Happy Birthday Finny James!

How quickly they grow up! I find myself reminiscing and feeling nostalgic and my little guy's only 2!!

What a nice little day we had for Finny. I didn't throw my usual birthday bash because 2 of my sisters were away (one permanently) and Suzie just delivered little Quinn on the 31st! He is an absolute doll, btw! Anyway, we had a little party for him at the house with both grandparents and Mo Mo and Matt (who is also about to pop, Mo Mo, not Matt! Thanks, Mo Mo, for making the drive. I know it wasn't easy, but I tried to make the cake and treats worth your while!) Finny napped for a while and I went upstairs to wake him b/c we had ordered pizza, and he came down in my arms so calmly. He was so happy to see the "coo coo keys" (choo choo trains) all over the house, and immediately sat down to play with "Pomass" (Thomas).

We all began eating pizza and Finny just went out to the porch and had a rest on the chaise with his guggy.

He was holding out for the cake. It was the first thing he said when he woke up this morning. I said "Happy Birthday" and he said "Want birthday cake." Just like his Momma! Charlie was really sweet b/c he said happy birthday right away and gave Finny a big hug! They devoured the cake! Then we opened presents. Finny was so calm and loved everything he opened (or should I say that Charlie opened for him!) Every time he got a train, he wanted to open it right away. I read his birthday cards out loud to him, and when I got done reading Mom Mom's I closed it and Finny said, "Amen." Whenever we asked Finny how old he is today, he said, "five." I don't know where he got that, only that he does love counting!

Later, after everyone left, we were all bathed and laying on Mommy and Daddy's bed "nuggling" and saying our bedtime prayers. We always start out with what we're thankful for, and I went into this long soliloquy about Finny James. Then Finny said "Tank oo toys. Tassy (salt water taffy, which he loves). Fireman." I thought that was so sweet. Then he said "Mommy. Bobbo (Charlie). Nuggle." I could just eat that kid!

It's so amazing to see how quickly they grow and change in just one short year. This time last year, he couldn't even walk! Now he sings "Rock-a-bye sweet Finny James" with Daddy every night at bedtime. He also sings "Poker face," "Round the way girl" (by LL Cool J) and "Boom Boom Pow." He's got quite an eclectic musical ear!

I thank my lucky stars almost daily for these two wonderful boys. When they're not driving me bananas, they are just amazing to witness. I am constantly cognizant of these fleeting moments which someday I will turn around and miss. I try so hard to make snapshots in my mind (like today when Charlie hugged Finny) because I know too quickly they will be grown. And of course we happened upon an old man in Shop Rite today who was admiring my "wonderful helpers." And I said "aren't they?" half sarcastically. And he said, "Oh these days are so short. Now I vacuum the house and the vacuum lines stay there for weeks and weeks and I think of the days when I barely had time to vacuum and miss them!" Well, I nearly cried right there in the Shop Rite. I walked away with a tear in my eye, and made sure to say an extra thanks tonight for my two wonderful joys.

Happy Birthday Sweet Finny James!! We love you!

And if you made it all the way to the end, here's a sweet treat... my newest nephew Quinn Cogan Gallagher. Born at 3:33pm on July 31. 8 pounds even and 21 inches. He is just a little ball of love!