Baby Love

I can't believe it has almost been a week and this is the first chance I've had to sit and report on our sweet little one (life with 4 kids!). Addyson Ann was born August 24th. She weighed in at 7 lbs 2 oz, 21 inches long with lots of brown hair. She is so sweet, precious, beautiful and the list goes on (parents are allowed some bragging rights, right!) She is such an angel. You forget that "fresh from heaven" spirit that babies bring. She has brought such a sweet spirit into our home. The kids love her so much, and the biggest stress is them fighting over who gets to hold her first.

I am also happy to report that life is just as crazy/chaotic as I thought it would be. Definitely feeling the sleep deprivation this time. Maybe it is because we have so many lives to manage, going here...going there. Maybe because I'm 30 this time. Whatever it is, I'm tired!! So grateful that Richard has been home this week...could not have survived without him. Addyson has had jaundice and has had to be in a beli bed (little light bed that is suppose to bring their belirubin down). Needless to say she did not love being in that bed at night at all. Not the funnest start to life. We have been at the doctors office everyday to get blood tests, but I am happy to report that as of today she is off the lights and healthy. I don't have to go to the doctor until next Friday!!!

Besides welcoming a new family member, it has been a busy week! Kaela started 3rd grade, Sam started Kindergarten and little Karissa attended her preschool orientation. She will start school next week. We also celebrated our 10th anniversary. I can hardly believe we survived it all. But with all the craziness Richard and I have both been teary eyed several times this week because we can't help but feel that we are so blessed. It has just been reinforced to us that family is truly the greatest blessing of all. Thanks to all of you for your love, prayers and the many other ways you have helped us. We have the greatest family and friends...really!

Blog "lifting"

Okay Steph...I totally loved this list on your blog, so I am blog lifting it!! Here's my take on your thoughts of randomness:

• I'm happiest when...I am with the people I love.
• Someday I'm going to...see Richard driving a different car (it's been 10 years...and the car has been in the family literally since I have known him...15 years!!).
• When I'm really down, what I want to do is...get out and do something fun. Eating out usually does it for me!
• I feel anxious when...my kids are fighting and it's only 10:00 am, when my house is a mess, when I have no time for me.
• I like people who...are happy, upbeat and look on the bright side.
• All it takes to make me happy is...Richard (and chocolate!).
• What I really want to do is...not be pregnant anymore!
• I wish that...I was always content with everything that I have, get over the "always needing/wanting more" syndrome.
• I don't like people who...are overly critical.
• A person really should...count their blessings. When it all comes down to it, we all have so much more than we need!
• I just hate it that...I'll never be a size 8.
• If I could do whatever I wanted...live the life I'm living...it's pretty great. But a vacation to Hawaii doesn't sound too bad!!

Check out my Slide Show!

Assuming

So I think that I am learning never to assume anything in life! Here I am still pregnant even though I told almost everyone that I would probably have the baby on the 17th since my last two children were both induced a week early. Um, still pregnant with no contractions. I have tried...running my stairs (but only for a few minutes, I am really feeling the little to no physical activity strain), eating pineapple, eating Mexican food and various other methods recommended to me. Still pregnant. Oh well.

It still has been a great week. A big Happy Birthday to my Mom!!! You are the greatest. We had a wonderful time celebrating her big day at the Roof. It was quite relaxing and a great way to celebrate. Thanks for your love and inspiration on so many aspects of life Mom! I also was able to spend time during the week with my Mom since it was her last week home before school starts. Thanks for lunch Mom -- I'm going to miss you. Sadie and I also ventured to the vinyl boutique where I got flowers and butterflies for the girls rooms. Thanks for your help Sadie, you are the best! The girls rooms are almost finished...I will post a picture soon.

We had a relaxing weekend. Friday we spent playing games with the Elggren's in our ward. I am so grateful for their friendship. When we moved I was praying to find a friend that I could just call up and chat with or go to lunch with...and I found one. I am so grateful for your friendship Jayme! Sadly I missed my scrapbooking night...can't wait until next month. Besides totally wearing the kids out with a 2 hour Lowe's trip on Saturday (Richard has promised to not complain at Target/Old Navy/ where ever I want to go shopping next...) we had a fun family day. The kids really wanted to have a "water party" so Richard set up the sprinkler and then ran the hose down the slide. They were in water heaven! Then we watched Catch that Kid for a family movie night. Not the greatest show ever, but after enduring Ninja Turtles, nothing seems that bad!

Well, I am hoping we will have some exciting baby news to report to you this week. Off to eat pineapple, run the stairs, and so on... (cross your fingers for me!)

Splurges

"PEOPLE are more important than THINGS, but I love my things."

-unknown

So splurging has just been on my mind today. I so love this quote, isn't it true of all of us in this capitalist society? I really do love to spend money...way to much. It totally gives me a high. It all started in college when I worked at Holiday Inn and Amy and I would go shopping all the time. The only catch was we were always looking for a bargain. Well, the hunt for the best deal has never stopped, nor my love for shopping, nor my love for spending. So here are some things that lately I just haven't been able to resist!!

• Haircuts and color. Just got mine done today which is probably why I am thinking about splurges. There is just something about a haircut that just makes you feel 10 times better instantly. Add in color and were talking a hundred times or so better. Every time I get my hair done I think, wow this is such a splurge...but so worth it. I really shouldn't because I get a great deal with my sister in law who does such an awesome job, but compared to Richard's do it yourself jobs, it is quite the splurge.

• Decorations. Can't even begin to tell you how many times I've said I'm done going to Roberts or Rod Works (which sound like the same place anyway when you say it really fast), or Target or so on because I've been in a decoration buying frenzy. I said that just last week after I finally got a few things to go atop my cabinets. Honestly, I think about how great something would look somewhere and I just can't stop thinking about it until I have it. If I wake up thinking about it, then I know I have to have it. (I know you are all thinking I am totally crazy). I won't even start on the Target thing, could go on for hours about how I love that place...

• Kids clothes. Again, only if it is a bargain. Love searching for deals at Old Navy, Gap, Children's Place, Target. Just love to say, "and that only cost me 1.97." It's a wonder how 1.97 can turn into 50.00 so fast.

• Not money related but my favorite splurge lately...SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE. Did anyone see it last night? It is so good and so addicting! I don't even have a favorite because I love them all (although I am blown away every time Danny does a pirouette or leap, oh my, technique!!). I don't know what I am going to do when it is over. =) Although it doesn't even begin to compare with my all time favorite Gilmore Girls which I just love so much. I haven't watched the last season yet. Couldn't bear to...is it really over? Just picking an old wound, sure many of you (if any of you) have been over this since May.

I could probaby go on forever with the many ways I love to spend money and time, but those are my favorite as of late...I'll keep you updated!

Happy weekend...long weeks

Well I have officially decided that the weekends just go by way to fast and the weeks can just drag on. This weekend was no exception, it was so fun and gone in a flash!

Friday we hired out a babysitter and went to our ward date night. We had such a blast. We had a pot luck dinner and then we learned swing dancing. I think I stressed Richard out a little about his dancing abilities before the date. He has always felt he was a bit uncoordinated since he grew so tall so fast..but he was fabulous. We had a great time and I think we were one of the last couples there. We didn't even have any collisions with this huge belly of mine.

Saturday I went to lunch with my mom, sisters and mother-in-law. They gave me a little shower which was lots of fun. It is always fun to get some new things for each baby. I felt really spoiled and it was great fun to get out without the kids for a few hours. Richard had fun spending some time with the kids. That night we went to a luau for a family that Richard home teaches. Their son just got baptized and man do they know how to throw a party. There was tons of food and we have tons of food in our fridge. I have no idea how we will ever eat it all, but Richard assures me we will be just fine. I am great with a week free of cooking! Ash and Keith came over later to play games. Richard got a couple of new games and game night is never a disappointment with Ash and Keith.

Sunday after church we went to Casey's for a BBQ. They got a Wii over the weekend and we all went to try it out. It was lots of fun! There was awesome food and even better company. We had fun creating our Mii's (our own personalized characters) and bowling. I only wish I could bowl as well in real life as I can on the Wii (184 - a personal best for me - ever). Pretty sure I will never actually bowl that score with a ball, but hey I can dream. The kids had fun playing with Mack and a crazy cat outside. Lots of fun.

Like I said the weekend was over all too fast and now back to the long work week! Only 4 more days...