Pig tails & sunglasses

It's been a looonng time since my last post. Sorry about that -- I've been a little busy with school and am keeping my fingers crossed that I pass my comprehensive exam and get to graduate in three weeks. I'll find out about that in about a week.

Anyway.... aside from school stuff, I'm happy to report that I've had the chance to hang out with this cute little gal for two weekends in a row! Is this not the cutest little girl you've ever seen?

Yeah, that's my niece. We got to hang out for a little while today, but these pics are actually from a week ago.

Just thought some of the fam would like to see some cute Finley pics. I love her. See some more pics here. 

la la la!

Yesterday was Finley's 1st birthday party. Here are some of the pics I took with my phone. (Apparently as I get older, I take more and more after my dad - my camera batteries died as soon as I turned it on. So I had to use my camera on my phone.) They didn't turn out too bad!

Here's Finley while we all sang to her:

















Here's Finley and her proud parents:

















Here's Finn pondering her delicious cupcake:

















Here's Papa and Finley hanging out. She loved waving to him. She showed off this new trick all day!

















Here's Finley and me with the birthday present I made her. It's a tribute to her love of the book Moo Baa Lalala!


















Happy birthday, Finney! You are so fun to watch as you master your walking skills and practice your cute looks that will undoubtedly get you out of trouble countless times as you grow up. Who could discipline you when you're smiling and shrugging at them? Not me.

Finley Valentine

Happy 1st birthday to my beautiful, sweet, funny, sassy, smart niece Finley. I am so happy to have you in my life, and I can't wait to celebrate your birthday with you next weekend.

Here's a look back at some of the fun moments that Finley and I shared during the first year of her life (which flew by for this auntie.....I can only imagine how fast it must have gone by for Stacy and Taylor).

And of course, how could we do a year in review without this video?

Maracas!!!!

Here is Finley practicing for her new band. This was pre-puking episodes.

Guaranteed to make you smile

I had the best start to my day today. Finley came over this morning from about 8-noon while Taylor and Stacy were at work. We had a nice little walk, we read some books, played with some toys, but best of all, Finley got some play time in with Indy. Watch this video below. It is why Stacy and Taylor must get a dog some day. Just watch and see how much Finley loves Indy. I have never heard cuter baby laughter in my life. :)

Down by the cool of the pool

Yesterday, Finley and Stacy were reading a story together. Finley really likes reading -- she's a smarty pants and already knows that each page says something and she needs to help turn the pages. :) Sometimes she tries to talk louder than Stacy. She's a feisty one.

Does this diaper make my butt look big?

Spent some time with Finley last night. Although she had been crying a bit, she's still cute as ever. Don't you think?

PS I added more recent pics to my Finley album on Picasa. Most are from my two babysitting adventures with her and Eric.

See the album here.

Stacy or Taylor?

Saturday afternoon, I got to catch up with my niece Finley, who is already almost 3 months old!

She has been really busy growing a few more chins (I mean pounds). She is also very good at smiling and being really alert! Way to go, Finley!

For those who know her parents, let's do a poll. Who does she look more like: Stacy or Taylor? I think she is a good combo of both, but this pic looks more like baby Stacy.

Chubster

Look how big Finley is getting!

This is kind of a grainy shot from my cell phone, but I like it. She was helping us (read: distracting us) play Settlers of Catan last night at Stacy and Taylor's house.

Alyse and Jeff were up visiting all week, and we had lots of fun times mostly eating good food and catching up. The bro-in-laws (and future bro-in-law Eric) got to have some boy bonding time at the Wild game one night. Hopefully Alyse will post some pics from the week some time soon.

Good to see you A & J! See you in June at Jessie's wedding!

Welcome Ritchies!

Just a little "welcome to the blogosphere!" to the Ritchie fam. Stacy and Taylor started a blog this weekend (you will find it in my blog list on the right). I'm looking forward to reading their witty life commentary and seeing lots of pics of the adorable Finley Valentine.

So.......Welcome!

Taylor, now you need to start commenting on blogs, just like I showed you how to do the other day. :)

My favorite aunt/niece bonding moments so far:
- me jumping from shock at how loud and explosive Finley's poops feel while holding her (I really almost jumped off the bed -- but don't worry, I didn't drop her or anything)
- bugging her while she sleeps by playing with her lips, which makes her automatically purse her cute little lips
- talking to her and rubbing her cheeks to make her smile at me (pretty sure the smiles are just gas or reflexes at this point, but I enjoy it anyway)