Finley's Birthday Edition

The Paraguayan weather gods did not hear our request from last week. It has been over 100 degrees for three days in a row and the trend will continue through the week. Ugh. Welcome to Summer.

Enjoying an inside picnic. It was our last day of nice weather. It was actually chilly!

But other than the weather it was a fine week. Biggest of all, Finley had her birthday! Our baby girl is officially one year old! The time really did go by so fast this year but we have loved every minute of it with her! We had a small celebration just us on Wednesday. Mom made a mini apple pie so she had something to blow a candle from. She liked the crust but not the filling so much. She got a few little gifts: a llama blanket, puzzles, books and pajamas. It was as if she knew it was her birthday too. In the morning when we went to get her and excitedly said 'happy birthday' she seemed to understand the implication of those words. All day she was seeking attention from us as if to say, "Guys, it's my birthday. I get what ever I want today!"

Birthday breakfast: scrambled eggs!

Solo playtime

Yay! It's my birthday!

Yummy cookie crust.

Opening her first presents.

And into the mouth they go!

Mackenzie was very excited for the new toys. We had to continue
to remind her they were for Finley but she could play with them.
Christmas is going to be fun....

Saturday we celebrated her birthday with friends. Just a few families with kids the same age as ours. It was a llama themed taco bar fiesta! And Finley almost slept through her own party (but let's be honest the first birthday is for the parents). She woke up VERY early on Saturday, around 5:30. Drank a bottle then went back to sleep until 9:30. This threw off her nap schedule so by 11:30 she went down and guests came at noon. So we woke her up at 1 and she was a little confused by the people but perked up at her first taste of a churro cupcake! She really liked that! Mackenzie had a great time too playing with the other kids and Finley eventually did too. It was a really enjoyable party and we are so grateful we have friends to celebrate with.

Playing with big sister before the party began.

So festive!

Kiersten made all the decorations herself, without buying anything! A fact
she's very proud of.

Churro cupcakes! (Ok, she bought the cactus and llama sticks but they were like $.50 for 5)

Happy Birthday, Finney Baby!

Still a little dazed and confused from her interrupted nap.

First taste of frosting...

More discovery of the sugary goodness...

Oh yeah, yummy!

Some of the kids from the birthday party!
Mackenzie and Isaiah are becoming best buds.

Finley got a wooden block set from a friend.
Not sure who had more fun playing with it though, Daddy or Mackenzie.

Other than the birthday, Dad worked, Mom trained and taught piano and Mackenzie went to school and played and played. It was a busy but fun, fun week!

One more picture from her birthday because, come on, she's adorable!

The Mackenzie Report:

• She was so excited to tell Finley 'Happy Birthday!' She remembered all week it was going to be her birthday. Such a good big sister!
• "I ever see that before." It means 'I've seen that _____ before but it's been a while'.

  

  Watching a candle science experiment. The wax is soaked in boiling water and bubbling to the top.

• Bargaining. We tell her to do something and she'll counter with, "I have idea...." or, "Here's a deal...."
• She found Kiersten's old watch and fell in love with it. A friend at school apparently has a watch and she wanted to wear it too. She got to wear it to school but not at school. That was our compromise.

  

  We've learned not to fight her with her clothing choices so these are the gems we get some days.

The Finley Report:

• This little girl has hit so many milestones this year! No one would have ever guessed she was a premie! She is starting to get more confident with standing and is more sturdy. And she can carefully sit back down now too.

  

  365 days and a world apart! Both of us have come a long way!

• Shaking her head. When she doesn't want something, usually offered food, she'll shake her head. But sometimes she does it to make us laugh. Either way its funny.

  

  Birthday bath. Looking up with adoration for her sister.

• Lots more talking. 'Hola', 'a done (all done)'. When we say 'hello' or 'ciao' she knows to wave her hand.
• She is starting to scream at us more by way of communication. That one we aren't as happy with.
• Dancing! She is starting to feel the rhythm!
• Mimicking. She squeaks and squeals to ANY sound. And she screams on pitch!
  
• Fighting naps. She is down to a solid 2 naps a day and begs for a third but won't actually sleep. She just sits in her crib and cries until we get her. Babies....

It was a great week. Sad our babies are growing but loving the little people they are turning into.

Sharing their breakfasts.

Also, in other news, the Embassy formed a Women's Soccer Team so you better believe Kiersten jumped on that! They are going to compete in a tournament against other Women's teams from other Embassies. So excited! She's been waiting, wishing, hoping and missing soccer for 2.5 years! It's finally happening.

She played! And couldn't be happier!

See you next week!