...

finley continues to love baths. this was her first in the whole tub. we had to move her out of her little tub b/c she refused to stay seated, and could use the ledges to push up to standing way too easily.

finley experienced her first real illness. after throwing up and a mostly sleepless night (for Mom and Finn mostly) paired with lots of crying, we found out that Finley had an ear infection. She spent most of the day cuddling with Mom and Dad, and napping. (here she is, having fallen asleep cuddling with Dad). Luckily, the meds kicked in immediately and after that one rough night and exhausted day, our little lady was back to her sweet and lively self.

mommy and Finn, playing before bedtime. such a ham for the camera she can be...

Papa came to town! He may have missed his reunion and another appointment, but got to spend lots of time with his favorite (okay, his only) granddaughter!

auntie heidi, finn, and papa just relaxing...

a happy girl!!

weather is getting colder...busting out the brand new jacket...

auntie shannon and uncles carl & pat came to visit! finny had so much fun with everyone!

miss finn, darling as ever.

finley's early crawling!! (now she zooms everywhere at lightning speed!)