The POO Report

It's been awhile

2011-10-03T18:10:00.001-07:00

Sorry for the lack of posts, but I have been finishing my academic portion of school and starting my rotations. I am currently in my first month of rotations at UNMC's oncology and hematology department. It has been challenging but I am really liking it and the amazing patients and medical staff that I am honored to work with. Finn has moved up in school and is loving it, and Jason is still loving his job on and off the river. A couple weeks ago Finn and I took a much needed vacation to Utah and Dallas for a week. It was so nice to catch up with friends and see Aunt Jenni. Here are some pictures from our adventure.

A little R&R

2011-06-05T18:46:00.000-07:00

Momma had a week off, so we took full advantage of it! We spent time down at the lake of the ozarks with the Alexander family, the we headed down to the Buffalo River in Arkansas, absolutely beautiful! Here are the pictures! Now back to reality tomorrow....

We're back!

2011-05-03T13:03:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'm back on it! Now that I know how to get the photos off my phone we are in business. Here is a link to some of the recent adventures and more importantly my big boy! We are again busy. Finn is loving school and talking so much, I started my last academic semester, and Jason is preparing for a big job on the Platte river. Sorry it has taken so long....

Snowy Days

2011-01-22T15:57:00.001-08:00

We have been lucky enough here in Nebraska the last few weeks to have ski snow (although most Nebraskans would say this is not lucky at all!). Here are a few pics from our snowy fun.

A wonderful memory

2011-01-09T17:54:00.001-08:00

On December 23rd my biggest fan, my inspiration, and my mom passed peacefully with all of us around her. She is part my most wonderful memories, and she will be missed.

Finn was the light of her life, and now little man asks about grandma almost every night. He says she is in the stars. We all miss her so much.

But before she was Finn's gramma, she was my momma.
I love you mom...thank you, for everything.

Turkey Day

2010-12-04T06:21:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful trip to Colorado over Thanksgiving with our friends Brett and Jen (and Bennett and Callie). We got some skiing in, some turkey eatin', swimming, and more! Here is a link to our pictures.

Finn's first school picture! (1yr 10months old)

Welcoming Winter

2010-11-14T06:38:00.000-08:00

Friday night we had our first snow of the season. We just had to go out and play in it. Here are some pictures from our snow fun!

Happy Halloween!

2010-11-02T18:54:00.000-07:00

Halloween was a blast! We were a star wars family. Even our friend Curtis from California came to visit and was chewy! Finn loved going up to the houses and getting candy. He was always the first in line, but surprisingly didn't ask to eat too much candy. I'm sure he'll get the hang of that next year. We had a great time with Curtis, even took him to Iowa via the Bob Kerry pedestrian bridge.

On Friday night my PA class had a gathering at Vala's pumpkin patch. Finn loved the tractors and goats. It was a great weekend!

Welcoming Charles Paul

2010-10-26T03:48:00.000-07:00

My best friend in the whole world Amy (and Steve) had a baby! Charles Paul AKA Charlie was born on Friday October 22nd. We were all lucky enough to scoot up to Minneapolis for the weekend and meet the newest member of the family. Not surprising Amy was up and moving and looking fabulous less than 24 hours later. She is amazing!

Big brothers Doug and James were very excited to meet "popcorn" (glad they decided to change his name, I do like Charlie a bit more). Finn liked to call him Chachi and he ADORED him, just so interested in his every squeak and move and very concerned when he cried. We are all very happy everyone is healthy and happy and home safe!

Click here for more pictures and a couple videos!

Long overdue

2010-10-04T18:31:00.001-07:00

Mr Bike!

Well, we have be very busy since "Momma" started school. But I live to tell the tale and am enjoying the vigorous learning, so far... And Finn has been a trooper at daycare and with Great Aunt Chris and Great Uncle Ray (on Tuesdays). He comes home almost every day from daycare with an accident report (go figure, he is a TRUE boy!). Finn's latest and greatest include a new love for choo choo's (especially Salty), playing his harmonica or recorder, looking for buggies, and saying NO (which he says very clearly). We are all adjusting to our new lives and finally getting into the swing of things. Jason and Finn flew to St. Louis by themselves a couple weekends ago and had a great time, despite leaving mom behind. We got out yesterday for a nice canoe adventure and today Jason took Finn on a wonderful hike. We are looking forward to a beautiful Nebraska fall as the leaves are starting to turn and the cool smell is in the air. Hope all is well with all of you!
love, nicki

Canoeing at Lake Cunningham with Brookey!

The end of the summer...

2010-08-16T17:41:00.000-07:00

It really is hard to believe that I start school on Wednesday (and so does Finn). I've had the most amazing 18 months of my life....and so, now onto a new chapter. But, in the mean time we've been having so much fun the last couple weeks! Here are some photos from our fun of late. Finn has been so busy and he is talking SO much...alicalicalicali (for avocado), here killykillykilly (here kitty kitty kitty), bobo (means many things, but lately butterfly), turta (turtle), and more everyday. However with this new found speech has come more tantrums...and so it REALLY begins. We'll see how the little man does at school, I think he is really going to like it. Now, we are ready for Fall to begin!
-nicki

A trip to St Louis

2010-08-10T11:00:00.000-07:00

We had a great time this past weekend! We went to visit the Alexanders for Lisa's graduation from Nurse Practitioner school (congrats Lis). We even got to attend Baby Paul's 1st birthday and take a boat ride on the Mississippi. Here are some more pictures from our trip.

A boat ride on the Mississippi

Cool clouds on our flight home

Niobrara

2010-08-03T10:09:00.001-07:00

We had a fabulous weekend on the Niobrara river. It was Finn's first three day canoeing/camping trip. He did great and we had so much fun. It is always wonderful to visit such a stunning place! Click here for more pictures from our weekend.

Nap time on the canoe
Say Cheese!
Love, love, love...

We LOVE Aunt Jenni

2010-07-27T17:21:00.001-07:00

Aunt Jenni came in for a week+ vacation! It was great, we went canoeing, saw great music (even housed Jenni's friend and our new favorite musician John Lefler) and had a great time hanging out. Jenn also took mom to her chemo and scan appt which turned out to be great (check mom's blog for updates). Here are some pictures from our adventure with Aunt Jenni...

Me and my Sis cooling off in the Platte River

Tired boy after canoeing and a cool bee!

Represent...Kaptain Karen

Sweet Sick Baby Boy

2010-07-12T12:54:00.001-07:00

Finn has been sick on and off this past week, finally we are figuring it out! He is very sweet however through his sickness, so here are some pics of his sweetness...

Lake of the Ozarks 4th of July

2010-07-06T13:38:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful weekend at the Lake of the Ozarks with the entire Alexander family (and the Nabb gals too). Yup even Mom and Aunt Jenni joined in for the festivities. We had a wonderful time swimming, jet skiing, going down the slide, fishing, boating, fireworks and as always EATING! Finn loved playing with his cousins (all 6 boys!). Click here for more pictures from our festivities.

What does a 17 month old do???

2010-06-27T19:18:00.001-07:00

Beach Finn

Busy is the first word that comes to mind. He is talking more and more every day. His most recent words are, "Here killykillykilly" (for Here Kitty Kitty Kitty), "WOW", "Uh-oh", "NO", "WHALE" (the "L" very enunciated), wahisthis (for What is this), and more! He is running everywhere, not walking. He loves the garden and all the flowers, especially ones he can pick (we are working on just smelling them). He walks around everywhere waiving and saying HI to everyone like he is a super star (so social!). He's finding out that ice cream and popcicles are REALLY good! He thinks airplanes, big trucks and snakes are super cool too (yup he's a boy alright!). He loves playing with the neigbor kids or at the park. He loves water and his little pool. He is just so much fun right now! I am loving him up all I can before I start school. Everyday is something new and exciting and so cool to see it all through the eyes of a 17 month old!

Our latest travels were to LA for our friends Dave and Shelley's wedding. It was amazing! We all loved the sea air!

Here are some pictures from the Redondo Wedding and here are Lindsey's photos from the wedding.
A view from the lighthouse.

Next weekend, the Ozarks with Nana and Pa...

Our Busy Summer

2010-06-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

It seems like we are just go go go this summer, well we are! Last week we spent a week in Minneapolis with Amy and the boys, while Steve and Jason ventured to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Finn loved playing with a couple "big brothers", Doug and James. And I just loved being with my best friend. Jason and Steve saw moose, fishers (in the weasel family), river otters, loons and other exciting wildlife. Here are some pictures from the girls trip and here are some from the boys trip. Now as the madness continues, we prepare for our trip to L.A. this weekend for our friends' Dave and Shelly's wedding.

Us gals with our boys at the Dog park in Minn (big Uly dog in the background)

A couple pics Jason took at the Boundary Waters

Kayleigh's Wedding

2010-06-07T08:19:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I watched my oldest niece get married. It was a wonderful wedding! Finn was the ring bearer and Jenn and I sang. Kayleigh is now happily married to Trent, and we love him! Welcome to the family! Click here for more wedding pics.

Today we say goodbye

2010-06-06T15:52:00.000-07:00

Today Finn's great, great, uncle Glenn Nabb passed. We all got to say goodbye and hold his hand for one last time. He was a wonderful man with the Nabb wit and charm (as well as some Nabb feisty-ness). He lived 94 amazing years on this earth...we will cherish his memory forever.

Colorado with the Z's

2010-05-30T19:57:00.000-07:00

An action shot of Bennett and Finn

We had a great time in Colorado with the Ziercher family. We had some birthday fun in the mountains and floating a couple rivers. Of course we were really there to meet baby Callie.Finn loved her...so did we.

Here are some Colorado pics and Jason's bday pics.

Mother's day and more

2010-05-17T19:30:00.000-07:00

Finn on the farm in Exeter...

We had a fabulous Mother's day, just working in the yard and eating some good home cookin'! Then we went to Exeter for a late Mother's day excursion a few days later. And this past Sunday we finally got our long awaited float down the river.

Finn with Grandma Louise and mommy on Mother's Day

Great Grandma Krejci and Grandma Karen

Our float down the Platte and Finn's new way to travel...via lifejacket!

Captain Finn lovin' the river!

7 days without dad, not problem just refinish the upstairs!

2010-05-05T07:41:00.000-07:00

Jason had told me that he is done with home improvement projects for awhile, so I thought I would surprise him with a new and improved upstairs! He went to rapid city, SD for a 7 day work trip, so I got to it! And it took ALL 7 days that he was gone, working around nap and bedtime schedules, but I finished (with the help of neighbors and friends)! Here are some before and after pics...

Some sort of white wash??? A real pain to sand!

We were tired!

Jason loved it!

Florida Fun!

2010-04-21T19:14:00.000-07:00

We spent a lovely week on Longboat Key. We beached 3 times a day and kayaked some, and ate lots of yummy seafood. Mom, Aunt Pat, and Auntie Jenni joined Finn and I for the festivities. Finn loved the beach most of all. He spent hours playing in the sand and chasing waves! We can't wait to go back.

Finn's first encounter with waves...

A Great Weekend

2010-04-14T05:58:00.000-07:00

Finn recycling...we swear!

We had a great weekend with friends, hiking and canoeing. And I had to work both Saturday and Sunday, so I would say productive and great! We headed out on Friday night and left Finn with Grandpa Doug and Grandma Louise. He had a great time out on a walk and soaking in all the grandparent love, while we attended an 80's birthday party.
Then we headed to Hitchcock Nature Center for a hike Saturday morning. It was beautiful, but I was shocked to see ticks already! Then Sunday morning we ventured out for our first Canoe trip of the season. Oh so needed! Just a quick float from Lashara to Two Rivers State Park on the Platte, but it was wonderful as always. Finn did great, for a little guy. Then just as he got really fussy he decided to take a nap. Good boy...

Cranes!

2010-04-09T06:28:00.001-07:00

We went out to view the cranes again this year at the Rowe Sanctuary. It was amazing! Thousands of sandhill cranes! The night before we went to Ft. Kearney for a hike along the rails to trail, trail. It took us right over the river where we met up with many people waiting for sunset and the migration of sandhill cranes from the corn fields back to the river, simply beautiful! Finn wasn't allowed in the blind at the Rowe Sanctuary, so Jason took him for a little hike.

After our adventure at the Sanctuary, we took a tip from a woman in the blind and went on a quest to find Whooping Cranes, endangered Whooping Cranes. And we found them! At a small marsh, they were beautiful! So big and graceful! After that, we headed to Exeter for Easter. Here are some pictures from our wonderful weekend.

Early Spring Fun

2010-04-03T08:32:00.000-07:00

Finn and I ventured to Colorado for a ski weekend with the Alexander's while Jason was working in Oregon. Finn had so much fun with Nana Peggy while I skied with the nephews, Lisa and Pa. It was beautiful Colorado as always, thank you Nana and Pa.

Skiing down our favorite run at Breckenridge, first Henry, then Pa and finally Owen
(not sure where Elliot was, maybe in the trees!)

Then we took another trip to the zoo with Doug and James, Doug had a little session of Monkey See Monkey Do (see video below). So far it is a great early spring!

Here are more pictures from our early spring adventures!

Goat Love

2010-03-25T12:30:00.000-07:00

We went back to the zoo on Monday with our friends Lacey and Dylan. Finn apparently remembered the goats because he went around giving all of them love, by putting his head to their head. I was a bit nervous because I didn't want them to headbutt the little man, but it was too cute not to tape. Here is a clip of goat love!

Zoo and fun with Riley

2010-03-15T06:27:00.000-07:00

Cousin Riley, Finn, and Mr. goat

As always the Zoo was a hit with little man. It was a little chilly, but we still got to see some cool animals. We went to the aquarium, saw bears, gorillas and visited the petting zoo. It seems his new favorite animal is a rooster, he keeps saying cak cak cak (kind of like cock-a-doodle doo).

After the zoo was bath time and Finn wanted to strut his stuff all over the house!

Then is was time for another favorite activity, "here kitty kitty"!

St. Louis Fun

2010-03-02T13:43:00.000-08:00

We made a quick trip to St. Louis for a surprise birthday party (for Aunt Annie), a visit with the family, friends, and even a stop in Kansas City to meet Jason's cousin Tracy's new baby George. It was a busy fun filled weekend, we even got to experience WARM Missouri temps, it was in the 40's! Here are some more pictures from our adventure.

Minneapolis

2010-02-17T07:47:00.000-08:00

James, Doug and Finn

Last weekend Finn and I traveled to Minneapolis to visit Amy and the boys. We had so much fun going to James' basketball game, playing Hockey, eating the best burgers in the world and just playing, playing, playing. Amy and I even had a lovely afternoon at a spa getting the best pedicures EVER, they even served wine! Here are some pictures from our adventur e...

James using Finn as a hockey puck

Big Dog Uly

Snow"man"

2010-02-06T05:15:00.000-08:00

Finn and I went out in the snow yesterday to try out the new "Go Big Red" snow gear and to just get OUT of the house! It was great. Finn had fun trying to maneuver his way through the deep snow in his big suit. We are planning to take the snow sled out today and maybe even make a snowman. Gotta have snow fun while we can!

The last couple weeks Finn has REALLY been learning. He does sign language all the time and surprises me daily. He signs "more", "all done", "milk", "bath", "diaper change", and his new favorite "bird". We put up a bird feeder (the only time of year we can have one since Ali cat stays indoors in the winter) and he LOVES watching the birds, especially the bright red cardinals. He has been understanding more spanish too. When I ask him where his head (cabesa) or mouth (boca) is, he points to it; he even sits down in the bath tub when I ask (sientese por favor). He is a sponge! Now if I can just keep up with him, he's quick!

The Snow Worm

365 days OLD!

2010-01-26T05:29:00.000-08:00

At 7:04am this morning Finn officially turned ONE! We started out the day with some birthday singing and chocolate cake, the look on his face is priceless (so glad I had the timer on the camera!). Now we are eating big boy stuff like scrambled eggs and juice. As far as the rest of the day, we'll just see.

We had a wonderful celebration this weekend (click here for more pictures). So many friends and family joined us to celebrate our little boys special day! Thank you for coming and sharing your day with us.

I'm so lucky to be a Mom today!

Finn's first ski

2010-01-16T13:06:00.000-08:00

We ventured over to Elmwood park to try out Finn's new ski buggy, although Jason refers to it as the ghetto sled. It was a conversion kit Jason ordered off of skibugg.com. It converts a bike trailer into a ski trailer. It was $38 for the kit; pair that with a $20 bike trailer we found on craigslist and you have "ghetto sled". The whole family had fun!

A little downhill action at the park.

Zoo Fun and more

2010-01-15T15:33:00.000-08:00

Last Monday the whole family ventured to the Henry Doorly Zoo. We had so much fun on a wintery day, especially because there were VERY few at the zoo. All of the animals where on display just for us. We just went to the indoor exhibits and of course Finn's favorite the aquarium.

Some videos...

Here is a video from last night when Finn had the sillys while driving his car around at Grandma's house.

This is a video of the big boy eating with a spoon, he's so advanced...

11 months and walkin' (almost)

2010-01-07T14:06:00.000-08:00

As I sit here writing, it is 1 degree outside (but feels like -22 degrees, thanks weather.com). Yes, quite lovely out and hard to believe that last week we were in Florida soaking up 70 degree weather. It was a wonderful first Christmas for Finn. Christmas day we were snowed in here in Omaha, but not to worry we had Grandma with us so the spoiling could still happen. The day after Christmas we headed to Florida, but before we left Amy, Steve and the boys stopped so we could do a quick Christmas. Finn decided to give them the best gift ever, he took his first steps to Amy. This video shows the second walking attempt. He still takes steps here and there, but no fulltime walkin' just yet.

Then we were off to have Christmas in Florida (click here for more pictures) with the Alexanders. We had a great time. Finn learned to eat sand and crawl into the ocean. It was a bit chilly, but we still managed to get a little sun, Jason surfed, we played fun beach games, and had a great time with our family. We hope you all had happy holidays and look forward to another wonderful year, Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-22T14:50:00.000-08:00

We Wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Photos complements of Linda Gentry Photography.

Winter Wonderland

2009-12-14T14:39:00.000-08:00

POO REPORT - Omaha was buried under 12 inches of snow last Tuesday, and we were snowbound until Friday morning. We

received another inch or two this morning. I did some work from home and kept an eye on the little man while Nicki used the time to complete her immunology class (She got an 'A'!!...she is a kick-ass mom). In between, we
shoveled snow, finished some 'in-home' projects, and took turns skiing the streets and parks of Omaha. We also took Finn out for a spin in the 'Bob', and watched the chaos that happens when this much snow hits a midwest city.

Our home is in the bottom of a small valley, which means we had quite a few people stuck near our house, unable to climb the snowy hills out. Over the weekend we headed out to with the Camenzinds, took a tractor ride, marched around in the snow, and cut down a seven-foot tall, seven-year old spruce, Finn's first Christmas tree. Nicki played the lumberjack this year. Once again, Yoda adorns the crown (thanks Mistereks!). It is now so cold here that Manuel refused to ski with me today...brrrrr.

Click here for more wintery photos

Home Sweet Home

2009-12-04T06:35:00.000-08:00

Jason and Finn in front of the collegiate Peaks

We have been on many adventures over the last couple weeks. We left the week before Thanksgiving to head to the hills, the hills of Colorado that is. Our first stop was in Fort Collins to visit our friend Mike Scott. After a fabulous lunch we headed to Dillon. We spent many relaxing nights there then headed to Glenwood Springs and New Castle to visit old neighbors and friends. We even stopped by Osage Organic Farm, where I used to work. It is a beautiful property on the Colorado river with tons of greenhouses and land for planting, and it is for sale if interested (click here). We left with some yummy herbs and produce and headed to Kate and Rick's up at the beautiful Ranch at Coulter Creek. The next morning we had a delicious breakfast at the Village Smithy with more friends then on to Durango. We landed at Jenni, Brett, and Bennett's house for Thanksgiving. We spent our time hiking, fishing, shopping and EATING! It was wonderful! Finn even learned to sign "more", my smart boy! Now we are home trying to settle in for a few weeks...until our next adventure! Click here for more pics from our trip.

I think Finn was getting a little stir crazy in the car...

Finn's favorite song, Finn Carter Alexander, Finn Carter Alex-an-an-der!

Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha (literally!)

2009-11-13T18:21:00.000-08:00

If Gavin Chard gets the crazies before bed, Finn gets the sillys. He is a giggle monster some nights and it doesn't take much to get this contagious laugh going! Jason gets home tonight from his 5 weeks away (he was home some weekends), but it has been a VERY long go for him. I'm not sure who is more excited us or him. Next week we leave for Colorado. We are very excited to visit friends and our beloved mountains. Until then, here is the silly man in action (sorry for the dark video).

Busy Bees

2009-11-04T08:27:00.000-08:00

Finn on Halloween

We've all been busy bees lately! Last week Finn and I flew to St. Louis to spend time with the Alexander clan, while Jason was busy working on the Belle Fourche River in South Dakota. Finn loved playing with his cousins and seeing his grandparents. Here are more pics from St Louis Fun.

Finn went in for his 9 month appointment on Monday. His doc thought he looked great and was right on track for everything, still a little bit small 10% weight, 30% height, and 55% head (large noggin). Of course we think he is perfect!

I love this pic!

Nana Peggy and her boys.

Go Big Red!

2009-10-24T09:32:00.000-07:00

Thank you Grandma Sue (our favorite adopted grandma) for the Go Big Red gear. We are all ready for the big game today so I thought I would post a picture and a video of the little man. Go Big Red!

9 months and countin'

2009-10-19T20:26:00.001-07:00

Little man is approaching his 9 month mark. He is still a happy go lucky little guy, but he does not want to sleep ALONE! I don't blame him, but the sleep training has been tricky. I'm open to any and all suggestions, however, I'm sure I've tried them all! And this too shall pass...

We have been trying to get some hikes in at the state parks before it gets really cold, but I don't think that will stop us (note the snowy picture below).

A walk in Elmwood after the crazy snow last weekend

We've been to Platte River State Park and Schramm State Park in the last two days. The beautiful fall colors have been amazing!

Schramm State Park

Our Kitchen remodel is almost done! We just have some minor touch up work, but otherwise done! And it is wonderful. So come on over and we'll cook ya something!

Jason has been out of town the last couple weeks and he has a couple to go. So Finn and I will try and stay busy, in fact we are heading to St. Louis to visit the Alexanders next week. More pics to follow...

Nana Peggy

2009-10-08T17:36:00.000-07:00

Nana Peggy came to visit last weekend. It was great. We went to the zoo, out to our favorite breakfast place, and played, played played! Here are some pictures from last weekend.

Finn and his fish

Riding Skyfari at the zoo

Happy Teeth

Jason and I took turns taking the little man on hikes this week. Monday Jason went to Schramm State Park and yesterday I went to Hitchcock Nature Center. We are trying to enjoy the last few WARM days. Here are some pictures from beautiful fall hiking.

Schramm State Park

Hitchcock Nature Center

Niobrara

2009-10-01T06:54:00.001-07:00

Last weekend we went to the Niobrara river. It was wonderful! Mom hadn't been in that part of the state in over 10 years, and she had never canoed it, so we decided it was time. We rented a cabin at Sunny Brook Campground just south of Sparks, NE. It was a little rustic for mom, but she did great (no running water or bathrooms, oops, next time I'll ask...). We drove through the wildlife refuge on our way to the campground and saw lots of Bison. Then on Saturday a trip to Smith Falls, the largest waterfall in NE, and onto our canoeing adventure. We saw many smaller waterfalls, a few people at the beginning of our trip, and mom paddled through a class II rapid (and many smaller ones). We spent the rest of the time by the campfire and even listened to the Nebraska game for awhile. Here are some pics from our adventure.

Finn giving the thumbs up
We're off...
Stairstep waterfall, our favorite

Bison at the wildlife refuge
Beautiful Sunset
Happy Camper

Wine-O Bee

Bye Bye Niobrara, until we meet again...

Teeth!

2009-09-24T19:40:00.000-07:00

Last week one, this week the other. Finn got both his bottom teeth over the last couple weeks. He really hasn't complained much, just a lot of chewing and drooling. Tonight he picked up one of his daddy's rocks and chewed away, taking time in between to smile in delight. I'm not sure who was happier Finn or Jason...rocks, who knew?!

Finn's been watching Football games with grandma, helping remodel the kitchen (which is almost done), and seeing his cousin Riley off. We will miss our Riley, she was so wonderful with Finn and just great to have around, she is off to bigger and better things, Job Corp.

Finn standing in his crib, he is always trying to break out!

Go big RED man!

7 month photo shoot!

2009-09-03T05:27:00.000-07:00

Last week we had so much fun with our friend Linda. She came an did a 7 month photo shoot with us at the house. Finn was a ham as you can see. If you want to see the entire collection click on this link (or let me know).

http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=9b577rlb.bxudz8q7&x=0&y=ufzo0g&localeid=en_US&cm_mmc=site_email-_-site_share-_-core-_-view_photos_album

Crawling...Man!

2009-08-20T12:37:00.000-07:00

Big news, big news...yesterday Finn crawled for the first time! I guess you could say it was more of an inch worm kind of thing, but forward movement none-the-less. Here is a video from today.

While we were in Colorado for Lindsey and Dave's wedding we made an unexpected trip to Missouri to honor our Aunt Margie. She passed after battling Ovarian cancer for over two years. We were able to be with friends and family to remember her. She was so special to us (See posting from June 12th to see a wonderful picture of Margie and Finn). On the day of her funeral, two of our best friends (Jaime and Cindy Boock) welcomed their baby boy Paul into the world. It made us smile on a day filled with so many tears.

(Here is big Sis Sarah with Paul)

Lindsey and Dave's Wedding

They got married in beautiful Marble, CO.
It was one of the most beautiful weddings I've ever been to.

Us...

Canoeing

2009-08-07T13:04:00.000-07:00

Finn had his first canoe adventure last Sunday. He did great, not just because he slept most the way down the river, but because he is such a good little man (it helped that Steve was with us too). So happy all the time. How did we get so lucky...

Amy, Steve, Doug and James were in Omaha for a visit too. It was a great weekend!

The little man loves his exersaucer, Jason calls it his "Office"

Finn even got a visit from Great, Great Uncle Glen Nabb

Maybe a little resemblance...

2009-08-05T16:10:00.000-07:00

The other night I ransacked my mom's house in search of photos from my childhood. I ran across a few pictures that may just change your mind a bit about who Finn looks like. At least I think there is a little bit of me in that little guy. What do you think?

Finn/ Nicki

Nicki/ Finn

Nicki

-nicki

6 months old!

2009-07-29T07:47:00.000-07:00

Finn is officially 6 months old. It has been so amazing to watch him develop over the last few weeks. He is very close to sitting up, he plays by himself in the exersaucer, is eating more and more solid food, giggling, chatting, and so much more! We have been going to swimming lessons the last few weeks and Finn loves it! He is the most adventurous little guy out there, also the youngest! We went out to Colorado for Tasha and Sean's Wedding. It was wonderful! And throughout it all we have started our kitchen remodel.
So you could say we are busy, busy, busy.

Finn trying to pick up chicks at the wedding.

Big guy practicing his sitting.

5 plus some...

2009-07-06T22:10:00.000-07:00

Finn is 5 months (plus a couple weeks) and continues to amaze us. He recently started eating FOOD! He had been eating rice cereal here and there, but not really liking it. Yesterday we introduced sweet potatoes and he loved them! He is rolling all over the place and grabbing everything in site. He examines everything so closely, I can't even imagine what is going through is little bean!

Here are some pictures from the last couple weeks. We went to Nick and Sarah's wedding in Madison Wisconsin (Finn's 7th state in 5 months) and had a visit from Lindsey who flew in from San Diego.

My first father's day...

2009-06-21T20:05:00.000-07:00

The last five months have been transformative to say the least...we could not have special ordered a more well adjusted son. Today was like any other day...we woke up to him stirring in his crib, I peered over the rail and found a big smile peering back. Today was my first father's day and I had intended to spend it with my son, canoeing the Platte River. The river has special significance for me on father's days because some of my fondest childhood memories are of my father taking my family boating on the Mississippi. We have been wanting to get the little guy on the water for some time. We tried out the Finn's new life jacket earlier in the week, at Kelly and Paula Price's pool in Fremont. We always like to think to ourselves that the child will share our characteristics...and, given the fact that Nicki and I lover water, he should like the water...well, Finn appears to like the water, and spent almost two hours in the pool, with a grand finale solo swim in his new life jacket...his little head is just peering out of his turtle-like shell, but his little feet are kicking away.

The Platte was rather swollen from recent rain, so we chose not to bring the little guy for his first father's day (or ever) trip...instead he spent the day with his cousin Riley, while Nicki and I enjoyed some time with the dogs, floating the Fremont to Two Rivers reach of the lower Platte. Although we missed the little guy, we were able enjoy a long float, on a beautiful day, my first father's day.

Visit to St. Louis

2009-06-12T15:51:00.000-07:00

We went to St. Louis the first weekend in June. We were there for Jason's elementary school reunion, the Academy of the Sacred Heart 8th grade class of 1989. It was a good time and we got to see Nana and Pa, Great Grandma Olive, the cousins, and Aunt Margie and Uncle Wayne. Here are a few pictures from St. Louis, the Omaha Zoo, and fun at home.

The six Alexander cousins, Pa and Finn

Great Aunt Margie, Nicki Finn and the twins (Nicholas and Noah)

Our family, Great Grandma Olive, Class of 1989

A trip to the Henry Doorly Zoo

Finn's new fish tank, Eating Rice cereal, Reading mom a book

Giggle Man

2009-06-10T08:53:00.000-07:00

Finn's cousin Riley is staying with us for the summer and knows just what Finn likes. He thinks she is hilarious (see below).

4 months 2 weeks old

2009-06-03T05:56:00.000-07:00

It is amazing how fast time flies when your having fun. I can't believe Finn is 4 months old, and yet it seems like he has been in our lives forever, just hard to imagine it before...We went to the doctor yesterday for his four month check up and his is right on track. He was in the 50th percentile for everything but his weight, and he was 30th for that (13.9lbs!).

Since our last posting Finn has rolled from his back to his front (as of this morning), gone to his first rock concert (love the baby noise blocking headphones), gone to an art exhibit, and gone swimming. We spent the last week with Aunt Jenni in Dallas (hence the cultured lifestyle). And now back in Omaha gardening and loving the cool nights, preparing for yet another adventure to St. Louis this coming weekend.

Here are some pictures recapping our outings over the last few weeks...

Finn looking a bit like shrek with ear plugs.

Finn with his buddy Graham who is 2 months younger, but not that much smaller...

Finn with Aunt Jenni, relaxing on her hammock, and our hike around White Rock Lake in Dallas...

Finn's first concert, Carter Albrecht's CD release (glad that his first concert was his namesake's CD release party), a visit with Ken and Judy (Carter's parents), and a swim in their pool

Memorial Day Weekend/Jason's birthday/Amy's in town

2009-05-25T09:32:00.000-07:00

We had a great weekend over the memorial day weekend. Amy and James came into town to visit us and celebrate her mother's retirement. Then we spent Jason's birthday/Memorial day with mom out at Timberwood lake with Brooke's family. It was wonderful! Here are some pictures from that lovely weekend!

Rollin' Rollin' Rollin'

2009-05-15T08:05:00.000-07:00

...keep those doggies rollin' rawhide! Just a little intro into Finn's first roll over, he's 3.5 (+ a little) months old today. He did it yesterday for the first time, but today Mom and I caught it on video. Big guy...

Beautiful Colorado

2009-05-07T10:24:00.001-07:00

A fishing date on the Blue River

We have been in Colorado almost two weeks now, it is almost feeling like home again! Beautiful mountains, a bit of snow, and lots of friends. Mom came out with us for the first week to celebrate her birthday, we had a great time. Then the Zierchers came for the weekend, Katie came for a visit, and the last few days it has been just me and the little man while Jas is in Denver. We found a great trail behind the mountain house and have been hiking a few times and a few more on the lake trail. We leave on Saturday, so we will enjoy our last couple days, here are a few pictures from our adventures!

Strong neck Finn, Bennett ridin' around, cool dude shades, and a nap on grandma's birthday next to the river.

A hike behind the mountain house

Daddy's outta town...

2009-04-23T16:16:00.001-07:00

...and mommy's got a cold or allergies or both. That doesn't stop us though! In fact I just mowed while Finn played in his stroller (thank goodness for a small yard!). Finn is getting so big and almost holding his head up. He still has a little trouble, especially when he has hiccups (see movie below). Jason has been out of town all week, so we've been doing lots of things, including a photo shoot (don't worry grandmas, pictures are on their way). We are leaving tomorrow for Colorado, we'll be gone two weeks this time. So until then, enjoy some of the photo shoot pictures!

Hiccups....man!

Almost three months old!

2009-04-16T17:07:00.000-07:00

So much has happened, where to begin...Finn is chatting like no other, singing when we sing, blowing bubbles and almost holding his head up by himself! He is getting bigger and rounder, with chubby little cheeks. I can't believe three months have gone by...Our trip out to Colorado was wonderful! Great friends, good times, and beautiful mountain goodness. Finn was a champ, he slept most of the way out and back and slept so good at night (three 9 hour nights!).

Bennett helping Finn

Good friends and good times!

2 months (+1 week) of eating, sleeping, smiling...and yes...pooping

2009-03-30T19:46:00.000-07:00

POO REPORT: Finn paid his 2-month visit to the doctor today. In 2 months he has grown four inches (after losing an inch from the 'conehead recession'...not to be confused with the current recession), gained 5 lbs 8 oz., and yes his head has increased in size...but I can't remember those details. He also recived his first vaccinations. Nicki and I decided to spread them out, so just two this time...those were enough to take the smile off his face, make him a bit grumpy, and sore in his usually kicking legs. Aunt Lisa's homeopathic sucrose solution worked beautifully (although we did not have a Finn 'clone' for a control experiment), he cried only briefly. The Doc and staff were impressed with our preparedness (thanks sis!).

Finn has been keeping with his usual schedule of travel, making two trips this week to Fremont to visit Grandma Karen and Grandma and Grandpa Nabb. He was on his best behavior at the Fremont Public Schools annual awards ceremony, where Grandma Karen recieved an award honoring her many years of service as a teacher, and showed him off to some of her old pals...the little dude slept through the entire ceremony...except for clapping. Next week we head to Colorado for a week, and will be making a trip back via the Niobrara River. So far he has traveled very well...can't wait to get him out camping.

Jason

Finn telling grandma stories

2009-03-29T20:11:00.000-07:00

POO REPORT: Finn paid a visit to grandma to make her feel better....here he is talking up a storm.

2 months old!

2009-03-24T18:52:00.000-07:00

Finn or Jason????

Finn movin' and shakin' to his mobile!
-nicki

Finn meets the rest of the family....

2009-03-17T20:19:00.000-07:00

POO REPORT - Week 7 was a full one for all of us. I took a mad dash to Denver for two days and nights of work training, which was my first extended period away from my son. Finn has been feeding ravenously, and still (cross your fingers) giving us at least one 5 to 6 hour sleep session per night. His appetite and sleep has been paying off, as he has been noticeably growing...so much so that I could see changes after only two days away. We weighed him in yesterday at 10 pounds.

On Friday we packed up and headed to the airport, walked Finn through airport security, and flew out to St. Louis to visit my family. Although Finn may have worried a few fellow passengers upon loading, he managed to sleep for the hour flight to St. Louis, making our life, and their life, easy. Little Finn paid a visit to his uncle Andy, Aunt Carrie, his twin cousins, Noah and Nicholas, shortly after arrival. The last time Nicki and I saw the twins, the little guys were nearly Finn's size...they have since grown into little chunky monkeys, full of life and super cute. It is hard to imagine them in their tiny little newborn frames just 5 months ago when we thought we would break them while burping. Finn had his first family party on Friday night...Nana Peggy pulled together several relatives and uncle Tom made a large dinner for the everyone...Finn was passed around amongst the family,mostly while sleeping, and introduced to his other baby cousins Michael and Katarina Boschert, and Ben and Maggie Alexander. The Alexander house was again a zoo...or a nursery...and it brought back memories of my childhood, when a pack of little cousins were running around inseperably, constantly playing games until our parents had to drag us home.

We were lucky enough to have some time to hang with the Boock's, and the St.Patty's day parade in downtown St.Louis seemed a perfect venue for us all to visit. Saturday was a gorgeous midwestern day, perfect for being outside and people watching. Little Sarah Boock danced around in her green tutu, while traditional Irish dancers performed on the passing floats. Finn slept, of course, but was, as far as we could tell, the only 7 week-old present, and was a big hit among the crowd of drunken watchers. We finished off the weekend with a visit to Jerry and LoLo Ziercher, who are now proud to say they are the first of the Ziercher family to see little Finn (sorry Brett and Jen). Within the four days in St. Louis, Finn began to focus more on objects, talk up a storm (especially if you are singing a tune), and continue to pump out super cute smiles...by the time we returned Omaha, Finn was quite a different person than when he left. It is hard to imagine both development and growth at such a pace. Can't miss a moment without missing something these days.

Jason

6 Weeks and counting...

2009-03-09T19:46:00.000-07:00

Finn is 6 weeks old! He is smiling every day, trying to talk (or squeal), growing like you wouldn't believe and I am finally starting to get the hang of this mom thing. Jason is in Denver for a couple days, so I am left updating the blog. Since I can't compare to his literary luster, I will just leave you all with some wonderful photos of the week.

Grandma Karen came for a visit after chemo on Thursday with Rhonda (who made Finn a FABULOUS afghan blanket!). Then she came back today to babysit while mommy went to yoga! I think both smiles say it all!

Kate flew in from Colorado for a wonderful weekend! It was so nice to have some girl time and introduce her to my little guy.

If you didn't think Finn looked like his daddy, well here you go!

Here is Finn finding his thumb for the second time.

Week 5...poo...and many big smiles

2009-03-02T20:10:00.000-08:00

POO REPORT- This weeks poo has been accompanied by many VERY big smiles...usually immediately after feeding. Nicki has been seeing these big smiles increase in frequency for the past two weeks but, until yesterday, these smiles had eluded documentation like Nessie the Loch Ness Monster. It may be hard to see in these photo, but little Finn has a crusty milk gotee framing his smile, this are his favorite time(s) of the day. The little guy has been feeding furiously, and filling in around his chicken legs (which he got from his father) and growing into his paddle feet and hands like a Labrador retriever puppy.

Friday brought another round of snowfall and Nicki and I took advantage with a ski in Elmwood. We can't wait to take the little guy on a ski next year. Aunt Melinda and cousin Riley dropped in see Finn on Sunday. The Baker's brought Finn his first set of blocks, eco-friendly to boot. I think Finn and I will be fighting over the blocks when he gets a bit older.

The one month thing...

2009-02-24T20:17:00.000-08:00

POO REPORT - Poo is serious business...for those of you who think otherwise, I suggest watching this little
video of Finn...it may be hard to differentiate the 'thinker' from the 'stinker'...yes, they can be difficult to separate.

Finn celebrated his fourth week with his first bottle feed, his first bath in the bathtub (due to a serious 'train wreck' while diaper changing), and impressing the ladies with his frequent big smiles. Finn joined his grandmother Karen (see www.karenlynn.blogspot.com) for her chemo treatments this week, where he received many warm welcomes from the hospital staff who have come to know our family over the past two years. Nicki weighed him on the hospital scale and he now weighs a whopping 8 pounds! Cousin Tracy was visiting Omaha and stopped in to check out the newest Cregan grandchild. We continued our travel with the little guy, taking him to Lincoln to meet his great Aunt Pat, Uncle Bob, and cousin Kim. This was the furthest from home he has traveled. He even enjoyed an evening of Indian dining at 'The Oven'. Finn had to say a sad 'goodbye' to his wonderful aunt Jenni, who had to return to Dallas. We brewed the little guy his first homebrew this week, a 'steam' beer which had a starting gravity of 1.065...our name of 'Finnebrieation Steam' may just live up to its name. He has continued to go easy on us, giving us two 3.5 to 5 hour sleep sessions per night, we can't ask for more as new parents.

Finn - Week 3

2009-02-17T20:31:00.001-08:00

POO REPORT - This weeks poo can be described as 'abundant'...'copious'...'substantial'...'voluminous'...you get the picture. Finn began binge breast feeding this week like a college freshman with a fake ID. This may also explain his apparent gain of at least one pound. The kid also found his thumba few days ago, although it is so far a fluke, as he has yet to rely on it for pacification. Aunt Jenni Nabb was called back to Nebraska by the Catholic Church of Exeter to sing for a fund raiser. She stopped in for five days for her second visit to her new nephew. She practiced her quiver of classic jazz tunes, often with the little guy nearby, getting his lessons in rhthym. We are so lucky to have to so much help. The end of the week brought ~7 inches of fresh snow, and aunt Jenni babysat while Nicki and I nordic skied in nearby Elmwood Park. The snow was a welcome change to an otherwise hum-drum winter which, prior to this week, had not delivered enough snow to slide on. The dogs were more exicted than we were to get out and sprint through the fluffy white stuff, which we are sure reminds them of their mountainous origins. Life has been great as new parents. We took the little guy to the zoo on Monday to stretch our legs and get out of the house. Watching mountain gorillas with your own little monkey slung around your neck is surreal.

Finn's Second Week

2009-02-09T19:29:00.000-08:00

POO REPORT: This weeks poo can be summarized as 'mustard seed to seedy spinach'. Per the request of several family members, and to assure no controversy in Finn's future presidential campaign, we are excluding pictures of actual poo :(...we do, however, take requests. Week two has been full of excitement, things like the monumental 'loss of remaining umbilical cord', binge breastfeeding, and the discovery of the kung-fu grip on the pacifier. The end of the week brought warmer weather and allowed us to get out of the house and get Finn into some fresh air. On Friday we took a stroll around nearby Elmwood Park, a family favorite, and sure to be one of Finn's first stomping grounds. Saturday was gorgeous, and we decided to pay a visit to Grandma and Grandpa Nabb's grave, and take Finn across the border into Iowa via the new Bob Kerry pedestrian bridge, which spans the Missouri River. Finn can now check Iowa off his 'life list' and concentrate on other states. Grandma Krejci's 80th birthday was Sunday, and the family met for the brunch buffet at the Upstream Brewery in Omaha to celebrate. Afterwards, Grandma K. came over to meet her first great grandson and have some cake and ice cream. A trip to the doctor this morning revealed that Finn has gained 1 pound since last Thursday, and shrank 0.5 inches in length (due to the loss of his alien conehead). He is in the lower percentiles of the baby growth curves, but gaining momentum. So far the little dude has gone easy on us, giving us at least one 4 to 5 hour sleeping session per evening...so, although we are tired, we get chances to catch up on our rest.

2009-02-05T07:11:00.000-08:00

Finn hams it up for the camera

Finn's first week

2009-01-27T13:57:00.000-08:00

POO REPORT - Week one's poo can be summarized as 'meconium to mustard seed'. Finn latched his first day and, with some help from the post-pardem nurses, Nicki was able to get him to feed every three hours or so while in the hospital. Finn lost 5 ounces in the first 3 days, which is apparently normal; he was also slightly jaundice, although well below the threshold for remaining in the hospital. Finn pooped in his hospital departure outfit shortly after we put it on...luckily we had another. After a bath, a quick 'new parents' class (don't shake the baby...that sort of stuff), we put little Finn in his carseat and hit the road...for the long 1-mile journey home. The carseat nearly swallowed the little guy.

We were so lucky to have so many visitors in the hospital and over the first week. Nicki's sister Jenni drove all night from Dallas to be with us, and arrived just a couple of hours after Finn's birth. She took a heavy load of responsibility off of our shoulders by taking care of the dogs, the kitty, and delivering breakfast to us every morning so we did not have to eat the powdered eggs and 'facon' from the cafeteria. Jenni stayed for the better part of the week, and managed to get more 'Finn time' than his father She became Finn's personal photographer, and was commonly found photographing and taking video of the little one with her phone. Grandma Karen drove in to visit every day, despite recovering from a recent chemo treatment. The little guy had better get used to being filmed...grandma Karen is renowned for her home videos. Jason's parents, sister, three nephews, and great grandma Olive drove in from St.Louis on Friday. The last time the Alexander family was in town, their hotel had no hot water. This time their wing of the hotel had a little problem with diapers in the plumbing and they woke up to 'rain' in their bathroom...so...if you are an Omaha hotel, you may want to claim 'no vacancy' if the Alexanders are booking. Grandpa Terry and Nana Peggy announced Finn's birth on the new Cave Springs Lanes marquee. Yes, Finn was born into a pround bowling family.

January 26, 7:04 am - Finn Carter is born...6 lbs, 3.5 oz, and 20 inches long!

2009-01-26T12:31:00.000-08:00

Finn Carter Alexander was born on January 26th, 2009 at 7:04 am. He was born under a new moon, the first day of the new Chinese Year, 4707. This is the year of the OX. Oxen are born leaders, patient, persistent, and hard working. Given the present state of the world we need plenty of oxen personalities, so we believe his birth is timely.

Nicki's water broke around noon on January 25th...17 hours later, Finn was delivered. Nicki began pushing 2.5 hours before delivery. She made Finn's birth happen her way...she is a rock, and I think this picture is says it all for the mother and child.

The little guy had a silent cry, a healthy head of hair, and paddle feet. People like to say their world was turned upside down when their chidl was born...I would say that a change from a warm, fluid, entirely nurturing environment to a world of steel and plastic, and unknown protections is a bit more of a change. Nicki and I wonder what is going through is mind in this photo...makes it all the more beautiful that humans are born without developed vision, it might just be too much for our powerful brains to deal with. Our voices made his crying stop nearly instantaneously...all that talking to the womb!
It is rather bizarre, and beautiful, that we were a family of two going into the hospital...and we are now a family of 3...and two dogs...and one cat.