Conversations with Finn

1. While stuck in traffic one evening on our way to Baltimore, I had the radio tuned to the station that played Christmas music, and of course, I sang along to all of the songs I knew . . .

Finn: I don't like it when you sing, but I like it when you don't sing!

2. While sharing a stall in the public restroom because I had to go

Finn: Mommy, are you pee-peeing?

Me: Yes

Finn: Can I flush it

Me: When I'm finished

Finn: Are you done?

Me: No

Finn: Are you done, now?

Me: No

Finn: What about now?

Me: Ok, now I'm done.

Finn: Good job mommy! You can have a potty treat.

3. One morning I came downstairs to find Finn standing right next to the Christmas tree. Just standing.

Me: Finn, what's wrong are you okay?

Finn: No, I have a boo-boo and I'm very sad

Me: Oh no! Do you want me to kiss it and then go put a George bandaid on it?

Finn: No, but I think opening just one present will make me feel all better

Preschool Christmas Program

Well school is officially out for Christmas. Finn has loved going to preschool, with the exception of the first morning's drop-off. He has great teachers and some great friends in his class. All of the classes at First Baptist put on a little Christmas program before closing shop for the rest of December. Finn has loved music with Ms. Merriam and is always singing songs he learned at school on the way home. It was so funny to see the kids walk out into the big sanctuary (although some had that deer in headlights look). The program was a big success. The kids did a great job! Finn was so proud of himself and especially enjoyed the cookies and punch afterwards.

Unfortunately, Mark couldn't be there, so I promised him I would video Finn's entire "performance" so he could see it. Which means, I have no pictures to show, because there is no way I could man the video camera and the regular camera at the same time. As soon as I get the video uploaded, I will add it to this post. Until then, you can use your imagination :)

My big boy

Enjoying his hard-earned punch after the show

TWO sugar cookies! What a day.

Me and my little star

When we got to school, there was no sign of snow. Only an hour or so later, we had already had at least an inch! Welcome to the northeast.

TA-DAH

On Wednesday, we had our last gymnastics class of the semester and to celebrate they held a little "awards" ceremony. This is our second semester of gymnastics; we took a class last winter and to be honest, it was my least favorite part of the week. I mean, I dreaded going to gymnastics, even though Finn loved it. It was one of those parent participation classes, but what they should have called it was the not losing your mind and strangling your child in front of a room full of disapproving parents class. I spent 90% of the 45 minute class chasing after Finn and bribing him to sit, jump, roll at the appropriate times. It was super stressful because there were all these other moms who would give you the evil eye if your kid was interrupting their kids' class. However, we made it through and I decided we would take the summer off.

So, when September rolled around and Finn wanted to do gymnastics again, I knew I was going to be a glutton for punishment. I must say that I was pleasantly surprised. Part of it was that I knew what to expect and the other part was that Finn was a little older and more physically capable of doing most of the activities. He had a blast and would often practice what he learned at home. He was mostly able to sit and listen to the teacher and then follow her directions (with a little help from mom). I am so proud of how far he has come and can't wait for the next class!

Obstacle course

Whooo-whooo, Sliding into the pit, everyone's favorite thing to do

You want me to do what?

Jumping on the trampoline

Climbing to the top of the ladder

Rope swing

Waiting "patiently" for his turn on the podium

TA-DAHH!

So proud of himself

We took a couple more turns on the podium since that seemed to be everyone's favorite thing to do.

Preschool Birthday Party

This was Round One in our week-long celebration of Finn's third birthday. You aren't allowed to have a party at Finn's school, but they will allow you to bring in cupcakes for your child's birthday. They have celebrated several birthdays before Finn's and each time, Finn would come home and say, "we had cupcakes for xyz's birthday, but they weren't firetruck cupcakes and I like firetruck cupcakes." So, I knew I had to produce some firetruck cupcakes for his birthday.

I happened to be down the hall at my MOPS Christmas party, but Ms. Barbara (Finn's teacher), said I could come in and sing happy birthday and take a few pictures. When I walked in, I thought I was in the wrong classroom, because it was so quiet! We sang happy birthday and passed out cupcakes (Finn requested first dibs!). And about halfway through, Finn said "mommy, I want you to go now." AGHHHHHH. I thought I had until he became a teenager before he got embarrassed by me. Apparently, it was his classroom, no mommies allowed! Duly noted.

Finn was all about the firetruck and couldn't have

cared less about the cupcake

Chowing down with friends

A few of the leftover cupcakes

Festivus for the Rest of Us

We headed to the Slye's in Baltimore for a fun, festive get-together. Finn and Samantha have so much fun together and true to form, they were the life of the party. Good food, good drink and good friends . . . a great way to spend a Saturday night!

These two love each other

Barrett (They just don't get any cuter)

Future Mr. and Mrs.?

Group shot

Some of the gals: Samantha, Michelle, Alisha, me, Amy

Our two little reindeer

Someone was all pictured out

Barrett holds court with the guys