Family Update

It's been so long I can barely remember my account info! Life is great. I can't believe how fast Luke has grown up. He is approaching his 1st birthday. He has surpassed each of the girls...sporting EIGHT teeth for his first birthday! He just started to munch on a pear and I thought it was so cute.

Emily loves kindergarten and her teacher, Mrs. Holbrook. Her favorite subject is math and she loves to swing on the monkey bars. It has been so fun to watch her learn to read and write. I love all of my little notes from her all around the house!

Savannah just turned 4, but is already planning her 5th birthday (she's already told me what she wants for her breakfast in bed and on what tray I should use to bring it in to her)! She is thrilled about her pink sparkling shoes...and has almost worn them out in just a month. She is a very "attentive" sister and continues to try to carry Luke around by the neck.

A little over a year ago, Rick started working as a health insurance agent. It's been challenging, but he has really enjoyed it.

I have started to take sewing class every week and have loved this new hobby. My teacher is 84 years old and as sharp as a tac! She has so many great stories and is such a great example to me. I am also playing basketball on a city league again (this is our team's 3rd year together). We have a lot of fun together and I love the exercise.



My sister, her husband, and 3 kids had been staying in our basement (for 3 months) and just moved out at the beginning of the year. They sold their house and were buying another. It was so fun to have daily lunch dates with Michelle, a constant party for the cousins, trading off babysitting, family parties, etc. We miss them and are so grateful for the many memories! We are still glad they live close by.

Luke's Photo Shoot

My sweet friend, Adrian Johnson is starting a photography company and asked to take pictures of our little Luke. They turned out so cute and I am so thankful for her invitation! She does a great job and I would recommend her to everyone. To see more pictures of her work (and a few more of our little guy) go to her website at www.ADbugphotography.blogspot.com. Thanks Adrian!

Luke had to put his foot down...no more pictures, mom!

Baby Luke's Arrival...

We are thrilled to announce the arrival of Luke Richard on Tuesday, February 24th at 9:07 pm. I was induced 5 days past his due date...and boy am I happy that we didn't let him grow a day more! He weighed in at a whopping 8#13 ounces and 22 inches long.

The labor was a total of 12 hours, but only very intense for the last 2 1/2 hours. After encouragement from my midwife, I decided to try the labor without an epidural. I was doing great the whole day...but at about 7pm that night, I wished I had one. At that point, it was too late and there was no turning back. Rick was so supportive and I was grateful to have him there.

Emily and Savannah were so excited to have their new baby come home!

The proud daddy...

Although we have only been home a week...we have already had an "incident" with Savannah's new role as a "big sister". We were just sitting down to eat dinner and I looked over at the baby (who was sitting right by me in the swing). In a panic, I saw something green coming out of Luke's mouth. In the two seconds I had looked away, Savannah had thought it would be nice to share two little pieces of her green bean with her little brother. As you can imagine, we had a very important "teaching moment". Savannah absolutely adores Luke and has nicknamed him "Squeaky Toy."

Emily has been the best big sister and helper. She likes to check on Luke about every 2 minutes! She has had a rough week, after getting 3 staples in the back of her head. Brave girl!

A big "thank you" to my mom and mother-in-law and other family and friends who have showed their care and concern for us. We are so happy to welcome Luke into our family...and seem to be adjusting fine-for the moment (my mom goes home soon- that will be the test)!

Overcooked...

My due date has now come and gone...and yes, I am still pregnant. Thankfully, I am feeling good and grateful to have some extra time to prepare and enjoy life with just our two girls. I am a bit nervous for the delivery...I guess just hoping that it will be a little bit shorter and easier then the my previous two (18 hours and 8 hours). Also, I am so excited to meet our little baby BOY....I hope he looks just like his dad--and a double bonus if he has his dad's temperament (his family said they couldn't get him to stop giggling). (Savannah's given us a "run for our money"---and I'll be honest, she's a mini-Marianne...a bit mischievous and determined). =)

So...talk about NESTING. I think Rick is so happy to have our baby here, so his "honey-do" list from his "pregnant and nesting wife" will dissolve. We finally finished the girl's room.
The hardest part was sanding and painting all of the furniture white. My friend Kim helped a lot with painting the walls and giving me decorating tips.

I love their closet...at least their is a place for things (I'm not saying the things always get there)!

The baby's room is almost done (we are still hanging things up on the wall). The bedding I chose is a "construction theme" with tractors...just perfect with his "Schlofman Tractor" family history (thanks for the logo-Dad).

Rick put up the chair rail and made the frame around the "Schlofman Tractor" logo. He did great for his first time...he's becoming quite the "handy-man". This is one of those added bonus' I didn't know about when I married him!
Now it's just a waiting game...I go to the doctor next on Monday. I don't think she'll let me go much over a week before inducing me. Exciting times!

Some Highlights

Savannah turned 3 on January 3rd. She is such a handful and a joy! She is determined and "full of life"...always keeping us laughing. She loves babies, dressing up, and giving kisses (unless she has chapstick on her lips--you'll have to wait until it wears off). I sure love you, Savannah!

Rick and I celebrated our 7th Wedding Anniversary on January 19th. We've known each other now for 10 years...and they have been the best of my life. Thanks for being such a great husband--I love you!

Yes...it's true. In anticipation of our little boy (coming in the next week or two), I've become a "Mini-Van Mom". It's actually really fun to drive and very convenient....not to mention my 3 and 4 year old think it's the coolest thing ever! I think Rick is even growing on the idea. =)

Scott came home from Iraq. We feel so blessed to have him back in the United States with us...now we just have to get him to open a practice in the West (he is now in Washington DC)!

One Brave little BOY!

Yes that's right...on February 19,2009 we are going to welcome a little BABY BOY into our family. We are very excited...but kind of nervous. How is this house of pink and dolls going to handle a little boy?
We feel very blessed and excited about our new adventure!

McCall, Idaho

At the end of July, we enjoyed a week in McCall, Idaho with my extended family. We spent most of our time:
playing in the sand (Uncle Scott helped Hannah and Emily "bury" Savannah in the sand),

riding on the jet skiis or boat,







biking around the lake (my parents deserve the "gold star" for finishing the 26 mile ride in a big rainstorm),










sailing on the "Hobie Cat" (my brother Scott's sailing class really paid off...with a little help from the "Brazilian Pro" my mom),









"catching up" with family (not to mention holding my newest nephew, Matthew),











and of course, what our family does best....EATING!









Another highlight was when the kids tried out the new ski Uncle Bill bought. Believe it or not, Emily (4 years old) was far more hesitant then Savannah (2 1/2 years old). Savannah didn't want to get off the ski!






Although my grandma didn't feel well, she still came. Thanks for a wonderful trip, Gammy!