Suzanne Faith

Baby Suzi arrived at 2:56pm, June 27, 2016. 

At 7 lbs 1oz she's my biggest baby and has already filled our house with lots of joy. 

We named her Suzanne after her two grandmother's middle names. My mom's name is Sue and Keith's mom is Anne. 

So far she's taken her place in the family like a champ. Having to deal with two older siblings wanting all the attention and sharing a room with Mom & Dad. 

Not only was she the largest (😉), she's also my only child who didn't come on her own. So, I was induced which was better than expected, but still very long and drawn out. 

The day following her delivery I was able to spend most of the day with only her which was a treat. 

The kids came by in the morning to meet her. 

                 Proud big brother!

And then Daddy took them to the zoo so I could rest and he could spend time with them. 

We are slowly adjusting to our new life of 5. I say slowly because I'm still recovering, Keith's been off and my mom is here. Reality hasn't really set in. 

Here are a few more pictures of the big sibs initating Suzi into the family. 

Hannah is completely uninterested 😊

Some treasures from this week:

*Keith and I spending Monday together. (Even though it was awaiting labor & labor) we don't get many days together just the 2 of us anymore. 

*How excited Eli is being a big brother. He's doing such a good job playing with her and distracting her when she cries. 

*How big Hannah looks now that we have a newborn again. I feel like she's doubled in size over the last week!

*sweet, newborn snuggles. I know Suzi's only 5 days old but she really is sweet. 

*How much the Lord has been with us this week. From calming my fears, to Suzi checking out medically and even having time to nap a little this week. The Lord has been so good to us!

We know the transition is just beginning but we are overjoyed with Suzi and thankful the Lord decided to place her in our family. 

Oh Baby!

That's right, the Richards are adding another to the tribe.

'Lil Richie #3 should make her appearance mid to late June 2016. 

We are excited and thankful about this surprise blessing!

Since the day we found out I have had many, many emotions. I went through denial (until my belly started growing), fear has crept in, especially since having Hannah with her additional needs. I feel very humbled that the Lord would allow us to have another child and care for her and grow her up in Him and lately I have begun to feel excited at the thought of a new little life in our family. 

Yes, I go through doubt (especially at 2am) wondering how in the world I will mother 3 children 4 and under, but I know the Lord is with me and will be our help. 

Many of you may (or may not) know the struggles we went through after Hannah was born. These struggles occurred before CMV or hearing loss. 

Hannah was fussy, not only that, she cried practically 24/7 for 3 months, I kid you not. She cried so much I did not think I had it in me to care for her. We elicited help from family, who came willingly, but I still struggled for many months to have the confidence to parent 2 kids. After rest and good medical intervention I did turn a corner and so did she. 

So all that being said, fear is present with me in the unknown of this baby and our life as a family of 5. 

I know The Lord is present also. And I know he has put friends close by and family who are but a drive away to be there for us when we need it. 

So, as I sit here thinking through all these emotions on Easter week, a day before good Friday, with the knowledge of what Christ did on the cross, taking our curse and being the curse for us. I know He has this. I know whatever comes my way with this new baby He has gone before me and loves her so much more than I ever could. His sacrifice proves how much he loves me and wants good things for me, even when I'm undeserving. Amazing, isn't it?

So yes, we are excited to see what the Lord will do and look forward to boasting in Him, our redeemer and in whom we place our hope. 

Happy Easter!

"Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole. He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit."

Galatians 3:13-14