All Checked Out

Turning 18-months old isn't all perks...there are shots involved! On Wednesday, Finley had his well-baby check up with Dr. Myhre. He had fun in the waiting room - we bumped into Great Grandma, he flipped through Time Magazine...

...then Nurse Lexie called his name and the fun began! The moment Finley heard his name he started to cry! He cried through the weighing / measuring, he screamed through the questions and shrieked during the autism screening - lovely! I promised Nurse Lexie that Finley is capable of all the skills she requested - feeding a baby doll (he got a Cabbage Patch Newborn for Christmas just to practice for this test) stacking blocks and playing with cars - seriously, this kid loves to play with cars and he wouldn't even pick one up!!

Nurse Lexie left and the happy kid returned! Finley showed ME that he could play with the cars and feed the baby...although he was most excited to push the button on the movable bed. Finley checked out perfect and healthy! He weighs 24 lb 2 oz (25%), is 30.75 inches long (10-15%) and his head continues to be big (90-95%, but down from 97%, so Dr. Myhre was happy it's hit a plateau). Finley's motor developments are on target for his age; his language is well-within the normal range, he's not a man of many words (yet), he uses about 15 words (spoken with both voice and sign).
After the check-up I took crabby pants to Melissa & Dave's. Patrick was helping them install a new kitchen sink, of course Daddy's Helper wanted in on the action.

Melissa fed us yummy pizza and we headed home for bedtime.

Finley visited the dentist! At my appointment last week, I'd asked about appropriate dental-care for Finley, little did I know they start seeing patients at one-year. So on Thursday, we were off to see Dr. Miskulin.
The initial visit is for parent education on dental care and to familiarize children with the dentist's office. Dr. Miskulin was very nice; we talked about the how-to's for good dental health, fluoride (Finley takes supplements since we have a well), we discussed things like juice (Finley has never had any) and thumb sucking/Nuks (not an issue). Then Dr. Miskulin wanted a peek...that didn't go over so well. Dr. Miskulin said it was OK, their mouths open wider when yelling :) There was no cleaning, just a quick peek; Finley passed and he will go back in a year.
After the dentist, Spencer came over to play while Auntie had a doctor's appointment. The boys chatted during lunch and then the fun began...
...fighting!! Spencer and Finley always play so nice together - not this day! They fought over everything! Finley would taunt, hold things out and then quick move them away (cool trick), Spencer would say, "Mine!", ahhh...the fun was just too much for me! I don't think either one was feeling great, Finley was sluggish all day (stupid shots) and Spencer is teething.
When Auntie got back, we Skyped with Grandpa & Grandma in Cancun! Unfortunately the boys weren't too interested. At least Grandpa & Grandma got to see them for a few minutes, we waved, chatted and let them get back to the beach.

This weekend was Winter WonderFest 2010 with Patrick's family; it's our annual winter gathering at Uncle Scott's cabin in IL. Late Friday morning, we loaded up and headed out just before...
...nap time! It's a 4-4.5 hour drive and we planned our driving times well; Finley slept 2 hours on the way down and almost 3 on the ride back. I finally showed Finley that our car has a DVD player and drop-down screen; Handy Manny entertained the remainder of the time :)
The men taught Finley how to play "31", he was most interested in collecting money.
My attempts to occupy the first one awake, we waited until we heard other footsteps before we ventured out of our room.
Late Friday night, more cousins showed up; we were excited to see Mayah, Owen and Uncle Jeremy on Saturday morning.
After breakfast, everyone went outside for sledding! You have to look close, but yes, Finley is in the toboggan.
Saturday was spent hanging around the cabin - playing, eating, being lazy, etc.

Finley got this super-cute monkey for Christmas, it'll be great for cuddling; thanks Great Aunt Patrice and Great Uncle Kevin! Finley looks scared of it, but he really does like it!
We had a great weekend, we always look forward to our trips to Great Uncle Scott's lake house Our newest tradition is the group photo...left to right in the back row...us, Uncle Jeremy holding Owen, Great Aunt Lorraine, cousin Brian, Great Grandpa Wally, Great Uncle Kevin, Great Uncle Scott...front row left to right...cousin Kelly, Great Aunt Patrice holding Mayah and Aunt Shawna.