New Baby, New Blog, "New" Minivan

Yesterday, I went for my first doctor appt with this 2nd pregnancy. It was a strange visit and not as thorough as I thought it would be. However, we did see the heartbeat and are very thankful. I go back in 3 weeks and hope to get more details then.

Secondly, I have started a new blog called Adventure Creations (click on link or visit http://www.adventurecreations.blogspot.com/). This is not a family blog, but my hobby blog. ha! I love to research and try new recipes and try other fun things. So, this blog was created to share some of that with you. I was inspired by other blogs I have found that are similar in nature of sharing their recipes and creations in which I visit often. I started it about a month ago and am just "going live" with it. Know it is still a work in progress, but it has been fun and encourages me to do things I enjoy.

Finally, I'm posting a pic of our new minivan. Well, it's used, but new to us. Our friend, Patrick Hallum, connected us with a lady who sales wholesale vehicles. The wholesale place wanted to get rid of this minivan so we got a steal of a deal on it. Thanks Patrick!!!

Introducing our 2008 Chevy Uplander LT

- this pic is off the web...ours is maroon...and yes, Chris loves that color as it reminds him of Mississippi State - ha!

- a major selling point was the automatic sliding doors on both sides in which you can open/close with remote!

Fun Full Weekend

The weekend was filled with play time, hosting a shower, finding a car (more on "our" car soon), enjoying a Fall Festival and more.

Last night, we went to a local church's Fall Festival. Alex wore her cow suit that Mimi bought her. Thanks Mimi! It is not an official costume, but we have made it into one. I guess it is appropriate as Mimi taught her a while back to "mooooo" like a cow. Alex had a great time playing games and running around and picking up every piece of trash on the floor. It's amazing what kids' eyes are drawn to.

Eating a free hotdog and a "taste" of cotton candy

Alex being social as usual

Alex jumping on the jumper

Alex dropping a ball in the pumpkin

Iris, me, Layla, Elizabeth and Jennifer. We (and not pictured, Wendy) hosted a shower for Layla as she is expecting #2, Reese Abigail, around Nov. 30. What a fun time! Kudos to Elizabeth for making the cake using the colors that match Reese's room. Below is a pic from a shower we gave Layla when she was preggo with Reagan in 2006. Sweet friendships! We are even standing in the same place, just transposed. ha! Sorry about quality of below pic. For more shower pics, see the link on side: The Ramsey Family.

Alex swinging on hammock with twins, Andrew and Taryn

Alex swinging with Taryn and her little brother, Seth

Brothers, Seth and Andrew...so cute!!!

In Shock over Ann Pressly's Death

Tonight, we heard that Ann Pressly took a turn for the worse and died. We are shocked and sad for her family. However, her family released a long genuine statement saying that she was with her Heavenly Father now.

Eating with a Spoon

Ok, I have been blogging a lot lately and still have several upcoming posts. So much happens in our world and the blog just gets a glimpse of it.

After me feeding Alex the majority of her spoon fed meals, she likes to try it herself. She has been doing a very good job at it for 13.5 mos old. She loves the challenge of trying something new.

More Play Time

Alex loved strolling with Jacob as she constantly laughed when he turned to look at her. She often leaned over to touch his head. So sweet! Last time these two played together, Alex aggressively kissed him over and over. This time, Jacob almost tackled her as he kissed her on the mouth!!! and then tried for more before pulling them apart. ha! We're going to have to watch these two. (Thanks Jessica for letting me borrow your double stroller!)

Swinging at the church playground. Alex and 10 mo old Payton (Reagan's cousin) enjoyed swinging together while Reagan was swinging beside them. Lots of laughs!!!

Ann Pressly

My heart was saddened to hear on the national news about the local news anchor, Ann Pressly, who was almost beaten to death in her home this week. I did not know Ann personally, but I have met her and wanted to share about this brief interaction. Mid September this year, I went to several places looking for Alex an outfit to take her one year pics in including the clothing boutique, Tulips. Tulips has children's clothing as well as fashionable ladies' clothes. While trying outfits on Alex, Ann came in to try on clothes. I did not even know who she was until a worker said some things to make me question the sales clerk in private. I learned she was a news anchor. Well, social and adventurous Alex kept going in Ann's dressing room while she changed (no doors on rooms, just curtains). Ann never got mad, but talked to her and didn't mind her doing that. I apologized constantly as she would get in there quicker than I could blink sometimes. Ann (and the workers) were so patient with Alex and stopped often to play with her and comment on outfits I tried on her. This brief interaction showed me a lot about her character as she was very busy and took time to be kind and patient to us. Please pray with me for her during this time of recovery.

Play Date

We randomly met Melissa and her two girls, Gabriella and Annabelle, at Home Depot a while back. We stayed in touch and went swimming together this summer. We finally managed to connect again and take the kids to a playground yesterday.

Bella is only 2 weeks older than Alex. They had fun going down the slide and trying to go up.
Alex loves to swing. She and Gabi (3 yrs old) enjoyed swinging for a long time. Fearless Alex wanted to be pushed high while Princess Gabi insisted she swing herself very slowly and not get dirty on the slide. Too cute!

Alex has a mischievious look on her face here...either trying to eat rocks or trying to climb up while someone may be coming down. who knows???

I think it's for real...

Well, the shock of discovering I was preggo (long story for those who ask) a few weeks ago was followed by some anxiety if the baby was still there after the car accident. Since I haven't had many pregnancy symptoms, I doubted. So, I took another pregnancy test last week. It was positive, too. Yet, no real symptoms. I didn't have sickness with my first pregnancy either, but had tender breasts (can't notice right now as still breastfeeding) and increased flatulance (returned again, but was contributing it to certain foods -ha). My appetite has increased and energy down a bit, but I attributed that to me still breastfeeding in the morning, exercising consistently, doing housework, running errands, staying up occassionally, chasing and picking up a 21 pounder all day, etc. Believe me, I am not complaining that I don't have symptoms and am so thankful for my sick-free pregnancies!!!...just concern from the car wreck made me wonder.

Well today, I officially think I am pregnant as I craved green olives! I grabbed a jar at Kroger while out. ha! So, when I go for my first appt next week, I will not be looking for a heartbeat, but for how many. :) I would not have thought that more than one kiddo was inside except my sister-in-law just planted that thought in my mind by saying it runs in their family and twins haven't been seen for some time.

Thank you Lord for the little punkin(s) you have created inside me!

To clear your minds: I am not hoping for twins after having one, but we'll take what the Lord gives us.

Shoe Fettish

After spending a weekend in beautiful Heber Springs at the Red Apple Inn a couple weekends ago, we forgot to take any pics except for this one video. Alex loves carrying or wearing anyone's shoes. Here, she successfully managed to walk in my sandals with her shoes on, too. Enjoy!

"Hit by a Car"

How many times can one say "I feel like I've been hit by a car" and mean it? I can now and my neck, back, hands, wrists, knees and chest can attest to that!!! Thankfully, my soreness is slowly getting better, but I am reminded of it when trying to do simple things from writing, sleeping, turning my head, etc. Praying no long term pain persists or develops!

Car Wreck

Alex and I were in a car wreck on Tuesday evening. A lady hit us as she tried to cross traffic to turn left. She said she didn't see us. The lady is ok. Alex seems ok. I have a little burn, bruises and soreness, but ok. Baby in utero was protected according to my doc, but will still watch. It was traumatic for us, but we have much to be thankful for: Alex's new car seat was rear facing which allowed her to miss the small flying glass pieces from windshield, everyone walked away "ok," lady had insurance, lady had good demeanor and claimed fault immediately and didn't fight it with cop, Chris was able to get off of call to come, Ramsey Family came to help (Reagan was a huge encouragement and comfort to Alex and Jason and Layla helped us tons!!! Thanks doesn't even express our gratitude to them.), witnesses able to call 911 quickly, insurance companies working well with us, could have been worse, etc... We can totally see God's work in this amidst the chaos!

However, our car is totalled. The lady's insurance is accepting responsibility as she was ticketed and at fault. They are replacing the car seat and my phone (now it's pink :) which was damaged. We should get a quote today on the total loss of the car. The amount will most likely be car value, not replacement value. We will most likely have to put money with the settlement. :( We were definitely not planning to get another car until Chris was done with residency...then the minivan. :) However, don't think we can do that now. So please pray for us to find another affordable car soon as we have limited time with the rental car and we will be out of town this weekend so cannot look for one.

This has been a bit chaotic with tons of phone calls, doc appts, and lots of inconveniences. We can take the inconveniences as we are just so thankful to be ok. Funny Side Note: Besides the multiple phone conversations with insurance companies, at least 4 chiropractic and therapy clinics have called trying to get my business. One lady tried to play everything up by saying stuff like, "OMG, you must be really hurt." LOL! I finally asked one lady how she got my phone number...that darn police report. All these people get the police report every morning and contact people. Plus, we received 7 letters yesterday alone from law firms trying to get business. Crazy!!! These people are like ambulance chasers!

On a serious note, please pray for us as we have lots to do and limited time. Trying not to get stressed especially as I am extra tired right now because of pregnancy and loss of sleep since accident.

I recently experienced God's ultimate blessing in a time that didn't make sense and was full of inconvenience and pain. So, I trust His soveriengty in this car wreck and know He will provide and help us take care of all that is lingering. Please pray for continued peace amidst the chaos and inconveniences. Thank you. Praising Him for His protection!

Yes, this is Alex eating KFC on the sidewalk in the cold air with her legs covered with a shopping cart cover (all I had in the car to keep her warm). The policeman would not let her go inside to eat with the Ramseys so they brought her food outside (one of the many things the Ramseys did to help). She was starving! I guess KFC could use this for their advertising as the mashed taters/gravy, green beans and chicken was "finger lickin' good" to Alex. Later on, Alex told Chris, "I 'ont more bock bock," which translates, "I want more chicken." This was her first sentence. ha!
After Alex ate, the cop finally said she could sit in the car as it was getting cold and she was not dressed for night time. Reagan and Alex had so much fun playing together. This is a much better presentation of Alex than right after the crash (lots of tears from her and me).

Big Sis

"I just turned one and my baby doll I like to hold.
I like to care for her and wrap her when she's cold.
Mama says those instincts are from heaven,
and that I'll use them soon cause I'll be a big sis by June 7."

Baby Rock 2 on the way... More to come soon...

Reagan's Birthday Party

Alex's friend, Reagan, celebrated her 2nd birthday today! She did great waiting for everyone to stop singing "Happy Birthday" before she blew out her candles. She got lots of dress up things as you can tell she loves to wear her tutu everywhere.

Baby Swap...notice only one dad in the pic belongs to these babies and he is not holding his baby. Sweet pic!
Loved seeing Auntie Iris and Kekoa!!!
Gracie and Kekoa...born 4 days apart last June.

Chris teaching Alex to be gentle.
Alex loving on Reagan's Elmo doll which was as tall as Alex when she carried him around.
Alex had fun as she walked around with her new squeaky shoes. I love them as I can hear her and know where she is at all times. Thanks Mimi!