My name is Finn...

My little sister

2011-07-02T07:27:00.001-04:00

Molly Elaine Doyle joined us at 1:12am on Saturday, July 2nd. I cant wait to meet her. I am at home with Lisa. We are going to get donuts from DD and then go straight to the hospital so I can meet Molly.

Im going to be a big brother! Real Soon!

2011-07-01T15:58:00.002-04:00

Well, mom is in the hospital and she has started the inducing process. She went in for her ultrasound this morning, and just like me, she was admitted straight to delivery. She is healthy and the baby is healthy. I am actually at home hanging with Lisa until we get the news. Lets hope it doesnt take three days this time.

I am really excited to be a big brother. I dont know if I get a little brother or sister yet, but either way I know we will have lots of fun together. Here is my list of things to do with the little bugger once he/she is old enough:

- play basketball

- go for walks and search for cones, pinwheels, flags and taxi cabs

- go for hikes

- go kayaking

- go camping and sleep in a tent

- make smoothies

- have family hugs

- dance parties in the kitchen to my favorite songs - Forever and Just the Way You Are

- drive daddy's car

- ride bikes

We have a lot to do and I have a lot to teach him.

I will keep you posted on her arrival.

FMD

Adventures with Finn!

2010-03-20T11:53:00.009-04:00

Today was a great day. It's beautiful, sunny and warm in Baltimore. To celebrate, we all woke up early this morning and had breakfast before we headed to Patapsco State Park for some exploring and frolicking. When we arrived, we saw all of these mountain bikers going really fast down the trails - there was a big charity race. It was fun... mommy says I can ride next year.

We trekked through the mud down to the river bank and daddy let me drop a few pebbles in the river. The sound of the river was mesmerizing. I just stared at the little rapids in awe. I can't wait to get in a kayak. After the river, we hiked up the road and I played in another stream. Finally, we stopped at a picnic table for some juice and goldfish and then headed for the swings. What a morning - I just loved being outside. I think mommy and daddy did too.

We had so much fun that I was s

o worn out and I fell asleep minutes after we got in the car to go home. I wonder what we'll do tomorrow? I think I heard something about the National Zoo in DC - woohoo. I will keep you posted.

FYI - my new favorite words are "bubbles" and "eggs". Eggs, cheese, and toast are my favorite breakfast. Now that I am 17 months old, I am a really big help around the house. I am great at helping to unload the dishwasher, make coffee, and even scramble the eggs. I am a whiz in

the kitchen. Daddy says that will go a long way with the ladies.

Back to my nap!

FMD.

St. Patty's Day

2010-03-14T17:20:00.005-04:00

Hello Friends,

I am not doing really well with the blog. I guess I am just too darn busy being a kid. I am growing up so fast and doing so many new things that I don't have time to sit at a computer - I have the rest of my life to do that.

Last weekend, we went to Loon Mountain in New Hampshire. I had so much fun with my cousins. Margaret is nine and she is my new best friend. We had so much fun playing together. We went swimming, played in the condo, and watched movies in the truck on the way up. Mom and Dad got to go skiing and snowboarding. I heard mom is getting really good.

I am sad that

we missed the Doyle Corned Beef Bash again this year. I am making sure that Mom and Dad don't have to work next year so we can definitely go. I heard it was a lot of fun and the food was amazing. I can't wait. This year, Daddy is making some corned beef and we might go watch some irish dancers at J. Patricks. I probably wont be able to stay long because it gets so loud and crowded. I am not waiting in line to refill my juice cup. Thankfully (for everyone) its just a short walk down the street.

Okay, so I am 17 months now and I have a lot of teeth. My molars have been coming in for a while but they don't seem to hurt as much as the front teeth. I just drool a lot. I am still not much of a talker but I give Mommy and Daddy some shout outs and I can say "ball" really well. Other than that, I just point, giggle and grunt.

I have some new favorite toys. Mommy bought me a really cool basketball hoop and I love dunking over Daddy. I love being outside and get a little cranky when its raining and I have to stay inside. I think our house is shrinking... or maybe I am just getting bigger.

Lisa is still the best babysitter ever and she takes me on adventures to the museum, aquarium and even last week she took me to see the Easter Bunny. I didn't cry.

That is all for now. I need to help Mommy and Daddy clean up and organize our basement so I can have more room to play. Happy St. Patty's Day!!z

I'M BACK!

2010-01-30T12:54:00.005-05:00

I am back on the blog. I haven't been able to write much over the last few months because my dad was hogging the computer, trying to finish his research paper. I think he is done and that is good because I missed having him around on the weekends. He spent a lot of time at Koba Coffee shop.

It's now February and I have changed a lot since my 1 year birthday. I am now 15 months... almost a grown man. I love dancing, running, and even spinning in circles - but that makes mommy really nervous. She thinks I am going to fall and hit my head. I think she forgets that I have a HUGE head and its pretty hard.

Speaking of huge, do you all remember that huge snowstorm that hit the east coast a few weeks ago? It was awesome. I went out and played in it but I didn't really like the sledding part... maybe next year. I was really bummed that my cousin Tierney couldn't fly out to play with me.

I went back to Chicago for Christmas and it was great. I saw all my relatives. I had fun playing with peeps my own age. I was lucky enough to get some really cool toys from Santa. I love my Elmo. He is so funny.

Im back in Baltimore now and I am happy to be back hanging out with Lisa, my babysitter. We have a lot of fun together. I also love going to my neighbors house. Tom and Melissa spoil me like crazy. I love their dog Stanley, but sometimes I think he gets jealous of me.

I am still working on the talking thing, but I am really good at showing you my belly button - just ask. Okay, I think we are all caught up. I will try to be better about keeping this updated.

Peace out, Bean Sprouts!

FMD

ps. I can really jam on the piano with Opa.

My First Year - In Video

2010-01-05T23:11:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year! I will write more later and tell you about my Christmas trip to Chicago and all my cool new toys but in the meantime, here is a little video my mom made of my first year. Yes, it's a little late since I am almost 15 months old but better late than never!

-FMD

Birthday Cake and New Car Video

2009-10-24T11:05:00.002-04:00

My 1st Birthday Party

2009-10-24T10:49:00.004-04:00

I'm back to tell you all about my first birthday party! I had such a great time with all my friends and I really loved eating my birthday cake. Mommy spent so much time on it that I mostly just picked at it with my fingers but it sure tasted good! I got so many nice presents from my friends and I still love to play with the bus mommy and daddy got me but I really don't like using the door to get in and out.

Mom made cupcakes for my friends and we had lots of good food although I was too busy playing with my new toys to eat any of it. I got an awesome new car from Opa and Gege and I will post some pictures and videos of it for all my Chicago friends to see. I am so lucky to have so many great friends! Gotta run, gotta practice walking!

I made it!

2009-10-15T14:03:00.001-04:00

I am sitting in my new toy bus!

I am 1!!!! Wow, what a great year it has been. I have a lot of memories, all of which I will never remember (how does that make sense?).

I woke up this morning and found lots of balloons in the house, which are my favorite. I have had the red one in my hand for well over 5 hours. Mommy decorated the house and bought me some nice new toys to play with. So many of my friends and family have sent text messages, emails and Grandma and Grandpa Doyle even sent me more balloons. I am so lucky.

BIG NEWS! I can now stand up all by myself. I know how to walk but I choose not to. I figure I have a lifetime of walking so I will ride this crawling and being carried thing out as long as I can.

I am looking forward to my party on Saturday. I have some little friends and big friends coming and GeGe is flying in from Chicago... just to see ME.

I will be sure to not let a year pass before my next blog update.

Lata, Sweet Potata!

FMD

I like to laugh!

2009-08-29T20:59:00.004-04:00

I know I have been MIA on the blog for a while, but you need to cut me some slack. I have been very busy. I am crawling like crazy, climbing mountain size stair cases, and eating real foods like avocados and tomatoes. I am in the middle of a growth spurt. Here are some highlights:

I have 8 teeth
I sleep through the night. I go down at 7:30 and wake up at 7ish
I finally have hair. I am working on a sweet mullet that would make Uncle Tom jealous
I went on my first boat ride while on vacation in MI with my Doyle relatives
I have had a lot of visitors. Seamus, Maria and Madalyn, and the Thompsons (with Tyler)
I have been kissing lots of lady friends; Madalyn, Isla and Marly
I went to the zoo and fed the giraffes. I love turtles.
My new baby sitter, Lisa, ROCKS! She takes me on walks and buys me cool clothes
My workouts include the stairmaster, doing pull-ups, and running laps with Mom and Dad around the house

Here is a clip of me enjoying life's simple things - Dad throwing a bottle up the stairs and we watch it roll down the steps. Enjoy.

Best Neighbors Ever!

2009-06-28T13:58:00.008-04:00

Our neighbors Melissa and Tom have been so good to me. Last week they gave me a really cool toy called the Beach Party Bus. I love sitting on it and pushing all of the buttons.

Look at me go!

Thanks Melissa and Tom!

I'm on the Move!

2009-06-13T18:08:00.003-04:00

Look out! I love to crawl.

Finally... an update!

2009-05-24T11:04:00.005-04:00

Greetings!

I know I have been MIA on the blog lately. I hope you enjoyed the videos. I have been very busy growing, eating and digesting real food (mom and dad are adjusting to my digestion as well). I love pears, bananas, apples, carrots and sweet potatoes. At this rate, I am eating more vegetables than my mom.

I will admit. I am a wild man. I can't stop moving. Dad says holding me is like trying to hold a wet salmon. I can't help it - I am just so curious about everything in the world that I can't concentrate on anything. I like to touch everything, study it with my big eyes, and then I have to give everything a thorough taste test. My life is so full of adventure that I like to wake up at 3am every morning to see what's going on.

Other highlights:

I have two new teeth on the bottom
I love to crawl and scoot around - this keeps mom and dad on their toes
I do a great impression of Arthur Fonsarelli - "Heyyyyyy"
I can't quite read yet, but I am really good at pretending:

Now that the weather is nice, I love going to Ft. McHenry and playing in the grass. Pulling grass is so much fun. I wish I could it eat. Dad would let me, but Mom says no.

Here is a pic of me at the park. I am trying out a few poses for a possible career in modeling.

Thats all for now, but I have some exciting plans coming up so I will give you updates. Gege is coming to visit. Mom, Gege and I are going to Richmond, VA for mom's work. Dad has to stay home and work - boo!

Uncle Dave is coming to town to visit me, but I think he really is coming to take me to my first Phish show in NJ. He wants me to change my name to Phinn. Dad says no "phrickin way".

Peace out Bean Sprout! - FMD

Fun with Opa and Gege

2009-05-17T13:41:00.004-04:00

I know it's been awhile, I promise to write more soon. I've been busy trying to scoot around the house. I'm on the move!

Family Laugh Time

2009-03-31T16:27:00.002-04:00

My parents are pretty darn funny.

Yum Yum

2009-03-31T14:30:00.004-04:00

I just had my first bowl of cereal and it was pretty much the most delicious thing I have ever tasted. I even tried eating the bowl and spoon. I can't wait to get my hands on some deep dish pizza... maybe next week.

My photo shoot

2009-03-26T21:00:00.006-04:00

Mom's friend Penie took some pics of me a couple weeks ago. Mom said she had a hard time deciding which ones she loves the most! I just discovered that I know how to yell and move my voice up and down so I spend a lot of time doing that. I also love to give kisses. See?

My First St. Patty's Day!

2009-03-18T19:01:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was a great day, and not just because it was my first St. Patrick's Day. I went back to Johns Hopkins again to try and finally get my kidneys checked out. Last time my veins weren't big enough to get the IV in so we had to reschedule. For this visit, Mr. Ron and Miss Christina had a special machine that helped them find my veins under a UV light. It was called the Vein Viewer - it was awesome and they got the IV in on the first shot.

After the IV and the catheter (ouch! that was my third catheter and I am only 5 months), they strapped me down to a table and took xray pictures of this dye moving through my kidneys and bladder. I didn't mind it so much... I laughed with mom and dad and Gege - yes, she came out to visit me and watch me while mom and dad go to work. I even took a nap for a bit. I was strapped down for an hour.

After the procedure, we met with Dr. Gearhart. He is a Scottish man from Georgia and he talks funny and tells weird stories. He told me my kidneys looked great and are draining properly. Great News! No more medicine and no more IVs.

We got the party started later that afternoon. The adults had corned beef, potatoes and Gege's Irish soda bread and this weird drink that was really dark and had a creamy layer on top. Dad really seemed to like it. It was definitely NOT my kind of drink. I will stick with the milk.

I think I am going to like St. Patrick's Day more and more every year. I cant wait to go to the Doyle Corned Beef Bash in Chicago. I hear it is pretty wild. Here are some pics...

I am enjoying my time with Gege, she is spoiling me and I am giving her lots of kisses in return. Talk to you soon!

Doctor's Visit

2009-03-01T15:59:00.010-05:00

I had my four month doctor's appointment this week and they told my mom that I weigh 17 lbs, 11 oz and I am 27 and 3/4 inches long. Dr. P. doesn't believe that I am that long because apparently that is the height of an average 7 month old. What can I say? I am tall like Grandpa Doyle.

I also starting noticing how fun it is to see other babies. I went over to my friend Anthony's house this week and we had a lot of fun together. Anthony's mom Penie took some pictures of us. Here are a couple:

I am counting down the days until Gege comes to visit from Chicago. 13 Days! I can't wait to see her. Talk to you soon!

Look, I'm Growing!

2009-02-22T11:17:00.011-05:00

I'm Growing...I just passed the fourth month mark and all is good. I am starting to figure this gig out. I love to smile, take baths, play with my friends, eat as much as I can, and sleep. I am still working on the nap thing, but I am sleeping a lot during the night and that makes mom really happy.

Here are a few of my tricks.

Finn "Diesel" - I have developed an alter-ego. When I don't sleep or get really hungry, I introduce everyone to the "diesel". I don't cry

much, but I have a great pout or snarl on my face and I just make deep, long grumbling noises. Its my way of letting people know that I need something... usually food. If you don't have milk, you better back off!

I love taking a bath!

Here is a picture of me giving you all a shout out!

And finally, here is just a picture of me hanging out with mom & dad on the weekend.

0 for 5 - OUCH!

2009-01-27T15:10:00.007-05:00

We got up early this morning to have my kidneys checked out. The day started out great, I was in a good mood and it was fun to see snow in Maryland.

However, the procedure never happened. The good people at Hopkins could not find a good vein to stick my IV in. They tried on both my feet, my left wrist and both of my arms - thats five sticks and they found nothing. I cried with each stick but I somehow found a way to smile every time I saw my mom. I even smiled at the crazy people who kept sticking me. Its a bummer that I have to go back in a month and do it all over again.

The day got better because Dad didn't have to go in to work. Can you believe that they closed the university because of only a few inches of snow? Holy Cow - I definitely

want to go to school in Maryland if they close down for this stuff. I can't wait to learn how to snowboard.

Here is a picture of all of my IV attempts.

My historic week!

2009-01-26T20:49:00.002-05:00

I have been busy this past week and lots has happened. First, mom left me for the day so she could go to the Oprah show. Since it was just Dad and me, we went to his work and I got to look at all of the toys that I can't wait to play with... bikes, snowboards, kayaks. Dad, pulled a doozy and forgot to pack my diapers so he had to make an emergency run to CVS. Surprisingly, CVS stores in college towns don't have a great selection of baby diapers.

Tuesday was historic for everyone. We inaugurated our new president. Dad didn't want to miss the opportunity to witness history so he headed to DC and joined the crowds. He was even on the news in Chicago. Dad kept thinking about what this day means for me and for all of the other little ones in our country. He doesn't expect the new president to have magic fairy dust that will make everything perfect for my generation, but it seems that the whole country is looking for change and improvements. How Exciting!

Other big events this week... I really started laughing with giggles and chuckles. Mom can make me giggle by snorting. Dad pulled a page out of Aunt Katie's book and started singing the cowboy song. Good times.

I can now roll over both ways from belly to back and back to belly. I love it, but it freaks my parents out. Dad can't leave me on the couch anymore while he makes his coffee - sucker.

I will admit that I really don't like to sleep more than 45 minutes at a time. I think my batteries charge faster than most. I also don't want to miss the big parties that mom and dad have together without me. Actually, I think this is when they eat, clean, shower, and sneak in their own naps.

Other thoughts... the IL governor seems cookoo, today is the 23rd anniversary of the Bears Super Bowl, tomorrow is my last (let's hope) kidney test - I have to get IV's in my arms and then they are going to shoot dye into my body and watch in drain until I pee it out. Lets hope I can pee it ALL out of my body. If I don't then something in my kidneys isnt working and they are going to have to fix it. I feel pretty good that my kidneys are just fine. I pee freely and often - just ask my parents.

That is all for now. I will update you on the sleep, the kidneys, and my giggles.

Peace,

FMD

My Fun Game... Hide the Bink

2009-01-13T23:39:00.002-05:00

Here's the deal... Mom or Dad will put the bink (aka pacifier) in my mouth. I will wait until the appropriate time to either spit it out or just drop the bink out of my mouth. At this point, it will most likely get hidden in my blanket or drop to the ground and bounce around and then roll across the floor.

This game is so much fun because I will then start fussing or crying. Mom and dad will then go into a mad scramble trying to find the green little gem that was once in my mouth. This game keeps them focused on me and does not allow them to forget the fact that I am the most important person in their lives. (Note to other babies: this game is best played in the dark - they will never find it and buy you new ones).

I promise to not play this game forever. I just want to be sure that they don't forget about me at this young age.

Daddy DayCare Begins!

2009-01-12T18:59:00.007-05:00

For the past few months (three to be exact), dad has left during the day while I get to stay home with Mom. He went off to work and left Mom all alone to feed me, change my diapers and keep me entertained. I think of myself as pretty low maintenace, but I do come with a bit of work. Mom made it look so easy. I am guessing dad will be surprised at how tiring it can be... and he gets to use a bottle to feed me.

So, today was Dad's first shot at a full day of watching me without any assistance. Sadly, that meant that Mom had to go back to work today. I was not looking forward to this day, but I knew it was coming. To prepare, yesterday we spent the entire day together as a family. It was a lot of fun.

Back to daddy day care. Overall, I think Dad did a pretty good job but he has some work to do. I actually threw him a few curve balls to keep his attention. Mom hid my socks so when daddy tried to dress me he made me look like a rodeo clown with all sorts of different colors. To be fair, he did let me wear my "Mommy Loves Me" shirt. Dad failed the "use a burp cloth after bottle" test. I missed her already.

Mid-morning, while taking my bottle, I decided to make a mess so big that it leaked out of the side of my diaper. After a short debate about what is more important - food or a clean diaper - dad yanked the bottle from me to change my diaper. He has got to learn to never mess with my meal time... no matter how bad the stench or dribble of poop down my leg.

I decided to ease up on him and we played some games on the floor. He tried to teach me how to grab for toys. I love Freddy the Firefly and my moroccas. I have even started to let out a little belly laugh -mom and dad love it. Before mom came home, dad and I laid on the floor for tummy time and we looked at all of the photos in our album while listening to Jack Johnson - and then mommy walked in the door and I was very happy. It was a good day. Its going to be tough not having mommy around all of the time, but I am pretty lucky.

It's been a while...

2008-12-30T22:12:00.013-05:00

Hi Friends,

I am sorry I have been MIA for a few weeks, but I have been very busy. I am still in Chicago visiting family and new friends. This trip has been memorable; I flew on a plane again, Mom and I got the stomach flu (BOO! -not fun), I was baptized with my cousin Tierney, I enjoyed my first Christmas, I made my first visit to Wrigley Field, and I met a new friend, Madelyn. Overall my trip has been great, but I have learned a few things: the Bears need new defensive backs, Portillo's Italian Beef smells really good and I can't wait to taste it, ridiculously cold weather causes potholes on the highways in Chicago, throwing up is not fun, and my cousins are a lot of fun.

Before I flew to Chicago, I had my two month check up. All is good and I am healthy. I weighed 13.12 lbs, 25 inches long and have a very large head - not too large, though. I survived one shot in each of my thighs - ouch!

Here are some pics of my adventures. I am excited to get back to Maryland so I can meet my new babysitter and enjoy some warmer weather. I can't wait to eat some crab cakes and take walks to Fort McHenry.

Where the heck did Mom and Dad put the rest of my Santa

outfit?

Too Much EggNog!!

I'm just hanging out with Uncle Dave on Christmas.

A very special baptism with my cousin Tierney - she was born the day after me. Here is a picture of me with my Godmother - Aunt Debbie and my Godfather- Uncle Dave.

Madelyn King and Me - having fun with our moms!

My first trip to Wrigley. I wish my dad was cool enough to buy us tickets to the Winter Classic, but he blew it. I can't wait for my first Cubs game!

My first cold :(

2008-12-10T12:49:00.003-05:00

I think all the excitement from my first trip to Chicago finally caught up with my mom and me. We are both sick and boy this is not fun. I don't like the way I feel with all this gunk in my throat and nose. My mom keeps sticking this thing up my nose to try to suck it out but all it does is annoy me. Then she sprays some stuff up there and it makes me cry even harder! I hope this goes away soon. I'm heading back to Chi-town next week and on my second airplane ride. Fingers crossed!

On another note, I am two months old today. I better have my mom take a picture since she doesn't have one from the day I turned 1 month old. Stay tuned!

My first trip to Chicago

2008-12-05T15:28:00.007-05:00

Unfortunately my busy travel schedule didn't leave me much time to blog. I barely got enough sleep while I was in Chicago! But, I had a great time meeting all my relatives. They all took turns holding me and I was on my best behavior and didn't do any major damage to any of their clothes. I can't help it if a little spit up comes up!

A lot has happened in the past couple of weeks. I took my first road trip to Chicago with mom and dad and saw snow for the first time. I also did my first "Turkey Trot" but I was so tired I slept through the whole thing. Here is a pic at the finish...I am bundled up so you can't see me but I am in there!

Then I went to Grandma and Grandpa Doyle's house and met all my cousins. There are so many of them I am having a hard time remembering who's who.

I went to my first big event - Uncle Pat and Aunt Amy's wedding. I didn't get to show off my dance moves because Opa and Gege took me home before I could bust them out. Oh well...next time.

I also got to meet my cousins on the Polkow side and also my Godfather and Uncle Dave and my Aunt Katie. We had fun!

To top off a great week, I took my first airplane ride!

Tummy TIme

2008-11-16T09:50:00.004-05:00

I spent a few minutes on my tummy this morning. I know its early, but I can't wait to start crawling, walking and climbing - it's hard work, daddy needs to back off and learn how to hold the camera steady.

I am 4 weeks old (that's one month)

2008-11-15T19:27:00.008-05:00

I went to Dad's work and got fitted for a kayak. I can't wait to get on the water, but it might be a few months. I saw his office and got to meet all of his student workers - I can't wait to climb the wall. Everyone was so nice. Go Terps! (I'm actually a CSU fan, but dont tell anyone in MD).

I have also been busy meeting new friends and soiling diapers.

Here is a picture of Isla, my new friend who is only two weeks old. Erin gave birth to Isla on October 31st (Halloween). I'm a bit tired and cranky, but she looks great...

I have had a busy week. Mom's friend Donna from the neighborhood (we're talking old school) came to visit and she was amazing. She flipped me on my tummy and rubbed my back - its a great technique that I hope Mom and Dad use because it helped me relax and pass some gas... AHHH!

As you might remember, Grandpa Polkow, aka Opa, made a surprise visit the day after I was born. He drove all day with my Uncle Alex to visit me, but he was so sick with a cold that we couldn't hang out much. But, he actually had to come back to Maryland for work and was able to spend the night at my house - I WAS SO HAPPY to see him again. Here is a pic of him holding me. I get to see him again in a few weeks...

To top a great week off, my great Aunt Sally stopped by for a surprise visit. She lives in Rhode Island. Although she has become a Patriots fan, I was still very happy to see her. Go Bears! I am excited to go snowboarding with the Thompson's this winter.

It's Saturday night and I am tired. I am going to bed so I can rest up for the next couple of weeks. Next Friday, we are driving to Chicago and I am going to meet all of the Doyles/Clarks and Polkows. My uncle Pat is getting married so I am gearing up for some explosive dance moves at the reception. Ain't nobody seen my moves yet.

2008-11-08T22:47:00.001-05:00

My mom's friends Jocelyn and Andrea came over to meet me last week. I had a good time snoozing on them. They smell real good. Andrea is going to have a baby in March and I'm excited to have another little buddy!

Election Day (a little late)

2008-11-04T22:42:00.000-05:00

I'm not sayin'...I'm just sayin'...

2008-11-02T20:09:00.003-05:00

Aunt Colleen and Aunt Bridget spent the weekend with me and we had a blast. We took walks, took LOTS of pictures, went out to lunch and dinner and listened to DAD have several conversations with the people from Comcast - I wonder if we will have cable by the time I am old enough to watch Curious George. Colleen and Bridget showed Mom and Dad a few tricks to help me settle down - Thanks. Also, Colleen just coined my new nickname, "Crab Cake." I am not sure how I feel about it yet.

I am so lucky to have such a great family.

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T19:41:00.005-04:00

I dressed up as a bumble bee this year. I pretty much slept the whole time mom and dad were handing out candy! Here are some pictures of my Halloween get-up:

Lots of Updates

2008-10-30T18:04:00.010-04:00

Mom and Dad have been hogging the computer so I haven't gotten to update over the past few days. Lots to report - Grandma and Grandpa Doyle came to visit me and we had a great time getting to know each other. Here are some pictures:

Also, I got to meet

some more friends including Bryan and Erin.

Today I went to the doctor and Dr. P. told my mom that I now weigh 10 lbs, 2 oz. I could have told him that, I really like to eat! Also they measured me and I was 21 1/4 inches which i

s a big difference from what the hospital folks told my mom and dad - they said I was 19.3 inches. Probably just because I was moving around too much when they tried to measure me!

A great day - My first walk with BOB

2008-10-26T18:33:00.007-04:00

My mom hasn't been outside in almost 11 days so she and dad decided to take me out for my first walk today. I got to try out my new BOB stroller (thanks Murphys!) and the ride was so smooth, I slept the whole time. Dad is already planning my transcontinental trip to see all 54 national parks. We should be done by the time I am 15. Go Griswalds!

Here are some pictures:

To add more excitement to my day, mom and dad decided to give me a bath and boy are they funny. Dad was holding me and I thought I'd give him a taste of what mommy has been experiencing the past few days and I peed on him. Ha! I enjoyed my bath and then my mom's friend Erin came over. She is having a baby any day now and I can't wait to meet her and to have a new friend. Then, Melissa and Tom came over and brought mommy and daddy dinner. What a busy day! Signing off now, it's dinner time. I will be having milk with a side of milk and some more milk to wash it all down.

2008-10-26T17:48:00.006-04:00

I have new friends...

Jenn and Hudson stopped by the house on Friday to say hi. They brought me a book, pajamas, and dinner for Mom and Dad - it was all great. We forgot to take their picture (dad's fault) so they will have to come back to play soon.

Julie

Alli

Melissa - she is pregnant and I am excited to have a new buddy in 4 months.

Lisa

First Day Alone With Mom

2008-10-23T22:26:00.003-04:00

Grandma Polkow left today and Dad had to work and go to class so it was just Mom and me today. I thought I would throw her some curve balls to see how she could handle it. I thought it would be funny if I peed on her since she and Dad seem to never worry about covering me up when they change my diaper. It was so funny that I did it twice...she needed to learn a lesson! Then during my nap I was so full from eating that I wet my diaper and it got my clothes wet. Mommy got to try a lot of my new clothes out today.

I am looking forward to spending the day with Mom and Dad tomorrow! I am going to meet some new friends too, Melissa and Lisa. Hopefully I won't pee on them.

Here is a picture of me taking a snooze today...don't I look innocent?

Meet my friends...

2008-10-20T21:58:00.006-04:00

Meet my friends...

Shannon, Julie and Doug!

Sherri!

Jonathan! (Dad's political running mate)

Melissa! (my neighbor)

Saturday Night Live!!!

2008-10-18T20:54:00.004-04:00

Its Saturday night and we are just hangin' at home. It is so good to be home. I've been eating, sleeping and sleeping some more. I am excited to be here with my family; mom and dad, uncle Al, and grandma grandpa Polkow.

Here is a pic of me celebrating my homecoming. It looks like I am crying, but I am actually doing an irish jig.

2008-10-17T09:48:00.003-04:00

I love Mom!

Holy Cow!

2008-10-16T19:09:00.004-04:00

Surprise of the day, maybe the year... not Finn, not #3!!!! Grandpa "Opa" and Uncle Al just walked into my hospital room to surprise mom and me. Mom melted instantly but I was too tired to wake up. I will give them smiles and funny faces as soon as I wake up. Mom and Dad are shocked and so excited to have more family out here.

Grandma and Grandpa Doyle will be out soon! I am so lucky to have such a great family. Good times ahead.

FMD

Newest Doyle!

2008-10-16T19:06:00.002-04:00

Tom and Kristy gave birth to a baby girl at 2pm this afternoon. We will call her #3 until they come up with a name. She weighs 7lbs, 7oz and is 19 inches long.

Congrats!

My little cousin...

2008-10-16T11:15:00.002-04:00

Great babies come in pairs. My Aunt Kristy and Uncle Tom are in labor right now! This will be their third burrito. The holidays are going to be so much fun.

I will keep you posted.

My first night...

2008-10-16T09:07:00.003-04:00

Good Morning,

We had a great night. I woke up at 2 for a little diaper change - Nice work Dad!, a little breast milk (or something like it, is called cholesterol? cauliflower, mmm, maybe colostrum. who knows but it was good) - Nice work Mom!, and a healthy roaring burp. I was a wee bit tired so I slept until 7:30am. I guess I have an extra tank of fuel somewhere in my belly or cheeks.

Here are some pics - Mom had sushi for her dinner, she said it tasted great, but I thought it looked funny and can't understand why anybody would want to eat anything other than "White Gold".

Finn Doyle pics

Dirty Diaper Change Count

Dad 2

Mom 0

Thanks to all

2008-10-15T20:39:00.001-04:00

Hi all - this is Jen. Thanks for all your kind words and congratulations. This blog has kept me going over the last three days - my hubby is quite creative eh? We are all doing well. Finn was a big boy - 9 lbs, 10.2 oz (Shannon, he didn't weigh 10 pounds! Ha). He is a little chunk but of course we are already crazy about him. It was a long couple of days but totally worth it. We will keep you updated with photos on this site. Thanks again! Love, Jen

2008-10-15T20:04:00.005-04:00

http://picasaweb.google.com/mdoyle923/FinneganMichaelDoyle#

Here are some pics - yes, I am a biggin!

I'm Here!

2008-10-15T19:05:00.004-04:00

2008-10-15T14:35:00.000-04:00

6cm - 100% - we are rocking and rollin'!

2008-10-15T12:31:00.003-04:00

Epidural is in. We have been here for 3 days, had 3 rounds of pitocin, and it took 3 shots for the doc from Pittsburgh to get the Epidural in. Jen has "special" veins and they kept getting a little too close to them. Alas, she is comfortably numb. If our string of 3's continue, Finn will join us for a 3 o'clock happy hour.

Funny story: The doc was wearing a Pittsburgh Steelers med cap and was giving Jen a hard time. He said he couldn't do the Epi until she named one player on the team. Jen's response....

"Griese?"

He walked out of the room laughing. Jen is very thankful that he came back.

Mike

Progress!

2008-10-15T10:45:00.001-04:00

PROGRESS! The doctor came in and drained my swimming pool (i.e broke Jen's water). She is already feeling miserable - this is good. Mike will have to keep you updated from now on. I have some work to do. It may still be slow, but atleast we are moving!

Cool Website - www.steepandcheap.com

2008-10-15T09:26:00.003-04:00

Warning, this website could get you in trouble. You may have noticed the little advertisement on the right side of this blog that promotes awesome sales of outdoor gear. www.steepandcheap.com is an awesome site that sells one gear item at a time and it is usually 50-70% off. Once that item sells out, they put up a new one.

Its awesome, but can be addicting.

The Waiting!

2008-10-15T09:19:00.004-04:00

When Jen and Mike were in high school, Jen was so hip and cool that she made Mike a mixed tape (what the heck is a "mixed tape? "). She put "The Waiting" by Tom Petty on the tape. Im not sure what she meant then, but I know what she means now.

"You take it on faith, you take it to the heart. The waiting is the hardest part."

Here we are, waiting!

Day 3 - Full Moon Tonight.

2008-10-15T07:04:00.005-04:00

Good morning.

No news to report from last night. Jen and I are sleeping, Mike is doing homework. I want to thank everyone who is checking up on me and sending prayers and well-wishes. I can't really explain it... I guess I have a bit of stage fright.

This whole process is pretty amazing. I have had a lot of time to think about it over the last nine months. I am excited to learn to walk, talk, swim and climb (stairs, chairs, and mountains). I am nervous about being and staying healthy, being with good daycare, and having to eat pureed vegetables - that just don't seem right! Who knows, by the time I get out of here I might be chewing on ribeyes and PBJ sandwiches.

I am guessing that I will grow up happy because I have 9 cousins to play with. My uncle Tom and Aunt Kristy are due any day now (he/she will be 10). Maybe I should wait to come out when their little one comes. Yes, thats it! That is what I am waiting for, I am so darn nice. I have 7 aunts and 7 uncles. I hear St. Patricks Day is a hoot - that should be a good time.

I hear that I am going to live in Baltimore a little while longer and then maybe move closer to all of those crazy people I just listed. I think I can be happy anywhere as long as my diaper is dry.

I am so lucky because all of my grandparents are going to give me way too much attention.

Okay, I am done rambling for now. I need to help Mike with his homework.

30th Hour!

2008-10-14T16:58:00.002-04:00

Hey Friends,

I am sorry to say that we haven't made much progress. Jen is still dialated at 2cm and is taking a break from the inducing meds for the night. She is quite the trooper and is keeping good spirits. We are running out of crappy 80's t.v. shows to watch so we may have to resort to the comedy shows now known as the nightly reports on our economy and presidential elections. I will share my thoughts on coming into the world in these crazy times on another post. I haven't quite figured it all out yet, neither has my dad.

Assuming we don't have any action tonight, we will go back on the meds tomorrow and see if we can't get things moving then.

Signing off so I can rest my body for the long journey and big debut tomorrow - FMD.

2008-10-14T16:52:00.002-04:00

This is John Lennon's tribute song to his son.

Close your eyes,
Have no fear,
The monsters gone,
He's on the run and your daddy's here,

Beautiful,
Beautiful, beautiful,
Beautiful Boy,

Before you go to sleep,
Say a little prayer,
Every day in every way,
It's getting better and better,

Beautiful,
Beautiful, beautiful,
Beautiful Boy,

Out on the ocean sailing away,
I can hardly wait,
To see you to come of age,
But I guess we'll both,
Just have to be patient,
Yes it's a long way to go,
But in the meantime,

Before you cross the street,
Take my hand,
Life is just what happens to you,
While your busy making other plans,

Beautiful,
Beautiful, beautiful,
Beautiful Boy,
Darling,
Darling,
Darling Sean.

2008-10-14T14:30:00.002-04:00

Grandma P and Mike went out for lunch and a little dose of sunshine - don't tell Jen. We came back to find Jen enjoying some "beautiful" contractions, but we just haven't gotten the big ones yet. We are still hoping for an Oct. 14 delivery. To stay fresh, Jen is now sporting an oxygen mask to "super-oxygenate" me, even though I am fine.

Mike has come to understand the printouts of each contraction. The little rolling hills remind him of Wisconsin - those aren't going to cut it. The big, long and rounded ones remind him of the Appalachians - they are nice, but aren't big enough to get excited about. Having spent time in the rockies, Mike now knows that we need steep, jagged peaks that line up right next to each other. Once we get to the rockies, its time to hit the Himalayas - then the labor process begins. Man, he can use a mountain metaphor for anything... what a dork!

2008-10-14T12:26:00.001-04:00

The Doc just did a check and Jen is progressing slooooowly, she is dialated at 2cm and is 80% effaced - Mike just nods and smiles. That means I have a ways to go. Its all good though, Mike is doing homework, Paula and Jen are having good chats, and I'm still swimming.

Day 2 - it's a marathon

2008-10-14T11:56:00.005-04:00

No wonder Jen has been induced, she ran the Baltimore Marathon on Saturday... well, atleast a few steps with "Out of Sight Dwight"

Okay, the pitocin party is back on now. The doc is joining us soon and plans to do a little water breaking action around 12:30pm, EST. Here's to hoping - I am getting tired of all this swimming. Jen has been catching a few naps but we are up and ready to roll... slide, crawl, whatever it takes for me to get out of this crazy little room filled. I'm squooshed, Help.

Nurses quote: "This boy is everywhere, how big is he?" - as she rubs Jen's belly.

2008-10-14T08:07:00.000-04:00

If you look deeply into the palm of your hand, you will see your parents and all generations of your ancestors. All of them are alive in this moment. Each is present in your body. You are the continuation of each of these people." ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

2008-10-14T06:34:00.000-04:00

It's 6:30 am - no news. Jen's asleep. She slept a bit through the night. I am guessing we are going to get this party started at 8am when the doc comes to visit. It will be a slow start, but I am ready to start dancing. - FMD.

2008-10-13T22:11:00.001-04:00

Okay, Jen and I are going to bed. Mike is already asleep - we think. I'm holding out for a big debut tomorrow. We will send updates tomorrow - hopefully pics of me. Jen feels great - she is enjoying some cervidal, no more pitocin until the morning.

Isn't it pretty amazing that I can blog from inside a uterus? technology is pretty amazing, huh.

Signing off... FMD

2008-10-13T20:46:00.000-04:00

Grandma Polkow is enroute from Chicago. She got a 5:20pm flight and will be here for my arrival, with plenty of time to spare.

2008-10-13T19:01:00.001-04:00

10/13, 7pm - Jen is hanging in there. She is enjoying the Soap Network. Thanks for all of the calls, emails, texts, writings in the sky, etc. We will keep you posted about my world debut.

Here are some pics of my mom's belly. picasaweb.google.com/mdoyle923/BabyBump33Weeks02

You can also check out some other pics of my wickedly large families (doyles and polkows).

2008-10-13T18:41:00.000-04:00

10/13, 4:15pm. We are hangin' at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, letting the Pitocin kick in. Jen is healthy and having "nice" contractions. We are playing wicked rounds of Word Twist - oh the joy!

Jen is ordering her last meal for a while. Chicken or Chicken? hmm?

What does Mike think about all of this? - Life is good, real good!

Jen was induced at 11am. She went in for a routine test and the docs were ready to get things started. My world debut was supposed to be OCtober 21, but I want to get out and see the world NOW!

Here is a picture of me at 32 weeks - in the womb! Look closely and you will see my head and a closed eye on the top pick. My head is on the rightside, and my right eye is closed - I am winking for the camera. Yes, I am sucking my thumb.

Real pics to come. Stay tuned!