The Ricks'

Sisters....

2011-10-15T11:45:00.000-07:00

Londyn turns the big 2!

2011-10-15T11:31:00.001-07:00

Excited to help make the birthday cupcakes when she woke up.

Finishing off the bowl, yum :)

Birthday GIRL............

L. O. N. D. Y. N.

(She doesn't like to look at the camera for her mom)

First bath

2011-10-11T10:33:00.000-07:00

As always, I'm way behind on keeping updated on the happenings with my family. These are pictures of Taylee's first sponge bath. Paisley is my "big helper" and tries to be the second mommy :)

Labor day surprise!

2011-09-18T19:34:00.000-07:00

My little Taylee Nicole arrived on Monday, September 5th at 5:34 am weighing in at 7lbs., 1oz and measuring 20 inches long. Here's our birth story:
On Sunday night around 10:00, I felt a few contractions during the car ride home after visiting my in laws. I noticed they were starting to pick up once we got home, but I didn't think too much of it since I was 38.3 weeks and never went early with my other two girls. After Paul and I put the girls down for the night, I decided to do the usual interventions that the labor nurses tell their patients: drink a large mug of water, lie down, soak in the tub, and watch to see if they continued or slowed down. After soaking in the tub, I continued to contract about every 2-3 minutes...but they weren't painful. At this point it was around midnight and I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep, so I thought I'd clean my house. Once everything was picked up, I decided I better pack a hospital bag since the contractions were still consistent after a few hours of monitoring. On a side note, I work in the labor and delivery unit where I'd be delivering and REALLY did not want to be one of those girls that come in just because they had a couple contractions and get sent home. I still wasn't really hurting with my contractions, but I was checked a few days ago and was a 4 and 80% effaced and with this being my third pregnancy, I thought I should just get things checked out. I was induced with my last two so I didn't know what it was like to "go into labor" on my own. I called the L&D unit to see how busy they were and let them know I'd probably be in shortly.
Paul and I arrived at the hospital around 2:00 am. My awesome coworkers had already decorated my room and set everything up. I felt kind of stupid because I REALLY didn't want this to be false labor after all the cute decorations and preparation that had already been done. (PS, my coworkers are the best!)After being placed on the monitors, my nurse checked me during a contraction and my water broke! I was dilated to a 5 and admitted for labor. I couldn't believe I was going to have my baby! My sweet nurse called the anesthetist knowing I was planning on an epidural at some point since he wasn't in house at the time.
A little history about this pregnancy...my doctor noticed early on that I had a low platelet count. We watched it close during my pregnancy and my platelets stayed around 100,000(normal is anything above 150,000). I was told it was gestational thrombocytopenia, a condition that can occur in 7-8% of pregnant women where platelet levels drop. For anyone that doesn't know, platelets are important for clotting the blood. In pregnancy, the problem with decreased platelets and recieving an epidural is the concern for an epidural hematoma, which can result in serious neurologic complications. Most hospitals won't place epidurals if platelet levels are below 100,000, but my anesthetist (who is THE best) said he'd be okay placing it if my platelet count was over 80,000...anyways history in a nutshell.
My labs were sent and although my platelet levels had always been right around 100,000, I didn't feel comfortable getting my epidural placed until I knew my results. I really wasn't hurting yet anyways. Anesthesia said he'd watch for the labs and then we'd go from there. Around 3:00, my labs came back at 80,000!!!! I thought my nurse was joking. Serioiusly, I had not mentally prepared myself for anything but a delivery with an epidural! I was in shock. The anesthetist said he'd still place the epidural but I really didn't feel comfortable with it. Paul and I were left alone for a few minutes and he asked if he could say a prayer. It was beautiful and exactly what I needed. I knew I didn't have a choice other than to go natural due to the fact that I was a wife and mother. But, I was SCARED and nervous. Being a labor nurse, I knew what happened with natural labor...it hurts, and it hurts BAD. I never really cared or even had the desire to ever experience natural labor. However, I mentally made the decision there was no other choice and went for it. Around 4:00, my contractions had spaced out so my doctor ordered to start me on pitocin. Again, I thought my nurse was joking! I've witnessed the difference pitocin makes on a natural labor: 1) it makes contractions stronger and more painful, 2) you have to stay in bed for continuous monitoring, and 3) my water was already broke so I knew it would be that more intense feeling the pressure with each contraction...but I trusted my doctor and knew he wouldn't intentionally torture me (hopefully:)
Around 5:00, I was hurting pretty bad and had my nurse check me. I was at a 7. I decided a dose a pain medication would be okay at this point. Once she gave me the medication, I had a couple contactions where I was able to slightly relax, and then I felt like I needed to PUSH! My doctor was called and raced to the hospital. In the meantime, my nurse coached me through the remaining contractions. She mainly said "Don't push!" Let me tell you, it is SO hard to fight against what your body is telling you to do. I focused only on her voice and tried to do what she said.
Before I knew it, my doctor was in the room and my sweet baby was born.

And I was blessed with this...

So relieved to have her here!

Taylee meeting her excited sisters for the first time :)

First day home!

2011-06-26T16:45:00.000-07:00

So it's been forever since I've posted...like a year, I know. I started feeling a little guilty, so here I am :) Paisley is growing up so fast, sassy and 3. She loves to participate in anything athletic, rough house with her dad, ride her bike, and play with her little sister. Londyn is 20 months and a big sweetheart. She LOVES her babies, snuggling, and playing with our malamute Maya. She would spend all day outside if you'd let her. These two little girls are connected at the hip, and entertain each other all day. We will be adding our third little girl to our family in September. We are all excited to meet her. Paisley asks almost daily if her little sister is coming. She seems to understand more than I would've thought. When I eat different things, she says "the baby likes pickles, etc. huh mom." She'll tell Londyn not to "smash the baby" if she's climbing on me. Last night I was pushing on my belly trying to see where her head was and Paisley saw and said "mom, don't hurt the baby." Too funny, she makes me laugh. We love our little girlies and can't wait to see what one more brings. (Hopefully not too much chaos.)

We went to the zoo Zoo ZOO!!!

2010-06-20T14:34:00.000-07:00

Paul and I took the girls to the zoo yesterday. I wasn't sure if Paisley would be all that interested in looking at all the animals, but she LoVeD it. It was great to finally get outside. It was such a warm, sunny, beautiful day!

2010-06-20T14:33:00.001-07:00

Milestones

2010-05-29T18:20:00.000-07:00

Londyn started crawling right at 7 months. She loves to follow everyone around the house, which is so fun. She babbles all the time and can now say mamama, dada, and huh-uh. She says all this randomly and doesn't associate it yet. However, I like to think her first word was mama, since Paisley said dada first :)

And just because, I thought I'd share the bed head Paisely wakes up with in the morning and after naps. CrAzY hAiR! She also loves to strip off her clothes once she's in bed at night. I just love that I can't keep pajamas on my child. That explains the no shirt in these pictures.

Just a little update

2010-05-16T10:46:00.000-07:00

Paisley got to go swimming yesterday with her cousin Landon. She was so excited. Paisley is our little daredevil!!! Always up for a thrill.

Londyn is 7.5 months and is growing too fast! It makes me so sad. She is crawling all over the place and is into everything she can get her hands on. She loves to pull herself up to a standing position. I'm sure it won't take long before she's running right beside Paisley. Londyn loves her baby food and acts like a little baby bird whenever we have something to eat. She waits patiently, hoping she can get a bite too. :) She is such a mellow, sweet tempered girl.

Soooo tired, mama

2010-04-28T16:46:00.000-07:00

I had to laugh when I found Londyn asleep like this today. I left the room for a minute to get Paisley her crayons so she could color and when I came back, Londyn was trying to pick up her binky with her mouth. Once she got it, she was out. LoVe It!!!

Bear World

2010-04-26T22:54:00.000-07:00

Multitasking :)

2010-04-17T16:07:00.000-07:00

Birthday wishes

2010-04-17T15:14:00.001-07:00

On Easter weekend, we went up to my parents house to celebrate Paisley, my brother Dallin, and I's birthday. The morning before we left, the roads to Teton Valley were closed, so the drive to Victor was pretty exciting! Anyway, it's always great to get together with my siblings and family. We also had lots of fun coloring/decorating easter eggs with the kids. On my actual birthday, Paul surprised me with a dozen roses, a canon rebel camera, and a shopping giftcard! We went on a date later that day and had a awesome time. I've been completely spoiled by my husband lately (he's surprised me with 4 pairs of new shoes within the last couple months :) He totally knows my taste, I love them all). Thanks for being so sweet!!!

My grandma, mom, Paisley, Londyn, and me.

Flying Kites

2010-04-17T15:04:00.000-07:00

Paisley and her cousin Landon were given kites from Grandma and Grandpa Ricks for Easter. We were able to try them out a few weeks ago. They had so much fun!

Happy 2nd birthday Paisley!!!

2010-04-02T15:46:00.000-07:00

My little Paisley turned 2 yesterday! We had a fun filled day getting ready for her party. Paisley had been asking for her cake all week so as soon as she woke up yesterday morning, she "helped" me make her cake. We had a party over at Grandma and Grandpa Ricks' house, where she had tons of fun with her partner in crime (cousin Landon) tearing open her presents. We are so excited to celebrate her birthday again at Grandma and Grandpa Calderwood's on Saturday with all my family. I love you baby girl...

2010-04-02T15:41:00.001-07:00

My babies

2010-03-21T13:39:00.001-07:00

I love that my girls are really starting to interact with each other and that Paisley has a constant little buddy to play with. My poor little Londyn is such a tough little girl to put up with all the rough n' tumble of her busy sister. Even though Paisley thinks she can pick her up, "wrestle wrestle", and tag her along everywhere she goes, Londyn is such a trooper and loves her older sister. I just adore these little girls!!!

Paisley loves to look through the phone books. I promise she has better books to read to her sister :)

I love Londyn's expression in this picture. I think she's trying to tell me to "stop taking pictures and save me mom!!!"

Sisters

2010-03-14T19:57:00.000-07:00

Winter fun

2010-01-06T12:12:00.000-08:00

Sledding!!!

SnOwBoArDiNg!
My husband patiently waiting for me...I got stuck in the powder. He was a trooper, it definately has been a while since I've gone.
Me and one of my new Christmas gifts from Paul-a new snowboard!!!
Love that boy :)

Christmas '09 with the Ricks'

2009-12-28T14:33:00.001-08:00

Blessing and Christmas party

2009-12-13T19:22:00.000-08:00

We've had such a fun and eventful weekend! On Saturday, we went up to my mom and dad's house in Victor and had a family Christmas party. We played out in the snow, which was really fun because it was Paisley's first time, and she LOVED it. She didn't want to go back inside! It was fun to see my family and let the grandkids play together. Today Paul blessed Londyn and afterwards we had a dinner with our families at my in-laws. It was just a great weekend! Also, my sister-in-law Jayleen is pregnant and is having her 20 wk ultrasound on Wednesday. I'm so excited to see what's she having... :)

My Girlies...

2009-12-09T19:10:00.001-08:00

2 months.

2009-12-09T18:46:00.000-08:00

Londyn turned two months on the first of December. I love to see her personality show a little more each day. :) She now weighs 10#8oz (25th percentile), is 22 and 3/4" long (60th percentile) and has a head circumference of 39cm (50th percentile). She loves to smile and coo, especially when it comes to playing with her dad. She sleeps through the night and is really just a big sweetie pie. Paisley LOVES her "sissy" and always wants to hold her. First thing every morning she asks, "Where's the baby?" We do have to watch her extremely close because she doesn't understand what being soft means yet. It gets a little interesting sometimes! We are pretty well adjusted now with having a 20 month old and 2 month old, Paul working full time days and going to school part-time, and me working full time nights at the hospital. We want to avoid sending our kids to day care so we make it work, with the great help of my inlaws. They've saved us countless times!

Love this girl...

2009-11-17T18:01:00.000-08:00

Londyn's newborn pictures

2009-11-03T10:26:00.000-08:00

Here's a preview of Londyn's newborn pictures. The photographer is a good friend from work. She just started doing professional photography not too long ago and does incredible work! Thanks Cass, I'm so excited! I love all of them. Check out her photography blog at www.pinkpaisley1.blogspot.com.

HaPpY HaLlOwEeN!!!

2009-10-31T22:36:00.000-07:00

Our Halloween this year consisted of Paisley getting all dressed up as a fairy princess (I had an excuse to slip her a little mascara-he he), going to Grandpa and Grandma Ricks' house, getting candy at a Trunk-or-treat, and watching college football (our Saturday ritual-Paul's a sports FANATIC). Paisley tagged along with Aunt Jayleen's little boy, Landon, and had her first real Halloween experience!

Current events

2009-10-31T22:01:00.000-07:00

Life definitely has been interesting at our house lately. A couple weeks ago, Paul wanted to do some hunting and set up some bear bait. It was our first time out together since I had Londyn and it was so nice to get outside and spend some time with each other. On our way home, we hit a deer which put Paul's truck in the shop for a week (He went through major with drawl not having his Titan). The next week, Paisley got sick with the flu. We sent Londyn over to Paul's parents house for four days so she didn't get sick too. That was one of the hardest things I've had to do. I needed to stay with Paisley so she wouldn't get other people sick. It was so sad, Paisley just wanted to lay down and be held all day (which is unusual because she is an energizer bunny). After Paul got home from work, I would go over to my in laws to bring over milk and hold my little Londyn. Needless to say, Paul and I were so relieved to have our family back together after four long days! Just for memories, here's a picture of Paul in all of his hunting get-up.

Our family of four

2009-10-09T22:04:00.000-07:00

My sister Laci sent some pictures she took right after Londyn was born. I am so glad to have them! As you can see, Paisley didn't quite know what to think of this whole experience.

2009-10-09T22:03:00.001-07:00

INTRODUCING...

2009-10-03T23:17:00.000-07:00

LONDYN EMMA RICKS. Our little girl arrived on Thursday, October 1st at 11:01 pm. She weighed in at 7#6oz and measured 20" long. We are so relieved to have her here healthy and safe!
Paul and I arrived at the hospital around 12:30 Thursday afternoon. My doctor attempted an external cephalic version, which has a 30-50% success rate, to try and turn our breech baby. Luckily, she turned and tolerated the procedure pretty well. I was then induced with pitocin and labored all afternoon and evening. I was complete around 10:00 pm and started pushing. Londyn was posterior, so after 45 min. of little progress with pushing, my doctor decided to use a vacuum, hoping to help assist this little girl out. With 2 unsuccessful attempts, she didn't budge. I kept pushing for 10 more min. and my doctor was able to rotate her head around to an anterior position. With the next contraction, she was here!
Londyn is such a sweet, content little girl. I feel so blessed to have two healthy girls. I am so lucky to work in labor and delivery and with such amazing people. I was very well taken care of and I feel so blessed that I am able to work with my best friends.

2 more days!!

2009-09-29T20:26:00.000-07:00

We will be meeting our new little girl on Thursday, Oct 1st! The little stink is breech, so I am going into the hospital on Thursday for an external version to attempt turning her. If she turns, I'll be induced for a vaginal delivery. However, if she remains breech, I'll go straight back for a c/section. Either way, she'll be here in a couple days!! We are so excited. :)

35 WEEKS!

2009-09-05T11:38:00.000-07:00

5 more weeks!!! I can't wait to meet this new addition. My pregnancy has been great, the only thing I could really whine about is heartburn. This pregnancy has been just about the same as when I was pregnant with Paisley. I can't believe Paul and I are going to be parents of 2 in our 3 yrs of marriage! This is definately a change in what we originally planned. As crazy as it is, we wouldn't have it any other way.

We went to a Skyline football game last night and I couldn't help but snap this picture of these two. Aren't they the cutest?

Our Paisley Jaye

2009-09-05T11:01:00.000-07:00

Paisley's favorite activity these days is watching her favorite show Finding Nemo, wrapping up in a blanket, and having a snack. She would watch this show over and over is she could get away with it. I love this little girl! I can't believe how fast she is growning up. She is talking all the time and is constantly busy, busy, busy. As soon as her dad walks in the door from work, she's joined at his hip. She doesn't leave him alone; he's got a cute little buddy :)

The imaginations of kids! Paisley took my velveeta cheese container and thought it'd work perfect as a pair of shoes, crazy girl.

Weekend in Island Park

2009-08-17T21:08:00.000-07:00

We spent this last weekend in Island Park with my family boating, fishing, and hanging out at the cabin. It was so nice to get away and relax in the sun! Paisley loves to play with my sister Laci's kids Seth and Kinley. Thanks for a great weekend mom and dad. :)

2009-08-17T21:03:00.000-07:00

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2009-08-17T20:59:00.000-07:00

Paisley's one yr old pictures

2009-06-19T10:41:00.001-07:00

Paisley's new pictures

2009-06-12T20:04:00.000-07:00

Paisley had her pictures taken on Thursday and the photographer sent me a sample. I love it! I can't wait to get the rest.

3 YRS!!!

2009-06-10T12:11:00.001-07:00

2009-06-10T12:09:00.000-07:00

On June 6th, Paul and I celebrated our 3 yr anniversary. Paul, I love you and can't believe 3 years have already past. Thank you for all the best memories and experiences we've shared. You are such a determined, hardworking person and I love you for all the effort you put towards Pais and I. You are so patient and I love you for being able to put up with all girls (with one more on the way!) I love you bud, Happy Anniversary!!!

2009-06-10T12:01:00.001-07:00

2009-06-10T12:01:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how fast they grow...

2009-05-18T16:33:00.001-07:00

Ultrasound and pregnancy pics

2009-05-03T21:40:00.000-07:00

So here are some pictures of my belly at 17 weeks. We had an ultrasound for a sex check and they think its another girl! I'm going to have my 20 week ultrasound around 22-23 weeks to make sure it really is a girl. Anyway, were excited!

2009-05-03T21:36:00.000-07:00

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2009-05-03T21:32:00.000-07:00

Ponytails!

2009-04-22T16:20:00.000-07:00

2009-04-22T16:19:00.000-07:00

Oh Paisley...

2009-04-20T17:35:00.000-07:00

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2009-04-20T17:33:00.000-07:00

1st Birthday

2009-04-01T21:18:00.000-07:00

Today Paisley turned 1! I can't believe she's been here for a year--time flies! We had a birthday party with our families at the Aquatic Center since Paisley loves to swim. I made a barbie cake for Paisley and thought that she'd tear into it. Needless to say, she would hardly take a bite! We had such a fun day with a party, swimming, and then out to Garcia's with Paul's family. Happy birthday my little Paisley Jaye! I love you to pieces!

2009-04-01T21:05:00.001-07:00

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2009-04-01T21:03:00.000-07:00

All three

2009-04-01T21:02:00.002-07:00

2009-04-01T21:02:00.001-07:00

2009-04-01T21:02:00.000-07:00

2009-04-01T21:01:00.000-07:00

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2009-04-01T20:59:00.000-07:00

Another Bun in the Oven

2009-03-30T18:11:00.000-07:00

That's right, we're pregnant! I'm 12 weeks along. Paul and I are really excited and can't wait to have another little one running around. Paisley is so social and LOVES to play with other kids, so we think she'll be just as thrilled. I can't believe we're already doing this again!

Like mother like daughter

2009-03-28T15:36:00.000-07:00

My daughter loves apples as much as I do. Any time I have one in hand, she wants her own. We went swimming this last week while we were in Boise for Paul's work meetings and she grabbed an apple and went on her way!

2009-03-28T15:24:00.001-07:00

2009-03-28T15:24:00.000-07:00

2009-02-03T21:36:00.000-08:00

My little Paisley, so full of life. We went to see dad at work. She LOVES her dad :).

2009-02-03T21:34:00.000-08:00

Paisley can't help but be in the middle of EVERYTHING. She loves to pull everything out of cupboards, her drawers, spread toys throughout the house, etc. She definately thinks she is my little helper. Anytime I fold the laundry, open the dishwasher, or make dinner, she's right at my hip.

Tonight, while Paul was making sure his snowboard was ready to go for tomarrow, Paisley thought she needed to help out too. She cracks me up!

2009-02-03T21:25:00.001-08:00

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2009-02-03T21:24:00.000-08:00

Paisley's first steps

2009-01-09T11:56:00.000-08:00

Paisley took her first steps about a week ago. She's getting better at the whole walking thing each day. This is a video of her first day (I recorded the video sideways and can't figure out how to rotate it, sorry!)

2009-01-04T15:20:00.000-08:00

So this is what Santa brought to my husband. He'd been telling me he needs a 4-wheeler for "hunting." I guess he was a good boy this year...

2009-01-02T15:33:00.000-08:00

My husband bought me a piano for Christmas! I'm so excited because I haven't been able to play a whole lot since we've been married. I absolutely love it...

Our Christmas

2009-01-02T15:20:00.001-08:00

2008-12-30T18:23:00.000-08:00

My little Paisley turned 9 months on the 1st. I can't believe how fast time has gone since she was born. Paul and I love her to pieces! She is our best little buddy.

Paisley in her Christmas dress from Grandma Betsy...

2008-12-21T17:23:00.000-08:00

Fishing in the Summer

2008-12-02T10:36:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD! We love you, Mom and Paisley

2008-11-24T18:58:00.000-08:00

.

2008-11-23T14:52:00.000-08:00

2008-11-18T11:02:00.001-08:00

2008-11-15T06:54:00.000-08:00

I LOVE MY DADDY!

2008-11-15T06:47:00.000-08:00

Me and my baby......don't mind the camping chairs, I hadn't put them away from camping the day before. :)

Our Little Paisley

2008-11-12T10:36:00.000-08:00

2008-11-12T10:24:00.000-08:00

wedding

2008-11-11T14:06:00.001-08:00

Our Wedding

2008-11-11T11:39:00.000-08:00