Nine Months Old

Finn is now nine months old.  He is a whopping 22 lbs (85th percentile) and 71 cm (50th percentile).  Finn has started babbling a lot this month.  He's experimenting with different sounds and likes to participate in "conversations" (taking turns babbling).  He's working on the pincer grasp (he's almost got it!) and trying very hard to crawl, but so far only manages to move himself backwards.  He is starting to really play with his toys, pressing buttons to hear sounds or watch lights, banging two toys together and exploring textures.  He loves when toys make sounds, especially crinkling sounds.  In fact, he gets as much enjoyment out of plastic bags and food packaging (granola bar wrappers, chip bags, etc.).  Finn continues to be a very good baby.  He is extremely patient waiting his turn for Mommy's attention and never complains when Cohen's affection is too rough.  I'm really enjoying watching the relationship between Cohen and Finn develop.  So far there is much love and affection between them and they are finally starting to play together a bit.  It is such a joy to watch!

Bike Trip 2014 - Guelph to Rockwood Conservation Area

Friends (the Dutzler family from Austria) agreed to meet us for the day and then the night as well at Rockwood Conservation Area so I decided to bike there with Cohen and turn it into our first overnight bike camping trip. Cohen was pretty excited about the idea and I bought him a new head lamp to help quell any anxieties that might arise his first night in a tent. Meghan and Finn would join us for the day but then sleep at home at night - maybe next year.

It took a bit more than an hour to bike the 19 km to Rockwood from home - some pretty good hills on the route. Cohen slept the whole time. We arrived just after the Dutzler family and proceeded to set up camp. A brief trip to the beach and then the Dutzlers cooked dinner (corn, potatoes, hot dogs, salad and s'mores) on the camp fire - yummy. A short hike and then time for bed. Cohen was a bit anxious and purposely tried to stay awake, but once we talked about the raccoons and bears (or lack thereof) he cuddled and went right to sleep (it was now really late). Daddy didn't sleep so well trying not to crush Cohen in the tiny tent. The next morning everyone was a bit groggy and maybe a bit grumpy. Fresh coffee and pancakes boosted moral and after packing we went for another longer hike. The Dutzlers quickly said good bye after I tired their kids out for them by letting them chase me around some old mill ruins for what felt like forever. Meghan and Finn left shortly after. Cohen and I headed to the beach again (because that is all Cohen wanted to do the entire time we were there) and after he pooped in his swim shorts it was time to go home. We made it home in less than an hour, grey clouds motivating me to bike a bit harder. Cohen slept the whole ride home as well.

A great first bike camping trip and a great visit with the Dutzler family - but exhausting!