Hi Finks!

We really enjoyed spending last weekend with the Finks. Here are a couple family shots ...too cute!

The last picture is an overhead view of an aquarium "petting zoo." I've seen this type of exhibit before at other aquariums (Monterey Bay with Judi when she lived in California), but this one accommodates more people which is certainly helpful on a busy Saturday. We checked this out about 30 minutes before closing time, and while Maryn was a little young to touch the rays and sharks, she certainly enjoyed watching me do it.

I think I've got one more aquarium post coming, but it will have to wait until after Halloween.

School & Planet Shark

Owen and Maryn enjoying the school of fish swimming along the entrance to the aquarium. She was still in her stroller at this point, but you can see the big smile on her face as she watched them speed by.

The aquarium had a shark exhibit that was quite impressive. Apparently you are not allowed to take pictures in Planet Shark. Nieka and Scott informed me of this after I took the picture of the big shark (below). I thought you just couldn't use your flash so I had turned it off. Opps, no harm done I guess.

One Fish, Blue Fish

There was this large fish at the aquarium that would appear out of the blue to stare at us, particularly the kids. Hilarious! You'd be focused on something else (there really was a lot to take in at once) and all the sudden ... out of the corner of your eye- there he was! Maryn had a big smile for this guy! Owen seemed a little suspicious.

Little Jellies

If you haven't guessed by the pictures, we spent time at the Atlanta Aquarium while we were in Georgia over the weekend. Initially I was surprised to hear it is the largest in the U.S., but after a visit I honestly can't imagine what it would take for another aquarium to take the title. This place was HUGE!

The JellyFish exhibit was certainly a favorite of mine. Here you can see Owen and Maryn checking them out. Kids can sit down on the floor and get right up next to the glass for a close-up view. Honestly, the pictures don't do this exhibit any justice. I haven't had a chance to fully experiment with my camera and my photographic limitations are very evident here. I could have watched these beautiful creatures for hours. Maryn and Owen were equally impressed. I had no idea she would be so interested in watching all the fish.

Back Home & 10 Months

Mike had a meeting to attend in Atlanta this weekend. Maryn and I tagged along for the flight after convincing the Finks to drive down and hang out. Sadly, we didn't see much of Mike, but we did have a great time nonetheless.

I have more pictures to post, but not much time tonight.

Does this image look familiar? I can't believe how much taller she is. Maryn is warming up to trips in the car. And while I can't say they are always fuss free, she certainly has become a happier passenger. Here she is on Saturday as we headed into the city in the Finkmobile.

More to come ... stay tuned.

Babar Illustrations

I found these lovely Babar Illustrations (3) at the Lycee Francais's (a dual language French/English school in Chicago) Fall French Market. Hopefully they will eventually find their way into the playroom. Many of you know I daydreamed about sending my kids to a dual language school before I was even pregnant with Maryn. Of course there are now many more schools (even of the public variety) that offer foreign language classes at a much earlier age than when I was in school, but foreign language immersion programs are still quite hard to come by in our area. Bilingual programs are popping up more in ChicagoLand. I heard at a conference last year that Naperville would be piloting Mandarin language immersion in one of their public schools this year or next. Those of you who know how I feel about Naperville can stop your snickering thank you very much. No, we have no intention to move to NaperThrill. If there is a bilingual or dual language preschool option in our area when Maryn is ready you can bet we'll be looking into it! The research available on early dual language learning is fascinating!

The Doctor and Scooting

Little miss Ryn had an appointment with her pediatrician this afternoon. She has had a rash on her face since Saturday so we wanted the doc's feedback...possibly a reaction to pineapple or a slight case of eczema. Doc checked her weight and gave her 3 shots (immunizations). I tell you, as soon as Maryn saw the doctor she started crying LOUD. She knows this woman is responsible for the sharp pricks of pain to her little legs, and it's a bit rough when she looks up at me saying get me outta here with those sweet scared eyes. I'm so glad that is over.

I'm happy to report Maryn gained 2 pounds this month. She's eating less formula and moving a lot more, so that avocado is really doing the trick!

The pretty, pink, soft babylegs were a present from granny last weekend. They keep her legs toasty in our cool old house.

In other news my baby has taken to scooting on her tummy. It's funny, I

wanted to post a video of it so I set up toys on one side of the playroom and put her on the opposite. She was off almost immediately making her way towards the toys. That is, of course, until I turned the video camera on. Then she stopped and started yelling at the camera. I tried multiple times but I guess she decided she wasn't ready to perform for you all. I thought I'd try again when Mike is home. Perhaps one of us can operate the camera while the other distracts her.

Odds & Ends

Car Talk

JJ Video

Pumpkin Patch

Meeting Asha

Maryn and I had a great time hanging out with Anjie and her 6 month old niece on Thursday.