Henry's First Day

My little Henry bear started preschool today. We have been incredibly blessed that Henry qualified for the district's preschool program. He goes five days a week for about three hours. When they told me the schedule, my heart dropped. I have been preparing the entire summer for Addison to be gone every morning, but Henry? I'm wasn't prepared! Despite my sadness of letting him go, Andy and I decided that this would be really good for our little guy.

This morning he slept in, seriously, for the first time in forever. We were right on time, when the little man decided he had to go potty. When Henry has to go potty, it takes him forever. I have no idea what he does in there for so long, but twenty minutes into his morning poop, I tell him we've got to GO! He replies, "mommy, do you want me to go pee-pee in my undies?" Well, no, Henry, I don't.

Finally, with his bathroom break over, we were able to get ready and out to the bus. I don't think I will ever forget the image of him walking down the sidewalk with his sunglasses on and his giant Superman backpack on. We all waited at the bus stop, including our neighbors whose boys go to the same school. Henry has named them his "buddies" or "guys." He kept saying, "sissy, you going to watch me get on the bus?" Addison, poor kid, wanted to take the bus so badly, but we don't have bus service to her school. She sweetly cheered him on. When the bus arrived, I got on to buckle him, and he said, "mommy, get off the bus, we have to go." I was so thankful to hear those words from my little guy. I was so worried that he would be a wreck and cry all the way to school, but thankfully he was so excited.

This is such a blessing for our family. I am beyond excited about the program that he gets to be a part of and am filled with gratitude.

Surprise!

Well, hello there! I know this may come as a surprise, seeing it has been about 14 months since I last updated this blog. As thoughts of abandoning this blog swirled through my head, I decided to read some old posts. I had completely forgotten a lot of things written, those things I thought at the time I would remember forever. Thankfully, those sweet memories of my kids remain here.
As the Burns' family rounds a new corner in this life, I thought it would be a good time to start blogging. So, to my faithful readers (Lindsey), I'm back!

Tonight is the very first "school night" in the Burns' home. My emotions are all over the place about my little girl going to school. We went to kindergarten orientation this morning and I must say, it was overwhelming, to say the least. I'm worried about not having her with me all the time. Her walking alone into school. Her being one of 23 children. Little does Addison know, I'm freaking out!

Henry has also hit a wonderful milestone this week: he is potty trained!!! This guy has done unbelievably well. At first, he cried and cried that he didn't want to wear "panties," we soon got him in his undies and clarified with him that boys do not wear panties but "underwear." With a bribe over a dragon, he hasn't turned back. We started last Wednesday and one week later, I am happy to report we haven't even had an accident since Saturday! I don't know if there is anything cuter than walking past the bathroom and him standing there peeing with his "gun."

My little Finn (who has only made one appearance in this blog, don't worry, this little man could fill up days and days of posts!) is getting so big. While Henry is our "bear" Finley is our "monkey." This baby has been the most perfect little baby in the world. He is happy and content (unless he is hungry!). He started crawling at about 5 and a half months and was walking at 9 and a half. He is now the most experienced and talented climber in the house! He finally is sleeping through the night, much to our joy.

So my three goals for this summer have been completed: Get Henry potty trained; wean Finn; and get Addison ready for school. Now it is on to the next chapter...

Finley Andrew

It has been almost six weeks since our peanut was born. Finley Andrew weighed 6'8 and was 19.5 inches. The first thing we heard when he was born was, "we've got a red head!" I was really nervous about his delivery, but the day he was born the Lord gave me a verse that said, "The Lord is near to all who call upon Him." I must say, His presence was extrodinaily there when Finley was born. His peace and presence made the c-section one that I will back on with thankfulness and joy.
Oh my, this baby is more than cute (I know I'm partial!). He is beautiful. I was instantly in love with his red hair, and am sad each day as it falls out even more. I keep examining his bald little head hoping to see if the red hair is returning. So far, he has been exceptionally easy. He never had any problems nursing and sleeps like a hibernating cub.
He smiled for the first time at Andy and then Addison last week. Addison was thrilled and now says that he smiles at her all the time. Her favorite part of that day, she says, is when Finn smiled at her. She enjoys reading to him, turning on the music in his bouncy seat, and dancing for him. Henry adores Finn as well (not a big surprise!). He constantly wants to "hold her" (he has only ever really been around girl babies, we've tried to correct it but it is still what he says). When someone else is holding him, he gets really upset. I love how he talks in a high pitch voice to Finley. These are the things I hope I never forget.
Everyone asks if going from two to three has been a hard adjustment. I can hardly believe how easy it has been. Finn has brought a sense of completion to our family, and it has been nothing but ease and joy. Not only am I in love with Finley, but I am even more in love with my other children and with Andy since his birth.

Tomorrow

I think it was at ten weeks into this pregnancy that I thought, "how am I going to do this?" I often thought over the last few months, "I'm not going to make it." How many times did I say that to Andy? I didn't have any major complications, thank the Lord, but this was an especially difficult time in my life.
But tonight I can say what I didn't think I would. I made it. 39 weeks this little human has been growing inside of me and now I get to meet him tomorrow. How crazy is that? With the other two, I didn't know their exact arrival, but with this guy I know he is coming at 7:30 in the morning. Surreal.
So Finley, the night before you are born I must say I am so excited to see your little face, your hands, your feet. Everything. I can't wait to lay eyes on the human that God has been lovingly and intricatley creating within me. The sense that you are His has never left me, His love for you has been something strongly impressed on my heart. He has a plan for you, of this I am sure.
Until tomorrow, Finley.

Five Days!

Finley is scheduled to come on Monday morning, just five more days! Henry came ten days early, so that would mean I would go into labor tonight and have him tomorrow morning. I don't think that is going to happen. It looks like I will be waiting with this little one.
We have been trying to fill our days with fun activities and evenings with quality family time. I find it is easier to keep the kids busy at this point. Although, I admit that most evenings when Andy gets home, I retire. Today, we ventured out to the splash pad. Henry loved it. He kept running through the water shouting, "fun, fun, fun!" Addison, on the other hand, was not so venturesome with the water and barely poked her toe in. She did eventually get her arm wet, which she proclaimed was "very brave."
Tonight we went on our last family night outing. We had a wonderful picnic dinner at Lake Michigan and then threw rocks into the water and played in the sand. We tried putting our feet in but the water was freezing. Henry didn't care, but for the well being of his little feet, we wouldn't let him go in for too long. Henry could spend his entire life just throwing rocks in the water and scooping them into his bucket. Addison had fun collecting rocks and playing in the sand. It was a beautiful evening, and I'm sure I will never forget it.

Brother and Sister Love

Addison and Henry have been exceptionally cute with each other. As Henry grows into more of a little boy each day, they seem to be growing closer as well. The other day, I took Addison out on a little date to Starbucks and then to Target to peruse the toy aisles. She mentioned about ten times how much Henry would love this or love that. "I wish Henry were here to see this mommy." That same day, Andy took Henry to get his haircut. After, the lady offered him a sucker. Without hesitation, he said "orange suck please." The lady then asked if his daddy wanted one. Henry replied, "No, sissy suck. Pink, please." Oh, be still my heart. The little guy knew his sister would want a pink sucker. He was so proud bringing it home to her.

Dentist

Today was one of those mornings that I wasn't able to get compleltey ready before we had to leave. Completley meaning, brush my teeth. You see, I hate brushing my teeth right away when I first wake up. Usually, I wait until after I eat breakfast. Well, we were already running late, so after breakfast we zoomed out the door. When we got home, I kept thinking I needed to go brush my teeth, but never made it upstairs to do it.
At 5 o'clock, I took Addison to her scheduled dentist appointment. I thought as we walked in, "man my teeth feel disgusting. Luckily, they won't see mine." As we walked in, the nice receptionist informed me that, I too had an appointment at the same time as Addison's. Lovely.
The called Addison back first, so we went back and I showed her where I would be and where she would be (right next to her cubicle). Without hesitation, she got up in the chair and informed the hygentist that her "bunsers are a little red right now and kind of sore." Nice.
I must say it was really strange listening to the hygentist clean Addison's teeth as I was in the other room. She is getting to be such a big girl!

Our Two Year Old

I wanted to write a post about our little Henry and what he is up to these days as a silly little two-year old. I must say, he has changed so much in the last two months. He has turned from a baby into a funny, talkative guy. His favorite things to say is, "Why? Sissy, phone, and mall, Buzz, and George." Which, I may add are also his favorite things in the world. He also loves trains and airplanes. He recently discovered slides, tunnels, and bridges at the park. He could go up and down them all day long if I let him. Of all the things he loves, I must say his greatest love are babies. He just cannot help himself when a baby enters the room. He runs over, sits down and just has to kiss it. He is so gentle and sweet with them. Henry is an exceptionally picky eater. His staples being pizza, sausage, hot dogs, apples, and strawberries. I often try new things, but he wrinkles his nose and disaprovingly hands it back to me.
Henry is the sweetest most sensitive little man I've ever met. If anyone is crying, he is right there to pat their face and say "you otay?" His sweet kisses and hugs warm my day. I can't imagine my life without him, and can't wait to see all that God has in store for him.

Happy 2nd birthday, Henry!

Henry turned two yesterday! Yikes, how is my little guy already two? He seemed pretty excited about his birthday, when we told him it was his birthday he would do his adorable, "woohoo." The day started off with daddy going in to get him out of bed. Andy wished him a "happy birthday, buddy." In response, Henry said, "mall? Mall?" Yes, my two year old's greatest desire for his birthday was to go to the mall and "walk." A little while later, Addison came downstairs and wished her brother a "happy birthday." and then added, "hmmm," as she did her trademark tap to her lip as she thinks very intently, "I wonder what I should wear today for Henry's birthday." Oh three year old decisions.
Much to Henry's disappointment, we couldn't just go immediately to the mall. Instead, we had to eat and get ready. If we truly could just go in our pajamas, but I don't think that would be socially acceptable. The little guy sat outside my bathroom reading a book, with every step of me getting ready was over, he would look up and say, "done?" "No, I need to dry my hair." When that was completed, "done?" "No, Henry, I need to do my makeup." He continued this until we literally pulled in to the mall parking lot.
Addison was really cute about the present she wanted to buy Henry. The night before, she told me she knew the "perfect gift." "A Buzz Lightyear doll, mommy. I think he would love that." While we were at the mall, we went in to the Disney store for her to find a Buzz. As we were looking around the store, she walked right up to the salesclerk and said, "excuse me. I'm looking for a Buzz doll for my brother Henry's birthday. Do you happen to have any?" I must add that she was right, the Buzz is without a doubt Henry's favorite present.
The day was pretty uneventful after that. We had homemade pizza and then had family over for cake. He was thrilled with his presents and excited to have all the attention.

Catch up

As I sit here tonight, the baby is kicking like crazy as my other two sleep upstairs. Andy is gone for guys small group, and I am just enjoying the quiet. It seems like there is so much I want to write about, little things that I say, "I've got to blog about that later." But by the time later comes, I am too tired or distracted to sit and write. Oh well, I suppose I should give myself a little bit of grace as I just keep getting larger and more tired by the day.
We went to Michigan last week to visit my family. It was a really nice, relaxing trip. Addison's favorite part was "going on a date with grandma to Starbucks." Which, may I add she was firm about not wanting Henry or I to tag along. "I need some alone time with grandma, mommy." According to Henry, his favorite part was "grandpa." But I think his other favorite part was the opportunity to share in his life's greatest passion with someone else who can fully appreciate it: going to the mall. Every single morning the first words out of his mouth were: "mall. grandma. walk." Seriously, he said it about a million times this week. Grandma, unable to resist his pleading, took him to the mall to walk everyday.
We also had fun playing with the cousins and just hanging out. Addison was pretty insistent that she would be fine if we just dropped her off with Payton and Ella. Personally, my favorite part was just being with my family.
Andy drove up with us last Saturday and then took the train home on Monday. So Friday morning, the kids and I headed out on our own for the drive back. When I say on our own, I also mean without Dora, Curious George, or any of our other little entertaining friends. No DVD player, just like the olden days. I was a bit apprehensive to drive alone without the assistance of these characters, but the kids were so well behaved and delightful we barely missed them. (Sorry, George).
As we drove through the city, Henry was totally mesmerized by the trains and Addison enjoyed pretty much everything else around her. As we approached the loop (sitting in traffic) she yelled out, "what do we do when we drive in the city? We pray!" It warmed my heart that she reminded me of the tradition that started in college. So we prayed, Henry even let out an "amen" at the end. After we prayed, Addison informed me that when she grows up she is going to live in an apartment in the city. "You and daddy can come and visit whenever you want," she sweetly included.
That about sums up our last few weeks. Eventful and yet totally uneventful at the same time.

Perspective

As of late, we have been sick. So sick. Stuck in the house- timing when the next dose of medicine can be given- bored out of our minds- if I have to watch one more episode of Curious George, I'm going to die-sick. Thankfully, Andy hasn't gotten anything, but the kids and this pregnant body just can't seem to ward off the germs that are attacking. We had a cold virus right after Christmas (mine turned into bronchitis), stomach flu in the middle of January (I ended up in the hospital), and now Addison just recovered from walking pneumonia, Henry an upper respiratory infection and tonsilitis, and the same upper respiratory infection for me. It is has been great. Well no, not really, I'm being sarcastic.

Have I mentioned that I've been feeling sorry for us? Bored. Stuck in the house. Feeling miserable. That is until I was reading, "The Hole in our Gospel" by Richard Stearns. It put my pity party into major perspective. He was talking about the poor and illnesses they face. They lack the medical resources to help their children, and many families loose their children to what we call common sicknesses. The line that stood out to me the most was, "An ear infection becomes a death sentence for a child." An ear infection, are you kidding me? I cannot imagine my child being sick and not being able to do anything for him. Last week, when Henry was so sick, the doctor I saw said it wasn't anything but a virus and that with time he would get better. But with each day, his fever got worse and he grew more lethargic. I knew that there was something else going on, so I was able to go to a different doctor and get the proper antiobiotics that were needed to cure his sickness. Now he is perfectly healthy and back to his silly self (with a strong tinge of whine the antibiotics have yet to wipe out).

To even consider that instead of taking my baby to another doctor to get the right medicine, there was nothing more I could do than to hold him and watch him grow worse, makes my heart quiver. What if? What if I was born in a poor area of Africa or Southeast Asia and my little Henry would had lost his life to tonsilitis? Or Addison to walking pneumonia? Thank You, Lord. Thank You that we have access to antibiotics.

Perhaps this week wasn't so bad after all.

Bedtime

After two weeks of putting Henry down without patting him, we officially put him and Addison down together at the same time. While Henry was figuring out this new way of going to bed, Addison was going to bed in our bed and we would then move her later. They have never gone to bed at the same time in their room, so we were slightly hesitant to start. Tonight proved, that once again there wasn't anything to worry about. The two of them just chatted for about 30 minutes, and now it has been silent. The conversation that ensued between the two was priceless.
At one point, Addison said: "Henry, what do you want to do tomorrow? Want to go see grandma Gayle?"
Henry: "yeah."
Addison: "how about go to the mall?"
Henry: "yeah!!!"
Addison: "yeah, you would like that? What else do you want to do?"
As their little conversation started to dwindle Henry started saying, "sisssssyyyy."
Addison: "What Henry?"
Henry: "sisssssyy"
Addison: "What Henry?"

Over the last few weeks, Henry has really started talking. Along with that, the two of them have really started to become closer. It is simply the most adorable thing to watch.

It's a Boy!

On Monday we went to the the doctor for the official ultrasound. We dropped Henry off with a friend and took Addison with us. We thought it would be neat if she could see the baby and to hear if it is a boy or girl. Like I've said before, she was convinced that we were and must have a girl. No questions. However, when the lady checked she definetly did not see a girl. We have the pictures to prove it, which I will post when I find my camera. The look on Addison's face was priceless. First it was the "what the heck are you talking about" face, then it turned to shock, then just buried into Andy's shoulder. She claims she isn't disapointed at all, but excited. I think she is putting on a strong face. Sweet girl.
Andy and I on the other hand, couldn't be more thrilled about having another boy. I must say I really wanted a boy. I love having my girl, but to be honest, I didn't want to share the girl thing her and I have. Also, it will be a lot of fun for Henry to have a brother close to his age.
Now we need to think of the perfect name for this little guy. I have no idea, I better hurry up though or else this one's name is going to be George!

Family Day

Today, we took our annual trip to free museum day in the city. Last year, we hit up the Shedd and then moved on to the Field Museum. It was a really great time. So this time we planned to go down to the Museum of Science and Industry. We've been talking for a week about seeing the chicks hatch out of their egg, the trains, and then seeing what the babies look like in mommy's tummies. We were all really excited.
We loaded the car this morning and headed to IHOP for breakfast. Henry was ticked off, because we were literally facing the mall. He wanted to go to the mall and "walk," his new favorite thing to do. He mentioned it to everyone who passed and just reminded us throughout the entire meal. The waitress came up and started talking to Addison and Henry. Like I said, Henry mentioned his immediate need for walking, and Addison responded to the waitress' question, "do you like your brother?" with a shrug and "yeah, Henry's okay."
After breakfast we drove into the city. When we approached the museum, we suddenly were one of what seemed like a thousand cars waiting to get into the parking garage. Where did all these cars come from? This did not look good. But we were ready, had drove over an hour to get there, and we wanted to see those chicks hatch (for free) darn it!
After parking, we made it into the building with the flood of others. As we rounded a corner Addison suddenly froze and screamed, Henry screamed and started crying. What? Oh the train. Yes, they were horrified by the train in the lobby. If I might add, it is gigantic. If I was one or three I would probably be scared too.
The rest of the afternoon was spent weaving in and out of crowds. Avoiding strollers. Finding elevators. And seeing the chicks hatch.
It was not a good day. But at least we had a whole day together.
I love whole days with my family.

Our Big Sleeper

For those of you who don't know, Henry has never been much of a sleeper. Typically, bedtime consisted of Andy (or sometimes me) patting Henry's little booty for a good hour. In the middle of the night, he generally wakes up two to three times, which requires about an hour at least of more patting. Nap time, I would pat him, with my head resting on the top bar of the crib as my right arm fell asleep and finally went numb.

With that said, sleep has never been something we looked forward to with the little bear.

Friday afternoon, Andy announced that "enough is enough. We have to let this little man cry it out." Certainly, we were going to be up all night. This was NOT a good idea. Or so I thought. Andy laid him down while I went to Target so I didn't have to listen to him cry. He called me thirty minutes later, the boy was asleep!!! Essentially, he fell asleep faster crying than when we sit and pat him. He woke up once in the middle of the night, cried for ten minutes, and fell back asleep. Nap time was the same story. Today's nap time it took him only ten minutes to fall asleep! I am so proud of this little guy, and I must say if I would had known this would be so easy, I would had done it a long time ago!

Trip to Appleton

This weekend, we ventured out (in our new van!) to visit uncle BJ and aunt Pattie. We love going up to Appleton to visit them, they are so hospitable, fun, and the kids play great together. While we love going up there, we sure do miss them living here!

We got to meet baby Ethan, who resembles a Burns' through and through. He is a cute little guy. Addison, Mia, and Jonathon, played the whole time, we barely even heard from them! Little Olivia tagged along too and kept up pretty good with the "big kids" (as we called them when we needed them). Poor little Henry doesn't do well away from home and stayed near us pretty much the whole time. Of course, about two hours before we left he got really comfortable and played really well with the other kids.

On Sunday morning we went to BJ and Pattie's church. It is a really great church, we always love the service when we are able to go. Addison was thrilled to be going to a new church. Her biggest concern? What they would be serving for snack. The girl's teacher said he could tell the were cousins and they played so good together. On the way home from church, Addison told us she learned about forgiveness and sharing with friends. She then asked us what we had for snack in our class, she just couldn't comprehend that they wouldn't serve us a snack. Basically she said, "what's the point of going then?"

We left their house about 7 at night. It took about three hours to get home. Henry mostly slept, but Addison? She talked. And talked. And talked. It was amazing and exhausting all in one. I'm not sure if she actually took a break at all. At one point, I asked if her and Andy could go anywhere in the whole world, where would they go? Andy said Hawaii. Addison said the Great Wall of China, or cupcake mountain. I said a fancy hotel next to a beautiful beach.

Thanks, BJ and Pattie for a relaxing and fabulous weekend! Can't wait to see you soon!

Baby movements

Today, I am 16.5 weeks pregnant. As I stood in the kitchen making and eating homemade potato chips, I felt the first little flutters! The absolute best part of pregnancy is feeling the little baby, I am so grateful and excited that this time has finally arrived!

New Car!

After a long, frustrating search, we finally bought a mini-van. We have been searching for a while, but just couldn't seem to find one in our price range. I admit, I was feeling pretty discouraged about it. That is until I realized I hadn't even prayed about it. So I asked God for one. On Sunday morning, the Lord said, "I have your car today." That afternoon, Andy said he found a really nice van at Carmax. We went up there on Tuesday evening, and sure enough it was the one the Lord had for us. The Lord and His provision never ceases to amaze and encourage me.

While were at Carmax, Addison decided the car dealer, Oscar, was her new great friend. As Andy and I signed the papers, Addison sat behind us next to Oscar. She began telling him about the princesses on her shoes, that Belle is her favorite and who she dressed up as for Halloween. She told him her brother's name is Henry and she is Addison Rae Burns. Out of nowhere she stopped, looked at him and said, "Can you smell my breath? Is it stinky?" What a character this one is!

Boys

Have I mentioned how much I love having a little boy? He is the sweetest, cuddliest little guy in the world. While in the past I have been his little world, he has now moved on to daddy. Everything is "my daddy." With Andy being home for the holidays, he became basically obsessed with him. I had to take him to the doctor a couple of times during the week (for a never-ending-I thought-tubes-were-supposed-to-help-ear infection). While we were there he just kept crying saying, "my daddy, my daddy." So I have moved down on the totem pole. Who better to be one up'd by than daddy? I think he is cooler too!

As of late, Henry has become interested in a certain part of his boy anatomy. Actually, pretty much only in those lucky moments that he pees without a diaper on. Not that it happens very often. Today, after their bath I realized all the diapers were downstairs. I hate it when that happens! I put him in his crib naked and ran down to grab the diaper before the boy could do any damage to the sheets. Seriously, I was gone for 5 seconds. As I ran up the stairs I could hear him squeling with delight. I came around the corner to see my son jumping in his bed, laughing harder than he has ever laughed in his life. He had peed in his bed, and he thought the whole thing was awesome.
Ahhh, boys.

New Year's Resolutions

I love the new year. I love to reflect on the year's past and also set unrealistic and sometimes crazy goals for the new year. I think it is fun to think of all the changes I want to make and things I want to do. For example, a few years ago Andy and I were going to learn to play the piano and learn a new language. While we didn't completely learn the piano (me, not even remotely) or a new language, it was fun to attempt.
With that said, this year I have decided not to set any super lofty goals. I am resolving to have a better attitude toward the whole discomfort of pregnancy. I am going to focus on the blessing and not the difficulty.
I asked Addison what she wanted to learn about or do this new year, or as she would say "the new day!" After thinking for a second she replied, "I want to learn more about outer space so I can become an astronaut."
So here is to a new year and resolutions!