He's a Big Boy Now

Yep, our little boy seems to be becoming a big boy rather quickly. Every day or so, he does something that makes me think, "Wow, when did he learn that?" or "Geez, he is officially a toddler, goodbye Baby Finley." A few examples:

1. he can drink from a straw and walks over to the dining room table (where he eats) if he's thirsty since his cup is usually there,

2. he chooses his own bath toys and throws them in the tub as the water fills

3. he sits a looks at a book all on his own or carries it over and tosses it our laps if he wants us to read it

4. he shares his toys and food with us and seems to really enjoy our response

5. when getting his coat on or a shirt he'll move a toy from one hand to the other so you can put his arms in the sleeves

6. after he gets up from a nap or in the morning, he'll be clutching his two loveys (Fanta and Owly) but will happily toss them back into the crib at your request after you pick him up

7. he's eating all the big kid food at Beth's house (daycare) and I don't pack him a lunch anymore (hooray for me!!)

8. he doesn't need to sleep in a sleep sack for naps anymore

9. if he doesn't get something he really wanted, he'll stomp his feet and pout a little (a can foresee those terrible twos being quite something)

10. he can CLAP (yes, after months of watching all his friends clap easily, Finley finally figured it out)

Okay, maybe the clapping thing doesn't mean he's all grown up since most 6 month olds can do it...but I'm still proud of him.

While Finley's doing plenty to show us he's growing up, sometimes it takes me a little bit longer to catch on. We FINALLY got him a pair of big boy sneakers last weekend and let me tell you--I was avoiding this like the plague. He was still wearing his little leather slip ons and while I knew they were tight, I wasn't ready for him to get "real" hard-soled shoes. It just seemed too grown up...but I was wrong. We got him sized and found a cute pair of stride rite velcro shoes. He took to them right away, wearing them out of the store and all around the mall. I tried, in vain, all weekend to snap a photo of Finley in his new kicks, but he just doesn't stand still! Here's a close up from our visit to the Children's museum cafeteria where he was enjoying a snack before we explored the museum.

I think he likes them, don't you? Or maybe he's just happy about that cracker in his hands...

Yes, Finley's all grown up (relatively speaking). He's sitting in the front seat of the car changing the radio stations and cooking in the kitchen.

And trying to put dishes in the dryer??

Hm...I guess we've got a little more to work on!