2 year slideshow

One day as I was driving to work the song Forever Young by Rod Stewart came on. As I listened to the lyrics, I got so teary eyed- how perfect they were to describe my hopes and dreams for Audrey's future:

May the good Lord be with you
Down every road you roam
And may sunshine and happiness
surround you when you're far from home
And may you grow to be proud
Dignified and true
And do unto others
As you'd have done to you
Be courageous and be brave
And in my heart you'll always stay
Forever Young, Forever Young
Forever Young, Forever Young

May good fortune be with you
May your guiding light be strong
Build a stairway to heaven
with a prince or a vagabond

And may you never love in vain
and in my heart you will remain
Forever Young, Forever Young
Forever Young, Forever Young
Forever Young
Forever Young

And when you finally fly away
I'll be hoping that I served you well
For all the wisdom of a lifetime
No one can ever tell

But whatever road you choose
I'm right behind you, win or lose
Forever Young, Forever Young
Forever Young ,Forever Young
Forever Young, Forever Young
For, Forever Young, Forever Young


My favorite part of the song is about standing behind her, win or lose...it is very much true. I knew when I heard the song that I wanted to use it in her slideshow. On her first day of school, on graduation day, on her wedding day and at the birth of my grandchildren I know I will always look at her and see my little girl, my sweet Audrey Cate.

Remembering...

Two years ago we were admitted to the hospital (after hours of walking the maternity ward!) Our family members started to show up around 10:00...I had a nice hot soak in the spa tub and shortly thereafter in my comfy hospital bed my water broke. Within minutes I was having intense contractions and by midnight my epidural was complete and I was determined to get a good night's sleep before meeting Baby Burns.

I consider myself to have a very terrible memory. That's the whole reason for this blog...it's for me, so that I don't forget all the precious (and not so precious) moments of raising my children. While my memory is pretty bad, I know I will never forget certain things about that night...Chris closely watching the monitors and trying to get comfortable on the couch. My in laws, grandparents, & sister in law waiting outside of our room. My mom coming in much later, then my brother sometime past midnight. I'll never forget my nurse who held my hand through the epidural and made me feel so comfortable and at ease. Waking all through the night as the nurse came to periodically check on my progress. Clicking the button for pain relief over and over because there was no way in HELL I wanted to feel this huge kid being ripped from my loins.

I remember waiting until about 5 am before telling the nurse that I had been feeling a lot of pressure. It had been building all night but I kept wanting more sleep! I remember everything happening so fast. Lights came blaring on, Chris holding one leg, being told to push for 10 seconds at a time (those were 10 very long seconds!) The doctor was called in and after just a couple more pushes we had a baby...I couldn't wait, was it a boy or girl?! I heard Chris say, "It's a girl!" and I nearly died with anticipation to get my arms around her. "Hi, Audrey, I love you!" I kept saying...I just couldn't believe it! I will always remember those moments.

They weighed her and cleaned her and I got to hold her again while Christopher told everyone the good news. Then they all came in to see our sweet Audrey Cate. I know that when I'm old and I look back on all of the best moments of my life, that will be one of my proudest.

Tomorrow Audrey will be two years old. Everyday I look at her and I know my purpose in life is to love and support her unconditionally. I am so thankful to her for teaching me how to love in that way. Happy birthday sweet Audrey Cate!

Baby Burns at 20 weeks

We went to the doctor today for our 20 week u/s and check-up. We got a bunch of cool pictures...Baby Burns was doing somersaults! We were very good and looked away when we were told :) Everything is measuring great, looks great, and we're still on track for May 7th. I weighed in at 135 which makes me dread the next 4 months...this is when I start packing on the pounds.








I still can't believe we're having another baby...when Chris picked up Audrey and brought her home tonight, she seemed so BIG to me...she's going to be a big sister, not the baby anymore. But this doesn't make me sad...it makes me really, really excited to help her build a bond with her little brother or sister. I think she will be so wonderful.



Tomorrow is our last day of school before break. Audrey will be 2 on Friday and Christmas is on Saturday. I can't wait to spend all of my time with my sweet girl!

If Baby Burns is a girl...

we think we've narrowed it down to two names. Please vote on which you like better:

Abby or Annie?
	Abigail Mae
	Anne Elizabeth
pollcode.com free polls

We have a long way to go and who knows...we might just wait until we see her to see which name fits her the best!

(BTW...It sounds adorable when Audrey says either name, lol.)

Pictures...round 2

On Wednesday Audrey seemed to be feeling much better so we headed back to the mall to try 2 year portraits & pictures with Santa. What a difference! She was such an angel and in the best mood. First we went to Picture People. I had a coupon and wanted to get a good picture of her to give out for Christmas. It was a quick shoot and was a doll:




While we waited for those, we stood in line for Santa (about 30 minutes.) To my complete surprise she did not cry or scream. Actually, she barely paid attention to Santa...the camera guy was throwing a stuffed animal high into the air and it worked....smiles!



While we were there we stopped to visit Aunt Sarah at TCP. Audrey just loves her auntie. She gets SOOO excited when we see her. We didn't get home until after 8:00 and after dinner she passed out as soon as we laid her down. I was so relieved at how well it went.

Next Friday is her 2nd birthday and my friend Stacy is coming to take pictures. I can't wait!

First Snow Day!

And it couldn't have come soon enough! With Audrey's birthday & Christmas next week (GAH!) I so needed a day to get things done around the house.

We knew yesterday that we were going to get snow but they didn't make the cancellation until just after 6am today. I usually leave the house around 6 so I can get work done before the kids show up. This morning I was up at 5 and refreshing my browser for the next hour. I finally got in the shower and afterwards, when I checked again, the call had been made :) Just after 8 Audrey woke up and we headed to Main Street for breakfast. By then the snow had started falling & it hasn't stopped yet!

Chris went to work for a couple of hours while Audrey and I played and got a few things done. God how I cherish these free, unexpected days with her! I guess I don't realize how much I miss her during the day. We got bundled up and headed out to play in the snow. At first she didn't care for it...she kept saying, "Up, up, UP!" But then I showed her how to kick in the snow and she LOVED it. She kept walking around and saying, "Kick, kick, kick." She would also pretend to sneeze which was pretty funny. I got some amazing shots of our sweet snow angel:





Look at how far she traveled, all by herself!





We came back in after a few minutes (it was FREEZING!) and she complained the entire time we were undressing. She ran to the door and yelled, "OPEN!" Luckily she was easily distracted with crayons :) She laid down for her nap and I'm thinking we might have to go out again this afternoon!

What a busy, cold week

Audrey has this lingering cold that just won't go away. I have a sore throat and terrible headache. It sucks being so busy, having so much to do but not feeling like doing any of it.

On Monday our power was out so we met Chris for dinner. We got home around 7:30 (still no power) but as I was packing up to head to the IL's, it came back on. The next night I had my final math class (yaaay!) On Thursday we met Chris at Buffalo Wild Wings for dinner (oh, delicious honey BBQ wings, I am still craving you!) and then we headed to hh greg where Chris bought my Christmas present, a new camera! I'm still trying to play with it and figure out all the different settings. I'm hoping to take a nice family picture in front of the tree for our holiday cards. The weather sucked...it was extremely cold and windy and yet there's no sight of snow in our forecast.

Yesterday we went to the annual pancake breakfast at my school. It was so great to see the kids and their families. Afterwards we had a quick visit with my dad and brother, then we headed home. Audrey had a nice long nap, then we all headed out for grocery shopping and dinner at Mexico Restaurant. We noticed red bumps on her legs but we're not sure what caused them:


Cortisone and caladryl (sp?) cleared it up overnight, thankfully.

This morning was pretty rough. Audrey woke up and seemed fine. I thought it might be a good day to do a little shopping and visit Santa. We were halfway to the mall when she had a screaming fit in the car. By the time we got there she had calmed down but as soon as I put her in the stroller she wasn't having it. As we waited in line for Santa, I had to hold her and she was a crying, sniffling mess. I was so torn. We had gotten ready and driven 30 minutes to get here. We've been standing here 20 minutes already. I have so much freaking shopping to get done! But looking at her, I knew we had to just go home and relax. She of course screamed most of the way home and eventually passed out by the time we got there. I had to give her a bath because she looked like a wreck between her runny nose and watery eyes. I got her into her PJs with some juice and we laid in my bed to watch Mickey Mouse (he really helps taker mind off of feeling bad, God love him.) By the end of the episode she was smiling and giggling and back to her usual, happy self (no fever, btw.) She laid down in her room for a nap and I pretty much collapsed back into bed wanting so badly to have a drink or two.

I just couldn't believe the morning we'd had. She had never behaved that way in public. She must've been feeling really terrible. And I felt so badly for putting her through it. I started to actually regret being pregnant because, honestly, how would I do this with TWO little ones? Not alone, I can tell you that much! Thank goodness for Christopher who was so wonderful and understanding when I called him in tears on the way home. Or when he texted me to make sure everything was ok (with BOTH of us) and if he needed to come home from work. I quickly got over my pity party. With him I know I can get through anything because I am not alone.

I am praying for a better week!

Ugh.

I don't know if it's being sick (God, I hope it's because she's sick) or if it's because she's in a new room, but Audrey has had the worst time going to sleep the past few days (naps AND night time.) The first couple of nights we got her out of bed after a few minutes of screaming and let her stay up an extra hour. But this weekend I've pretty much let her fuss herself to sleep. And it sucks...I don't know what else to do. This is worse than sleep training was when she was 6 months old. I really hope this passes because I cannot stand to hear her so upset...but the kid needs her sleep!

Updates

First, Baby Burns!

Today I am 18 weeks. I had the quad screen done yesterday and scheduled the big u/s for 12/21. I've been having severe pain in my tailbone. On Thursday I could barely stand it...getting up and sitting down hurt so badly. Luckily the pain has subsided...Dr K. isn't sure what the cause is but he wrote me a rx in case it comes back and recommended a maternity support belt (since I'm already feeling pressure.)

I'm starting to feel small kicks and jabs, specially when I lay down at night. This is my absolute favorite part about being pregnant! BB has a nice heartbeat in the 160s and we're so excited to see him/her in a couple of weeks :) I just realized I never posted the very first sonogram picture:



And here's the bump:


I'm at the awkward phase where my maternity clothes make me look huge but none of my regular clothes fit! I weighed in at 134, so that's about a 6 lb weight gain. I'm sure the 34 will be soon to follow...

This morning we were supposed to have Audrey's 2 year pictures done...but on Thursday she came down with a cold and she still has a very runny nose. My good friend Stacy will be coming in a few weeks to take them. Check out her blog here: Stacy Hart One More for Love.

Her room is pretty much done! I love how it came out and I think she will enjoy it for years to come...








Not sure why this one became so blurry when it uploaded! She loves the "A" on the wall

Her room being done is a huge weight lifted...because there are so many other things to do! Design and send holiday cards, pictures with Santa, Audrey's 2 year slideshow, shopping & wrapping...I'm feeling motivated and checking the extended weather forecast for a snow day or two before the winter break!

The holidays are finally here!

I just LOVE this time of year! It starts right after Halloween with the anticipation of Thanksgiving break. Lots of time with family & friends, eating great food, the general feeling of cheerfulness.

I am especially grateful to be sharing these first experiences with sweet Audrey. She is so into the holiday spirit this year...the songs, the decorations, and even Santa. We spent Thanksgiving with my family then headed up to Woodbridge to celebrate with the Burns family. Audrey napped for about 30 minutes in the car but was an angel the whole time. She especially loved playing with cousin Teddy. He's 5 and entertains her so well!


Checking out Pop's tree


Helping herself to raspberries at Mom-Maw's.

She didn't eat any of the amazing food...maybe next year?

Next week a good friend of mine is coming to take her 2 year pictures. We're doing them a little early so we can hopefully use them in our holiday cards. I'm hoping to get her new bedroom ready by then so she can take pictures in there. It's been painted and most f the walls are decorated. I'm waiting on a couple of decals from Etsy and for Chris to assemble her crib. I'm so happy with how it's turned out so far!


She kept very busy with this foam block while I put together the closetmaid organizer.


She even tried to help


Trying to get to the hanging lanterns


Phew! All that work is exhausting!

On Saturday during nap time we put up the Christmas tree. When Audrey saw it she said, "Oooohhhh!" and clapped and smiled. She really loves it. I hung all of the kid-friendly ornament on the bottom and let her play with them as much as she likes. Her favorite is a small gold bell decorated with holly leaves.







Just looking at the tree makes me feel so nostalgic. Two years ago I remember sitting in the recliner right in front of the tree with my warming blanket (and a heating pad!) wondering when oh when I'd get to meet Baby Burns. Wondering if it was a Jack or an Audrey. Being very thankful to be on the verge of meeting our first baby. I'm not quite as pregnant this time, but I still have the same feelings. Only this time I get to watch her playing and dancing and singing around the beautiful tree. I love this time of year!

Wedding Weekend

Ryan and Mimi were married on Friday and it was a beautiful wedding. We went to the rehearsal on Thursday (the church was absolutely gorgeous) and then went to dinner at Logan's. Chris stayed with Ryan and the groomsmen while Audrey and I came home to rest up for the big day.


Audrey and cousin Nina at the church

Audrey slept the whole way to the church (over an hour) and was in great spirits when we arrived. She got to hang out with cousin Isabella during the ceremnoy. Thank goodness the church had quiet rooms. The girls could chat and we could still hear the ceremony.




At the reception the girls danced the whole night. It was such a fun party with great food, great music, and awesome family.




Audrey & Bella liked walking around the dance floor.


Nina led the whole time :)






They had a mother-daughter dance. It was so sweet!






Favorite!


Had to be carried off the dance floor

We had a wonderful time. Unfortunately most of my pictures came out blurry or my camera delayed so much that I missed a lot of good shots. So, if you're reading this, Santa, mama needs a camera for Christmas :)

Our lovely girl, a lovely big sister

I've been waiting so long to blog about this! On August 25th we found out we were pregnant. We had been hoping for another, but after speaking with my doctor in May it seemed like a long shot. We had decided that if nothing happened this summer I'd go back on Clomid next summer. Imagine our shock and surprise when I randomly took a test on CD 41. I kept saying, "Oh my God, OH MY GOD!" We told close family & friends right away. Obv I wanted to wait until after the 1st tri to announce it on the interwebz.

I shouldn't have been too surprised...after I finished nursing I began to have regular cycles (something that never happened pre-Audrey.) I assumed I ovulated as well but I never kept track- which was a huge difference from ttc the first time (taking temps daily, charting, OPKs- UGH!) My cycles were long which is why Dr K. said we'd probably need to get back on meds to conceive again. The look on his face when he walked into our first appointment was priceless and we totally high-fived, lol.

Baby Burns is due May 7th. I'm 15 weeks and feel great, even starting to show a bit. I was mostly exhausted during the 1st tri, but no morning sickness. On Thursday Audrey and I went to the doctor for a quick check up. We heard a nice strong heartbeat at 160 bpm. I go back in 3 weeks for a quad screen and then 3 weeks after that for a sonogram (right around Christmas!) It's definitely an exciting time for our family :)

Some pics of the day we found out:




Someone seems happy with the news! She missed all the excitement while she was napping.


I get to have another one of these?! Life is good.