Merry Christmas!

I can't believe December is already over! Where does the time go? I'll give you one guess where it goes...three kids! As you can tell I haven't been blogging lately and it's honestly because I don't have time. I'm either feeding one or all the girls, changing a diaper, naps, laundry, cleaning up... pretty much being a mom. But we had a wonderful Christmas.
Christmas Eve we had dinner at my mother-in-laws house. It was a beautiful table and the food wasn't bad either! he he he. We played some games and passed out some presents!

Brannon and I didn't exchange gifts this year, and my parents weren't exchanging either so we slept over at my parents house so they could share Christmas morning with the girls. We enjoyed sharing presents and having some breakfast.

After my parents we headed over to my father-in-laws house for some lunch and more fun. I don't have a great picture of anything we did there, sorry Tavan. It's all in video. But we ate, played around with some robots and opened more gifts!
That night we headed over to my Oma's house to eat once again, and share the rest of the holiday with the family.
I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas!

6 weeks old

Sage is actually seven weeks old now but this was taken last week. She's so strong!

Listen to What I Hear....

this is what I get to listen to... EVERY NIGHT! I thought you should hear it too!

Flips

Santa Clause is coming....

... to the Richardson's! Yes, Santa stopped by our house on Wednesday night to visit the girls! They were so shocked and then very excited about him coming that they couldn't even think of anything to ask him for Christmas. Santa came prepared though with new pajamas for Alexis and Holland (Sage has plenty)! Thanks for the visit Santa!
I have more video, but it's not loading! Sorry.

The Toothfairy came...

All I Want For Christmas....

...is my two front teeth!

True Meaning

Last night Brannon and I played the Holy family at a live nativity. What an amazing experience. I've been to this nativity for the past couple of years and have always been moved by the experience. It has been the moment each Christmas that makes me actually focus on the meaning of the season.

I'm so grateful for my testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Playing the part of Mary, Christ's mother, I began to realize, in the smallest way, the sacrafice made on my behalf. Looking at Sage, playing baby Jesus, I couldn't help but think... I couldn't give her up for anything and our Father in Heaven gave his only Son for me.

I hope we can all remember the true meaning of Christmas. It's not about presents and treats. It's about the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Merry Christmas!

Live Nativity

My parents are on a committee that puts on a live Nativity every year. This year Brannon and I are lucky enough to be apart as well. We will be playing the parts of the Holy Family (Mary & Joseph) with Sage as baby Jesus from 8:15-9:00pm.
We invite all who would like to attend. It's truly an amazing experience. Hope to see you there!

Wednesday, December 10th
6:00-9:00 pm
Bonneville Glen
1050 South 1500 East

Brannon doing his math homework! He he he...

Vrolijk Kerstfeest! (Merry Christmas)

In Holland it is custom to celebrate So. Nicolas's Eve and St. Nicholas's Day (Sinterklaas in Dutch) on December 5th and 6th. The dutch children leave their wooden shoes outdoors and fill them with carrots and hay for Sinterklaas's horse. Sinterklaas, who lives in Spain during the year, will arrive accompanied by his helper Piets. He will then travel on a white horse to leave chocolate and other gifts for the children who have been well-behaved.
I didn't manage to carry on the tradition I thought I had started last year but we did get to Oma's house to see Sinterklaas.
Sage was not happy that I had handed her off to someone else.

Holland didn't want to have anything to do with him.

We had an enjoyable evening with the family!

I'm thankful for...

I'm a little late in posting about thanksgiving but... you'll just have to give me a break, I'm still trying to figure out how to juggle three kids and get something else done!
So even though it's already December 6th... HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I'm thankful for these three little girls. Words cannot even begin to express how much I love them, and how much joy they bring into our home and my life. Having three kids is definately an adjustment, but with these sweet girls I couldn't ask for more. They are so wonderful and patient with mommy.

Alexis is mommy's little helper. I'm so grateful that she is willing to do the things that I ask her to do. I competely notice a difference when she is with her dad. She makes my life easier with her cheerfulness. She loves being a big sister even though it stresses her out sometimes. Yesterday when I dropped her off at her dads house, I just couldn't help but hug her and tell her I love her. I didn't want to let her go without her knowing that mommy loves her so much.

Miss Holland Rose is my little bundle of energy. She doesn't get that from a stranger! She too has been very helpful. She loves to hold Sage, and each time she does she nuzzles right up next to her and gives lots of kisses. Holland is always willing to let you just hug and kiss her and she will return the embraces with a pat on the back! She loves that she is both a little sister and a big sister, because she gets the best of both worlds!

Sage has been such a blessing. She SLEEPS! She is such a happy baby, if that's possible at a month old. It is always amazing to me how you can love someone so much that you just met. I can't believe we have been blessed with three little angels.





And last but definately not least, I'm thankful for this man. Brannon has been such a blessing in my life this past month. He is so willing to do whatever I ask of him, even when he's in the middle of doing something else. This past week was his first back to work since Sage was born and I've really realized how much he helped out and made my life easier when he was home. He works so hard for our family. I just love him so much.

Thanks to all of you, friends and family, that bless our lives. We couldn't make it through this lifetime without you.

Don't bother me, I'm eating!

Nose or nipple?

Too hungry to care!

For Brannon!

I'm impressed! Seriously.

Finally...

I know you are all dying to see some pictures of Sage! Here's a sneak peak... visit my photography blog to see more!

I've been able to get Sage to latch on during three feedings today! I can't begin to tell you how happy that makes me! No tears today!

I think I figured out what was going on, although I don't know why it happened. Today when I went to try to nurse I stuck my finger in her mouth to have her suck on it. I noticed then that she was putting her tongue to the top of her mouth! Well you obviously can't suck on something like that so I forced her to put her tongue down when I inserted my finger. I did this a couple times before I put her to the boob and what do you know.... she did it! I'm also doing feedings every two hours now to keep her going. Again, I'm not sure why she suddenly started doing this because we've been doing great all week long. It's almost like starting over and retraining.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I was just about to call a lactation consultant. When I was told of the prices to have them come out to help, I decided to try once more on my own! It's expensive to get some decent help in this area! Man oh man!

Hopefully Sage and I can keep this up and make it through!

breastfeeding 101

HELP! Little Sage, who has been doing wonderfully with the whole feeding issue, has suddenly decided not to latch on anymore! It's been a whole day since I've been able to feed her myself without pumping and finally giving her a bottle. I know that the bottle can give her "nipple confusion" but she has to eat right? I just can't figure out why I can't get her to latch now. I've read all the pamplets I received from the hospital... I've tried everything they say to do on my own, it still isn't working. I can't even begin to tell you how much the both of us have bawled in the last 24-36 hours, I have a serious headache going on! I'm out for suggestions....

PLEASE HELP!

our first week...

Oh wow! It's been one crazy week, but also a wonderful week! Sage is doing beautifully. She is a sleeper! I know that's pretty much all babies do the first month or so of life but oh my... she sleeps through everything! It takes a lot of effort just to wake her long enough to eat! She is getting the hang of eating though, finally! It was a little rough there for awhile. I didn't get to nurse Holland so it was quite a reminder when things all started happening. We are still trying to figure out schedules and such, but it's happening!

I can't believe how completely blessed I am! Being a mother of three little princesses certainly has it's challenges! I had my first experience of getting them all ready (including myself) last Friday. I had to get Alexis to school and then Sage had a doctors appointment. Brannon had to go to class that day so Holland was coming along with me. Let's just say that by the time I got to the doctors office I was exhausted! But I was on time! Yay me.

Brannon has been amazing! He does the dishes, picks up the house, takes care of the older girls and takes care of me. He is certainly making sure that I have everything I need and that I don't over-do it. He's not always successful because I'm stubborn, but he tries! He hates that he can't get up in the middle of the night to help with the baby. There just isn't a lot he can do at this point! But the thought makes all the difference! I love you babe!

It's been eventful, exciting, exhausting, and oh so wonderful! Thanks to all who have visited and brought meals into our home! I'm so grateful to all of you! Thanks for the love and support!

Sage's first day of life...

Introducing...

Sage Adelaide Richardson
November 4, 2008 @ 1:25 am
7 lbs 5 oz & 20 inches long

more pictures coming soon...

What would you spend $1700.00 on?

I would:
Buy a new desk $130.00
Buy some camera accesssories $300.00
Get a new couch $500.00
Buy some shoes $100.00
Buy some new clothes $230.00
Curtains for the baby's room $50.00
Buy some DVD's for Brannon $100.00
and
Season tickets to Hale Centre Theatre $240.00

Instead I:
Replaced Radiator & got an Immissions Inspection $243.99
Bought New Rear Tires $239.13
Repaired Headlight & got a Safety Inspection $94.41
Registration for car $48.00
Replaced Front & Rear Shocks & fixed transmission leak $775.91
Bought New Front Tires $175.02
and
Fixed Transmission leak again $131.20

End result:<

My week in one post! Get Ready!

Are you ready? Because here we go!

Monday: I had an appointment with the doctor. I was dilated 1 cm, and we scheduled the 13th to induce if she doesn't make an earlier appearance.

We also took the girls to Grammy & Grampy's house as well as Grandpa Buzz & Grandma Kat's house for some trick-or-treating!

Tuesday: I had bookgroup! Thanks Dee Dee!

Wednesday: I was miserable. Didn't feel good and to top it off had to clean up two separate potty mishaps with Miss Rose! (yes we are still potty training!)

I took the girls trick-or-treating at Nana & Opa's house!

Thursday: I had a photo session with some adorable kids @ 9:30 am.

Took the girls to a Halloween party at 11:00 am.

Took Alexis to school at 12:45 am.

Needless to say, it was a busy morning!

Later that night we carved the pumpkins!

Friday: Dropped Alexis off at school @ 11:40.

Power went out at 1:00 pm.

Picked Alexis up from school @ 1:30 pm.

Took Alexis to her dad's house @ 2:00 pm.

Went to Walmart with Holland for some shopping.

Went to Costco to finish off the shopping.

Got home and unloaded the car. Also noticed my power was still out!

Parked the car in the garage and noticed that it was severly leaking some fluid.

Quickly put the parishables in the fridge and took the car to Big O.

Was notified of cost of said leak.

Walked home from Big O with toddler. Oh and I was crying! Imagine that scene to every passerby!

Power is still out! Do I want to stay home on Halloween night with no power? No.

Had a little melt down, and called my mother. She ended up picking Holland and I up, and we spent the rest of the evening at her house!

Saturday: Relaxed a bit. Went to dinner at my father-in-laws house! We watched (agonized over) the Utah game!

Sunday: Went to church in the pouring rain, which I actually loved! I roasted in church though. I'm not handling heat very well right now.

Relaxed the rest of the day! Finally!

I am here, it's just been a CRAZY week and weekend! Give me an hour or so and I'll be back with some info!

Let it... Rain?

It's raining leaves! We had a nice enjoyable Sunday afternoon playing in the beautiful weather!
After paying outside we decided to make some caramel apples! Yummy! Everyone helped and after dinner we had dessert!

BOO at the ZOO!

It's official, I am one of the craziest moms around. It's nice to know I'm not the only one though! I decided to take Holland to "Boo at the Zoo" this morning. I have never been to the zoo when it was that packed with people! I'm glad that Jerusha and her son Jackson joined us because I'm pretty sure that I would have turned the car around once arriving if I didn't have them waiting for me.If you have never been to Boo at the Zoo, it's basically trick-or-treating at the zoo. There are apparently 25 booths that you can go to and the kiddos get some candy. I thought this would be a great idea since I don't have Alexis this year for Halloween and I won't be taking Holland trick-or-treating the night of. So this would be fun for all. Ha! It was crazy! It turned out to be an extremely LONG line throughout the entire zoo (if you wanted the candy). Luckily they had some right at the entrance so we jumped in line, got some candy for the kids and then basically just went to see the animals. We weren't about to stand in that line all day. Oh, and trust me, it would have taken all day to get through it.We managed to ride the train, everyone else was too busy standing in line for candy! We saw most of the animals and even rode the new carosel. I even managed to get some pictures. If they don't look like they're having fun it's because they were a little nervous about the amount of people there! But they did have some fun I assure you.So will I go next year? Not only no, but HELL no! Next year we'll just go to the zoo on another day and then I'll buy them some candy on the way home!

a story... a GOOD story...

This morning... I had just gotten out of the shower and was getting ready for the day. The doorbell rang. I was in my robe and Alexis said she didn't know who it was so I didn't answer the door. The doorbell rang again. I peeked around the corner to see if I knew who it was. The woman was leaving my porch so I went down the hallway to see if I recognized her. I didn't know her, she got to her car, I figured oh well.

Twenty minutes, or so later I went to the door to see if anything had been left on the porch. While out on my porch I hear voices around the corner. Walking out I see the same woman with a camera taking family pictures of a little family, IN MY FRONT YARD!

"Hello?" I say to her.
"Oh Hi, I rang the doorbell earlier." she replied.
"What are you doing?"
"I rang your doorbell twice."
"Well I was in the shower."
"Oh, well is it ok if we take some pictures?"
You know how you always think of the good comebacks after the situation? Well...
"Well I guess it is since you already are!" and I walked inside.

Awhile later I opened the blinds in the girls room... and she was still out there! I was fuming! Is that weird? I was so bothered by this woman. She just assumed that since nobody answered the door, she could do whatever she wanted! I'm sorry but as a photographer myself, if I don't have permission to use a location for a photo session, then I don't use that location. And who in there right mind goes to someone's HOUSE and asks to use their yard to take pictures in? And then who in their right mind thinks it's ok to use anyway, when nobody answered the door?

Yes we have a nice big yard. Yes, we occasionally have horses on the porperty. No, I don't know anything about the horses. No, the house isn't for sale. Yes, I know the owners name. No, you can't have his phone number. Yes, you can feed the horses. No, you can't go into the horse pasture.

WILL EVERYONE JUST GET OUT OF MY YARD!

I'm just sayin'...

A lost tooth!

Yes it's true, Alexis is old enough to have lost her first tooth! She is totally excited about it too! She's been working on this bad boy for some time now. Finally while eating her sandwich she realized that it had come out and she didn't know where it was! Oh, boy! Luckily she found it in her bread, it had gotten stuck when she took a bite! I told you it wouldn't hurt.
As for the Tooth Fairy, I guess we'll see if she makes it to dad's house tonight and what she will bring in trade for that tooth!A very proud Alexis!

Fairytales...

I'm sorry, but isn't this the damn cutest Sleeping Beauty and Tinkerbell you have ever seen? I could just eat 'em both up, and I do everyday!











Oh, I love this Princess and Fairy!

Teaching the Young...

With Alexis now in Kindergarten, she often has homework. With her age it's usually just something that she needs to remember such as parents names, phone numbers, addresses, etc. This week we were given a sight words kit. In it are words that are used so commonly that she shouldn't have to sound them out but should learn to recognize them. We are supposed to work on these words every day so that by sight it becomes easier for her. This is hard for me to do with her. We both get frustrated and by the time she might actually have been learning, we just end up giving up. I'm not a teacher, and I don't really know how to teach her. I don't feel that I have the patience to help her with this. Are there any suggestions? What can I do to be the most help for her?

Full Length Twilight Trailer!

Yay!
Oh and don't forget to turn down my music!What do you think?

He's back!

Brannon has been gone since Friday in CaLiFoRnIa! He went with his two sisters, Tavan and Lauren to visit his brother Jordan. Just the siblings... wow what a sight that would have been! They had tons of fun and I'll post later about his actual vacation and the things they did.

I'm just so glad that he's home! You know that saying "Absence makes the HeArT grow fonder", well that is soooooo true! I missed him terribly. The weekend wasn't bad by any means. I actually got to go to my parents condo in Bear Lake with them on Saturday and Sunday which really made the time easier. But yesterday it was just me and Holland (which isn't abnormal) all day long with the knowledge that Brannon wouldn't be coming home from work or school that night. It was really sad. It was by far the hardest day of having him gone. Not because the kids were more difficult or because I was so tired (I'm always tired) but because I just missed him.

It seems like my posts lately are about Brannon rather than things that we are doing or not doing. I'm just really appreciating him right now. He's rarely home anyway with work and school but still at the end of the night... he comes home, and that makes all the difference in the world!

Babe, I love you and I'm so glad that you are home! I missed you! Anyone want to babysit two girls so we can have more time together?


PS: The picture is when he made grape juice, from the grapes outside, with the girls. This "fun time together" allowed us to find out that Holland is allergic to grape juice!

PPS: Brannon made the video of the previous post about himself being sexier then Jim Halpert. I happen to agree with him but I think I need to make that clear! I found it funny that he did this on his own!

What is...

You be the judge!

Appreciation...

I just want to take a minute and express my appreciation to my wonderful hubby, Brannon. It's been an extremely busy year for him and with my pregnancy, I'm afraid I haven't been that much of a help to him.
He started school one year ago this month and while he absolutely loves it, he is quite busy with it. Some quarters are better then others but he is hanging in there. Every quarter he goes full-time to get through as quickly as possible. Along with going full-time at school, he is working full-time so that I can remain at home with the girls. He even finds time to help me out with my own projects. We don't spend very much time together. Most of the time that we do get to be in the same room he is working on homework and projects.
I'm not at all trying to pull the pity party strings. I just want my honey to know how much I love him and appreciate all that he is doing to support our family. It comes with great sacrifice, more on his part then on mine.
Brannon, I'm grateful for the love that you continue to show me even when I'm not doing the things that I should be doing as a wife, mother, housekeeper, or cook. I'm so glad that you can come home and be able to make yourself something for dinner even though you are tired, because you know that I'm exhausted too. My thoughts are always with you and I hope that you know how much I love you. I'm so proud of you sweetheart. I know that you are fulfilling your dreams, what you may not know is that at the same time you are fulfilling mine as well! You are my knight in shining armour, I love you babe!