www.RobbieAndFinn.com

game nights

2010-10-20T09:58:00.001-07:00

For the first time, we've been able to start playing games together as a family.

It all started with the card game, 'War', that came in a 'Toy Story' game box we have. Tom taught Robbie how to play and they had a great time swapping cards with Finny right by their side, watching intently. There were laughs mixed with a lot of "OH NO"s and "YES"s! Even I paused from doing the dinner dishes to watch the game.

The greatest thing about this game is that it is completely random... there is absolutely no way for Tom to let Robbie win, which- yes, we often let the kids win to give them that little extra confidence boost- is exactly what he'd want to do, if he could. At times it looked like Tom had it in the bag, but then Robbie would come back and the game would be back at even. Eventually, Robbie won. And as Tom was straightening up the deck and sliding it back into the box, Finny settled into Robbie's seat all ready to play.

"My turn!" (which, in Finny talk, sounds more like, "My tu-wu-earn!") Tom tried to convince him that it was bath time and that he wouldn't like the game. It was a no go. I saw the look in Finn's face! He was ready! And he wasn't going to take "no" for an answer.

So Tom dealt the cards and they started to play. Each and every time Tom would flip his card, he'd have to tap the table to remind Finny it was his turn to flip a card. Each and every time. The funniest part is that for probably the first dozen rounds, Tom's card would win. At first Finn would simply exclaim, "Gosh darnit!" And then with each and every round in Tom's favor, his "gosh darnit" got louder and often involved a fist slamming down onto the table. Robbie and I were in hysterics. Tom felt awful because there was nothing he could do to change his lucky streak.

And little Finny, though frustrated, I think secretly loved the attention and the laughs he was creating. He is such a little performer. Always saying, "Funny, Huh?" after he makes a goofy face or silly sound or tries to repeat a joke or farts. And he REALLY loves to make Robbie laugh.

Robbie's laugh is gold to Finny.

bumbrella

2010-10-19T17:13:00.000-07:00

Today, Robbie became a big boy.

It was POURING rain when we drove to school. I handed Robbie his dolphin umbrella - the very umbrella he's treasured each and every year with the matching rain boots (that no longer fit) and the matching rain slicker (whose arms are now too short). But this morning, he cocked his head to one side and squinted at me.

"Do I REALLY need an umbrella?"

(Sidenote: Finny no longer calls it, "bumbrella". He's growing up too fast too!)

I pleaded with him because, yes! He did need to use his umbrella. It was pouring cats and dogs!

So he used it once I promised to go straight to Target to buy him a plain umbrella that will fold up and fit in his backpack. I bought it for him and was so sad to hang his dolphin umbrella up.

At least I got to see him use it one last time as he walked out to the car after school. That image will be burned in my brain.

cotton candy troopers

2010-09-25T10:50:00.000-07:00

Star Wars Night
Padre Game at Pet Co. Park

Mmmmmmmmm.... there's nothing on earth like cotton candy at a baseball game. And with bounty hunters, clone troppers and fans dressed in Star Wars costumes, there's nothing like Star Wars Night at Pet Co. Park!

ukulele boys

2010-08-15T10:24:00.000-07:00

Waikiki
August 2010

questions questions questions

2008-12-10T16:53:00.000-08:00

Question of the day from Robbie:

"In San Diego, is there a lot of sand?"

Robbie is FIVE

2008-11-23T14:25:00.000-08:00

Robbie had a wonderful birthday party - thank you to everyone who showed up! We had great weather and by around 7pm we had two zonked little boys on our hands. They simply wore themselves out jumping in the Dino Jump, swinging at the T-Rex pinata that refused to bust, eating cupcakes and playing with all the new and wonderful birthday gifts. Check out the slideshow I put together:

See the Slideshow

Thanks, again, for making Robbie's Fifth Birthday one he'll never forget!

the BIG one

2008-02-07T16:42:00.000-08:00

Finny sure did have a ball at his first birthday party and we hope that everyone who came did too. Not sure what he enjoyed the most. Was it the constant attention? The icing on the cake? or was it the little red Radio Flyer Car that he loved watching all the other kids play on almost just as much as he loved taking a ride on himself? In any case, a HUGE thank you to everyone who came. You helped to make our day extra special.

See the picture slideshow HERE.

robbie words

2008-01-28T16:49:00.000-08:00

Robbie words:

"Daddy, you're the best Daddy in the whole wide world. I'm so glad you were born."

Sweet, right? Don't be fooled. The original version of this went something like,

"I'm mad at you, Daddy! I wish that you were never born!"

Got to give him some credit. We think it's pretty advanced cruelty for a 4-year old.

cruisin'

2007-12-29T16:16:00.000-08:00

While our good friend Georg was here in town zipping about Southern California in his rented convertible, Robbie had the chance to have his first ride with the top down. Look at this cool kid with his hood on, cruisin' with the guys. Who is that big boy? Is that my big boy???

robbie + finn with santa

2007-12-25T08:37:00.000-08:00

Maybe next year we'll get a better Santa photo. Usually, ONE of them looks half-way enthused in a photograph. This one - no such luck. I even tried photoshopping in a better Robbie face - but that just ended up looking silly. Oh well. I guess every family scrapbook's got to have the baby-crying-with-Santa photo. I'm not really sure what to make of Robbie's face. One thing's for sure - it captures his I'm-not-your-trained-monkey attitude. I'll smile when I'm good and ready to smile!

loving those words

2007-12-07T10:47:00.000-08:00

Things I'll miss hearing once Robbie learns how to say it the right way:

"Mister Bone Jangos"
Mr. Bo Jangles, the name of the cat next door to Grandma and Grandpa Buettner

"All the day"
All day long. Example: "I wish we could stay at the park all the day."

"Do we"
Don't we. Example: "We love each other, do we?"

"Burger's King"
Burger King

Pepperoni
Often confused with macaroni. Example: "Can I have macaroni pizza?" or "I want pepperoni for dinner."

"Shooter"
Gun.

"Grill"
Girl. Example: "Is Micky Mouse a boy or a grill?"

"You're my best mommy in the whole wide world."

"Pretty pretty please with a cherry on the top?"

6-tooth kid

2007-12-06T11:42:00.001-08:00

While blowing raspberries on his tummy and making him laugh, I noticed that the top two teeth on either side of Finny's new front teeth have broken through. This little 6-tooth kid is ready for steak! As you can see, being past the aches and pains of teeth coming in has made him very happy...

All the teething woes are over for the time being. This one doesn't need to ask Santa for his two front teeth, that's for sure. (Finn's wearing his new outfit from Grandma Mary Lee with an animal band called "The Wild One's" rocking out)

stone soup

2007-12-03T17:53:00.001-08:00

At school, Robbie's class has been reading the story about stone soup. Each child was asked to bring in a vegetable to make their own stone soup. When I told Robbie he should try to eat some of the soup he said,

"But I don't really like soup."

When I told him he's never tried soup before he replied,

"Yes I have. But I was becoming a baby in your belly when I tried it, so you didn't see me when I tried it and I didn't like it."

finn walking!

2007-12-03T09:25:00.000-08:00

Click the play button to watch our walking 10-month old. I think Finn beat Robbie by a week or two. Robbie was about 10-1/2 months when he started walking. Either way, two boys who are walking by their first birthdays. Imagine that!

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robbie the builder

2007-12-03T08:17:00.000-08:00

Wielding his toy screwdriver, Robbie declares,

"I need to screw something up.
I'm going to screw Finny up!"

it's raining it's pouring...

2007-11-30T16:22:00.001-08:00

We got a little rain today.
And by little, I mean a whole lot.

Robbie's been begging all day long to put on his raincoat and boots and go stomping in the mud. I can't blame him - it's one of my fondest childhood memories too. I think my rain boots were Winnie the Pooh, in fact. As you can see, the drains in our newly designed backyard have not yet been connected, so we have a little body of water we like to call Lake Huntington.

It's a little too chilly and wet for this one to be outside though. But it sure is fun to watch Robbie! He shouts and bangs the window every time Robbie runs by. Soon, Finny Finn, soon you'll be out there too.

Robbie turns four

2007-11-27T12:18:00.001-08:00

Slideshow of Robbie's Birthday

project backyard

2007-11-27T11:28:00.001-08:00

Now that work has begun on our much anticipated Project Backyard, as Tom and I like to call it, there has been all kinds of activity for the boys to watch. We knew Robbie would enjoy the jackhammer, the backhoe and, best of all, the dirt. I didn't realize how much Finny would like watching the work being done. As I watch the project come together I can picture the boys riding their bikes, drawing hop scotch squares in chalk and playing basketball. Our yard has always been great for little boys, but the one thing we were missing was a good hard surface for tricycles, scooters and pedal cars. Finally, after four years, we're putting it in.

While it's exciting for Robbie to have mountains of dirt to scale and bricks to move from one end of the yard to the other with his little wheel barrel, it's been rough monitoring him and making sure he's not getting into trouble. In some respects it'll be sad when all the work is done because I know he's having a ton of fun out there, but on the other hand it'll be a huge relief when I can just let him go out and play without worrying.

Robbie tid-bit:

"Mommy sometimes when you get mad at me I get mad at you but we always forgive each other do we?"

Robbie tid-bit

2007-11-25T12:45:00.000-08:00

While carrying his new Mega Shark Ship (and all it's hundreds parts) out of the bathtub, Robbie said to Tom,

"I could have your hand!"

And after Tom repeated the story to me Robbie said,

"That's what you have to say when you have a lot of stuff."

my model

2007-11-14T07:29:00.000-08:00

I was having Finnegan model one of my bibs for a little photo shoot today. This one wasn't a great shot of the bib but a sweet one of Finn. Almost 10 months old! He's still enjoying his meat and sweet potatoes. Looks like 4 top teeth are pushing to break through. Finn's been fussier than usual because of all the activity. We seem to remember this happening with Robbie too - bunch of teeth all coming in at the same time. It's nice because it shortens the length of time he's uncomfortable, but sad because we know his little mouth is so sensitive. But, as has always been the case, as long as big brother Robbie is around, Finny Finn Finn is just fine.

Halloween

2007-11-10T07:12:00.000-08:00

It was the best Halloween yet for young Robert. Very appropriate that he decided to be a fireman after all the recent fires in San Diego County. He was determined to use his Radio Flyer firetruck while trick-or-treating. Tom and I had our doubts about making it up some of the hills in my parents' neighborhood, but Robbie proved us wrong. He got quite a workout pushing himself up the hills and scared us to death flying down them. We were surprised that it didn't get old with him either. He'd park his firetruck at each house before going to the door for tricks or treats and then hop right back on. Once back at my parents' house, he had nearly just as much fun handing out candy to the other kids. In fact, he'd jump up every five minutes or so saying, "The door bell just rang!!!" (when it hadn't) He was so anxious to hand out candy. There just didn't seem to be quite as many kids out this year. But our little fireman was out - and he had a ball.

meat and potatoes lad

2007-11-04T16:12:00.001-08:00

Now that Finny is starting to get into eating, it's funny to discover how different his taste buds are from Robbie's. Tom says Finn is a "meat and potatoes Irish lad" - food of the mother country! Each time we try to give him bananas, applesauce or berries we get a sour face followed by body shakes that make you think we'd just given him a lemon. Robbie loved, and still loves, fruit. In fact, to this day, Robbie will gladly choose grapes (his ultimate favorite) over a cookie. Mr. Finnegan, on the other hand, will only give us "mmmmmmm"s when it's chicken and rice, sweet potatoes or squash. I know it's unfair to keep comparing him to Robbie. Of course they're going to be different. But it still seems so special when Finn steps out into his own direction, doing his own little Finny thing. Don't get me wrong, he still idolizes Robbie. Whatever Robbie's doing, Finny's watching. But I suspect Finn Finn will have no problem marching to the beat of his own drum.

Halloween 2007
Froggy Finny

jack-o-lantern smile

2007-10-31T11:34:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!

another cute photo from the trip

2007-10-30T11:24:00.000-07:00

Robbie + Finn @ Lookou Mountain

Robbie tid-bit

2007-10-26T11:01:00.000-07:00

Robbie words of wisdom:

Ice is even harder than things that are hard.

quite an adventure

2007-10-25T13:46:00.000-07:00

Tennessee, October 2007

This snapshot was taken outside somewhere in the middle of nowhere enroute to Memphis from Chattanooga. We had quite an adventure on this family trip that took us from Tennesse up to Illinois and back down to Oklahoma. Let's just say we're snug as a bug in a rug now that we're home and aren't looking forward to any big trips anytime soon. Time to appreciate all that we have right here at home. Click on the picture for a slideshow of our adventures!

Finny Finn Finn, as I'm prone to call him, is almost officially 9-months old. His 9-month check-up was cancelled because of the fires, so I'm afraid I don't have a height and weigh update for you at this time. Let's just say he's healthy. Eating good, giggling good, crawling like crazy and deciding to serenade us just as we're trying to go to sleep. His head continues to whip in the direction of his big brother Robbie to watch whatever mischief he may be finding at the time. With two teeth on the bottom, we'll definitely be making a jack-o-lantern in Finn's honor this year.

Finn in Chicago.

aloha!

2007-09-13T15:00:00.001-07:00

The Aloha bruddahs!

Another fantastic trip to the islands. Robbie, of course, loved the beach. Finn loved the water. For as much time as we spent waterside at the beach and the pool, I am very proud to say that we came home with not one single sunburn. Our favorite spot? Lydgate Beach Park with its Kamalani Playground. (Robbie referred to it simply as "the wooden playground") For those old-schoolers out there, think of the "fort" at Beaumont Elementary. This big wooden structure just perfect for adventuresome little boys.

6 months old!

2007-08-02T17:09:00.001-07:00

He's changing every day!

what a mouth!

2007-08-02T16:40:00.000-07:00

Ah! I feel like I'm going crazy with these two boys lately!!! I think the heat has us all a bit crankier than usual. But I sleep better at night knowing that, yes, it's harder raising a 3-year old boy, but when my boys are in high school I'll have it much easier than those with girls!

It was my intention to use this blog as a way to record little stories for the purpose of sharing and also for the purpose of getting it down until I can catch up with scrapbooking. So, in that attempt, here are a few little things for your amusement. First, a look at Finn and late Uncle Clem. (hmmm... did we give that middle name to the wrong child?) Just look at the mouth! I'm already assuming Finny will be the musician in the family, just like the brilliant Clement Crawford - which, of course, is quite alright if he isn't - no pressure or anything. We may, in fact, have two musicians on our hands. As with Robbie and his favorite tune as an infant, The Wheels on the Bus, Finny has become attached to You are my Sunshine. Sing, or even hum, that tune and he'll fall asleep within minutes. It's magic!

And now for a little story: the other morning Robbie walked up to Tom and I with a thick milk mustache and said, "This water is sweet!" Let me explain... the day before, my coffeemate creamer bottle cracked so I dumped the remaining contents into a water bottle. Robbie, of course, saw the bottle in the fridge and knew right away he just had to taste that funny lookin' white water. The lesson to be learned? We'll never, ever be putting anything questionable in an old water bottle!

laugh

2007-06-12T10:46:00.000-07:00

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jalama beach

2007-05-22T13:36:00.001-07:00

Back from Jalama Beach!

We spent a long weekend up at Jalama Beach with my parents, Myles and my Grandpa Phill. Robbie was more excited than words can express about going camping. Our last camping trip was this past October up in Big Sur. Last week, before we left, Robbie asked, "Will you put Finny back in your tummy for this camping trip?" (since I was, indeed, pregnant on the last one) Tom and Robbie spent the first night sleeping in a tent while Finn and I joined my mom and Myles in the trailer. But then the winds came, so we all bunked down in the trailer together the remaining nights.

Finny enjoyed the walks we took. We bought this stroller/bike trailer prior to the trip and it worked out perfect. With all those gusts of wind, it was nice to have him thoroughly enclosed and protected. I love this little hat on him. It's still quite big for his tiny head, but it worked to keep the sun off his face. Seeing him wear it is just about the most adorable thing on the planet.

While on a walk down the beach one morning, who should we see coming our way but Grandpa Bob in his wetsuit carrying his surfboard. Even my dad had to admit that the water was frigid cold. With booties and a hood, the limited exposure to his face was enough to give him an ice cream headache - this concerned Robbie immensely. For the rest of the trip, Robbie continued to ask Grandpa Bob, "Do you have a headache?"

not a soccer mom

2007-05-12T11:20:00.000-07:00

There's nothing like brothers playing. Robbie can get a smile out of Finny every time.

We're just back from our first Pee Wee soccer practice. Robbie started out surprisingly shy. This didn't seem like the same kid who walks up to strangers in the grocery store - "Hi! Whose your name? I'm Robbie!" After a little bit though, he crawled out from under the stroller where he'd wedged himself to avoid eye contact with coach Rachel. For about 30 minutes he was having a great time learning how to kick, how to get the ball in the goal. And then, things changed. Two coaches got the two teams together for a game. These kids are three! A game?!? It broke our hearts to see the twinkle in Robbie's eye just as he was about to kick the ball only to turn to tears when another kid kicked it away. He ran off the field saying, "I'm not good at it. I don't want to play." After more coaxing, we got him back out there and again he'd start to show signs of having fun, but again it would all crumble when the coach would tell him, "Don't use your hands, Robbie. No hands!" Okay, okay, yeah we know it's soccer and you're not supposed to use your hands...but he's three! And, for the record, no one taught him he's not supposed to use his hands.

Tom and Robbie are out right now buying Robbie his own soccer ball. I think we'll have our own practice from now on. We just can't understand the significance of so much competitiveness at three years old. I seriously thought this was just going to be kids on a field kicking balls and running back and forth. For both Tom and I, there were flashbacks of school and not doing well at something and feeling completely inadequate. We don't want Robbie or Finny to EVER feel that way. Robbie has such a sweet nature about him. We don't want that beaten out of him!

Once again, seriously interested in a Waldorf School. So what if they don't use computers? Robbie can use a computer at home. He'll garden, make wooden toys, bake and paint. Whatever Robbie and Finny are going to become will come out regardless of whether they're educated via hands-on methodology or via the competitive structure of classroom regimen. But, if they're constantly beaten down because they don't make it in the final round of the spelling bee or because they get chosen last for basketball in P.E., then their spirit just might get lost and keep them from becoming all that they can become.

Or am I over reacting?

side-by-side

2007-05-10T11:33:00.000-07:00

As soon as I snapped the photo of Finny smiling in this chair, I remembered the photo of Robbie I took of his first smile in that same chair. Both of these photos are at about two months old.

Everyone asks if Finny looks like Robbie did - well, see for yourself!

The biggest factor is hair. You'll see our little Finn-ster is still a little thin. Finny's eyes are darker his eyebrows lighter. I don't know, it's hard for me to tell what else stands out. I see their precious faces everyday. At times I think they look exactly alike and at others I think they look nothing like each other.

I think this photo captures the strong gaze that I often see Finn engaged in. It's a deep, intense look. He's definitely watching us. Watching his crazy big brother and studying our movement. It always looks like he's deep in thought.

We're still waiting for that hair though. Where is your hair, Finny Joe???

feels like summer

2007-05-08T17:07:00.000-07:00

Finny after a morning bath, April 2007

It's starting to warm up here - the kiddie pool had it's ceremonial filling yesterday. There was lots of splashing as Finny and I sat safely outside the splash zone in the shade watching Robbie cool off. Finn is starting to really enjoy his swing now. Robbie, of course, wants to be involved in the swing action and I'm finding myself planted firmly in front of the swing to keep it at a slow, Finny pace rather than the loop-D-loop that I'm sure Robbie would like to see it make.

The big question is always: so how is Robbie adjusting to having a baby brother? The answer: acts as if Finn were always here. He is a perfect big brother. Can't give Finny enough kisses each and every day - which is only a problem on those days where his nose is a little bit runny and we are desperately trying to keep Finny isolated from any germs. And Finny appears to just adore Robbie. I love the look in his eye when he watches his big brother's antics. I suspect these two are gonna be close. As brothers should be.

Robbie on his "chair bed", April 2007

Robbie + Finn on TV

2007-03-21T11:56:00.000-07:00

February 2007

A precious photo I snapped after many many attempts to get a perfect picture for The Martha Stewart Show. My segment on the show airs April 5, 2007. On the show I mention my boys and they show this photo. So not only do I make my national television debut, so do Robbie and Finn!