15 month check-up

Finley weighed in it at 24 lbs and 1.5 oz and

measured 32 1/2 inches tall!

She's as healthy as can be and handled her shots like a pro!

She loved kicking the paper on the exam table

and being able to walk all around the room!

Such a happy, healthy girl!

Yay Finley!

Finley was so proud that she figured out how to put the straw back in the cup!

A few of my favorite things

Some of Finley's favorite activities

Drinking Daddy's water

Relaxing and watching Sesame Street

Playing on the phone

Playing with her friends and talking gibberish

Santa Claus

We went to visit Santa tonight!

Finley was super excited right before she had to sit on his lap

and as soon as she got off his lap.

She was more interested in being able to walk and walk

all around the mall.

I do see a trend in her Santa photos....

and it seems she's just not that impressed with him.

Maybe next year!

Bathing Beauty

Jammin' Out

Finley has been having a lot of fun with her kitty keyboard.

She's turning into quite the dancer too!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm thankful for Finley.

She is our greatest blessing.

I love every minute that I get to spend with her. She's almost like an obsession (in a good way, of course, lol)- I can't get enough of her. I can't even count the number of times I kiss her each day. I love her big, deep, beautiful eyes, her long eyelashes, her cute little button nose, her big kissable cheeks, her soft lips, her sweet little voice, her contagious laughter, her buddha belly, her chubby thighs, her little hands and feet, I love everything about her. She's perfect.

She brightens each and every one of my days. I go to bed in anticipation of the next morning, and each morning is better than the last. Nothing beats waking up to her squeals and big cheeky grin. She's the best.

I'm thankful that God blessed with motherhood. I've been waiting to become a mother for almost my whole life and let me tell you- it's far better than I could have ever imagined.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

More Thanks!

I'm thankful for family.

I've been blessed to be part of a big family. Growing up, there was always someone around... someone to talk to.... someone to laugh with... someone to make memories with.

I'm thankful for all of my parents- my Mom, my Dad and Sandy- I'm thankful that you are all such a big part of my life, I'm thankful for the unconditional love you've showed me and all the life lessons you've taught me. I'm the woman I am today because of the values you've instilled in me. Thank you for all the support you've given me throughout my life and for always letting me know you love me.

I'm thankful for the Duggers. Thank you for welcoming me into your family and always showing me so much love and warmth. I love being a part of your family- thank you for all the wonderful times we've already had together and I look forward to many more with you.

I'm thankful for my grandparents. I'm blessed that I got to spend so much time with them and bring them so much joy. I'm thankful for all the hugs that my Grandpa gave me....I'm thankful for all the times I got to enjoy with him and my Grandma and the memories that will forever be in my heart. I'm thankful for my Grandma Norma and her health, for all our wonderful memories we've made and continue to make- they each are treasured.

I'm thankful for all of my siblings. For all the awesome years we spent together in the same house... playing, talking, fighting, crying, and most of all laughing. For all of those family dinners we shared and then the hours spent after telling stories and laughing. For all those family vacations we went on... all the home videos we made, all the embarrassing moments we witnessed, and for all the holidays we shared I love that we still reminisce about these memories... I love that even though we've grown up, started lives of our own and might not see each other for long periods of time- when we do, its as if no time has passed and all those moments we shared are now laugh til you cry memories that we have to cherish for the rest of our lives.

I'm thankful for my sisters. My dad likes to joke about how he paid the hefty price of 3 daughters to get another son- but it couldn't have worked out any better for me. My sisters are my best friends. Sisters are there for you through everything, will drop anything to be with you, pick you up when you are down, cry with you, understand you when no one else does, support your dreams, share in your joys, will make you laugh so hard you pee your pants, and will love you no matter what. Some of the best moments of my life are times I've had with my sisters, our playful childhood, our awkward teen years, our awesome trips, our adventurous nights out, our amazing appetizer binges, our love for champagne and pop culture, our "still can't believe that happened" celebrity encounters... I have so many amazing memories with them, I could dedicate a whole blog to them with everything we've done and continue to do together. My sisters are seriously the best. There is no other bond like the bond I have with my sisters and I couldn't imagine my life without them.

Thank you God for blessing me with an amazing family. Thank you for all the memories we've made and continue to make. I love each and every one of you!

"the love of a family is life's greatest blessing"

Thankful

I'm thankful for John.

He is such an amazing husband and father and I'm so blessed to have him in my life.

He is my life partner and I'm so thankful that I have such a loving, warm, strong, supportive man by my side.

He understands my quirks, supports me through everything, loves me unconditionally, and is always there for me.

I'm blessed with the family and home we've created together. He's such a hands-on guy. As we make our house more of a home, I love that he wants to do things himself... no handyman needed. Any little thing that needs to be tweaked, fixed, or how to connect or set up something- he knows how to do it. I love that prefers to build things for our house when I show him cute things in catalogs we could buy. He's making his own work bench and shelves and is currently making our own personalized bean bag toss boards! How awesome is that? It may not mean anything for anyone else... but I love it!

I'm thankful that John is such an amazing father. I always knew he was going to be a great dad...but to see it first hand is awesome. From the day Finley was born- John has been there- to hold her, rock her, change diapers, feed and bathe her, and to play with. Finley lights up when he walks in the room and no one makes her laugh like her daddy does. Finley and I are pretty lucky.

I love that he loves my family and enjoys spending time with them.... I know we can be a bit overwhelming at times ;) One big example of John's love for my family is how he supported Katie through her half marathon training and was by her side for the whole race. It was a beautiful thing to witness.

I could go on and on about all of John's great qualities, how he's a great husband, father, brother, son, etc...... I could write all afternoon... he's that wonderful of a guy.

Thank you God for bringing John into my life and blessing me with such an amazing husband and blessing Finley with such an amazing daddy.

We love you John.

A week of Thanksgiving!

I'm thankful everyday for all the blessings God has given me.

So in honor of Thanksgiving I'm blogging about things I'm thankful for!

Today it's my career.

I've worked at several well known hospitals and have had the experience to work with and take care of people from many different cultures and backgrounds.

My passion is transplant patients, I've been working with this population for the past 5 years. I see them when they are at their lowest and their bodies can't take much more, I get to bring them news that they are going to receive a new kidney, liver or pancreas and then I get to take care of them after surgery and to be part of their recovery process... to see the full circle of a transplant is amazing. I'm lucky to have had the experiences I've had...

I take care of people during their most devastating, critical, and life changing moments. I get to be that person they trust to make them feel better, to trust to explain what is going on and why things might not be getting better. I get to be that person that sees their progress and be part of how they heal and to send them home to be with their families. I get to be that person caught in between their frustrations, sadness, and then of course their relief and happiness when things are going well.

At my current job... I work 7 days in a row.... that's 10 hours each day... you get to know your patient very well and they get to know you. A bond is built and I feel that the continuum of care is much better for our patients outcomes.

This past week I had the privilege to take care of a sweet young lady with several respiratory issues, she was in the hospital to be treated for a bad case of pneumonia. We'd talk each day about our families, where we've lived, school experiences, our favorite shows.... you know the normal day to day things... she trusted me with her care, respected the explanations and advice about the plan of care I gave her, and trusted me to speak up for her when she couldn't... She would always wave to me as I passed in the hallway and I looked forward to coming into her room each day to take care of her. On my 7th day with her... she had gotten the news that her father passed away suddenly in the middle of the night. She got the news before I came to work... her family and pastor had already left by the time my shift started. One of my coworkers told me the news, so I was prepared before I went in there but I still get nervous during these situation and think to myself- how am I going to handle this? I've taken care of other patients who have lost family members.... but her news really hit me hard.

I saw all my other patients first... and finally made my way in to see her. I took some deep breaths and opened her door.... As soon as she saw me... she smiled... I smiled back, I offered my condolences and let her tell me what happened.... tears started rolling down her face.... I knew words wouldn't be enough in this situation.... so I held her hand, sat on the bed with her and hugged her.... all while tears are running down my face as well. You have to live in the moment.... every minute and situation is different in nursing and you have to be prepared for anything and everything. Sometimes a simple touch, hug, or smile is better than any technical nursing skill I could have ever performed. I know she was appreciative that I was there for her and there was no need for her to express it. You have to be there for your patients... whether it be in the most critical of moments and your pushing meds, doing chest compressions, etc... or whether it be emotionally... and all they need is a hand to hold and someone to talk to. They need you....and I love every moment of it.

There are 2 things in life that I know I was meant to do.... Becoming a nurse and becoming a mother...and I'm so blessed that I'm able to do both.

I love the path I've taken... it hasn't always been easy, there have been just as many struggles...but I have so many treasured moments of the people that have touched my life that they trump any bad day I've ever had.

Thank you God for the career that you've given me and the path it's taken. Thank you for all the nurses who have become my great friends over the years. Thank you for the the crazy- laugh out loud- jaw dropping moments, thank you for the adrenaline rushing moments, and thank you for the all the beautiful lives I've been able to take care of.

First Steps!

She did it!!

Last night Finley took her first steps...

It wasn't expected at all...

Finley was upset we took away Auntie Katie's iphone

So we were trying to distract her with other fun toys.

None of her toys compared to the phone

so she was not a happy camper

She was whining and trying to find the phone...

In desperation and in search of the phone she took 2 step from the coffee table to her mama!

My hands went up, screams of joy were let out....

just as if the Packers had scored a winning touchdown.

It was one of the most exciting moments!

John was in the kitchen at the time so he didn't get to see it.

But this morning Finley took some more steps (and we got it on video)

making her mama and dada proud!

Way to go, Finley!!

Deep in thought...

Thinking of the best strategy to conquer the bead maze

So smart

It amazes me how much Finley picks up on

She is just so smart

She knew how to put the lens cap back on the camera!

Learning to walk

Finley still hasn't mastered the art of walking on her own

She is a pro at walking around the coffee table, couch, kitchen cabinets though

As long as she is holding on to something she'll walk.

She's very content with how she gets around and seems to be in no rush to walk

I thought it would be a good idea to bring up this baby stroller we had in the basement

I wanted to see if she'd play with it or put her baby in it.

She was very intrigued with it and instantly started to pull herself up on it....

it wasn't so successful because it couldn't support her weight

John had a brilliant idea and put a can of crisco and some vegetable oil

in the seat to add some counter weight.

And sure enough.... that did the trick

She pulled herself up and just like that started pushing it and walking with it!

I was so proud of my baby girl!

My eyes started filling up with tears of happiness, or maybe it was because I was so proud

or maybe because she looks so darn cute doing it....

Either way... it totally made our day.... I love our little spotted cow!

Happy cows come from Wisconsin

Hi!

Finley's favorite word is "Hi"

She says it all the time, from the moment she wakes up...

She says "Hi" to strangers at the store, friends, family and does this adorable wave with it.

She knows how to make people feel loved and always greets her guests

with "Hi" and then keeps repeating it.

She evens says "Hi" when you are leaving with a big grin on her face...

She's working on her "buh-bye" and will say it once or twice but then switches back to "Hi"

Here is Finley doing her "Hi" wave.

I found it!

Mom! Did you put this in my hair???

Puppy Love

Finley loved hanging around the doggies last week.

She would chase after them.... see how close she could get,

then freeze up for a moment if she got too close,

then step back...giggle and go after the doggies again.

She loved when they licked her face

and would squeal in excitement whenever they came into the room.

She eventually became comfortable enough

to sit down next to them and learn to pet them.

Puppy love.

This pic is a little blurry but it catches her with both doggies

Road Trip

Last week we traveled down south to visit the Duggers.

We swung by St. Louis, Fayetteville, AK and Kansas City

in our whirlwind tour.

Lots of time spent with family and doggies.

Doing everything you do with family-

eating, talking, laughing, playing, watching baseball,

picking pumpkins, swinging, enjoying peaceful country mornings,

and making lots of memories.

Thank you Nanna and Poppy for such a wonderful week!

Talking on the phone

During our trip to Missouri this past week

Finley was sitting in the back with her play phone

and starting holding it up to her ear and saying "hi".... just like we do.

Now she does it all the time.

she's quite the copycat these days and it's so much fun!

Packers! Brewers! Badgers!

It was a great weekend for Wisconsin sports.

Today we set up 2 TV's, had a table full of food, a fridge full of beer,

and a house full of family.

We all wore our green and gold and our blue and gold

and cheered on our teams to awesome victories!

Go Pack Go!

Doing our best "Beast Mode" - Go Brewers!

Sports Fan!

It's a big weekend in sports

And Finley's been cheering all the teams on!

Go Cardinals!

Go Brewers!

Go Pack Go!

It's Bath Time!

Finley loves bath time.

I'll be undressing her on the changing table

while John starts filling up the tub

And she'll almost jump off the table with excitement

as soon as she hears that water.

Here's a little clip of her crawling to her tub

Finley's First Birthday!

We had so much fun celebrating Finley's birthday.

We wanted to make her day special

We started off the morning by walking in

and singing Happy Birthday to her,

made pancakes for breakfast,

she put on her birthday shirt,

I gave her a birthday crown,

which never made it on her head but she did enjoy eating it.

We enjoyed a lazy day playing around the house.

Katie, Paal, and Grandpa came over for a mini birthday dinner.

John made a delicious lasagna and put Finley's name on it.

Auntie Katie brought over a birthday sash and awesome balloons.

Then Finley enjoyed a birthday cupcake

It was a fun day!

On Saturday we had her birthday party.

John made pulled pork on his new smoker grill

which he dedicated many hours to....

and it was well worth it, the pork was delicious!

The party turned out great.

It was so wonderful to have everyone there.

We even skyped with Nanna and Poppy while she opened gifts.

Finley was way more into skpe than the gifts though.

She loved being able to see Nanna and Poppy.

We sang Happy Birthday and brought out her cake

She was very cute with the cake,

a little dainty and hardly made a mess.

Thanks to everyone that shared in on Finley's special day!

Evelyn and Lydia's weekend

We headed to Indy 2 weeks ago for Evelyn's 2nd birthday

and Lydia's baptism.

It was a great family weekend with tasty food, plenty of drinks,

lots of little kids and great company.

Thanks to the Ehlkes for putting on a great party.

We were so happy to celebrate with Evelyn

and to witness Lydia's baptism.

It seems just like yesterday we were watching Evelyn get baptized.

They are both beautiful little girls

and we love spending time with them.

Here's a bunch of pictures from the weekend

1 Year Stats

Finley had her 1 year check-up

She weighed in at 22 lbs

and is 29 3/4 inches tall.

A healthy baby girl!

She loved sitting on the exam table and kicking her legs against the paper

And then she discovered that it rips apart,

Who knew the doctor's office was so much fun!

Happy Birthday!

Our sweet baby girl turned 1 today.

A year ago she entered this world

And our lives have been forever changed.

The past year has been a beautiful journey

So many wonderful moments and memories were made.

She truly makes every day brighter.

And our hearts continue to overflow with love for her.

She is such a blessing.

Happy Birthday Finley Kalea!

We love you!

A day in the life of Finley

Waiting for breakfast

Hoping she gets something better to eat

Helping with the laundry

Practicing yoga

Waving buh-bye

Playing with her baby

On the move....

Trying to open her toy chest

Posing

Showing off her toothies

Being as sweet as can be