First day of school

School is back!  Isaiah is in grade two this year and Adam started kindergarten!  Adam absolutely loved preschool and has been anticipating his kindergarten year with excitement.  Adam has amazed me these last few months.  He has such a sharp mind and is so efficient.  Every morning so far, he makes sure his water bottle is in his back pack.  Upon arrival to school, he is quick to put his backpack on the hook and change into his inside shoes before sitting on the carpet.  He comes home singing the French songs he learned that day.  He tells me he LOVES school.  He said "Mom, the teacher even took us to the bookstore and paid for all of the books!"  Haha I love him.  I feel really happy that Adam is so enthusiastic about school because Isaiah's kindergarten year was really tough.  Maybe it was partly because Isaiah was sick but I also think that every child is so different in personality and maybe Isaiah wasn't quite ready for school.  This year however, Isaiah is very happy to be back.  He was especially excited to go to school this morning because he said some of the kids would be trading Pokemon cards at recess time.  Haha, oh the fads!  I wonder what he'll be into next year, or next month?
 It already feels strange with only two around the home after having all summer with all of them.  I'm really enjoying my time with Victoria and Levi.  It's especially nice to have more time with Victoria one-on-one.

She is growing up so quickly.  She is really into playdoh at the moment.  She rarely wants to play alone but playdoh seems to be a hit.  I took her to Strong Start on Monday and she is really coming out of her shell.  She loved singing songs and dancing with the other children.  I'm so excited to create special memories with her this year.

Levi just popped out his first tooth and is army crawling all over the place.  He is very fast.  I'm sure he'll be crawling on all fours in no time.  He is full of smiles all the time and has been a dream baby.

Loving my time as a stay at home mom!  Although I am incredibly exhausted at the end of the day, I try to remind myself how quickly time passes and I know one day I will long for the time my little ones were all around me.  I am so thankful God has blessed me with these special gifts.

Welcome Baby Levi

On February 18th, we welcomed our newest baby Burke.

He is beautiful and we are so thankful for him.

Baby's birthday

Levi Samuel 
8 lbs 12 oz

The proud siblings

Cousins

Home again

Things have been very busy around the Burke household which is why I haven't posted on my blog since October.  I finished my last day of work on Wednesday and it feels so good to finally be home again with the kids.  I have missed them so much.  Adam had a little countdown going as I approached my last day of work and has been cuddling me and the "babe" constantly.

He is very excited to welcome another baby into the home.  He will often draw pictures for the baby and talks to the baby daily.  It's very sweet.

Below are some recent photos.

Happy Halloween!

VAD is out!

A few weeks ago, Isaiah had his VAD removed.  What a great day!  Now that surgery is done, it really feels like this battle is finally over...and won.  Thinking back over three years ago with so many unknowns and fears, we are so grateful to have Isaiah here with us today, healthy and happy.

Before surgery

After surgery

Isaiah's VAD or as he liked to call it, his "rock" or "button".  

Exciting news!

Before I share some exciting news at the end of my post, I wanted to share some recent pictures of the kids.  We've had a great summer and I can't believe it's almost over!

Look at that smile!

Feeding the ducks at Deer Lake

Playing "army"

Hugs!

Adam learned how to ride a bike this summer and how to swim.

Harvesting our carrots

...................and for the exciting news for those who don't know yet...

.

.

.

.

.

I'm pregnant!

We're expecting baby Burke #4 on February 23rd.  We're very excited and so are the kids.  Adam and Isaiah often talk to my tummy.  They are constantly asking when the baby is coming.  When I ask Victoria where the baby is, she pats her tummy.  It's so cute!  

Adam and Victoria

When Victoria first joined our family, Adam was jealous.  Adam has always been a mama's boy.  He's very affectionate and loves to cuddle, twirl my hair and sit on my lap.  Victoria took his spot as the baby in the family but thankfully, Adam adjusted very quickly.  He has accepted that my attention needs to be shared.  Victoria on the other hand struggles with sharing my attention when I ask Adam to cuddle.  She used to pinch and scratch him until he got off my lap.  Even when I've tried cuddling them at the same time, she pushes Adam away.  It always makes me laugh because I think it's so sweet how Victoria has held her own.  She has her mama and she doesn't want to share.  Adam is very patient with Victoria and she is slowly accepting that she too must share my attention.  I'm not going anywhere and I have lots of cuddles to give.  She no longer pinches Adam but she does weasel her way onto my lap when Adam or Isaiah are sitting there. It's pretty adorable.

Thankfully, Adam and Victoria have really bonded.  I think her bond with her brothers has also helped her to feel more comfortable with sharing me.  She loves them a lot and they adore her.  Today when we had to leave Victoria behind with Nana to have a big boy adventure, Adam yelled out the window "bye Victoria, we'll miss you!"