Roxy and Mia's Blessing Day

What a fun day. Roxy and Mia, Jon and Ashley's little girl got to share this day. Both Rich and Jon gave the girls beautiful blessings and the testimonies shared were beautiful. It was so fun for these two to share such a fun day. We hope they will always be close, like sisters.

Welcome Roxy!

We have had a very exciting few weeks. On August 29th at 1:32 pm we welcomed baby Roxy to our family. She weighed 7 lbs 15 oz (biggest baby to date) and was 20 inches long. I have to admit getting her here was not easy. After 3 dates of scheduled inductions that didn't happen, I was convinced I was in for another stubborn child but so far, she is a gem. She sleeps well, eats well and I love those big eyes of hers. Most everyone who knows me, knows I am not a baby person but guess what I am singing a different tune. All I want to do is hold her. Maybe it is because I know she is my last.

The kids are great with her. Piper is a second mother and always willing to help me out. Thayne loves to hold her and call her "sweetheart" and Micah....well it was touch and go for a few days but he is great with her too! No doubt that she was meant to be in our family and now it is complete.

Some other big new. Our house is pretty much done. The boys moved from cribs to the downstairs and into bunk beds and are doing quite well. Rich finally cut the tip off Micah's binky and now he thinks it is gross. I know he misses it and secretly so do I. Everyone who knows Micah knows it is his trademark. In fact some people don't even recognize him without it. Piper started kindergarten and happily announced after the first day that she "LOVES IT!" Thayne started preschool and he has announced that he doesn't like it and he isn't nice. So many afternoons it is just Micah, Roxy and me. They sleep and I get some time to clean and work. Rich did a great job on the house and it will be nice to not have all of his time devoted to this house.

Basically things are going smoother and better than I thought. I love this little family and know that I am blessed to have four healthy and somewhat happy children and a great husband.

Summer Update

It has been such a busy summer but so much fun. Between the remodeling the house, swim lessons, birthdays and getting ready for baby number four, there hasn't been a dull moment. I thought I'd add some pictures and do another blog when Rich gets our photos downloaded.

Piper became an awesome swimmer. Watch out swim team next year!

Unsure at first about swim lessons, Thayner ended up loving his lessons and did the best belly flops off the diving board.

Big shocker, Micah crying. He is getting better and he is off the bottle.

And it only took him six weeks to get in the water. He is stubborn.

Thayner's 3rd Birthday! Thanks to Missy, Thayner got his baseball cupcakes.

For now that is it. Stay tune for more Summer fun and baby news!

"I a big boy!"

I will be the first to admit that I am not a real ambitious mother. I just kind of let things happen when they happen. However, Monday night as we were having family night, Rich and I talked to the kids about setting goals. Most everyone knows that I let Piper fall asleep to TV each night. I have been less than motivated to potty train Thayner and my two year old, still has a bottle. So we set the following goals. Piper would get a few stories at night and then would have to go to bed. We did say it was OK to listen to her primary CD. Thayne needed to be potty trained sooner than later and Micah would have to lose the bottle.

Tuesday, I had no motivation at all. I just wanted to stay home. However, after months of excuses from Thayne, such as "I not wear my Diego underwear, I like diapers." or "I not a big boy, I a baby." or my favorite, "I not go to Discovery, I not like school." he finally gave it a try. Since Tuesday, he has been in big boys and only has had one accident.

I promised him that I would get him a kiddie pool and that is all it took. I haven't had to do little treats or anything else. So on Tuesday night, Piper, Thayner, Micah and I went to Wal-Mart to get his pool. This definitely benefited them all and they had a great time. Now only if the weather would get good again so they could use it some more.

On to Piper, she has done her goal the last three nights and I am so proud of her. She knew she couldn't start kindergarten watching TV at night and I know after a 2 1/2 year habit, it was hard to break but she didn't.

As for Micah, two goals in one week may be enough because I
haven't even attempted. I have a feeling this is going to be the
hardest one to break. And after the bottle, we have the Binky. I don't know why I let my mother convince me that Binky's are so wonderful. I mean it has been great but I just don't love getting rid of it.

Cha Cha Cha Changes

What an interesting week and it is only Tuesday. I thought I would title this changes and then I thought of the good old David Bowie song and thought I'd add a little Cha Cha to the title. One of the last times I heard that song was one of my last days on my mission. We were in downtown Copenhagen and it was playing. I remember thinking how my life was going to change quite drastically from my mission. I guess, change is a good thing....once you accept it.

After a week of speculation, I mean assuming it happened, the two wards that meet in our ward building were combined. I have to admit, it was a change I wasn't sure about but something has stuck out in my mind. I was in the mother's lounge with Micah during most of the changes, but I believe it is our new Bishop, Mike Anderson who said change is what the Gospel is about. When he first said that, I thought well isn't the Gospel the same yesterday, today and forever but when he continued on to talk about repentance, that hit me hard. The Gospel is about change and growing and repentance. And aren't we lucky that it is?

To be honest the hardest part for me is my calling. I feel selfish for saying this but it has been a huge blessing in my life. It was an answer to my prayers in many ways. Most of all, it helped me to get to know so many of the sisters in my neighborhood and ward. I can't even begin to express the impact that the sisters of the old Wilford 1st Ward have had on me...old and young. I have made some wonderful friends and have found so many sisters to look up to and I can not express enough how fortunate I feel to know the sisters in this area. I have been quite emotional and will miss this calling but as a dear older sister said today, you will have other opportunities.

I have learned so much from the sisters I served with in the presidency. I have also been blessed to have two fabulous leaders and a wonderful committee. The Relief Society organization is truly a blessing from God and I am so blessed to have it in my life. Thank you to each sister who has been a example and friend

So onto something lighter. Mother's day. Isn't it great to be a mom. Piper for weeks has been talking about Mother's Day. On Sunday morning, she came up to my room and told Rich to get up so they could get Mother's day ready. I wasn't allowed to get out of bed. I knew they were going to make me a fabulous breakfast in bed. However, the next thing I know Rich walks in and apologizes because he has rewired our whole kitchen and he didn't get the stove done. I was fine with that. We had coco puffs and less of a mess to cleanup in our bathroom, since our kitchen is fully out of order.

Church even with the changes was nice. Piper gave a talk in Primary and did a great job. Micah made it through nursery for the second week in a row and I got to have snack time with Thayner in nursery.

After church Rachel, Katie and I (members of the RS presidency) got to visit some of the older sisters in the ward. You just have to love those older sisters. Between trying to get a sweet sister to understand that Rachel and I are two different people and being told your face is full and you look different, it made for some good laughs. I was going to include a picture Rich took of me on Saturday, but I it only confirms the full face and enlarged nose.

Finally dinner at Heidi's with the family. It was so fun. I got to hold my sisters new baby a lot of the night and hopefully he won't end up sick. My kids had a great time playing kick the can and steal the flag and once again I am reminded of how blessed I am to be part of such an awesome family. The only bad part, I ate too much. This pregnancy I am eating for two. And next year at this time, I will be a mother of four.

The Best Day of My Life

For a year now, Piper has been bugging me to do soccer. So when Ashley asked if she wanted to do soccer with JD, I knew we had to sign her up.

Last Thursday was her first practice and game. She is on a team of seven boys and three girls and no big surprise, but she loves it. They have these fancy neon green jerseys, which is quite appropriate because it looks a lot like her new bright green room. The team name is the green aliens. Of course Piper suggested the green mermaids or green princesses. I am guessing that didn't go over too well with the boys because her suggestions lost out.

She is the smallest on the team but she is right there in the middle of all the action. She is competitive and aggressive. Not sure who she gets that from, certainly not her parents. The best part was when she came running off the field and said, "That was the best day ever mom. Even better than my birthday and Christmas." I guess I am off the hook next birthday and Christmas, I'll just make sure she plays soccer year round.


The first game was a huge success and they even won. Piper even took one for the team. She and a little boy were trying to score and bonked heads. She managed to get a little bit of a black eye but it hasn't stopped her at all, she LOVES it!

Well things are back to normal in this house. Micah is feeling better and is making up for not eating for ten days. His new favorites - Costa Vida and Cafe Rio. He eats more than Piper and Thayne put together. I am glad to see him eating. He has even started talking more. He says ball, catch, hand, up, down, etc.. Now I am sure some of you are thinking big deal, he's two, but it is a big deal to us. I never thought he'd talk. He even made it through nursery today. Maybe he is growing up. Just in time for ?

Week in review

What a crazy few weeks we have had. The biggest event of each day is keeping Micah from breaking out in a fever, cleaning up his throw up or changing his messy diapers. After two weeks of me saying something is wrong with this child beyond his normal crankiness, we found out he has phenomena. The poor kid and I don't say that often about Micah. He is losing weight and miserable. You'd think I'd be glad for modern day medicine but what I am learning is it is hard to get good help when your child is sick. I hope he will start getting better for all of our sanity, including his.

Wednesday after a two hour insta care visit, I went to Piper's spring performance. In true Hilarie fashion, I never plugged the video camera in and the camera battery was dead. It was the dang cutest performance and I have nothing to show for it. There is something about a group of enthusiastic 5 years singing that makes you smile. Her class sang songs like, Octopus's Garden by the Beatles and one voice is a solo, two a duet. Not only was it fun watching Piper, I equally enjoyed sitting by Thayner and watching his little body that can't hold still. It is fun to see him coming out of his shell.

The remodeling is coming along. Piper's room is almost done. She chose green and it is definitely green. But with her cute hot pink bedding, kitchen and new dresser from Jon and Ashley, it is turning out darling. If I ever get my battery charged, maybe I'll post some pictures. Thank goodness for Mimi because she keeps showing up with little additions to add to her room. We start the kitchen in a couple of weeks and the rest of the basement is coming along well. I am praying we are done for when the baby comes.

So update on baby girl. She is active and moving and I am trying to get Micah use to the idea of a baby. We are still debating names. I can't keep up with Piper, one day she loves a name the next day she can't stand it and if I like it, then it definitely is no good. Good thing it is my baby. I tell her when she has her baby, she can name it whatever she pleases. Thank heavens for opinionated children. Any suggestions?

Well I guess that is it maybe next week will bring more excitement!

It's OFFICIAL!

Decorations by Steph and Rachel

Today was ultrasound day and what a day it was. I guess to start, I should go back to last night. I had a dream that I went to my ultrasound and for some reason no one came with me. All I could think was where is Piper, she will be so sad she isn't here. Then in my dream, there it was a definite shot of a boy baby. I woke up this morning convinced the dream was preparing me for another boy.

I had to keep busy today because I was so excited to go. I went to lunch with my mom and sisters and of course Piper kept informing everyone that today was the day she was going to my ultasound. She also let them know that she really wanted a sister but anytime I came around she would say, "The only thing that matters is that the baby is healthy and strong."

So the time came and Rich, Piper, Thayne and I headed out to the hospital. We were all so excited and a little nervous. Rich and I both said we knew it would be a boy. Once again I think we were trying to prepare ourselves. Now I know it isn't the end of the world to have three boys but as you all know, the two we have, well they are a handful. Piper was just so easy and I could use easy. I also know that we aren't guaranteed an easy baby because she is a girl but I just kept hoping for Piper to have a sister because sisters are the best.

Anyway, the ultrasound started and they started at the top and moved down. Everything looks great. The brain, heart, hands, toes, spine, etc. I was so relieved. I have had three healthy children and I just prayed that we would have one more. You can imagine by this time, Piper was going crazy. She kept asking, "When do we find out what the baby is?" And then Rich said, " I think I saw something." Of course with my eyes, I couldn't see anything but it turned out that Rich was wrong because there was nothing there. IT"S A GIRL! Piper got her wish. I couldn't believe it and was stunned. It finally sunk in when the Dr. came in and confirmed it was a girl.

We were all excited. Piper and I decided to play a trick on Mimi. I told Piper to call in and in her sad voice tell Mimi it was a boy. Piper is quite the actress because she had Mimi fooled and then Thayner got on the phone and said, "just kidding, it's a girl."

We have been celebrating all night. Our celebration dinner was at none other than the Training Table. We had a fun night walking around the neighborhood and then Piper learned how to ride a two wheeler. She picked it up quite quickly and was so happy. Rich did a fabulous job teaching her. Good thing he can run fast because I am barely moving these days.

The celebrating went on. I decided to come in and write this blog and I thought Rich was still outside with Piper and Thayne. And then the doorbell was ringing and there was knocking at the door and I couldn't believe Rich was letting the kids go on and on. But the phone rang and it was my friend Steph on the phone. I originally needed her help on this blog but figured things out but she said, "Come outside." I walked upstairs, opened the door and bam! what a surprise. I yelled because my whole front porch was decorated in pink, thanks to Steph and Rachel. Operation baby girl was a success and very appreciated. Those two are quite sneaky but just watch out. I laughed so hard my stomach muscles hurt. It is the best workout they have had in months.

Needless to say it was an awesome day. I can not tell you how blessed I feel. I have my fourth baby on the way. A healthy baby girl. I have three great kids who keep me moving and laughing. I have a wonderful husband, who is very supportive and I have great friends and family. Most of all, I have the Gospel and I am grateful for answered prayers and for all I have been given.

Thanks again to all of you who have made this day so special.

It's a GIRL or maybe a boy!

I could not be more excited to find out what I am having. I feel like I have been waiting forever. I have been tempted as some of you know on many occasions to visit our local fetal photo but I just haven't done it. Even with the nudging But I did do my own test. I decided to go online and do the Chinese test. Guess what, it is a girl. However, it did inform me that I have a 50% chance of having a boy. Seriously those odds are amazing. Well 10 days and I will officially know and if I have a blue screen that day (Steph I will need help) it is a boy. If I have a pink page that day, it is a girl.

So after years of being happy in ignorance, I have started a food storage. It is minor but I started it. I am very grateful to my friend Amy for dragging me around to four different stores. I am also glad that I have friends that I can admit I am clueless to and they can help. So if you need veggies, peanut butter, evaporated milk or honey, you know who to call.

The VonTrapp Family Easter

Twice a year I like to find outfits for the kids. Christmas and Easter. Well this year I brought outfits home for the kids and Rich says, "They look like the VonTrapp kids" from Sound of Music. So we now lovingly refer to this Easter as the VonTrapp Family Easter. However it was a great Easter and I was very happy to find their outfits. And considering Sound of Music is my favorite movie and Piper and Thayne like it to, I think it is rather appropriate. Thayne even sings in his demon voice, "when the dog bites."

Easter morning was fun. The kids loved their baskets and I have enjoyed the candy. Micah and Thayne love the balls and Piper was thrilled the Easter Bunny brought Enchanted.

The Easter egg hunt went fast considering we spent all of last Saturday tearing out our basement and we only had 12 Easter eggs dyed. It was cold anyway and by the end of it, Micah's hands were frozen.

Of course Mimi did her big Easter party and Easter egg hunt. The kids had so much fun and got lots of candy. Dinner was fabulous and with this pregnancy I am eating for two. I went home very full and sick. Well we had a great Easter and hope all of you did to. We are so grateful for all of our family and friends. Happy Spring!

Trip to Moab

Last Friday I was talking to Rich and mentioned that it would be fun to pack up and go to Moab for the weekend. I should know better than to say anything in front of Piper because when she heard that it was all over. Our five year old simply had to go because she had never been. Ho deprived. So by 1:00 pm the next day, the mini-van was packed and we were on our way.

The trip down went relatively smooth. Fortunately for us, Micah slept all but an hour of the drive. Thayne slept a little and watched movies the rest of the time. It was Piper who asked every 5 seconds, "when are we getting to Chicago?" Now for a little girl who has an incredible memory, she can't remember that Moab isn't Chicago and that St. George isn't New York. However, I am quite glad she is so easy to please. We could say we were going to France and take her to Idaho. She wouldn't know the difference.

We pulled into Moab and I remembered why I love it so much. The temperature was over 70 degrees and the sun was setting over the red rocks. I was so happy to be there. However, we walked into the motel and of course, it looked nothing like it did on the Internet. Piper was so excited to swim but the pool was gross, green and full of chlorine. The boys and I wouldn't step foot in it. I am just glad Rich is a trooper and would swim with Piper. We decided this wouldn't do and that tomorrow we would switch hotels and go to the only other hotel with an open and supposedly heated pool.

On Sunday we woke up and we were off for a hike. We made it into arches and the kids were amazed. We had decided to hike to Delicate Arch. We didn't think it would be too bad. We could carry Mic ah in the backpack and help Thayne and Piper. Driving into the park, I was reading the map. It said it should take 3 hours to hike 3.5 miles to the arch. I laughed and said, "who takes 3 hours to hike that short of a distance?" Apparently, they were talking about us. We got started and the weather changed from the 70's the day before to the 30's. Micah wanted nothing to do with the backpack and I was determined to make it to the top and have fun doing it. Well we did make it. Stubborn Micah had to hike most of the way. Kick back Thayne wanted to be carried and Piper wanted to prove how tough she was and she was.

At the top it was cold and windy. We spent enough time to see the arch, take some pictures and scramble on some rocks and then we were out of there. Rich forced Micah into the backpack, threw Thayne on his shoulders and bailed. Piper and I hung back and Piper decided it was a great time to discuss the world.

We did finally make it back to the car. Within minutes Micah was asleep in the car and Thayne and Piper down 2 peanut butter sandwiches. We drove around Arches and then headed to the hotel.

The new hotel was much nicer but the pool clearly wasn't heated. It didn't stop Piper and of course once again, Rich was a trooper and swam with her. We got some dinner and called it a night.

So Sunday was interesting but Monday was beautiful. It was still cold but we were off again to Arches for more hiking. Piper couldn't climb enough rocks. She is gutsy and fearless and that made me nervous. We had a few lessons in climbing and any place she could climb, she would. She earned the name, desert rat.

Are final hike was to Landscape Arch. Once again little Micah had to walk and he did. He hike almost the full two miles. Thayne was up and down and Piper, well she hit her breaking point. She had a fit like I have never seen from her. It was understandable, they worked hard and played hard and I think they all were exhausted.

It was time to go home. Piper actually only asked a handful of times when we'd be home. Thayne slept almost the whole way and Micah did well considering he got home and threw up for the next three hours.

All in all it was fun and spontaneous and just what we needed. Rich made the comment that it probably wasn't like the old days of high school and college down in the desert but to be honest it was better. It was harder but better. I am grateful that Piper inherited spontaneity and hope she keeps us moving.

The Sedgwick's

So I had a few friends recommend starting a blog and so here I go. It has been a busy year for our family and it is only going to get crazier.

Rich is flying for Skywest and loves it. We love it because he is home a lot. He wants to upgrade to captain but I am in no hurry. It is nice having him around and what a huge help he is. We are adding a bedroom to our basement and he is doing a lot of the work. I think we are outgrowing this house with another baby on the way.

Then there is Piper. Piper is Piper. She keeps us moving and can't stand not having plans each day. She is in preschool, dance and wants to start the violin and sewing. She loves lunch at Hires with her mimi and aunts and play dates with her friends and cousin JD. She is developing that 5 year old attitude and she thinks she is the boss. I guess Rich and I haven't helped much considering neither of us like to make decisions. So many of our decisions are made by Piper. When it comes down to it, I couldn't do it without Piper. She is so helpful and mature and it is nice to have another little mother around the home.

Oh Thayne. What a riot he has turned out to be. We love his deep voice and especially when he sings I am a child of God or Jesus wants me for a sunbeam. Two is one of my favorite ages. I love how innocently funny he is. I have to admit, he and Micah are a handful when they join forces. They are into the kitty liter and cat food. They love to make messes and laugh at us whenever we try to discipline. Thayne loves his playgroup and loves nursery. I hope he will love preschool next year. I know I can't wait. Thayne loves to cuddle and he gives great kisses.

Micah - what can I say. He is our tough little boy. He is all boy! Which is nice considering Thayne likes girl clothes. Micah doesn't talk much but he does say shoes. It is appropriate considering he has had flip flops on his hands since birth and the first thing he goes for in the morning after his bottle, binkie and blankets are his shoes. He also says DON"T. Do you think he has heard that a few times? He is definitely our most spirited and doesn't want to be told anything. I guess I should take my doctor's recommendation and buy the book SOS for parents. We love him though and his big blue eyes make us smile

I am so grateful that I am a wife and a mom. I am 14 weeks pregnant and can't believe I have so many more to go. It is weird to think this is it but this is it, we are stopping at four. It is also fun to think that our family will be complete. Piper naturally is hoping for a sister and the boys don't seem to care. I think three boys might send me over the edge but like everyone says, "the most important thing is that the baby is healthy." I am the second counselor in our relief society and love my calling. Life is busy but I am glad. I couldn't sit around too much either.

We are truly blessed and things are good,