Survival of the Burkinshaws

Well, it's been a while since I posted last. It's not because we're busy, more because I don't really know what to post about. Life with four kids isn't as exciting as it sounds. It's a little busier, and there's always someone who needs something, but as far as excitement...that only comes when the "potty-trained" kids come into the living room when I've just sat down to nurse a baby and say, "Mommy, I need to go potty." That can get kind of exciting. Other than those moments, life is pretty uneventful. We've been a family of six for six weeks, and we're hoping we've gotten into the groove of things. Elin hasn't quite slept through the night consistently, but she only wakes up once. There is light at the end of the tunnel. She likes to be held, but what baby doesn't like to be held? Elin also enjoys tummy time and attention from the others, as long as Ewan isn't laying on her. We had her one week check and she was back upto her birth weight. We won't be going in again until her two month mark. She's a good eater, doesn't spit-up much, and sleeps as long as someone's not bugging her. Ewan pays attention to Elin every once-in-a-while,  but doesn't seem to be jealous or anything. He likes to hold her until she starts to get fussy, and then he'd rather not. Ewan is still our good sleep, eater, and player. He's getting big enough to really hold his own if he wants something from a sister. He went to nursery for the first time a few weeks ago, and seems to do well. We may need to have a few more talks on biting! (sorry nursery leaders!) Ewan loves the trampoline and being outside. He doesn't like being bounced too high, but he'll get there. Aislee is the little mother. She's always wanting to hold Elin, feed Elin, burp Elin, and sit by Elin. It's helpful some of the time. She also loves the trampoline and would probably spend all day on it if Paul would stop telling her that buggies are going to eat her toes. Aislee is doing very well with potty-training, and wakes up dry most of the time. She's showing a little more of her personality. She has to be entertained and doing new things constantly! Most days, I wish I could clone myself just to keep up with her energy! Olivia is our little "Crazy-Horse". Every morning I'm something new, "Mommy Monkey", "Mommy Noodle", "Mommy Doggy". She insists on being "Baby Monkey", "Baby Noodle" or "Baby Doggy" all day. If we tell her she's pretty, she says "NO! I'm Crazy Horse." She holds Elin until she cries, and then tells me to hold her and make her stop. She's doing very well with potty-training. Her personality is also starting to come out more. She'll color, build blocks, make Potato Heads or "read" for hours without moving. She needs me to have her take "potty-breaks" or she just wouldn't go. Paul finished the trampoline! He's going to be doing more backyard projects this summer because I told him if the backyard wasn't functional by the time he started his master's in January, then I'm hiring someone to come and do it. We've ordered or swingset and we've purchased several things to  get the pavers done. Hopefully we'll get it finished long before he starts so that he can enjoy it for a little while. Paul passed his Functional Engineering exam, and will be studying for his Professional Engineering exam in the Fall. He recently got called into the Elders Quorum Presidency which keeps him busy with weeknight visits and meetings. I'm looking forward to the backyard being done, and having a place to send kids! I recently took up sewing and did some much needed hemming of jeans, made a new nursing bib and carseat cover. I'd like to make some pillows for the living room to add some colors to the room. I've learned that sewing is 90-95% preparation and 5-10% actually doing something. I'm looking forward to getting back into running shape and training for some sort of race to keep me motivated. Well, enough of a long-winded update! Onto the pictures!

Elin just hanging out

Ewan just hanging out

Making cookies with Grandma Stacey

Just getting back from the pool (the water hasn't warmed up much yet)

Paul and Elin before bed

The kids with Grandma Stacey when she came out to visit a few weeks ago. Elin wasn't very happy to be in that position.

Anytime the swing is on the floor, Ewan likes to get in it.

Aislee and "her" baby

The trampoline hole completed

Fun! I probably shouldn't have been on it since it was just a few days after baby.

Hours of fun!

The playroom mess. We know the "clean-up" song very well!

There he is again!

Olivia joins in sometimes too....stinkers!

Elin

A smile...oh the smile!

He's so big!

Paul and P. O. P. POP!

Now we need grass!

Ewan on his Hippo

Grandpa Jeff and Grandma Stacey came out for Elin's blessing.

Uncle Coy, Grandma Maureen, Grandpa Tim and Uncle Kett came down for the blessing also.

The men

Grandpa Tim, Paul, Elin, and Grandpa Jeff

Our little family. Aislee, Paul, Ewan, Molly, Elin, and Olivia

Grandpa Jeff and Elin. This happened with both Grandpas a few times over the weekend. I didn't take very many pictures, but we had a lot of fun going to the pool, the park, and just spending time together. Thanks for coming!