What's Shakin'? with the Burns Family

Tot School - Week 2 - Letter B

2010-03-14T13:14:00.002-04:00

29 months

This week we started the letter B. We got a handful of books from the library; The Wheels on the School Bus, Busy Bees, We're Going on a Bear Hunt, a book about beetles and one about bugs.

To begin the week we made our "B" bee. Jack insisted on the bee having two stingers and two eyes, because really Mom why wouldn't it be symmeticral? Jack also decided that me taking pictures of him while he is working is not his cup of tea. I have to be sneakier now!

We continues B week by going outside and turning on the bubble machine (not recommended for inside the house). Jack had such a great time - he has been waiting for a warm enough day to take it out since our first experience with it was,... well less then successful and in his bedroom, oops!

Our art project for the week centered around the blue theme. Jack did a multi-medium project decorating the word BLUE and then did a painting with all the different blue paints we had.

I found this great Bug Domino set at HomeGoods. Jack and Kevin had a wonderful time matching bugs. We played this many times during the week.

Some other activites that Jack wouldn't let me take pictures of included some indoor bowling and the introduction to his rice sensory box.

Moving onto C...

Wordless Wednesday - Bubbles!

2010-03-03T10:28:00.002-05:00

Tot School - Week 1 - Theme "A"

2010-02-28T14:24:00.015-05:00

29 months

What a fun week Jack and I had starting Tot School. I decided that we would work through the capital letters first, throwing in some holiday activites and basic skills. When we have finished that we will start all over with the lower case letters.

This week we focused on the letter "A". We began by reading "Berenstain's A Book" and creating a foam alligator A.

After alligators we moved on to apples. Jack did an apple print and then we "planted" the apple seeds in our new window seed viewer. Fingers crossed that they grow!

We then moved to airplanes - so interesting to Jack now that Kevin travels so often. We made an "A" out of an airplane and some clouds and then rebuilt my 80s Lego airplane and airport.

We did some other little activities; color matching with bag clips, pom pom sorting, and beading.

Here are our completed "A" projects...

Coming soon...

2010-02-25T15:10:00.002-05:00

I am currently obsessed with this website and all the ideas that come along with it. I had been searching for activities that Jack and I can start doing everyday together. He is too young to start preschool in RI (misses the cut off by 7 days, seriously!) and Montessori just isn't in the budget.

Once this week is over I will post about the activities and post some pictures of Jack.

Choco...

2009-12-12T14:58:00.002-05:00

Jack has categorized his world in half; choco and regular. This applies best to what kind of milk he would like. Now-a-days it's always choco. I find this somewhat ironic as Jack does not like "choco". He enjoys sucking the candy coating off of M&Ms but when that is gone he will disdainfully hand over the rest of the candy to the tune of "no choco". He rejects brown Tootsie Roll Pops, Indian corn (you know the candy corn with the brown strip) and homemade cookies that have cooked a little too long on the bottom. Choco! Jack likes "regular" things. I think he might be a food racist - LOL!

2 and a half months...

2009-08-19T15:29:00.008-04:00

I can't believe it has been 2 and a half months since I last posted. It has been a busy summer thusfar. Jack and I have been having a great time with our moms' group. We have gone to zoos, playgrounds, parks, museums, farmer's markets, out for breakfast, friend's houses, blueberry picking, and farms. Whew! Here are some highlights...

I think Jack's favorite event of the summer though has been 2 rides on Thomas the Tank Engine. We went early in the summer with some of our Toddling friends and a few weeks ago with the Hiltons and Ranuccis.

Jack is so much fun. He really loves going out and doing things with his friends (and his mom and dad!) I asked him yesterday who his buddies were and he happily responded "N-do" (Andrew) and "Luke" and his girlfriends "Lie"(Lila) and "Mya"! Jack has really become a hilarious little guy. His has started to sing in the car along with his CDs - it is the most adorable thing I've ever heard.

Jack is running, jumping, and talking up a storm. I can't believe some of the things he comes out with. I'll keep everyone updated on his new tricks.

Diaper Champ...

2009-06-02T20:39:00.002-04:00

As a first time mom you will encounter a plethora of diaper issues you never thought you'd have to figure out. Here are some tried and true ways to deal with specific issues.

the frontal leakage at night... insert a cheap maxi pad right along the band in the front, it will soak up all the extra and you won't have to change jammies and sheets at 2 in the morning!

leaving the beach... grab a small pack of pull-ups; much easier to slip into, without sand getting it all the cracks :)

I like to be as nude as possible when I sleep... pull some cool big boy (or girl) underpants on over the diaper as a nice "keep the tabs closed" cover

I think these are the main issues we've dealt with so far, aside from the diaper applying on a running child or an upside child or a laying on my tummy child or a "I will flip out if you lay me down in a public place" child. Diapering was so much easier when the only concern was getting peed on!

Good luck... you'll need it!

What You Talking About...

2009-05-22T07:11:00.005-04:00

...Jack

Within the last week and half Jack has really started talking. I think it is hilarious to see what words kids pick up first. It really shows what is important to them and what things that they consider necessities. Here is Jack's list of important enough words to say;

truck - any kind, big or small
sock & shoe - he will make sure that you have on the appropriate footwear at all times
juice - the 1/4 inch that is added to his water makes all the difference
She shom (Thomas)- is there such a thing as visual crack; why else is this empire so addicting?
Cook - Cookie Monster that is...
ouside - the greatest place to be, even if it's raining
up & down
bus - slowly falling to the wayside since truck came on the scene
mine - uttered for the first time yesterday in reference to some loose change found in my car that immediately got eaten by his piggy bank
'scuse - because we have to be polite

Dad and Mom make the cut only when these other words don't do their jobs. What a silly little boy!

Beaching It...

2009-05-17T12:50:00.004-04:00

Jack had a great time spending some time with Mom and Dad (and Maille) in Onset. They were across the street from the beach. What a great view!

I can't wait until we take our family vacation in August!

Young Love...

2009-05-16T20:40:00.001-04:00

Jack and Lila...

Won't You Be My Neighbor...

2009-05-13T16:48:00.002-04:00

I really can't handle most children's television. I am just not into cartoons, which is surprising because I used to watch a ton when I was a kid. The only show Jack and I sit down and watch everyday is Sesame Street. Jack loves Cookie Monster and will ask for certains songs and segments to be rewound and played over and over again. We recently started watching another show daily - Mr. Roger's Neighborhood. Jack is completely mesmerized by Mr. Roger's. I don't know what it is about him - his cool fashion, his calm voice, his fish, Picture Picture,... whatever it is, it makes him sit still for 30 minutes. I must admit I kind of enjoy getting to see Mr. Roger's again - I don't know that I realized when I was little that Mr. Roger's did all the Make-Believe voices. That is something that impresses me; people who can change their voice and create characters.

Anyways... hope everyone is having a beautiful day in their neighborhood!

Happy Mother's Day...

2009-05-10T20:36:00.001-04:00

Proud As A Peacock...

2009-05-09T13:19:00.002-04:00

I am so proud of Jack. Thursday Jack went on his first paying modeling job for Hasbro. I can't tell you how proud I am of him. Jack did an amazing job. He had his hair and makeup done and went through 4 wardrobe changes. He loved it, he got to play with new toys and new people. The photographer, Angela Coppola, even commented that he did a great job and that he would definitely be back for other shoots. I couldn't believe how well he took direction - they asked him to lay down on his belly to play with the toys and he obliged with pleasure. Only model that day that followed directions. I was positioned so that I could see the computer monitor where the pictures were coming up - they were adorable. Wish I could have gotten copies of them. Everyone there seemed very positive about his performance and the pictures that were taking - looks good that he will be the one on the packaging/ad!

It is two days later and I am still marvelling and smiling ear to ear about how incredibly wonderful Jack was. He made me so proud! He is a wonderful little boy and I couldn't be a luckier mother!

Strike A Pose...

2009-05-04T14:16:00.007-04:00

...Jack and his best friend Andrew joined Model Club back in the Fall. We have the time so it's just somethign fun to do every once in awhile. Andrew has had two modeling jobs since joining; one for gate packaging for Safty First and most recently a shoot with Hasbro for a new toy coming out. Yay! I just found out that Jack may be in a new Hasbro commercial - how cool is that? These two boys have had such luck, I'm so proud of both of them!

Anyways, I need to send in a new photo of Jack for their baby photo book - what do you all think?

#3 (click to follow the link)

Thanks for all your input!

Busy Bees...

2009-05-02T20:48:00.008-04:00

We have had a very busy month. Here are some highlights...

We've been to the WWI park twice this month to feed the animals and play on the playground - once as a family and once with our Mom's Group.

Jack did his first finger painting - thanks Ranuccis - he was very tentative at first... sticking one little finger in, by the end he had both feet covered!

We colored Easter eggs at my parents' house on Easter eve. Jack enjoyed coloring on his egg with the white crayon. He successfully squeezed the life out of most of the eggs when they were all dyed, luckily they were hard boiled!

Easter was a ton of fun! We had a great group and a yummy brunch. Jack went on his first little Easter egg hunt in my parents' front yard. Maille helped him to sniff out the eggs. He was so cute running around the yard with his Scobby Doo Easter basket.

Jack has been having a great time getting to play outside. Grandma Elaine got him an awesome little slide/climbing house. Jack loves sending dirt and rocks for a ride down the slide. Hopefully we can get his backyard play area finished up tomorrow so he and his friends will have a safe little place to play.

We went to Capron Zoo in North Attleboro with Joy, Landon, Stephanie and Mattis. What a great little zoo! Perfect size for those with a short attention span and little legs.

Distance Makes the Heart Grow Fonder...

2009-03-24T22:08:00.004-04:00

Distance between blog posts that is! LOL

Well the past month has been choke full of excitment. Kevin got a new job with Apex CoVantage - he starts April 6th and we are all so excited. He will be able to work from home with some travel now and again. Having him home with us has been fantastic, Jack has loved it! I have too, we are getting some much needed projects worked on and getting to spend quality family time together.

Jack had his 18 month appointment - he is now 23lbs. and 33 inches tall. He is doing great! He runs everywhere - we went to Ikea yesterday and it was like a toddler's dreamland. Jack ran around the couches and beds, jumping on them and laughing. What a great place for kids! He is still a man of few words, but is gradually repeating more and using more "words" when he wants to.

I became the assistant organizer of my mom's Meetup group. What a great job! I am having a blast finding fun things for us to do and places to go. It really keeps Jack and I busy, which will be good when Kevin is on a business trip. I have made such great mom friends and I love getting to spend so much time with them.

The Burns Family is really shakin' right now!

What's Been Shakin'

2009-02-28T10:28:00.003-05:00

We've had a lot going on lately...

Kevin is on the job hunt. He has had 2 interviews so far with a company based out of Virginia; next week he has a 3rd phone interview and then an in person interview down there. The job would be a work from home job so no moving involved :) Wish him luck!!

Jack is learning new things everyday and still cracking us both up! He is in love with Cookie Monster and anything to do with animals. Just within the last few days all 4 of his first set of molars have decided to come in - poor baby!

I was just appointer Assistant Organizer of my mom's group - Moms to Little Ones of 2007ish - super excited to help Tamara out and get the group moving.

Other than that we are having a blast getting the chance to have some much needed family time. Jack loves having Kevin around more - he is much better at the fort building and tickle attacks than I am :) We have also been able to see Jack's friends more lately. The boys are adorable together and such good little friends. The moms aren't too bad either...lol.

Little boy is up from his nap... have a nice weekend!

If Nothing Else...

2009-02-17T13:41:00.002-05:00

a picture update!

One Week...

2009-02-02T08:38:00.003-05:00

I can't believe Kevin only has one more real work week left! Next Monday is going to be interesting. As happy as I am that he will be home for a short time, I'm also a little apprehensive. Jack and I have a schedule during the week - albeit a loosely strung together one, it's a schedule none-the-less. I hope everyone adjusts well. It will be great to have Kevin available to go to Gymbo with us; I know that he and Jack love to go together. We really need to lay down the ground rules though and meld Kevin into our schedule. I am happy for some family time and hope that in addition to job hunting and house fixing, we will be able to do some friend and family visiting. And so the new chapter begins...

Illuminated...

2009-01-31T09:07:00.000-05:00

Jack, Andrew, and Matt at the Providence Children's Museum

Fore...

2009-01-28T09:33:00.004-05:00

This past weekend we went home to visit my parents. Great time! Jack had a blast chasing Maille around and playing with grandma and grandpa. My dad gave Jack his last Christmas present which is going to live at their house since we don't have room for it right now.

Yes, that is a golf cart, complete with a bag and 3 clubs, a water bottle, and golf balls. It is really pretty cool - Jack's favorite part was putting it into reverse so that it made the "uh uh uh" backup noise. What a lucky little boy he is!!

On an entirely seperate note, if you happen to be in Bethel DO NOT and I repeat DO NOT go to Arturo's, the new "Mexican" restuarant. It was one of those places that you walked in and had that feeling you should just turn around. We gave it a try though, on the recommendation of one of my parents' friends. It was, well, not good. Putnam is the only place to go and we will not stray again.

All in all a great weekend, 1 meal aside. Thanks!

Cheesin' It Up...

2009-01-23T07:27:00.008-05:00

After months of avoiding the camera, Jack finally smiled when I asked him to yesterday.

It was quite a funny little photo shoot!

I am loving my new camera lens that I got for Christmas; no zoom just a fixed length. I pretend to know what I am doing with it! One of these days I'll actually take a photography class so I can learn something.

"N" Like in Noodle...

2009-01-20T08:55:00.003-05:00

Wardrobe Overhaul...

2009-01-16T15:28:00.002-05:00

Jack has his complete 2009 Fall and Winter wardrobe (minus a few more pairs of pants and shoes)! We hit the mother-lode today at Target and Old Navy. Thanks to Baby Cheapskate for the heads up on ON - 50% off all clearance items. Jack now has a winter coat, 6 sweaters, 2 sweatshirts, 2 turtlenecks, 12 long sleeve shirts, 1 pair of jeans, 1 pair of sweatpants and ski mittens for a total of $70!! Add that to the bag of pajamas and onesies I got at the Carter's outlet a few weeks ago and this kid is almost set!

Have a mentioned I love getting deals!!

Fantabulous Friday...

2009-01-16T09:00:00.002-05:00

Already a great day, albeit a cold one.

Congratulations to Erin and all my MPA buddies for landing a five day weekend due to the cold and MLK!

Congratulations to Andrew for getting his first modeling job; love you Safety First!

Belated congratulations to Joe and Mary on the birth of Ava Katharine - 01/02/09!

Hope 2009 continues to be so fine!

Irish + Catholic =...

2009-01-15T16:20:00.003-05:00

GUILT!

So It's come to my attention that more than one person regularly checks this blog. When I started I was so good, I tried to update at least every other day. I made the effort to have specific things on specific days to make it easier for me to think of something to write. I fell off my blogging wagon. It didn't matter too much until I realized that people actually read this!

I am making a new New Year's resolution to get my act together and update this at least every other day. I can commit to that - I will commit to that.

____________________________________________

So my obsession as of late has been finding grocery shopping deals at Shaw's. I am a frequenter of the website Slick Deals (thanks Dad!) It's a complilation of all sorts of deals; grocery and otherwise. I have just within the past few months delved into the world of grocery deals - I think it was the bag of candy for Halloween that cost about 25¢ a bag that reeled me in. 2 weeks ago it was being able to buy 3 packs of diapers for $7 and receiving $20 in store credit back!! I am thoroughly obsessed.

I will say that many of the unbelievable deals are on products we don't use and I can't bring myself to "take advantage" of a deal that doesn't benefit me (although many of the ladies on the site do and are super sweet and donate their extra to food shelters!) I just don't have the time or ease to do this with Jack.

I have become the coupon lady! And it is fantastic!!

If there are any stellar deals out there, I will post them here for the locals and pay forward my Shaw's savings!

Energizer Bunnies...

2009-01-12T09:43:00.010-05:00

What a busy week we had last week!

Monday we had Gymboree - super fun because the only people that showed up were Jack and his three friends; Matt, Andrew, and Tommy. They had a great time and took over the class. Miss Kim is really great - she really likes the boys and you can tell they are her favorites (shhh!) It was also nice because us moms got to gossip about the missing classmates and Miss Kim's upcoming wedding. I am reminded every Monday how lucky I am that I got up the courage to go and try something new and am so appreciative for the friends both Jack and I have made.

Jack, Andrew, Matt

Tuesday Jack and Andrew went to an open audition for Unilever. It was in Westford, Ma (about 1:15 north of Providence. It was a crazy, jam-packed mess. I am so happy that we had Melissa and Andrew there with us. The boys were so incredibly good. They played and snacked together. The best part was that they both actually got photographed. I would say that at least 50% of the people there never got their photos done, as they closed the doors at 1:00. Insane! I would have been livid if I drove over an hour and then waited for 3 hours to be turned away and have to drive another hour home. I do feel bad for all those people that had that happen to them. Lesson learned - always arrive early and with snacks!

Wednesday we took a well deserved "relax day".

Thursday back to Gymboree with Tommy for free play. Jack had a blast!

Friday we met Matt and Tommy at the zoo for their new Toddler Time and then lunch at Friendly's. The boys played at the animal stations, danced, and got to pet a tamrac.

Saturday Paul and Amy came to watch the Friar game and then we had Tommy's first birthday party. On top of all that we made about a bazillion trips to Shaw's to stock up on diapers and wipes for super cheap!

Happy Birthday Tommy!

Looking Back...

2009-01-03T21:48:00.003-05:00

I can't believe 2008 is over. It was such an amazing and yet difficult year.

It has been a blessing being able to stay home with Jack! And while it would have been much easier financially to have gone back to work, I would sacrafice eating out, technological "extras", highlights, and everything else we have cut back on again in a heartbeat. I don't think there is anything better than being able to watch your baby grow and change everyday. I am fortunate to have had this opportunity and grateful to those who have helped out along the way.

We are extremely lucky that Kevin braved the job storm - as we had a number of friends who didn't fair as well. We should find out in the upcoming weeks if anything is going to be changing for us in 2009. I think that we have resigned to "roll with the punches" and be grateful for the opportunities we have. Who knows where we will be come 2010!

Jack has turned into such a little boy over the past 12 months. He has hit so many milestones and continues to amaze us everyday. His most recent accomplishments are using his new potty (sort of!), moo-ing, learning to climb into his sandbox table, and knowing to hold his nose when we talk about Oscar the Grouch!

All in all, as bad as 2008 was for our country and our financial systems, it wasn't a horrible year for those closest to us. I am looking forward to 2009 and wish everyone a happy and healthy year.

NYE 2008

NYE 2009Love, Shannon and the Burns Family

Always Remember...

2008-12-31T17:00:00.003-05:00

Snow Much Fun...

2008-12-22T10:37:00.002-05:00

Jack got to experience his first real snowstorm this past weekend. It snowed and snowed and snowed. It was fantastic! The first introduction was not that well received - I blame the fact that Jack had just woken up and it was his first experience in boots (which took some getting used to). The second introduction went much better. Jack "sled" from the top of the snow on our yard to the walkway - just about a foot and a half of snow. He had a blast!

What Are Your Measurements?

2008-12-17T09:43:00.002-05:00

Jack went for his 15 month appointment yesterday. He is a healthy and happy little boy. He weighed 21 pounds and 12 ounces and stands 32 inches. So basically tall and skinny for his age; which you wouldn't guess if you've seen him stick his belly out when he is done eating and prance around the kitchen!

I continue to be amazed at how much Jack understands. He really seems to get almost everything - we did a little body part check the other day and he could identify his hair, eyes, nose, ears, belly, leg, feet, and most importantly his freckle!

Jack is also super excited by Christmas - he loves the tree and anything Santa. It makes me so excited to celebrate and give him his presents. He doesn't even know that that part is coming - I can't imagine how exciting that is going to be. Gotta run...

Photo Shoot...

2008-12-10T09:37:00.008-05:00

Getting a Christmas card photo has not been an easy task this year. The Gymbo moms and I got together last month and set up a backdrop and had all kinds of Christmas props - Jack was not into it! Luckily 2 of the 4 moms got their photos that day. I've dressed Jack up in his Christmas outfit a few times since then in hopes of getting a good shot. I took pictures of Jack in his Christmas jammies decorating the tree. Little did I know that the perfect shot would be during a game of "Stinky Socks" with Erin! There is no Christmas outfit, no festive background or props of any kind, nothing that indicates that it is the holidays; yet I love the pictures and they were perfect for our wish of a merry and bright holiday to all.

A Picture's Worth...

2008-12-07T08:58:00.011-05:00

...3 weeks of blog entries!

11-20-2008

A big thanks to Becky, Jay, AJ, and Caroline - I love my present!

Maille!!

Attack of the wild blueberries!

A little damp...

Getting our tree...

What in the world is going on here?

Off to get the boys up and decorate the tree - I am so loving Christmas this year...

Utterly Amazed...

2008-11-20T10:18:00.003-05:00

Everyday I am more and more amazed at how much Jack understands! It is really incredible. He is this little sponge that just keeps soaking up information and figuring it out and putting it to use.
I was a big proponent of teaching infants and toddlers some ASL before I was even pregnant with Jack. It was the one thing I actually did some reading on while I was pregnant. From the time Jack was born I would sing and sign the alphabet to him. I started signing "milk" when he was very little. Then when he started sitting in his high chair Kevin and I started signing "more" to him while eating. Jack started using the sign for "milk" all the time - he equated it to a need that he had - hungry - "milk", pick me up - "milk", all done - "milk"... hey it must have been working for him! I got pretty lackadaisical with my use of the signs and it slipped by the wayside for a short time. I found one of my books a few weeks ago and it inspired me to try again and wouldn't you know Jack picked up "more" super quick. What amazes me is that he understands the concept - we were at a PC game Tuesday and he signed "more" and pointed to the pep band when they stopped playing (much more interesting then the game).
Now to go pick a few more signs to learn...

My Favorite Things...

2008-11-14T08:40:00.003-05:00

Vera Bradley

the color orange

super cheesy Italian food

turtlenecks

bare feet

Sandra Boynton books

The Office

organization (even though you wouldn't know it recently!)

Dave Matthews

coupons

chapstick

Ann Taylor Loft
photography
scrapbooking

and the most important and favorite...

my family and friends

Divine Intervention...

2008-11-03T22:25:00.003-05:00

...scariest moment of my life happened today... I click Jack into his carseat, close the door, and start wheeling my groceries to the trunk when I hear click... I immediately realize it was a bad idea to let Jack play with my car keys and close all the doors... I start to panic, everything is inside the car; Jack, my keys, my cell phone, AAA number... I go to the window and half talking to Jack and half praying say "push the other button"... ahhhhh the locks turn orange... I quickly open the door, grab the keys, and tell Jack what a good boy he is for listening to his Mama...

BOO!

2008-11-01T11:36:00.005-04:00

So I was a little sad yesterday, I realized that Halloween was Jack's first real holiday that he is celebrating for the 2nd year in a row! Luckily he was not traumatized by the "getting put in the pumpkin" escapade from last Halloween. Here is a look back...

And here is what this Halloween brought...

Hope everyone had a Happy Halloween!

Capital One... What's in your treat basket?

2008-10-30T22:58:00.000-04:00

On a Roll Today...

2008-10-20T09:15:00.002-04:00

... or just procrastinating!

I've been thinking a lot about Christmas lately (I know, I know I'm crazy, but it's only 65 days away!). I've already started shopping and developing some of my present ideas. We decided that we were going a little more low key this year; more personal, handmade presents then bought items.

We've used this awesome website the past couple of years; it's pretty much a gift registry for the whole internet. I go back and forth about how I feel; on one hand you get things you can use and want, on the other hand it takes most of the surprise out of it. I think I will only put a few things on there this year; my top wants. I am a huge fan though of using it for Jack! Toys are fun to buy, but he got a ton for his birthday and there are other things he could use, like a potty chair! I know a very exciting gift, but he will honestly love it. He is obsessed with the toliet; he loves to wave at it when it flushes (a little gross I know but extremely helpful when training time comes).

I've also been thinking about how clean I need my house before the holidays. I am seriously considering having someone come and clean, at least the kitchen and bathroom, right before Christmas. I should have them come after too!

OK speaking of cleaning that is what I should be doing right now, not rambling about Christmas - Have Yourself a Merry Little Monday!

Make Something Monday

2008-10-20T09:07:00.003-04:00

I was lucky enough to go to a scrapbook crop on Friday night - probably my first in 3 years!! My friend, Jenn and I used to try to go at least every coupl of months. It was a great way to scrapbook, gossip, unwind, and have your ego inflated a little bit! Here are 2 of the layouts I worked on...

Just Have to Mention...

2008-10-19T21:46:00.003-04:00

...Jack is hilarious! Everything he does is hilarious! He is the happiest little thing I've ever met. Keving got me a video camera for my birthday and I have been trying to capture some of these funny little things; his dancing, his head nodding, eating like a chicken... but every time I get the video going Jack becomes all serious. I will keep trying, because those of you who haven't seen these little things really need to.

Thankful Thursday

2008-10-16T09:52:00.001-04:00

Today I am thankful for...

my 2 boys - they are my everything

Wordless Wednesday - Rock On!

2008-10-15T09:27:00.002-04:00

Make Something Mon... Tuesday :)

2008-10-14T11:04:00.007-04:00

I've been wanting to post this for a few weeks now... I finally took pictures and even uploaded them so here it is. This was Jack's birthday present to Kevin and a fabulous idea I found on From the Fence Post- I would definitely do a version of this again. I think it is a super cute and loving present. Thanks for the inspiration!

Uh Oh...

2008-10-10T22:52:00.002-04:00

We went on an awesome trip today to Adams Farm with Jack's friend Andrew and his mom and dad. We fed goats, played in the pumpkins, went through a haybale maze, checked out some cows, and took a ton of pictures. As I was uploading them this evening I came across the funniest and most foretelling picture. It is one that solidifies the fact that Jack is "his mother's son"...

Finding the Great Pumpkin...

2008-10-05T22:39:00.003-04:00

What a great, drizzily, grey day! We went pumpkin picking with Paul and Amy at Salisbury Farm. Jack found two rocks and carried them around during the hayride and through the pumpkin patch, silly boy! He seemed to have a hard time decided which pumpkin he wanted to steal from Amy, so we helped him out. Now to carve them... that should prove for some interesting pictures :)

The Final Countdown...

2008-10-01T07:53:00.002-04:00

In all honesty I really don't think I care about turning 30 - all my friends are doing it why shouldn't I jump of the bridge with them? I will miss saying I'm twenty-"something" but I'll get over it. My twenties were an absolutely fabulous time - I loved almost every minute of them... the last 2 years of college, my first job, my first apartment, my first house, getting married, having Jack... awesome, awesome times. The most important things in my life happened in the last decade! And as fast as time has flown these last couple years; I think back and college really does seem like it was awhile ago, so maybe time will slow back down a little and I can enjoy and savor my thirties. I am looking forward to all the new lifetime milestones, bring it on 30!

No Country For Old Men...

2008-09-30T08:51:00.002-04:00

Happy 30th Birthday, Kevin!!

Jack and I love you even if you are an old man :)

A Pile Of Rubble...

2008-09-27T12:58:00.003-04:00

set the scene...
Kevin and I sitting at the kitchen table eating English muffins with peanut butter; Jack sitting in his high chair banging his sippy cup of milk onto the tray...
Kevin: You know who Jack reminds me of? Bamm Bamm!
Shannon: Oh my God you are absolutely right!!

Our son is Bamm Bamm Rubble from the Flitstones - I think that is hilarious! He tries to pick up things that should be much too heavy, move things that should be much to heavy, and loves to bang on things with other things.

I am going to try to find a picture on the laptop that demonstrates this uncanny likeness and post later...

love from the Rubbles! :)

Thankful Thursday

2008-09-25T15:43:00.002-04:00

Today I am thankful for

DayQuil, the fact that Jack can play by himself and the 5 day marathon of CSI: NY

Can I add that I despise being sick!!

Back in Providence...

2008-09-21T21:16:00.004-04:00

Well we are finally home! It feels so good, don't get me wrong it was great to hang out with my parents and Jack had a great time, but I am very glad to be back home. I am looking forward to Gymbo tomorrow, relaxing, and getting back to daily Shakin'! Here are some pictures from the last 2 weeks. Enjoy!

Autumnal bliss...

2008-09-15T10:26:00.007-04:00

I love Autumn - the smells, the weather, the apple cider doughnuts, the decor, the birthdays! One week from today is the official start of Autumn, I can't wait. Last night I started changing Jack's clothes over. I really can't wait to see him in his sweaters and jeans. We had a little preview of Autumn last week, while Jack and I were at my parents'. For some reason I think that babies look the cutest either nude or in Fall attire. I mean you can't tell me that Jack doesn't look freaking adorable in his dark wash jeans and burnt orange waffle knit onesie...

I am really looking forward to apple and pumpkin picking this year, taking Jack to the farm ,and letting him play in the leaves. I just feel like Autumn has the best activities - I mean don't get me wrong, going to the beach is fun and all, but I'm not a beach bum and going sledding is fun, but I can only take the cold for so long. I am so looking forward to the Smithfield Arts Festival, carving pumpkins, trick-or-treating with Jack, walking around the neighborhood!

In honor of Summer fading away I am wearing my white shorts for the last time today - Labor Day Schmabor Day! Haha

Becoming a blogger...

2008-09-13T14:08:00.004-04:00

I am super excited... Jack's birthday onesie was featured on the blog Tip Junkie as a cute and neat birthday tradition. I think that is so cool! People who don't know me actually read this blog and commented - thanks!

I am thinking of opening up an Etsy shop and selling birthday sets, like I made for Jack's birthday, coordinating invitations, envelopes, photo collage, and t-shirt/onesie. What do you guys think? Would you buy something like that? Do you think there is a market for it? What would you be willing to pay? Please let me know what you think.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-09-10T20:11:00.003-04:00

A Simple Message

2008-09-08T21:45:00.000-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JACK!

Birthday Bash

2008-09-07T22:03:00.008-04:00

Jack and I watched Rachael Ray the other morning and she did a segment on 1st birthday parties. This one couple spent $12,000 on their daughter's party - TWELVE THOUSAND DOLLARS!!! That is insane!!! I hope Jack didn't feel slighted yesterday that we spent about 1/60th of that on his party. I also hope that he didn't care that his party was themeless. One of Kevin's fellow jurors was apparently appalled at the fact that Jack's party didn't have a theme, "not even Thomas?" If I am supposed to base a theme off of my child's interests then his party would have been dirty sneaker and cell phone themed! Not exactly a bash I would banging on the doors to get into! Despite the lack of money and theme, I think that the party went pretty well and above all I think that Jack thoroughly enjoyed himself!

Thankful Thursday

2008-09-04T09:11:00.005-04:00

At this very moment...

I am thankful for NAPS!

This is the first nap Jack has taken, in his crib, in over a week and a half! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Now so I don't waste it, I'm off to shower without having to drown out crying. I have a feeling it's going to be a good day :)

Wordless Wednesday

2008-09-03T22:17:00.004-04:00

In the Blink of an Eye

2008-09-02T19:57:00.004-04:00

In less than a week my baby will be one. I don't know why that makes me so incredibly sad, but it does. I seem to have this irrational thought that Jack will go from one to twenty-one, literally in the blink of an eye. I wish I could bottle him up and keep him as is for awhile longer. I feel like this past year flew by so quickly and I'm already starting to forget what it felt like to hold him when he was brand new - that may be partly the c-section drugs fault but,... Luckily I have over 1000 pictures - no I'm not exaggerating - to remind me of every little moment.

OK I'm starting to cry so, let's look at all the things I'm looking forward to now that Jack is turning one:

hearing what's actually going on in that little boy's mind
holding hands and talking a walk
taking swimming lessons (thanks Grandma!)
going to the zoo (thanks Grandma and Grandpa!)
playdates with our Gymboree friends
snuggling
watching Sesame Street
dancing around the house
doing art projects

I am sad that babyhood is ending but excited (or trying to be) that this new stage is about to begin. No matter what Jack, you will always be my little baby.

Make Something Monday

2008-09-01T21:54:00.005-04:00

I actually made a few things on this lazy Labor Day; I got a scrapbook page done, a photo collage for Jack's party and Jack's birthday shirt. A productive, yet ultimately lazy day. To think last year at this time people were making "funny" going into labor on Labor Day jokes and this year my baby is almost ONE! More on this tomorrow... Enjoy the creations of the day.

A Cut Above...

2008-08-30T20:36:00.004-04:00

Jack got his first salon haircut today. He was such a good boy for Sue.

Thankful Thursday

2008-08-28T11:22:00.003-04:00

Every Thursday I am going to post something that I am thankful for. I think it will be good for my soul.

Today I am thankful for wood floors!

After Jack's bath this morning, I let him "air out" some. Needless to say it may have been a little too long. He squated down in the kitchen and peed in his Word Whammer! I am still laughing thinking about it. The wood floors are none the wiser - the Word Whammer on the other hand sounds like it is playing the Whammer Club Remix. (check the updated birthday wishlist! haha)

We will miss you Word Whammer!

You made words "super duper excellently"!

Prelude to a Bath...

2008-08-26T22:03:00.001-04:00

Make Something Monday...

2008-08-25T22:13:00.003-04:00

... I got this idea from From the Fence Post. Every Monday I am going to try to post something that I, or one of the other Burns' has made. It might be a scrapbook page, a recipe, a Jack drawing, a mess... haha. I hope you enjoy our creations and try some of them out for yourself.

Today's creation is a scrapbook page, the first I've done in about 2 months. It is dedicated to Jack's summer love affair with watermelon.

Not the Mailman's Kid

2008-08-23T21:49:00.003-04:00

Stumped!

2008-08-21T11:09:00.004-04:00

Somedays that's how I feel, stumped! I would really like to post everyday, but some days are just not that interesting or photogenic. So, I was thinking that I would start implementing some special days each week to share recipes, baby reviews, bargains, etc...I haven't entirely worked it out yet, but will before next week. I hope people find it interesting and share their comments (which I fixed by the way, you don't have to register for anything now, just post!)

Anyways, our update (that I am terrified to state outloud) is that Jack is now sleeping through the night. Out of the blue, all week long! I, of course, am still waking up, but what are you going to do.

We are actually here for the weekend which is fantastic - we have so many house projects to do - my goal is to get the toy box moved downstairs, rearrange the living room, clean up the debris from the bomb that went off in the office, and stain my armoire. I'm hoping that by posting these goals the motivation will come to complete them.

I'm off before the tornado wakes up...

Incredibly Lazy!

2008-08-19T09:26:00.002-04:00

Jack is napping and I know that I should be cleaning this hovel of a house, but I just can't do it! I would much rather check my e-mail and look at pictures and do anything creative. Why can't I get up and go clean? It needs to be done, I know it needs to be done, I say that it needs to be done; it just doesn't get done. OK that's it, I must go and do something constructive - my goal is the living room - wish me luck...

Touring the Nutmeg State...

2008-08-18T21:59:00.005-04:00

Wouldn't it have been great if Jack really could have driven us? Kevin and I were commenting on the ride down that Jack really has it made traveling his comfy car seat, taking a nap. We are the ones who need a nap! The ride was pretty uneventful, Jack crabbed out right before Elaine's (we had been in the car for about 2.5 hours at that point), she was nice enough to let us stop and take a little breather. Once in Bethel we did the obligatory Putnam and PJ's. Saw some of the fam at my Grandpa's 81st. Discovered that the Yankees losing streak can be blamed on my Uncle Mike and Aunt Karen - they just got back from following them on an 8 game road trip through California, Minnesota, and Toronto. Shockingly they finally won on Saturday... hmmm... Jack spent the weekend chasing after Maille, who is now less than impressed with him; who could blame her he tries to "pet" her and pull her tail, waves Snoopy around but doesn't really throw it, climbs in her bed and throws all his toys in her crate and then sits in it! Hopefully they will become friends someday. Jack desperately wants to catch her on his own and play. Sunday we finally had our long overdue Roommate Reunion - wasn't it planned for March? It was great to see everyone and somewhat surreal with all the kids running around. I really hope that we will be able to get together more often in the next few years. Now that we will all have kids to chase, (congrats to Mer and Aaron!!) we can commiserate together. This was the first time in a long time we were able to get the roommate picture without an empty spot!

Jack didn't get the memo on the matching shirts!

Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!

2008-08-13T21:22:00.002-04:00

We took our first trip to the zoo today. Jack's friend Matt and his mom Erin met us there. It was crazy crowded, I couldn't imagine how many people were there. It was cool though. The boys really seemed to like the Barnyard. They were able to see the cows the best. Erin and I had a good time talking about the boys and getting to know each other better. I definitely think Jack and Matt had a better time people watching and sharing snacks then looking at the animals. It could have been because they could barely see the actually animals - all the fences were right in their stroller height siteline. Oh well - they didn't seem to care. I would love to go back when it is less crowded so the can get a better look at the animals. Overall a great day and so good to hang out with another mom and baby!

Rain, rain...

2008-08-12T09:16:00.003-04:00

...go away! Actually I don't mind the rain that much, especially since we now look like we have a front lawn (and a nicely manicured one to boot!) The rain does make it difficult to get out and about though. Jack and I are making a RW Zoo date with his friend Matt from Gymboree and his mom Erin. Hopefully tomorrow will be nice. Speaking of Gymboree, Jack went to his first Level 3 Class yesterday... so much better for him. There was less time "you're supposed to spend with your mom sitting down" and more "go explore" time. There were 5 of us there, all from Jack's Level 2 Class. It was funny when we first got there - I put Jack down so I could put my socks on and he just stood there confused and bewildered that we were at Gymboree on a Monday! After a few minutes he got over it and had a blast.

Alright I will try to update later; I think we are going to go to Barrington and a few little shops over there. I'm looking for a construction cutlery set for AJ and a few other little gifts for Andrew, Charlie, and Jonah (from Gymboree). Matt also had on a pair of Pedipeds yesterday, so I'm going to check them out - they matched his Yankees shirt - perfect!!

I need to go relax a little, the Olympics are killing me - awesome but on so late!

**Update** Well we were somewhat productive. I found the cutlery set, it is really quite cool. I'm hoping that AJ likes it. Hopefully it will encourage him to eat more.

This was our only purchase - Madre Bella - the store that sells the Pedipeds was closed when we got there. Oh well. We'll try again next Monday before Gymboree. Oh and the rain went away - now lets hope it stays away tomorrow so we can go to the zoo. OK off to watch Michael Phelps and gymnastics... Go USA!

What a Day!

2008-08-10T21:24:00.002-04:00

Well, today was something... it started out great; Kevin got up with Jack at 6AM and let me sleep in. Woke up at 8AM to Jack crying. Apparently he had fallen asleep on Kevin and went down for a mini nap. Little did we know that mini nap would be the bane of the day! Obviously Jack's 9AM nap was pushed back a little - or a lot - to 12PM! 2 hours later when Jack woke up, I thought OK we're straightened out, he took a great nap... wrong again! Sometimes Jack is not the best waker-upper; like someone else in our family {blush}, but this crabbiness lasted much longer than it should have. Pick me up, put me down, I want Mommy, I want Daddy, I'm crying, I'm laughing,... This was the day until bedtime at 7PM! Poor baby - I think he is getting another tooth. I said to Kevin yesterday - it must be a weird experience to get your first set of teeth, all of a sudden you have these foreign, hard, sharp, little objects in your mouth; Where did they come from? What are they for? How did they get there? As frustrated as I was feeling at times today, I feel so bad for Jack and helpless as to how to fix it. That is the worst feeling, not knowing what is wrong or what you can do to help.

On a separate note, despite all the crabbiness we got a ton done around this place. Kevin mowed and weed-whacked and cleaned up around the yard and driveway. It looks awesome! We also made downstairs completely Jack friendly, so he doesn't have to try to squish between the Klik-Klak and the poles to escape his side anymore. I moved all of my scrapping stuff into the closet and totally rearranged. The closet is now more of an open, but gated off, bookshelf. Now all we have to do is move Jack's toy box down and we'll be good for awhile down there. It feels good to get things done; there is so much left to do but we're tackling it a little bit at a time.

Here is your picture fix for the day - Jack on his 11 month birthday Friday:

Here's hoping tomorrow is a better day - oh wait, we have our new Gymboree class tomorrow - it's already better!! :)

Saturday in the Park

2008-08-09T20:01:00.003-04:00

We took advantage of the blue skies today and the early haircut wake up time. We went to the Gladys Potter Park in Providence and then to 4 Town Farm in Seekonk for some fresh fruit and veggies and to pick a bunch of flowers. The park is this cool little park with swings, slides, and a sandbox; as well as an assortment of Little Tykes houses & cars and Fisher Price toys. Jack pushed a little tricycle around the park and then went on the swings. He seemed a little unsure about them today...

He and I went down the slides and had Daddy catch us. Then Jack came up with a game of his own - climb up the slide which was hindered by the fact that I made him wear his shoes. This is like 3 days in a row I've made him after months and months of free feet! Needless to say they made the climbing a little slippery!

Jack by far had the most fun though with this stick and leaf. Figures!

What a great little family day! We are so busy the next couple months I hope we will be able to squeeze a few more in.

Finally...

2008-08-08T14:48:00.004-04:00

...we have a tooth!! It's only been 8 months since I thought Jack started teething - he had a little white dot on his bottom gums. A tooth I thought. I even told the doctor and he felt around and said he felt something coming. Then it disappeared. Only to come back a few weeks later and disappear again. It's been going on like that since. Apparently when you get your first teeth is somewhat hereditary and I didn't get my first tooth until 10.5 months. I figured that sometime soon one of those bottoms would make an appearance. And then lo and behold last week we noticed that Jack's top gums were bulging and definitely feeling "toothy". By Monday a little sliver of white was peeking out. I am overjoyed to report I have not yet been bitten - which was my concern. I continue to pray that that first time, if it happens, isn't during the 2AM feeding when I am barely even awake to begin with.

Another milestone to cross off the chart. My little boy is growing up so fast!

Baby Needs a New Pair of Shoes

2008-08-07T09:17:00.004-04:00

Yesterday, Jack and I were looking at his newborn scrapbook that I had made for him. I had his foot prints from the hospital, they are so tiny! We compared Jack's foot now to Jack's foot then - it has practically doubled in size! With that and the fact that Jack is wandering all around, I guess we should actually get him some shoes for the colder weather. Currently Jack has an assortment of Robeez and Bobux soft crib shoes. I love them, they are convenient, cute, and comfortable (I think!). Both of these companies also have walking shoes;

Robeez Tredz Bobux iWalk

The problem is the price and selection respectively. I just can't bring myself to spend upwards of $45 on a pair of tiny shoes. I think we will be branching out into the world of Pedipeds! They are super cute and much more affordable.

These are some of the styles I love:

I'm always on a lookout for deals on shoes from all around the web. Now if only Jack will let me measure his foot... :)

Inner Peace

2008-08-06T10:40:00.002-04:00

I will fully admit that this past year has not been the easiest. Between sleep deprivation, learning how to become a sane stay-at-home mom, wrestling to attach diapers and more self doubt than you can know we have almost made it out of the first year alive! Now please don't get me worng, there have been more wonderful moments then I can count but like with everything the bad sticks with you. No more though!! I read something, somewhere the other day that changed my outlook on all those not so great moments from the past year...

...your baby thinks you are a great mom no matter what mishaps may happen... your baby has no expectations, no one else to compare you to... you are perfect!...

That is a complete paraphrase, as I can't remember where I read it (shocking, I know!) No matter where it came from, it is completely true. I may compare myself to other moms or to some ideal of what I think a perfect mom should be, but Jack doesn't. He knows me - sometimes I cry - sometimes I get frustrated - sometimes I just need to sit down, but above it all I love him and care for him and give him everything he needs. He won't remember that last Friday when I wasn't feeling well all we did was sit in the basement and watch TV all day.

This mystery quote has changed how I feel about those not-so-great times and given me a much needed inner peace!

Time Flies

2008-08-05T15:26:00.002-04:00

With Jack's first birthday rapidly approaching, I am regretting not starting this sooner. Oh well, I guess I will blame the article I read that stated that during the first year of your child's life you lose on average 350 hours of sleep!! I have lost way more, that's not even an hour a night!! And I wouldn't trade it for anything!

I guess I'll start this off with a little picture retrospective of the past year...

August 2007

September 8, 2007

October 2007
November 2007

December 2007

January 2008

February 2008
March 2008

April 2008

May 2008
June 2008

July 2008