The Richards

First steps

2011-07-09T12:52:00.000-07:00

Here are some of Hank's first steps we were able to catch on camera!

Family, family, and more FAMILY!!!

2011-07-08T13:29:00.000-07:00

Pollard Family Reunion 2011

Little Lincoln

Taylor's Birthday Pinata

Out on the boats....sorry Hank, this is a close as you are going to get to taking a ride :)

Mom watched Hank so Nate and I could spend the day at the Seattle temple...unfortunately a majority of the time we were sitting in traffic trying to come home.

Chowing down on birthday cake

Point Defiance Zoo

Concert in the Park

Watching Madagascar on the plane...Hank only lasted about 30 seconds until he was ready for something new.

We made it through 2 1/2 weeks of family reunions and we're still alive! We flew up to Washington first and had a little cabin get away with all of the Pollards. Despite the cold weather for some of the days we had a great time in the canoes, boats, and around the campfire. While we were there we celebrated Taylor's birthday party, hit up some garage sales and watched some of the crazy family members jump in the lake (Nate was one of them). After a very long flight and travel home we finally got Hank to sleep at 1am. We were happy to find our visitors peacefully sleeping in the living room of our tiny apartment. Thanks Chris and Lisa for putting up with the small space all week. And the Richards family reunion began...with lots of sun, museums, parks, family pictures, and don't forget 7peaks, games, sleepovers (in which every inch of the ground was covered by a family member), surprise engagements, stadium of fire, rodeos, and more! We pretty much wore ourselves out, to say the least. Heidi...remind me to watch your kids this week so you can get a good nap :)

I am not going to lie, it seems so quiet around here, and I miss everyone already. Here are some pictures and videos from all the fun. ENJOY!

Oakley, Utah rodeo and 4th of July festivities

Congrats to Jake and Emily on their engagement...Jake flew out to propose!

New baby Danielle Carla Harmon...isn't she a cutie?

Sunday sleepover at Heidi's house!

Hank's "Box Car" ride

Muscles!

2011-05-27T11:56:00.001-07:00

one of my favorite of Hank's tricks...here he is showing off his muscles to mom and grandma.

A day at the park

2011-05-22T12:18:00.000-07:00

Hank and I get a lot of one-on-one time, but it seems like lately it has been more than normal. He has been trading off between parents and the babysitter since I've had to go back and work some hours at the little gym this month. It's been kind of hard for Nate and I to rarely see each other, but Hank is starting to actually feel like I have someone to hang out with...he now gives kisses, points to his belly button, points and things he's interested in, tugs on my legs when he wants me, knows how to roll and throw a ball back and forth, play chase, and has really become my favorite little friend! And yes, he's a momma's boy. But he's also a daddy's boy. He just prefers us. Oh well, how can you avoid it when you are too lazy to get a babysitter and he's the only one around so we give him lots of attention? Anyway, that's kinda what has been going on with us. I got some good pictures of Hank on the swing when he and I went to the park this Sat. (dad was at work, of course). He was really giggly once he got used to it! He also was calling the ducks "du"s and waving at them...it was really cute.

Easter photo shoot

2011-05-15T18:11:00.000-07:00

It was so pretty on Easter Sunday that we decided to walk over to UVU and have a little family photo shoot.

We are not photographers, mind you, but we sure had a lot of fun!

This one looks like Hank is showing us where to hide the easter eggs. He is really into pointing right now. He points to everything. It makes you wonder what's going on in his curious little mind!

He's 1 !!!

2011-05-15T18:00:00.001-07:00

yum...whipping cream!

Here he is hating his party hat I made for him!

Mom and the Birthday boy!

Balloons= cooler than any birthday present.

Ok where did that year go? But then again, it's hard to believe that Hank has only been here with us for just a year. He just belongs in our little family and I can't imagine life without him. He is the reason for all our worries, laughter, pride, prayers and fun these days. I don't know what I would do without his funny faces and little whimpers. I love you Hank and I'm proud to be your mom!

If you're happy and you know it...

2011-04-06T13:27:00.000-07:00

Hank has been a lot more interactive lately which has been a ton of fun for me! I was so excited when I sang to him and he was actually clapping along with me! Of course when I recorded it he only clapped at the end, but it's still something!

Cabin Fever

2011-03-06T13:20:00.000-08:00

I love this picture of Hank inspecting Curtis' 3D glasses

So of course we had to let him try them out :) You tend to get pretty creative when you are stuck at home all the time!

Thanks to the Heiners we spent our last weekend snowmobiling, eating, playing games, watching movies, and just hanging out with good friends! It was so much fun and we squeezed so many activities in that it's hard to believe the entire trip was only 24 hours. So thank you Heiners for your cabin in the mountains...it was a fun little get away!

Well we're not really sure if hank loved the snow or hated it...his reaction to it didn't really give us any kind of idea that he was feeling one way or another. Since he wasn't crying, though, I'm going to say he loved it!

Trevor and Burgendy sledding in the sunshine :)

Brody and Jenessa looking super cute!

Since everyone else got to sleep in, we decided to treat ourselves to a dip in the hot tub once Hank went down for his nap! Can you believe how gorgeous the view is behind us? We were completely surrounded by snowy landscape!

The gang!

Hank- almost 10 months!

2011-03-01T11:48:00.000-08:00

Hank loves anything that sparkles...here he is pointing at Molly's sequins

He is really enjoying pulling himself up and standing with support!

Hank is becoming such a little cutie! We are always getting comments about how expressive his is. He sure does make our lives so much fun! Since he is quite coordinated now, eating has become a lot more messy. Some of his favorite things right now are; crawling, opening doors, pulling out what's behind them, crawling into the bathroom, taking baths, using his pointer finger to point to small things, chewing on anything metal, pointing to little things for as long as he can to see if he can magically pick them up that way...then realize he has to use his thumb, trying to pull my earrings out, and being tickled, thrown up in the air, and doing forward rolls.

Dear Moms

2011-02-26T19:17:00.000-08:00

Is there something that you treasure in your life, that just helps you keeps your sanity? I have just been thinking about how great it has been for both Hank and I to have a schedule. At first I thought it was a burden to have to be ruled by Hank's naps and bedtime. (embarrassing to admit, since I probably should have realized that life was no longer about me when I decided to become a mother). But sometimes I still wish that somehow Hank could go to bed later since Nate and I haven't had much of a night life since he was born. However, the benefits have definitely outweighed the costs. Most of you moms have already discovered this little treasure of knowledge, but because it is one of my favorite discoveries of this past year, I thought I would write all about why I love schedules (and mostly I am talking about sleeping).
1. Babies love having a routine. I guess they just like things to be predictable...I like to think it makes them feel safe and gives them a little sense of control over this crazy world that seems to be throwing so much new information at them every day.
2. I love schedules. I guess I like things to be predictable too...I remember the first few months when Hank followed his own schedule. For the most part, he was pretty easy since he slept most of the time. But everyday was different, and I almost never knew what to expect. Also, I was always wondering whether or not it was a good time to shower, drive to the store, etc. After his naps started to become more organized, though, I realized that having organized naps gave me something to compare his naps to. If I knew that he wasn't sleeping as much as normal I knew something might be bothering him.
3. I need "grown up" time. When naps happen at the right time everyday, babies sleep better and longer. It's selfish, I know, but the more time Hank sleeps the better I feel...because I know that he is rested, but also I get to do things I want to do without feeling like I am ignoring him. (like read a book, watch a show, fix my hair, clean, etc.)

The book HEALTHY SLEEP HABITS, HAPPY CHILD has become my sleeping bible. I am sure that not everyone that has read it has liked it, but any question I have ever had about sleep so far has been answered by that book. Some of the most important things I have learned from reading it are:
1. Every baby has a wakeful period and restful period during the day...if you get them to sleep during the right time and keep them awake during the right time they actually are happier and more easy going!
2. Babies need help learning how to sleep sometimes...especially after 3 months when they become a lot more playful and resist going to sleep when it means they have to leave your presence...they have to learn that bedtime is important to...and sometimes that means letting them cry :(

I have heard that other good sleeping books are The Baby Whisperer and The No-Cry Sleep Solution

Our Jumping Bean

2011-01-17T13:55:00.000-08:00

Christmas time 2010

2011-01-17T13:40:00.001-08:00

Grandma Richards came to visit and brought the kids their Christmas pjs

Best buddies (Lana and Max)- making bread bears

Hank and Licoln celebrated their first Christmas together...they look just about as clueless as they actually were about the holiday

Christmas eve...right after caroling in the neighborhood

Hank and his uncle Curt matched for Church!

Right before Hank did a 360 off the bed...what doesn't kill him makes him stronger, right?

Greta was so good with the babies...she is going to be a great babysitter in a few years

The boys were all bundled up while we walked around and saw the zoo lights

Nate, Hank, and I spent New Years at the Horton's house this year. They are expecting a baby in June, so we were able to use their crib for Hank and have a sleepover! It was tons of fun!

In the Lord's timing

2011-01-17T13:32:00.000-08:00

Sorry that I haven't updated in a while. I thought I would write a little something about our current hunt for Nate's next career move. Neither Nate nor I would have ever guessed that we would both graduate from BYU and still be living in happy valley nearly a year later. But I guess that is just Heavenly Father having a little chuckle about us trying to make our own plans and not understanding that he has something better planned out. We are yet to find out what that is, so it has taught us a lot about faith in the mean time. We are so fortunate that Nate followed a prompting a few years ago to look into working for T-mobile while he finished out his schooling. It has been a blessing to our family to have a good job with benefits that rival many of the jobs he has applied to or been offered after graduation. Just recently he was offered a job that we were seriously considering that would have moved us to Texas. After careful consideration, prayer, and fasting, we recieved a very peaceful answer to turn it down and wait a little longer. So here we are...trying to accept the Lord's timing. In the mean time, we were able to find an apartment in Orem that is actually big enough for the 3 of us and quite a deal! We are so grateful that the Lord has looked after us. Having an understanding that our Father in Heaven is a loving Father who knows us better than we know ourselves makes it easier to trust that everything will work out eventually!

Hank's Work Out

2010-11-06T08:39:00.000-07:00

We discovered a way to get Hank to work out...the tread mill! Haha, this had us cracking up, I hope you enjoy it just as much!

Life with a 5 month old!

2010-10-01T18:31:00.000-07:00

Our first attempt at rice cereal. The doctor said we could do it for fun right now...and that is definitely what it turned out to be. Hank was so funny. I think this face sums it up. He must be thinking, "what the heck are they putting in my mouth and how do i use this thing?" the spoon is a very foreign concept to him.

Look who found another body part he can chew on. The only reason I am happy about it is it gives his little chapped fingers a rest.

Game day!

We love our little cougar!

he's a roller!

2010-10-01T18:27:00.000-07:00

hank has finally figured out the cure to dreaded tummy time...rolling to his back! Now he can get out of it everytime I put him on his tummy. Sneeky little guy:)

Oh and P.S. Nate had never seen hank roll before this morning. He has only heard about it, so he was pretty excited!

flying high...

2010-10-01T18:19:00.000-07:00

Hank loves being tossed up, and going upside down. I guess that means he is going to be fearless? Ha ha we'll see about that. But of course he was laughing a lot harder before we started filming. See if you can hear his giggles!

Almost laughing...

2010-07-30T15:37:00.000-07:00

Nate found the secret trick to get Hank to giggle...well he did it once super cute so now we try every day to get him to do it again. This is the closest thing to a giggle we could catch on tape.

Hank's blessing and the 4th of July

2010-07-19T18:58:00.001-07:00

After Hank's blessing on the 4th!

Heidi and Daniel and the kids moved out this week. Grandma and Grandpa Richards were able to come and help and meet baby Hank!

Still friends after all these years!

The cousins! And Craig has already fallen in love with baby Hank...now he just has to stop calling him baby Elliot. They are lying on the marshamello (love sack)...the only toy in our little tiny apartment.

Looking chipper at 5am. We had to get there that early to save a spot for the Provo freedom parade.

Some of the parade highlights:
Hank slept through almost the whole thing. (except for the sirens and cannons that woke him up)

Uncle Nater playing with Christopher and Natalie while the adults unpack in Heidi and Daniel's new rental.

Oakley Rodeo:
Ron went to the Oakley rodeo every year when he was young. so we decided to honor the tradition! It was quite a show with some real big cowboys and buckin bulls!

Hank didn't love the roar of the crowd...but eventually fell asleep.

yehaw!

The many faces of Hank Alan Richards!

2010-07-18T21:49:00.000-07:00

My unique delivery story

2010-07-18T21:33:00.000-07:00

May 1st was my due date, and that morning my mucus plug released. Not long after I started having contractions that I could tell were no longer braxton hicks. I could also tell they weren't coming very frequently, but I was excited about the change none the less. If anything, I was hoping they were dilating me, since I was checked at a 1+, 4 days earlier. They stayed pretty consistent throughout the day, getting more and more uncomfortable but not getting any closer together. By the end of the day they were about 8-10 min apart so I assumed it was just pre-labor. They continued all night...pretty consistently but not getting any closer together. The next morning I felt tired from being awoken so often from the contractions. They stayed consistently 8-10 min apart all day, except they got a lot more intense as the day progressed. I tried to go to church but had 2 contractions just walking into the building and had to stop to hang on to Nate. All this time, keeping my body as calm and relaxed as I could.

Sunday night I was awoken every 8-10 min to contractions. I was so confused why after so long the contractions weren't getting closer together. They seemed to be intense- I mean, I couldn't walk or talk through them really and yet my midwives kept telling me I needed to wait...but on monday morning I decided to call them again even though I knew they would tell me the same thing- to wait until the contractions were 2-3 min apart. Luckily Roberta asked me how long it had been since I had slept decently. When I told her it had been a few days she suggested that I come in to the office to have a non stress test and get checked. She said there was a shot they could give me that might help me get some rest. I loved the idea since i was exhausted- especially my back- and wasn't sure how I was going to do once labor kicked in full force. When I got there they saw that the baby was doing well, but when they checked me I was already dilated to a 5. All this time I really felt like my body was working hard to dilate me, so it was nice to not feel like I was crazy. They had me go to the hospital, thinking that it would a couple hours or more until I was ready to deliver... when I got to the hospital I was a 6, and my water sack was bulging. After an ultrasound, however, the nurse's suspicions were confirmed...my baby was breech! She was also concerned that he was sitting on the cord...so within 15 min. I was being preped for an ultrasound!

From the time we checked in to the hospital to the time he was born was only about 30 min! It was the craziest time of my life. I just remember a blur of nurses coming in, giving me an iv, asking me lots of questions, rolling me to another room, giving me anesthetics, cleaning me up, and then of course- the doctor pulling my baby boy out of me! Although it was a crazy 30 min, I felt so peaceful about the procedure and about having a healthy baby boy...in fact, there were a lot of decisions I made that day that I believe were inspired, and ensured that our little guy get here safe and sound! Although it was nothing like the labor and delivery I expected, it all worked out in the end!

GRADUATION!

2010-04-26T14:59:00.000-07:00

We did it! And it only took us 7 years...but we're done! (Until Nate goes back for grad school that is). Oh BYU, how can we forget you...you are such a big part of our memories together...

1. Freshman year we both lived in Deseret Towers. (I spotted Nate in the Morris Center Cafeteria and the crush began...)
2. BYU employment put us both in the MTC cafeteria together sophomore year, when I would blush everytime I'd walk by him. I'll never forget the time he said "Miriam, why don't you ever say hi to me?" and I ran off out of emberrassment.
3. As a member of concert choir, I sang at a special devotional at the MTC when nate was preparing to enter the field and our paths crossed yet again.
4. The library became nate's sneaky way of spending time with me after I was recently returned home from my mission...even if I was bound to make my education a priority, nate was sure he could convince me to make him a priority as well:)
5. The Tanner building became a home away from home during our first year of marriage. From bringing nate lunches, catching each other between classes, and even attending Nate's classes to spend a little extra time together; it will not be forgotten!

ah yes, the list goes on and on, but it's farewell for now BYU! On to real life. YIKES!

December...what an eventful month!

2010-01-07T12:03:00.000-08:00

December seemed to be so full of things that now life just seems boring.

1. we found out we're having a boy!!!

(if you're having a hard time interpreting this ultrasound, i'll do the best I can to explain it to you...)

This is a picture of the profile of his face and chest. His head is on the left. His scull can be seen by the two white half circles and nose and mouth are looking up. The big white blob on the right side is his chest...good luck

2. Miriam graduated from BYU and she is finally showing! (at 23 weeks)

3. We both finished up teaching at The Little Gym!

4. We got to go to Wisconsin for Christmas.

as you can see we did lots of cooking. These are our nephews Craig and Christopher helping us make sugar cookies...that is, when we could convince them not to eat all the dough.

There seemed to be so many other things, but i'll have to stop there. We are looking forward to this new year that will bring a lot of unknowns... a new baby boy, a new job which may even take us to a new location. It sure is an exciting time of life that requires a lot of faith, but we know that everything will work out in its own little way!

Trick or Treat

2009-11-05T10:43:00.000-08:00

We got to go to a few halloween parties this year. The one at The Little Gym and the one our ward put on. Unfortunately we did not win the chili cook off nor the costume contest although many people thought our outfit was a hit. I had to include the three amigos. they didn't win the costume contest either, but she put all the detail onto their suits with puff paint! I thought they desereved a blue ribbon. The pie eating contests was one of the last events of our halloween party. After that everyone felt a little sick...

Baby's heartbeat!

2009-10-26T11:08:00.000-07:00

Today Nate and I heard our baby's heartbeat. It was so fast and cute. Now it seems a lot more real. The doctor said everything looks good so that's a relief! The best part is that it kicked 2 times while we were listening to the heart beat. I had to hold my breath so I didn't make my belly jiggle but I wanted to laugh so bad. Anyway, we are excited to find out the sex in December and have the little guy May 1st. We think it's a boy. Any predictions?

PumPKin MAnia!

2009-10-22T11:37:00.001-07:00

We decided to carve pumpkins WAY too early in the season with some friends. It is now October 22nd and all that is left of them is a sludge mark that the decayed bottoms left behind. Oh well, it was a blast!

4th of July

2009-08-18T19:52:00.000-07:00

Nate and I saw that stadium of fire ticket prices were lowered this year so we decided to treat ourselves. We were a little sceptacle because we didn't really know who the Jonas Brothers were, but ended up really enjoying ourselves. Everyone told us that the fireworks weren't as great as previous years but they were big and sparkly so we were happy. Shedaisy was there, but the highlight of the night was definitely seeing all the little girls jumping up and down and screaming the Jonas Brothers' lyrics.

It's hard to see here, but they had thousands of little dancers from local dance studios. It was super cute!

I guess we're bloggers now!

2009-08-06T10:43:00.000-07:00

Have no fear...all you admirers of the Richards family can now officially check our blog. What did it, you ask? Was it the many times people asked us if we had a blog? Was it the encouragement of our new friends the Youngs blog that inspired us to join the blogging crew? Was it our obsession with watching videos on our family's blogs? Well...I guess it was a combination of all of it. No, but seriously, we're not really sure how this works yet. Keep checking, though, we'll be up and running in no time!