Greg and Stephanie Burley

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Allison Update...

Allison had her 10 month checkup last week. She is doing very well, and growing like a little weed! I didn't get her length (I'll try to do that tomorrow), but she weighs 21 lbs. 8 oz. Her vaccinations are all in one injection (thank goodness!) so it really didn't bother her too much.
For those of you who don't get to spend a whole lot of time with Allison, her personality is described by many as "contented", "pleasant", "friendly", "happy", just to name a few. She loves people and music. So far she knows a few words (mama, dada, baba, byebye, uhoh, and PAPA - he's quite happy about it, too!). She is my only child who didn't crawl at 7 months...she still doesn't, but will sit for an hour at a time with a few toys around her. If she can get her left leg "out of the way", she'll be crawling soon. She stands up to things, and scoots around the room on her bottom. She is an explorer, and will definitely keep us hopping once she starts walking! Allison hasn't cut a tooth yet. I think she's taking after Evan who grew a whole mouthful between 11 and 12 months. Her hair is tending toward mine in color and texture. Hopefully, for her sake, it isn't as long!!!
The other day I was thinking back to my life a year ago this time. I was eight months pregnant, teaching full-time, taking three kids with me to school, and winding down my Master's degree. There were plenty of other responsibilities, but those were foremost. I didn't continue thinking along those lines for too long because it just totally overwhelmed me! Life now is more manageable, you could say. I'm quite thankful that the "pregnant" days are over. There were days that I was stressed to the hilt, and although I tried to hide it (my pet peeve is whiny pregnant women), it sometimes spilled out!
Now we're in a different stage, and loving *almost* every minute of it. :) The kids are growing and learning, and it is a beautiful process!

She's Here!!!

Miss Profitt has arrived (for those of you who were still wondering), and I'm sure her mother is thankful that this day is over! Anyway, she is still 'Miss Profitt' to me, cause as far as I know, she still doesn't have a name. I'll save the rest of the news for the possiblity that someone may be able to post from Cayman. It's been a pain...I haven't even had a clear phone connection with them today. Every word has been broken, and I've only been able to get bits and pieces. I had assumed they would have internet access at the hospital since it is pretty modernized down there, but I guess not. Anyway, thanks for your prayers!

Weekend Happenings...

Last Friday was our Fall Educator's Convention. Normally we attend Ohio's convention (close to beautiful Amish country), but this year's schedule wasn't working out quite right for that. Instead, we headed for Indianapolis, where we were able to see lots and lots of friends and aquaintances. We had a wonderful day (did anybody say 'Pasta Bar'???) and came back refreshed and having gained new insights into the educational process. Several years back, ACE went from a two-day format to a one-day schedule. Since I really didn't want Greg to take a day off just to watch the kids, I began to think about a sitter. My grandma called and was coming up for mom's birthday, so she agreed to come a day earlier and watch all the kids. She did an amazing job! Although I won't share her age (that would mean certain death for me), her oldest child is in his mid-60's. I know some grandmothers who are WAY younger, and won't hardly ever watch their grandkids cause they "just can't handle the stress"! I know I am blessed because the grandparents on both sides of our family are so helpful and always willing to lend a hand. Thanks Grandma! See you this weekend!

Mom and I were laughing one day about how men always dream about new toys, expensive ones...cars, boats, etc. Mom said, "You know, the only thing that I really want is one of those grapevine trees for my porch." She's always been more of a giver than a taker, in fact, she's not a taker at all, so I was really happy to know what she actually wanted! I had no idea, though, that these things could be so difficult to find! It's like they are everywhere until you want one...
Anyway, I finally found one. Now I just have to locate white lights with brown cord. Any ideas short of ordering online???

What ever happened to the adorable little thing he used to be? LOL! Ryan is definitely growing up, and the parenting challenges are ever changing. Dr. Dobson is becoming my best friend!

I just want to say a few words about my mom...
My mom is an incredible person. From her willing sacrifices that I witnessed as a child, to the selfless acts that continue to flow from her life today, she is one in a million. Although I grew up in a parsonage where money was not growing on trees, I never felt poor. We didn't run out to the mall to buy our Easter dresses, but mom made sure each stitch was lovingly sewn, sometime before midnight on Saturday night!
Throughout my years as a child and teenager, mom never allowed her career to come before her husband and children. She didn't fall into the "work more...get more stuff...work more..." mentality that many in healthcare do. She taught me that one's children are her first responsibility, and not the responsibility of daycare or a babysitter. Most of my friends would have probably labeled my mom "strict". I wasn't allowed to do many of the things my friends did. I went to a small, Christian school from grades 1-12. She taught me that one can both "protect" and "prepare" their children. We were "sheltered", and that wasn't a bad thing. You have no idea how thankful I am for that today. The "eyes in the back of mom's head" kept me from sooooo much. I didn't have regrets to carry into marriage or adulthood because my parents were "strict". I am thankful for "strict"! :) Even though I'm "all grown up", the influence of my mom is still huge in my life. She is a wonderful example for my kids - I never have to worry that they are going to see or hear things that I wouldn't approve of when they are with her. Thanks for all you are to me, mom! Love you!

Here's the funny story behind this pic...Kaitlynn received these glasses as a prize in Jr. Church Sunday morning. When it came time for mama to open gifts, Kaitlynn presented her with these glasses wrapped in the sheer, sticky plastic that had previously covered the top of mom's laptop. Kaitlynn said, "Mama, these are for you for the beach!" Awwww, how thoughtful of you, Kaitlynn!

One of the pretty gifts mom received...

Allison's expressions are so cute. Here she is sharing a moment with her mama...

Just Waiting...

For those who know my sister, Valerie, here is an update on her pregnancy status:

She was at the hospital by 8 this a.m. (Cayman time), 9 a.m. our time. My mom called me as she and dad were leaving for the hospital around 10:30 our time (they were catching a ride with the pastor who is serving as chaplain this week). The hospital itself is quite different than what we are used to here, mom found last night as they were touring it. No amenities whatsoever (not even a radio or tv & you have to bring everything that the baby will need - down to the soap and lotion, blankets, everything.). Once the baby arrives, though, she will be the amenity! I have no idea whether labor began on its own, or whether induction was as scheduled, but Miss Profitt should arrive today, on her due date! Yeah! I won't be posting an announcement of her birth unless I get the all clear from Valerie. I have no idea what their computer access is like, so keep checking their blog. If I get the all clear, I'll post as soon as I know.