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

Leap Year Baby

When I went into labor 4 years ago today I was nervous for obvious reasons, worried that he was 4 weeks early and frustrated at the fact that my child would be born on a day that only occurs every 4 years. 

I called my Mom and cried that it was February 29th. (In case you were wondering, my water broke at 11:30pm on the 28th so there was no "holding him in" until March 1st). She assured me that he would be special and unique and it is fun to have that type of birthday. Really, what else could she say to a lady in labor?  

Of course, over the past 4 years we have made each birthday special and at his young age he really has no idea what date his birthday actually falls on. 

But, this year it was different. 

He has a birthday that's actually on the calendar so we celebrated, big time. 

It started Sunday morning with a big breakfast and a friend party at a local bounce house. This was Eli's first friend party and it was fun to see him soak in all the attention and know the party was all about him. He ran until he no longer could and ate so many sweets. 

Today we went to the movies to see Kung fu Panda 3. (Something we have been talking about for at least a month). Eli loves the other 2 movies so it worked out perfect that it was still in the theatre a month after release. He had never experienced the movie theatre before, so it was fun to see his face as the movie began. 

We were pleasantly surprised to have the entire theatre to ourselves. Keith told Eli that's probably his first and last private viewing, but it was great. It even allowed us to dance in front of the screen during the credits. 

We ended the day with Chinese food (Eli's favorite & the theme of the weekend) and family presents. 

While it was so fun to celebrate our big boy, it is sad to Keith and I ,as parents, that this day only comes once every 4 years. 

I pray that Eli will always know how special he is with or without the date on the calendar. And, as Keith said when he was born, maybe it will save us $$ in the long run 😀. 

Eli,

Happy Birthday BIG boy. You are so loved and it was amazing to celebrate you today. I look forward to seeing how you being a leap year baby will shape your character and define you in the years to come. We promise to celebrate your birthday every year and make every 4th year extra special. 

I love you so much,

Mama

Trudging along through Winter

Even though winter didn't officially start until after Christmas this year (remember it being 70 degrees that day?) it still seems long. 

Since early fall Eli has been enrolled in gymnastics and I think all of his effort is paying off. He really likes it and practices all the time. He rolls, sets up things around the house to jump over and is getting more daring with climbing and jumping off things.

We've also started going to an open gym at a nearby facility once a week. This is fun for the 3 of us, including Hannah. She loves to be bounced on the trampolines, "jump" in the foam pit and of course roll all over the place. I think it's just as helpful for her as it is for Eli. 

Over the past few weeks she has gotten a lot more brave. She is now pulling up and cruising the furniture. She still wants to move like Eli does, but she's just not there yet. 

I've always said she's my risky one and this past week she proved it. She lunged forward onto her water bottle and chipped her front tooth. Yes, bad mama moment, but it seems like no nerve is exposed and she's not bothered by it. In 6 months the dentist will either file it down or fill it in. 

     Yes, neither of our finest moments. 

Even though her progression seems slow, to me, it is good for me to look over the last month and see how far she's come. (The slowness is probably why I haven't felt there was anything to "update" on the blog). But, it gives me hope and helps me to see why all these therapies we participate in weekly are worth it. 

Here are a few more pictures of fun happenings over the past few weeks. 

Keith's birthday on February 13th. 

    A fun (and fancy) Valentine's Day ❤️

And some more sweet pics of the kiddos

So as we trudge along, we have hope. Hope for warmer weather days and times when both of my children will run around the backyard. 

All in due time. 

Let it Snow!

Winter has arrived, and all in one week, apparently. 

This winter Eli is a lot more adventurous in wanting to brave the cold and ride the sled, I had thoughts that Hannah would want to just stay inside with me and watch the boys play from afar. 

Nope. 

This girl likes to be right in the action. 

Even if it's face first. 

She still hasn't figured out quite what this white stuff is (and her snowsuit is a little small) but that doesn't stop her. Next year I think she'll tackle the downhill!

Even though I haven't left the house since Tuesday we have had lots of fun playing inside and out. 

Baking. 

Cleaning (yes, Eli is starting to become so helpful).

Making the birds a treat. 

And eating. LOTS of eating. 

Snow cream. ❄️

Cookies. 

And more cookies. 

I guess all the extra energy being exerted outside makes the little ones eager to eat more and more. 

We've had lots of fun finding inside activities to do when Mama just can't drag 2 kids outside another time. It's really been fun, and not filled with movies like I was expecting. 

Snow, it is nice that you came and even nicer that it seems to be warming up this week and we won't be stuck with you for too long. 

Here's to all the fun memories. Thankful for each and every one of them. 

Plugging along

This was Hannah (& I) last Thursday morning for her hearing test. 

We haven't had one of these since August and even though it's still the same test (for better or worse) Hannah has grown up a lot since then and it's getting harder. 

First of all it's just emotional. For Hannah, because she had to wake up early, go out in the cold, she doesn't want to sit on the bed and wait for the doctor, she wants to move around, get on the ground and more. Of course, since it's only 6:30am she forgets how tired she is and remembers how hungry she is so there's lots of bumps and tears and you get the picture. 

For me, it's also emotional. I think I've started tensing up when I pull into the hospital parking lot. I am tired of the silly questions about her delayed development and doctors and nurses who think they are pointing it out for the first time. Really? 

Since Hannah is getting older she is also more able to fight the sleep induced sedation and gets mad when we wake her up and force her to drink something so we can be discharged. 

So yes, just fun all around. 

The result is her hearing remains the same. Good news! Also, the doctor hopes to try a booth test next time instead of sedation. Even better news! Of course we will continue to monitor her speech and hearing. 

We have lots of professionals and professional parents keeping a pretty close check on Hannah. She is one of the sweetest children I know (not showing any bias here) and I am so thankful that she is part of our family. 

As she gets older her cries in pain, discomfort and confused looks hit me harder and make me get more defensive when doctors want to do yet another test.

But today we are well. 

The hospital is forgotten (by most of us) and we are anticipating the 1+ feet of snow predicted for this week. 

Thankful. 

Trying Hard

Hannah has always been the worst most challenging sleeper in our household. Since the day we brought her home she hasn't wanted to sleep. She went down to 1 nap/day at 11 months and when she was around a year old she finally slept through the night (after much trying) but at times it's still touch and go.

I always heard stories that kids don't sleep well when they are learning a new physical skill. I guess Eli went through this, maybe, for a couple of hours 1 night a long, long time ago.  So yeah, I don't really remember. 

Since Hannah is approaching 16 months and delayed physically I kind of thought we skipped the sleeping issues due to skill learning. Wrong. Last night she woke sitting in her bed, trying to pull up on the railing and very awake. Yes, the bed will be lowered before bedtime tonight. 

I'm really so proud of her and she's proud of herself. She is the child that really wants to move, she wants to get up, see, follow the big kids, etc.  But many times her body will not allow it. 

We still have to put her in the infant room at church because she's not walking, which she hates, and I get called out about every other week because she's so unhappy. One week I went back and they had her in a swing, so yes she has graduated from the infant room, but there's just no other place to put her. 

Her major mode of transportation is rolling right now and she has perfected it to a tee. She will roll from the living room to the kitchen, down the hall, into her room, Eli's room and everywhere else. And she's gotten really, really fast. Of course she doesn't realize that it would be faster and easier if she crawled, but her left side just won't allow it. We have been told once she's walking we can do things to help strengthen that left hand and arm, but at this time crawling just isn't happening. Her brain cannot figure it out. So, she rolls. 

I'm sure I will look back on the rolling days with fondness in the not so distant future, but now I just want it to be easier for her. I guess that will never change. 

Whatever you do, 

work at it with all your heart, 

as working for the Lord.  

Colossians 3:23

Christmas came early

Since we will spend time with family on Christmas Day we decided to have our family of 4 Christmas this past Saturday. 

We woke up to two little elves in our bed. 

After Keith made a delicious breakfast the present-opening began. 

Eli still has a little trouble moving on after he opens a fun gift (because he wants to play with it right then and there) but he's getting better. The fact that most of his gifts were in bags helped out big time! 

Helping Hannah with her gift from him. (So excited!!)

My two little munchkins had a blast. Eli with the toys, Hannah with the massive amounts of paper. But, I have to say this has been the most fun little people Christmas yet. It is true what people say, Christmas is better through the eyes of a child. 

From our family to yours we wish you the merriest of Christmases and a Happy New Year too!

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

Isaiah 9:2