Because I have the rest of August off from school (yes, my vacation has just nowstarted), you get to be privy to all kinds of blogging catch-up. This is just the first of several, I'm sure. Let's start with Finley, since I know that's who you're all truly interested in.
Finley is currently a biter, with me ranking #1 on the list of his favorite people to bite. Not sure if this is a result of his extreme desire to communicate but lack of verbal skills, or because he's teething like crazy with his first 2 molars coming in. I probably have about 7 bruises at the moment thanks to Finley's biting.
When Finley is not busy biting, he is obsessed with being outside. (I've mentioned this before.) He brings us his shoes and our shoes to tell us he wants to go out, as well as pointing out the window/sliding glass door or at the real door. He doesn't care if it's 94 degrees in the shade with 99% humidity; he is just thrilled to be experiencing the out-of-doors. He especially loves to play with balls outside, swing, climb up slides (but definitely not slide down them), play hide and seek, and speed walk around. All of the guards at our apartment complex love him, and they all know who he is since we're outside about 5 times a day. Heaven help us when it rains.
Fun things Finley can do:
- Say "Cock-a-doodle-doo" for roosters. Okay, it actually sounds more like "doo-doo" but it's still cute.
- Go "aahhh" after he drinks or eats. So refreshing!
- Knock on the door if he wants it opened.
- Dance. A lot.
- Walk backwards when we say "beep, beep, beep" like a truck backing up.
- Point at everything and everyone.
A few other random tips from our travels this summer, if you're interested:
- Do not trust FedEx with very important documents. They may accidentally tear them to shreds, then tape them back together in a ridiculous fashion and mail them that way without letting you know, despite having all your contact info.
- Do trust www.rushmypassport.com for expediting passports. They were unbelievably helpful and got us a new passport for Finley in a matter of a few days!
- Do not fly Continental/United airlines to and from Hong Kong with a baby. They will not provide the child any food whatsoever (or even give you the option of buying food for him) unless he has purchased his own seat. They will only give you ice-cold milk for him. Nevermind all the fees you had to pay for the baby, or the fact that it's a 16 hour flight and you can only carry on so much food without it spoiling. Just want to point out that every other flight Finley has ever been on (even 3 hour flights) have provided him with a meal, despite him not having a seat yet. (Seats aren't required until the child is 2 years old.)
- Do shop at Trader Joe's as much as possible. Oh, how I have enjoyed our treats from there. Can someone please convince TJ's to open a store in Greensboro, NC, Traverse City, MI, and Hong Kong??
Now, if you made it through all that, you deserve a few photos! These are courtesy of Jessica & Brett from the day we went to the park with them.
Finley with his Granddad.
No, Cali isn't swinging all by herself. Brett is under there somewhere.
Finley just wanted to play in the rocks!
