NanaBob took to Fin to his first Twins game! He had a blast and they got there early enough to get the free hats which he looks adorable in. Also, Nana surprised Fin and took him to see Wild Kratts Live. He. Lost. It. We said it was a play and then as he was in the theater he read the sign and freaked out! We heard so many details and his enthusiasm was incredible. So fun.
Mama received some great advice from a medicine senior and submitted a case for a presentation at a conference in Miami. It was accepted and Mama and Dada had a weekend away courtesy of Mayo! It was so nice. We ate and slept and walked on the beach and enjoyed time together.
The view from our balcony.
Peanut's first conference. 30 minutes of work for a weekend of play- not too bad!
Naps on the beach.
Out for Jeff's birthday dinner! The gave him a Happy Anniversary dessert-HAHaHA!
Nightly walks on the beach.
Back home with these silly boys!
They are so great together. Fin is an INCREDIBLE big brother and Mac tries to do whatever Fin does whether it's reading, climbing a fence (see below), or dancing. Their relationship is pretty sweet.
Grandma Karen came for a visit!!! We were so happy to have her in our home and for us all to spend time together. I had an overnight and spent one her days visiting mostly asleep but Jeff and the boys had good quality time together.
Playing catch with Fin.
Jeff and Grandma Karen playing catch.
Out for Jeff's birthday dinner!
Jeff and Grandma Karen being oh so silly on Jeff's birthday!
Naty ended up going back to Colombia and Juliana came to take her place! It was really sad saying goodbye to Naty, she really had become part of our family. Fin and Mac had a tough time initially as well. Juliana is doing well though and the boys have warmed up to her. She is active (both socially and physically)! She's out most nights of the week with friends and has gone camping, to concerts, etc. It's been an adjustment for all of us-we miss Naty but we are so happy to have Juliana with us.
Getting to know each other.
Fin is done with preschool! I can't believe he's going to kindergarten in the Fall! I'm not sure if it's this pregnancy, or truly the speed at which time is passing, but I had about a month where I was sad at how quickly the boys were growing and changing. Within the last week, perhaps because I'm back in the OR, I've come to appreciate how lucky we are to have such healthy boys who are growing up; not always the case.
Within the last 6 to 10 months Fin taught himself how to read, is doing 1st to 2nd grade math problems, is playing golf, and is taking swimming lessons. He shows up to golf looking like a total vagabond while the other kids are in their designer duds, outfitted to the nines. Well, you can only imagine the kids, and their parents, dismay when Fin consistently wins the competitions at golf camp. Pretty funny to be honest. Now that Fin is around other kids more, we are starting to deal with their crazy parents yelling from 50+ yards away, trying to coach from the sidelines. Uffda. Keep it fun people!
On the swimming front, Fin has fortunately become more comfortable in the water. He cam swim and float! So nice not to worry about him drowning all the time! Well, we still worry about it but maybe a little less. He has a nature camp in two weeks where he'll pretty much go and...well, I'm not sure. Be outside and learn about nature? We'll see! He's SUPER excited about it. He loves learning and loves being outside so this should be a good combo for him.
He's also still taking violin lessons and practice is going pretty well. It's tougher to find time in the Summer but he's enjoying it and can play Twinkle-Twinkle now! Great to see him improve, concentrate, and feel pride when he accomplishes something he couldn't previously do. What a guy.
Morning-time snuggles.
Mac. Mac. Mac. What a crazy, sweet boy. He talks ALL the time and we understand about 50% of it! He also eats EVERYTHING! Whenever Jeff and I make food for ourselves, we make double because Mac WILL come over and eat it. It's crazy! He is a very active kiddo who loves wrestling, reading, being outside, ALL animals (especially dogs, which he calls all of them "Bubba"), swimming, and music. He'll hear music in a store and start groovin'- it's funny every time. He is also so cuddly and simultaneously wild, it's a really wild combo. He also loves to laugh and giggles non-stop...unless mom leaves but that's another story. He's super fun and we laugh all the time with him. Mac also sleeps very well so that always helps everyone involved.
Mac and said fence.
Took the boys to a Honker's game-our local baseball team. The boys loved all the action and sounds. It was a beautiful night and I had so much fun with them.
Go Honkers!
At the pool! Eating again :)
We often say our goodnight's and then when Jeff and I head to bed, will find Fin still up reading. Hard to get mad about that!
Naked summer fun! With more watermelon!
I finished up my intern year in medicine-uffda! I think I had just put my head down and chose not to admit how much I disliked it. Not that it was the people or anything like that but it's really just not what I want to do! So, into the OR I go-hello anesthesia! So much to learn, so much to do, so tiring (mentally and physically), but I'm so happy. The people are kind, I love the OR environment, I love the interactions I have with patients (the pre-op calming time) and then being able to put them to sleep, advocate for them while they're asleep, and being physically active during the case being sure to keep them safe. SO. HAPPY.
This goof ball.
And sweetie pie guy.
Well...this little LADY is growing like crazy! We found out at the end of May that we're having a girl! Still in shock! We didn't care either way and are mostly thrilled that she looks perfect on the ultrasound (healthy, 4 limbs, 4 chambered heart, etc). Fin said recently, "Mama, Mac and I are going to take such good care of peanut." He melts me. For awhile, I'd say "baby" and point at my belly and then Mac would say "baby" and point at his belly. He's starting to catch on (I think) and when I say "baby" he gives my belly raspberries...actually, he probably doesn't know what's about to happen but he'll figure it out ;) Peanut is the name Fin has deemed her. Anytime we mention other options he quickly shoots them down! Also, when I said this is probably our last baby he was none too pleased and every since has been lobbying for "just one more". He really does like being an older brother.
I'm about 26/27 weeks along now with a due date of October 14th. We'll see how she goes! I'm obviously nervous that she'll come as fast as Mac did and preemptively had my October rotation changed from the hospital down the road to the one I'd actually be delivering at just in case! She is VERY active and keeps me up many nights-getting ready to keep up with her brothers already.
We took a family trip to South Dakota at the beginning of June! Other than myself, no one had been there and it was a blast! First of all, I was just happy to have a vacation (hadn't had one since beginning of December). The road-trip was awesome. Mac was a bit needy in the car for Mama but we worked it out. Dada was a machine behind the wheel! He drove >95% of the time...and it's not a short drive! What a beast.
First stop The Badlands! The prairie dogs were so cute with their little babies!
Hiking in the Badlands. The boys and Juliana liked climbing around and being out of the car finally!
Look at that view!
The mountain goats and their babies! Spring is a great time to visit South Dakota, lots of little baby animals.
Maybe not all babies are good or welcomed to see.
This guy is so big! Look at that casual, cool pose.
We made an obligatory stop at Wall Drug. The kids LOVED it and actually we did too! So kitchy and weird but entertaining none-the-less.
Enjoying the famous maple donuts!
Juliana loved th decor and all things NativeAmerican.
Whoo-hoo!
We camped in South Dakota at the Whitetail campground. It was right on a lake and absolutely stunning. The boys spent hours throwing rocks into the water.
Before we left, I had asked Juliana if she'd camped before, she said yes. Well...we learned that camping in Colombia is a little different than camping in America! Camping in Colombia is more like, you just sleep in a tent, and there are rows of tents, and you don't cook your own food or anything. Nothing secluded, nothing rustic. Pretty funny. She was a little shocked but overall she's easy-going and got right into it.
Off to fish!
Me and little Mac.
Finding rocks to throw in the water.
Juliana's first time fishing and she caught a little fish! She was stoked and her Dad was super happy for her.
Jeff and Fin fishing.
Sleeping in the tent! What a blast!
Mount Rushmore (or Mountain Rushmore as Fin calls it). Very beautiful to see and we were all into it.
Mount Rushmore hike tickle-break.
Out for a hike, Mac needed a break from the carrier and some snuggles.
Getting ready for a nap. He was such a trooper at the campsite and sleeping in the tent.
Everything about camping, Fin loves. Campfires, splitting wood, cooking food, s'mores, fishing, setting up camp. He's a very enthusiastic kid, enjoys life to the fullest.
This kids also loved camping! Look at how cute he is! You might be wondering, wow, he's sort of bundled up. Well, a cold front came through and being 6000' elevation, it was so freaking cold! It was about 30 degrees at night!!! YIKES! We were prepped for cold weather but it wasn't enough. We made it two nights but bailed on the third. Waaay tooo cold!!!!
We took this picture as we pulled out of camp. It was the morning we all woke up, it had been raining, the wind was gusting, and we packed up camp incredibly quickly! It looks nice in this picture but it was FREEZING and, while we enjoyed our days camping, the nights were simply too darn cold. We were happy to exit stage left.
We stopped at Crazy Horse. Fin kept saying, "I can't believe it's not completed yet!" It really is quite impressive and a cool idea. We'll see what happens, as in, see if it ever gets completed.
I stole out early one morning for a solo hike in Custer National Park. It was beautiful. As I descended, I came upon 12 deer in a clearing. They spooked and all twelve darted back and forth down they hill. It was beautiful and wondrous and peaceful. I missed Diego a bit...reminded me being in the woods of Colorado just with him and I.
We got lost on our way to Windcave National Park and fortunately came upon a couple herds of buffalo and their babies! We also saw elk! It was super fun to see up close.
We eventually did make it Windcave and it might have been Fin's favorite part of the trip. We hiked underground in the cave and saw the rare boxwork formations. Very fun.
We surprised Fin with a ride on an old steam train! It went from Hill City to Keystone and back. Needless to say, good times, had by all.
On our way back, we stopped at the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota. Overall, a little underwhelming but, again, kitchy and fine to see.
The littlest ones enjoyed it the most!
Acting Corny at the Corn Palace!
Well, when we walked out of the corn palace, the car wouldn't start. It was 90 degrees. Tired boys and tired family. Frustrations were running a bit high but pregnant Mama found a battery store/car shop a few blocks away. They were kind enough to come give us a jump and figured out our battery was totally eroded. Quick exchange and we were back on the road.
Just about to the hit the road and Fin lost his first tooth! It was dangling by a thread. I said, buddy, it's going to hurt for a second but you just need to yank it out really quickly. And before I finished the sentence, he pulled out the tooth!
Look at that proud grin! I welled up a bit! Again, such a big boy!
During the Summer, they close the downtown streets and have music and food. Fin looking very, very cool.
These boys at the Rochesterfest Parade.
Celebrating Father's Day! We are SO lucky to have Jeff in our lives! He's such an awesome Dada and husband. The drive he does, the work he does around the house, how active he is with the kids, everything. Very grateful for him. We made him an awesome Father's Day brunch (his favorite, Belgium waffles) and surprised him with his Father's Day present. He opened up his gift and saw these simple pajama pants. He was really thankful! Then Fin said, Dada, look in the pocket! In the pocket, we had put a ball marker from the Rochester Golf and Country Club. He pulled it out and was a little confused. Then it started to hit him, he was like, wait, what? We surprised him with a membership to the RGCC! It is a great deal for residents and Jeff LOVES golf so much...even more than I realized! He has optimized his opportunities, even golfed 36 holes yesterday! The kids like the pool and Dada loves the golf (and Fin loves the driving range)-win win!
These two boys loves their Dada (and each other).
At the end of Father's Day, Fin was wiped and Mac was naked. They were all cuddling watching the Masters! Happy Father's Day, Dada!
Abby and Jason came down to visit and to introduce their new baby boy to our boys! It was so nice to see them and Fin of course cuddled right up with Abby when he could :)
Baby bump! 26 weeks pregnant in this pic and feeing pretty well! Sciatic issues but nothing a foam roller and a massage from the hubby can't keep at bay. I feel like my bump is bigger this time around compared to the previous two... not sure what that means! Also, have my glucose screen for gestation diabetes on Friday. I am so hoping to pass on the first try. Last time I failed the screening and then threw up on the full test so had to do it again! Fortunately, I actually have the opposite issue, I'm pretty hypoglycemic when I don't eat...hence the nausea and ensuing emesis with a massive glucose load! Wish me luck!
Fin working his photo skills-Peanut was the size of a papaya and Fin wanted to take my picture with a papaya we found in the grocery store! Great little shot, buddy!
We went up to a surprise birthday party for Jay! Fin found a swing and loved it. He also was such a rockstar at the party. He was super excited but also polite, respectful, had a really good time dancing (playing air guitar on his leg), and of course enjoyed the cake. Really awesome kid.
I'm Freeeeeeeeeeeee.
Oh man. This kid is growing up. Look. At. That. Sweet. Face.
I actually had the Fourth of July off this year so we traveled north to the cabin. Tim, Haley, and Kelsey were also there and my friends Liz (a fellow resident) and her fiance Sohale also joined. We had so much fun kayaking, swimming, jet-skiing, boat rides, campfires, grilling, s'mores, fishing, and more! Here is Fin and his "best friend" Tim fishing. So wonderful.
Sohale taking a birthday hammock nap.
Grandpa surprised Fin with his own kayak! Fin got right in it and was a natural at paddling! It was so crazy to see him navigate, steer, and maneuver so well! We kayaked a ton and Fin was super thrilled.
Fin paddling off into the sunset on his kayak ("Mr. Buddy" is what Fin named his kayak).
The crew paddled out to the sunset one eve (Mac was in bed). Liz and Jeff brought tamborines and bongos and we all grooved and watched the sun set.
Mac and Grandma D playing with play-dough! Mac loved it!
Tim brought his jet ski and Fin was stoked to ride it and get pulled on the tube! We're so lucky that Tim is such a responsible, safe guy. Anyone else and I doubt I'd let Fin ride the jet ski! Shout to Grandma D for going tubing with Fin! Fin was all smiles ear to ear and kept asking for more waves :)
Fourth of July morning was typical tradition of the ladies heading into town to do either the 5K or 10K and then the dues meeting up with us later. Fin and I went to the pancake breakfast together too!
This year, Fin was able to ride his bike in the parade! We didn't win any money for our decorations but it was still fun regardless. The sweet boy, when we arrived at the start, said, "I hope they say yes and let us in the parade." Pure sweetness. Of course they let everyone in the kiddie parade who wants to be but he was nervous! When we got the go ahead to bike, Fin took off like it was a race! He was leading the parade! I kept asking if he wanted to wait for the other kids and he clearly wanted to finish first. So, I walked/jogged while Fin cruised along the parade route.
Fin stopping to say hi to the family.
Waiting for more candy! We had a great time at the cabin. No races this year as one of the highways was under construction and I needed to get back but overall the weekend was a total success.
Naked Mac! Little baby butts are so cute.
Mom and Dad all gussied up for the Anesthesia Department banquet.
Me and that baby Mac. I can't believe how light his hair is!
Sunset from the Mayo Clinic parking lot one day as I was leaving work.
Our new anesthesia crew (minus Roz). Fin held her place :)
The anesthesia department chair held a bbq at his house over the weekend-it was totally decked out! Tents, bouncy houses, catered food, a playground, a swimming pool, a freezer full of ice-cream sandwiches, and games! There were a ridiculous amount of kids there which was reassuring for me as a new (pregnant) resident; clearly the department is family friendly. Jeff managed to wrangle a few kids together and set them as bowling pins and then he'd roll the ball down the hill to knock them over-the kids LOVED it! Pretty hilarious!
