alexa zurcher

The Last Few Months

May 2, 2018

A long overdue post, but here's what we've been up to the last few months! These three just keep getting bigger, and sassier, and sweeter. This was from one Sunday before church. 2:30 church and I swear, we're still always late! Working on that. Also working on getting Addie to whisper during the meeting. She's constantly yelling out things like "It's raining tacos!!" Ha! Baby Charlotte was born! It was so fun to see her fresh from heaven and ahh, would you look at that hair!? We were all in LOVE! My first niece on my side of the family - and finally a cousin!! Lots of visitors at our house the last few months. We've had fun taking them around our little town and showing off our red rock. We had Easter and General Conference at my parents house. The girls had so much fun playing in their backyard (and on my childhood swing set!) I ate a bunch of their candy (parent tax, right?) Baby Charlotte was blessed! We all loved seeing her again and seeing how much she had grown! Lucy LOVES her so much. (See the hand holding photo below! That was not staged or coaxed!) And lots of fun life in between! Lucy learned to crawl - and can now eat all her sisters chocolate animal crackers that they drop on the ground. I helped Grace get ready for her very last dance! Still can't believe she's graduating this month. And my daddy-o had a birthday! The girls helped him open alllll his presents and eat allll his treats and blow out the candles. Ha! We love you pops! ... Read more

We went to Disneyland!

April 20, 2018

Heyyyy! Jumping on my blog tonight - it's been forever. I have so many posts saved in my drafts that just have never been posted. Like all these photos from our Disneyland trip back in...errr...JANUARY. I couldn't let them sit in my drafts though, because this trip was too much fun. We surprised our girls for Christmas with this trip that we planned with our next door neighbors. We adore our neighbors - they have girls the EXACT same ages as ours. In fact, Lucy and Havyn were born just a week apart. Tender mercy to move right next door to them. :) Anyway! This trip was a blast. The girls had so much fun, we had only a few meltdowns (and fights over which seat they wanted in the stroller, ha!) We also started playing a "bingo" game with all the comments that we got having six girls with us! "Are they all yours?" "Wow! That's a lot of girls!" "Are you going to try for a boy?" were some of the top comments we got. It was cute and fun. And now! Without further adieu, PHOTOS! Also, look how big Lucy is since the last time I posted! And she's even bigger now, gah! Oh, and in case you're curious.... My sweatshirt is from the Walmart pajama section! The girls Minnie Mouse tutu outfits are from Target. Addie's Minnie Mouse shirt is from Old Navy All our matching tennis shoes are from the Walmart girls section (they run big, so I fit into them too!) And the Disney inspired cards are available in my shop! ... Read more

7 Things to do in San Francisco

December 27, 2017

Hello San Francisco! A few weeks ago, Brian had a quick business trip in California, so Lucy and I decided to jump on the plane and join him. We had 36 hours to explore the city and had so much fun doing so. It was Lucy's first time on a plane and she was a gem. She made friends with everyone we met, smiled at every stranger, and received a ton of compliments on her bows, haha. I shared 7 of our favorite places that we visited in San Francisco below, as well as a quick little video. Already dreaming about the next time we go, I'm adding "ride on a cable car" to my list - Princess Diaries style! ;) 7 THINGS TO DO IN SAN FRANCISCO: Chinatown - Hit up Hong Kong Clay Pot Resturant for some amazing postickers. And try their famous clay pot dishes, too! Ghiradelli Square & Pier 39 - loved all the Christmas lights at night! Grab some sourdough bread from Boudin while you're there, so good. Lombard Street - The views even at night were incredible! (when you ask a stranger to take your photo...a little blurry, but the bridge is in focus! :) The Golden Gate Bridge - For a fun view, we went to Baker Beach. Easy to get to and makes for great photos. We also drove over the bridge at night and caught a gorgeous view of the city at night! Pacifica Beach & Pier - My cousin Paris was my tour guide and we had such a fun time in Pacifica! There's a great walking trail and the town is picturesque. We stopped by a little café for lunch and it was fun to be in a non-touristy part of town. The Painted Ladies - Absolutely gorgeous view of the city and even more magical while listening to the Full House theme song. Tartine Bakery - we tried the banana cream pie with chocolate shavings and it was divine! ... Read more

Baby Products Pros and Cons – Part 1

December 12, 2017

Lucy Lou is almost four months old (I know!) and we're still in baby bliss over here. (Slightly sleep deprived, and I still haven't quite figured out how to keep the house clean with three, but bliss none the less!) We've tried out a few different baby products this time around - I'm amazed at how many new items have come out since Ellie, and even Addie, were born! I'm also always amazed at how all these baby items seem to take over my house! :) There's something for baby in every corner, and I love it. I'm always skeptical of new products and spend a million hours reading reviews - and yet I still don't do as much research as Brian does! Haha. Over the last few months, we've been using the Ollie Swaddle, Binxy Baby Hammock and a Dock A Tot and I've listed all the pros and cons below! Binxy Baby Hammock This is the ONLY way I can go to the store with all three in tow :) This hammock clips onto the sides super easy and can hold the car seat or just the baby! It's genius and allows for a lot more room in my cart for kiddos and everything on my list! (Plus some extra if I'm shopping at Target :) Pros: holds baby or carseat, clips to the cart and has straps for extra protection, buckles the baby/car seat in, comes in cute patterns, washable, easy to keep in the car. Cons: while it fits most carts, it doesn't fit the small carts at Hobby Lobby! Ollie Swaddle If Lucy was having a hard time settling down, this swaddle would do the trick! It helped soothe her right to sleep. Lucy, like my other girls, doesn't always like to be swaddled (she loves to sleep with her hands behind her head! :) but on especially fussy days this was my go to. Also, the velcro made it so easy! Pros: velcro keeps the swaddle snug, CUTEST packaging ever (I saved the box!), one size fits all, don't have to unswaddle to change diaper - just open the bottom. Cons: took me a minute to figure out how to wrap it (user problem :) Dock A Tot I've been eyeing this guy for a year or two now and I went in a little skeptical. Brian calls these things "glorified dog beds" :) I'm happy to say it's as wonderful as everyone says it is! It's perfect for co-sleeping. Fun fact: back before I was a parent, I swore I'd never let our kids come into our bed. Face palm :) I love having Lucy close to me at night, for nursing and for my worrisome mind, so this is great in our bed. And it travels around our house easily, too! It's not so great for reflux, so I do have a little rocker next to our bed that sits her up a little more, too. Pros: Easy to wash, travels well, perfect for co sleeping, transports through the house, breathable sides, BONUS: big sister likes to use it too :) Cons: takes up a little more room on the bed than I anticipated, not great for reflux ... Read more

Alexa Z Design Friday Flash Sale!

December 8, 2017

FRIDAY FLASH SALE! Our Christmas cutoff date is fast approaching (December 12!) so now is the time to stock up on those last minute stocking stuffers! TODAY only, you can take $15 off your order of $50 or more! Use code WONDERLAND at checkout. shop here ... Read more

Alexa Z Design Christmas Cards!

December 5, 2017

In 2012, right after Ellie was born, I opened up my online Etsy shop. My mom had been encouraging me to open one up for years, and finally it was the perfect time. I had a sleepy newborn baby, I was in a new neighborhood and didn't know very many people, and I needed a creative outlet. I started selling Christmas cards that very first year and much to my surprise, I sold more than I ever anticipated! I have taken a break selling Christmas cards for the last year or so, but now I'm back! AND, I've made it easier than ever! No more waiting for me to email your files to you - and you can make as many different designs as you want! I just added all these Christmas card designs to the Rhonna Designs App. They're an add on sticker pack (look for my name and you'll find them!) and get this, they're only .99 cents! :) I've included a ton of premade cards - all you have to do is pick your picture and add the overlay and voila! Done! I've also included all the elements separate as well, so you can mix them together however you choose. The best way to make your card is to download the Rhonna Designs app first. (Available on apple and android!) Pick your photo on your phone. When it asks you what size you want, choose 5x7. (You can choose a different size if you want, but 5x7 will work best.) You may need to resize the photo on the page, typically you'll need to make it just a tad bit smaller. Then, go into the elements section, find my name at the top (swipe over through the designers section), and download the sticker pack. You can then add the overlays and add custom text. Ready to go? Download to your phone or email to yourself! You can print it out anywhere! Don't have a picture to use? Try out our custom family portrait illustrations! (Again, only .99 cents!) These would also make super cute Christmas gifts! :) ... Read more

Favorite Cheesy Christmas Movies

December 1, 2017

Every year, my sisters, mom, and I curl up on the couch and binge watch as many cheesy, romantic Christmas movies as we can. We can guess the entire plot within the first ten minutes of the movie, and yet we all still squeal every time they finally kiss. :) In no particular order, here's some of my favorite ridiculous Christmas movies on Netflix right now! Holiday in Handcuffs This one's a classic. Hilarious. Christmas Engagement One of my all time favs. (Plus, it's Mona from FRIENDS!) Christmas Kiss I Christmas Kiss II Merry Kissmass These three all have very similar plot lines (elevators seem to be a common theme!) but they're always top of our cheesy movie list. Christmas Prince Probably the best one we've seen yet! In terms of cheesiness, it's not too bad. Christmas Belle Hailey Duff, a library full of books, and dashing suitors. Christmas in the City Just wait for the "Thank you, Santa" line. So cheesy, so good. And just for fun, my least favorite: 12 Dates of Christmas Seriously drags on and on. Yet, we still watch it every year. Have extra snacks to get through this one. Spirit of Christmas It's like they tried to merge creepy Halloween/ghosts/Christmas all in one. So, so weird. Happy Netflix binging! xo ... Read more

Lucy Jane Birth Story

November 28, 2017

Lucy Jane • August 13 • 10:19am • 6 lbs 14 oz • 20 inches long Oh sweet Lucy Jane! I will never forget the day she arrived. My pregnancy with Lou was much more difficult than the other two. I was more sick and more tired, yet I realize it could be much worse. Even still, it was a long nine months and I couldn't wait to hold Miss Lucy in my arms. Lucy, like Addie, was measuring a little small at 38 weeks. My doctor scheduled an induction for 39 weeks - and I couldn't be more thrilled. I was induced with both my other two girls and I've had great experiences every time. So, Saturday late afternoon, we dropped off E and A at my parents house and headed out for a quick date at Texas Roadhouse. After eating, we went to Target, I can't remember why, haha, and headed home for some last minute nesting! You know, hang some frames, finish some wallpapering, the typical things to do at 10pm before having a baby. Ha! I got zero sleep that night. Zero! It was like Christmas morning and I was way too excited. We arrived at the hospital at 5am, and to my surprise, we were greeted by some of our neighbors who are nurses! It was fun chatting with them while they helped us get all checked in. At 5:45am, the pitocin was started, and I was measuring at a 2.5. At 7am, I had my water broken - weirdest / coolest feeling ever. Just like with my other two, the contractions picked up immediately afterwards. The anesthesiologist came in shortly later and gave me an epidural. Best epidural I've ever had! I could move my legs and still had some feeling and lots of pressure, but no pain. By 8am, I was at a 4 and by 9am I was still there. By 9:29am, I texted my mom, who had just arrived at church to tell her that it would probably be awhile. Brian was asleep on the couch next to me and I was trying to get some sleep too, but the pressure was increasing. At 9:45am my nurse came in and to my complete and utter shock, I was at an 8+! I woke up Brian, called my mom, and she and my sister hustled on over to the hospital! My doctor was in church meetings at the time, and hurried over to the hospital, too, Sunday clothes and all. He happened to have another patient in the next room and delivered her baby, then came right into our room. It was baby time! My mom and Erin ran into the room just after 10am and the games began! :) The next part was a bit of a whirlwind and happened so quickly! My doctor was really good about coaching me through pushing, which meant no tears this time around! After 4 or 5 pushes, Lucy Jane arrived at 10:19am! She had gorgeous dark hair and as they laid her on my chest, my heart soared! Brian cut the umbilical cord and they took little Lucy, who had been pretty quiet, to clean her up a little and get her to let out a squeak! And seriously, it was the tiniest, shortest little cry you've ever heard! (I think the first time I really heard her cry was 2 weeks later!) Dr. T - Sunday clothes and all! After a little while in the delivery room, we were moved up to recovery. By this point my eyes were so heavy from such little sleep, so I closed them for a little bit before our other two girls arrived! On a side note: I changed out of my 1990's hospital gown and into THIS delivery gown. I never know what to bring to the hospital to wear that will fit comfortably, work for checkups, and nursing - but this gown was seriously perfect and I lived in it my entire stay! Plus, it's super cute. 10/10 would recommend! My dad, Grace and Zac brought the big sisters - and it was like heaven to all be reunited! Addie immediately hopped up on the bed to greet her little sister. They took turns checking out her tiny fingers and toes and oohing and ahhing over her. For weeks, Ellie had been talking about watching the new baby get a bath. We convinced our sweet nurse to let us all in the nursery to watch Lucy get cleaned up and bathed, and Ellie was in heaven! It was so cute watching her - she would not leave Lucy's side! The hospital stay was fantastic - complete with Oreo milkshakes on demand. :) We were in absolute HEAVEN with our little Lou. From day one, she's been the sweetest, happiest little thing and she's brought heaven into our home! Blankets: Target & Captain Silly Pants Hospital Gown & Pillowcase: Baby Be Mine Maternity Bow: Bloomies Handmade Going Home Outfit: Old Navy We love you Lucy!! x ... Read more

Zurcher Weekly Film

November 21, 2017

My girls are obsessed with watching our family videos. I'll be the first to admit that I'm not great at filming - but I do love looking back at our fun memories! I made a little video of our week (Nov 6-11) and it's so fun to look back and see all the real life, little moments, like my children throwing temper tantrums and Lucy's first little giggle!! ... Read more

Tried & True Thanksgiving Recipes

November 20, 2017

Okay, guys! I'm slightly stressing out this week becauuuuse....we're hosting our first Thanksgiving dinner this week - says the girl that's never cooked a Turkey ever. :) Brian's family is coming into town for a fun & crazy Zurcher Thanksgiving! As I've grocery shopping and putting together our menu, I came across a few of my favorite recipes. Like, the best rolls recipe (seriously!), pumpkin cookies, and the best apple cinnamon swirl cake that's perfect for dessert, or if you're like me, breakfast! :) I've linked to the recipes below. HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Mouthwatering Oreo Balls The BEST dinner rolls ever Frosted Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies Cinnamon Apple Swirl Cake Pumpkin Bread & Free Printable Tag! ... Read more

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