Potty part II

My big dreams of no more diapers came to a screeching hault yesterday. She has no interest or desire to try again, no matter how many treats I offer. Oh well.

Potty Time?!

We have been trying to get Addison interested in going potty on the potty. Typically, she will sit on her little potty with her pants down but her diaper still on. She always says, "I go in my diaper, okay." I haven't found the need to really push, figuring she just isn't ready yet. But today was a big day in the Burns' home! Addison finally went in her little potty. Oh the joy. No more diapers, no more stinky pants, no more spending a million dollars on diapers.
Okay, maybe I am getting a little ahead of myself, but it sure is exciting! It makes me want to do the potty dance!

Lights Festival

Last night was the best night we have had in a very long time. Our good friends, Jake and Shari, recently moved right in the heart of Chicago. We went to visit them and to go to the light parade on Michigan Ave. Jake and Shari have an amazing apartment overlooking Navy Pier, Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, and surrounded by some cool buildings. I could just sit there all day and look out the window. It was breathtaking.
After we hung out for a little while, we all got bundled up and ventured out to the festivities. This was Addison's first real time downtown, so she was amazed by all the sights. Michigan Ave was packed, so Jake let her sit on his shoulders to watch the parade. Mickey Mouse led the parade, so when she finally saw him, the look on her face was priceless. She was speechless, which says a ton! The whole night she talked about how Mickey "talked." She thought it was so cool that he came over the loud speakers and wished everyone a happy holiday. Henry loved the lights as well. It was fun to watch his little eyes follow the spot lights. He didn't say it, but I am pretty sure it was the coolest thing he has ever seen.
After that we went and stood on a bridge to watch the fireworks over the River. It was incredible. I thought for sure Addison would be scared, but her little eyes were glued on them. Henry slept through the fireworks, which made me laugh that I actually tell Addison to be quiet during his naps!
The joy that Andy and I experienced watching our children be filled with amazment was priceless. This is going to officially be a new family tradition.
We decided we are going to sell everything we own just so we can take the kids to Disney.
Thank you, Jake and Shari for your friendship and for showing us the best night ever!
(Pictures to come as soon as Jake remembers to email them to me:)

The Moon

Recently Addison has decided that she is going to go to the moon "tomorrow." She has been saying it just about everyday. Today she asked Andy if he would help her get there. Being the great dad he is, he responded, "of course."
I love how a child's mind works. Nothing is too impossible or to difficult to do (except clean up your toys. With that request she promptly responds, "I can't, I'm too little").
So would anyone care to join us to a trip to the moon tomorrow?

House For Sale

My cute little house is officially on the market. There is even a "For Sale" sign in the upstairs window. Every time I see it, I can't help but be taken aback. Why is there a picture of some man in my child's window? My house has never been so clean and organized. I never knew it could be this nice nor did I know how much work it would take to keep it this nice.
Many people are asking us why we are selling. Most assume it is because we want to get a bigger place, "move up" so to speak. But that is not the reason. Some how the hard economic times have hit us pretty hard. We aren't able to refinance because our home is worth less than what we owe on it. So basically, we will be taking a financial piece of this house wherever we go. We won't be able to forget even if we wanted to!
The most amazing part is the amount of peace and joy we have through all of this. God promises to take care of us. He reminded me the other day when I was feeling sad about losing the house. He told me that He has better things for this family. This world is only temporary and it is really not our home. Our home is to come. For now we will trust and see how much He will take care of us.
Serving God is truly an adventure.

Really?

I am a big fan of Sunday school. I love Addison's excitement on Sunday morning to go to church and then listen to her tell us about what she has learned on the way home. I really believe it is vital to teach my children Bible stories at a young age and to teach them about God's love. However, as good as Bible stories can be, I don't think all stories should be told. Just when I am trying to teach Addison NOT to throw rocks, push her friends she comes home with quit the story. This month's lesson is David and Goliath. Yes, I understand it has been in children's Sunday school curriculum even before there was Sunday school. Every child can recite how David was a hero when he trusted God to take care of him and defeat mean-old Goliath.
I have one question: how did this become a child's story? While I understand the context of the situation...David was fighting the enemies of Israel, God's chosen people. This was vital to the well being and advancement of the people of God. Now how does one explain that to a two year old? We don't. We just tell the miraculous part: David killed the giant.
So now, Addison, yes people are mean. And since they are mean, you can throw rocks at them and with God's help, you can cause them to fall down and never wake up again.
Perhaps it would be better to stick with Jesus feeding the five thousand.

Sweet Seven Months

Happy seven months, little Henry Bear! The last three months Henry has been exceptionally fussy. If I put him down, he cries. If I look away from him, he cries. If I sit down with him, he cries. I couldn't figure out the problem. We had him checked for some weird head condition (thinking he possibly could have a really bad headache). We started him on baby Zantac for acid reflux. We gave him Tylenol for teething. Nothing worked. I was about to lose it and then sweet sweet relief. He turned seven months. Friday was the big day, and I am not kidding, he turned into a completely different child. Whatever ailed him is gone, and I have my laid back little guy back. Thank God!
He has grown so much this last month. He is sitting up like a little champion now. He loves his food, I think his favorite would be pumpkin. He has been lunging forward to get toys and he is able to grasp things really well. He still gives the sweetest kisses (one of his favorite things to do to his mama).
I think we just might make it after all!