Life in Texas, McNeely style

Kevin's LOOONG birthday

2012-01-15T14:07:00.001-06:00

Ha! Yes, Kevin stretched his birthday out this year. And, although he doesn't admit it, it was his own doing. Let me explain. He decided that for his birthday he was going to invite his guy friends over so they could sit in the back yard, around a fire pit and enjoy some beer. Great, not a problem. His birthday fell on a Friday, so it worked out great. However, when you have toddlers (or maybe just mine) a birthday isn't really a birthday without cake and presents. So, Thursday we baked a cake and then gave Kevin his presents.

Friday, about 10 of his friends came over and they spent a few hours outside, around the fire pit drinking beer. I hear it was fun, I'll take his word for it.

Saturday Kevin decided he wanted to take the kids to Fossil Rim. It is a wildlife center where you drive your car on a paved road through the habitat. You feed the animals and they come right up to your car. At a silent auction for our home study agency we won a 6 month pass to Fossil Rim. We decided now was a good time to activate it. Our kids had SO MUCH FUN! And when Macey and Xander have fun, we have fun too!

Macey talking to the blackbuck

Folks, there was no zoom involved here, the zebra was THIS CLOSE!

And I fed a giraffe! SO COOL!

This giraffe fascinated me. He had black spots with tan in the middle, rather than your typical golden color spots with white in the middle. I just thought it was so unique!

Again, no zoom used here. This is what Xander calls "The big honkin' guy." Apparently, I said that at least once about this animal, and well, he likes to repeat the things I say. These are actually European Red Deer. They look like a horse with huge deer antlers, they really are big!

So, 3 days of celebrating Kevin's 39th birthday! We all had fun and we're lucky to be able to celebrate him! And, now he's gone to work out of town for the next 4 days...celebration over. ;)

Happy New Year

2012-01-09T17:30:00.003-06:00

Well, this New Year's Eve Kevin and I got to celebrate our 10 year anniversary!!!! Years ago we had thought that for our anniversary we would spend our first vacation away from our kids in Mexico for a week, or something fun like that. Well, part of that became reality, we spent our first "vacation" away from our kids, but it was two nights and only about 45 min away. Now, I am not complaining! The main reason we didn't take a big vacation like we originally planned is because we are waiting for Lyla, and a big trip to China to get her is definitely worth it!

Our first night away we went to a fancy steakhouse where a cute table decorated in honor of our anniversary waited for us, along with a complimentary glass of champagne and dinner was followed by complimentary dessert.

We spent 2 nights at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine. It is a fabulous hotel, and I guess like most parents on their first night away from their kids, we talked about how much fun they would have at this hotel. Definitely a family place, as well as a great get-away!

We spent our anniversary in downtown Grapevine shopping, which shows you how much Kevin loves me. He did enjoy it for a while, but when I was about half way done with my shopping for the day he had had enough. He put up with me for the rest of the day, what a trooper! And since this is a family blog I can say this, we literally spent the New Year watching the clock strike midnight in our PJs in bed. Man, we have aged fast!

While we were gone Nana and Grandpa Max were busy with the little ones. Grandpa Max had a long to-do list while he was here and the kids were more than willing to help. Let me tell you, while my dad was here for a week he put up 2 ceiling fans, replaced 4 faucets, rehung the light over the table, replaced the 2 lights in the entry, one in the hallway and one in the dining room. Oh, and he finished painting our room. The man was BUSY! Thanks Dad!

They did manage to get in a tea party

And a New Year's Eve celebration

New Year's day wouldn't be complete without New Year's cookies!

Nana and Grandpa had to go home a few days later, but much fun was had by all! Thank you Nana and Grandpa for letting your big kids have a nice time away and for loving on your littlest kids!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2011-12-25T10:00:00.002-06:00

Christmas Eve!

2011-12-24T19:19:00.000-06:00

Our Christmas Eve to do list:

1. Help Daddy in the yard

Check.

2. Bake cookies for Santa

Check.

3. Go to church

Check.

4. Go to bed

Check.

Fresno!

2011-12-19T21:38:00.001-06:00

Let me catch you up a little. We were given an AWESOME gift of airline miles by some of Kevin's parents friends! It allowed us to spend an entire week in Fresno, something we have never done. It was great! We managed to leave our own camera at home, so thanks to Connie and Julie we have pictures, but they get all the credit.

Playing in the leaves in Papa's backyard!

My kids LOVED every minute with their cousins Alyssa and Lindsey

Grandma Connie didn't have a Christmas tree up yet, so Macey and Xander went with Daddy and bought one for her!

And then they decorated it with their cousins.

Merry Christmas!

Xander fell in love with his Great Aunt Marilyn. She sang The Cowboy song to him and that was it, they were best friends. Here she is showing him the video on her iPhone.

Our gift(s) from Ross and Connie was a night out without kids! We actually went out to dinner two times without kids! BEST GIFT EVER!

And this is what the kids did while we were out

We had a family photo shoot. Here are Papa and Grandma with their grandkids.

And here we all are!

2 years ago

2011-12-02T11:17:00.001-06:00

2 years ago today we saw our Xan Man's face for the first time!

This is the picture that would change our lives forever!

Today, he is a rambunctious, recently (well, almost) potty-trained, moody, snuggly, loving, PERFECT 3 year old!

We thank God for December 2, 2009! The day we first laid eyes on our son!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T12:49:00.001-06:00

This year is a Thanksgiving like none we've ever had before. Just our family of 4 enjoying some much needed down time together, without all the Thanksgiving Day traditions. We are in a busy, stressful season of life, so today we vowed to have fun, enjoy each other and not do a lick of work!

We truly do have so much to be thankful for, and today is not the only day that we have been reminding ourselves of that.

*In the past few months we've been reminded that time with loved ones is precious, every moment you get to spend together should be cherished, because you just never know.
*We've also been reminded that the things of this world are just things, "stuff" is not important, especially in the light of eternity.
*God has gently (and then not so gently) reminded us that to obey Him is not easy, but it is ALWAYS worth it!
*We have a new appreciation for the men and women who have served and serve the United States of America, and are extremely thankful that our Airman came home!
*We've also had to accept that while on earth, the big picture, that God has a clear view of, doesn't always make sense to us. But we are grateful that He, who knows what is best for us, can see it all and will hold us up as we struggle to understand.

So today we are thankful for so much, and tomorrow will be no different!

Happy Thanksgiving from Texas!!!

Rooms, more rooms and art

2011-11-15T09:39:00.001-06:00

Here are some more pictures of finished rooms! I told you, it's slow going around here, but we'll get there.

Macey and Lyla's room turned out SO cute! Macey picked the paint colors and then we just filled in the rest. The bedding was the same as in her other bedroom, the day bed was a hand-me-down from a friend's parents, and voila! A super cute room for some super cute girls!

The entry way in our house is large, it needed some decor, more than a wall hanging. I first thought I was going to put an entry table, then maybe a padded bench, then while shopping I found a small dresser and just had to have it. A long time ago I heard decorator Nate Burkus say that you should buy something if you like it and then find a place for it. So, in a moment that I like to call channeling my inner Nate Burkus, we bought that piece and went from there. My mom was here, so it was much easier to take that leap since she has an eye for decorating. Then we managed to find other pieces along our shopping adventure that made the whole scene perfect!

The guest room is just off of the kitchen/living room area. So it is seen by everyone, so it needed to be simple and nice. My mom knows my love for purple and decided that it was a good choice for the guest room. When you give Charlotte a project she is a woman on a mission. By the time her week visit was over the guest room was almost done. Yes, I said almost because it is lacking a desk and dresser, but it does have a new flat screen TV! Anyone need a place to stay?

Finally is my original art piece that hangs above our kitchen table. Thanks to the creativity of my sister... Can I just take a moment to explain something, as you have noticed in my recent posts I have an extremely hard-working and talented sister, a mom who must have been an interior decorator in her past life and a very creative sister. I was given all of these people in my family because I was not given ANY of those gifts, so thankfully they are willing to share their genius with me! :)

Anyway, back to my art. I chose my favorite colors, a few different methods of painting (different brushed and hands) and ended up with some original art pieces that would certainly be sold for millions if auctioned!

Of course, the "missing" piece in the middle is being saved for Lyla...hopefully it won't be blank for much longer.

Birthday party!

2011-11-09T15:23:00.001-06:00

Here are a few pictures from a small birthday party we had for Xander! He had a few friends over to make and eat ice cream sundaes!!!

We love you buddy! Here's to many more birthdays!

Happy Birthday Xander!!!

2011-11-03T17:04:00.003-05:00

Happy 3rd Birthday Xan Man! We love you!!!

Trick-or-Treat!

2011-10-31T16:56:00.002-05:00

ARRRRGH!

Playroom and Kitchen

2011-10-29T08:52:00.001-05:00

I'm a little slow getting pictures of my house up, but I'm a little slow getting my rooms completed.

This is the playroom. Nice, huh? When we moved in I was thinking this was going to look a little more like a typical playroom. Because it is literally the first room you see when you come in the house my sister (remember, the rock star who helped us move in a decorate my house!) thought this was a good set up. She was right! It looks like a sitting room, very pleasant when you first walk into my house.

However it is still a playroom because in the walk-in closet I get to hide ALL my kids toys! I LOVE this room. They can make a disaster of it all day, then at the end of the say all the toys go back into the closet and it looks like a grown-up room again!

Ah, my kitchen. I have very tall cabinets that I love. There is a lot of storage, which I managed to fill up pretty quickly, but my cabinets aren't busting at the seams like they used to.

Another kitchen view. That doorway goes into my dining room, which will not be a dining room for some time.

And this isn't a pretty picture, it just gives you a view of what I see when I am standing at my sink; the front room. I haven't had an open kitchen in 6 years, and I love it!

Xander's room

2011-10-21T18:11:00.001-05:00

I said I would post pictures of the house, and I haven't. I was hoping to get some rooms completely done, and that hasn't happened yet. Here is Xander's room, it's the one closest to being complete. It's just lacking something for the wall above his bed, which is on it's way.

It looks especially similar to his other room, at his request. He loved that it was the same bedding and the same color on the walls, and he sleeps in it just as wonderfully as he did his last room, so we are all VERY happy!

Hello October!

2011-10-11T16:19:00.000-05:00

Well, I knew September was going to be crazy, but I didn't realize that we would be well into October before things settled down. Shew!

The biggest news since our last post is WE MOVED! We are SO lucky to have a bigger house with a HUGE yard. We closed on September 29th and our first night here was October 1st. We love the space, we love the location and are so happy to be here!!!

The first time the kids came into OUR new house!

My sister, Jill, came in the day before we closed to help me pack and move. I cannot tell you how helpful she was. Seriously, she packed and watched my kids and cleaned and cooked, no joke, she was WONDER WOMAN! While we went to sign papers she watched my kids and then brought them over when it was all over. They were thrilled!

Getting ready to check it all out

Family toast

Our first dinner

Macey's first night in her new room and bed (yes, she has orange walls...at her request)

My next goal is to take pictures of the rooms that are complete. I mentioned that my sister is a rock star, and she decorated my entire kitchen, living room and playroom while she was here. I know, amazing! Things I wouldn't have been able to do for weeks, and she did it in a few days. I can't wait to show you more pictures, so please check back soon!

California!

2011-09-19T16:57:00.001-05:00

Before things get completely our of control. Hey, I hear you laughing, no, things aren't out of control yet, but the potential is there. Anyway, I wanted to post about our trip to CA before the big move happens. I may not be able to find the computer after that...hahahaha.

On Labor Day we had a big family day at my mom's house. The McNeelys came from Fresno and we all hung out swam in the pool, ate food, ate food and ate food! YUM! It was such a fun day. My kids LOVE their family, especially their cousins. So anytime that they can spend with them is such a treat.

Legos with cousin Jakob

More cousins!

Swimming

More swimming

Early bday presents from Grandma Connie and Papa

Early bday presents from Aunt Stephanie and Uncle Eric

One of the highlights of our trip was a day trip to Pismo Beach! Xander had never been to the beach before, and Macey had only been one time when she was about 9 months old, so she didn't remember it. Nana, Aunt Jill and Aunt Stephanie joined us for the day and we had a blast. The kids loved the sand, and loved running from the ocean as it came up on the shore. They also enjoyed the shells that they found (which were purchased by Nana and then "planted" by Aunt Stephanie...shhh!)

Xan's first steps onto a real beach!

Look what I found!

Ocean!

Here's mine!

The whole reason we made this road trip to California was for a big car swap. We were going to need a bigger car eventually, a Honda Civic doesn't have enough room for a family of 5, and our niece was getting her license soon and would need a car to get her around for her senior year. It was the perfect scenario, our car is a great car for a teenager. Small, safe and gets great gas mileage! So we drove our car to California, sold it to Kymberli and my dad found us a Toyota Sienna mini van that we got when we arrived. Woo Hoo!

Our new mini van

Bye! Texas or Bust!

Kevin flew back to Texas early, so he didn't have to take too many days off (need to save them up for our trip to China!) so my dad drove us back to Texas. We had planned on staying 2 nights on the way back, but my LITTLE ROAD TRIPPERS made it so easy we only stayed one night! We drove 675 miles on day 1 and 780 on day 2. Honestly, we had very little trouble with the kids. A few meltdowns that didn't last long and the last few hours of day 2 I ended up sitting between them, but nothing major. They truly amazed me!

So, now that we have the room and we know our kids can handle a LONG drive...where will the mini van take us next?

We interrupt this regularly scheduled program...

2011-09-18T12:04:00.000-05:00

I normally don't use this blog for things like I am about to post, but here I go.

Today in Parade magazine there was an interview with Brad Pitt. Now, most people have very strong feelings about Brad Pitt, definitely not all good. I don't know that I have any strong feelings, but he and Angelina Jolie intrigue me. Of course I love their colorful family, and think that their work to help people all over the world is admirable. Of course, it doesn't appear that their motivation is derived from becoming more Christ-like, so some would like to say it is selfish or in vain. I'm not wanting to start a debate about this, just wanting to put out there that I realize not everyone likes Brad Pitt.

Ok, back to what I want to say. Below is an answer to a question we have been asked many times, why China? But not just why China, more like why not the US? I'll let you read his response.

Q: You and Angelina have three foreign-born adopted children [Maddox, 10, from Cambodia; Zahara, 6, from Ethiopia; and Pax, 7, from Vietnam]. Why not adopt American kids who need a home?

A: I can't place the importance of one child over that of any other. I have seen children suffer far beyond what we experience in America like our oldest daughter [Zahara]. I know she would not be alive [if she hadn't been adopted]. I know what care was available to her, and it was nil. I cannot imagine life without her.

I guess I just don't see America as separate from Vietnam or Ethiopia. We've got to start looking at things differently. This mentality of "Our team's better than yours?? it's a high school idea. Why do we need that in order to feel better? My kids don't see those dividing lines, and I don't want to either.

Kevin and I have had many conversations, and most of the time our explanation in not nearly as eloquent, so we like his better. Basically, all we come up with is that a child is a child is a child, no matter what country they are from. And certainly, a child from China, or Ethiopia is not better than a child from the US, just like a child from the US is not better than a child from another country.

So, there you have it. Back to your regularly scheduled program.

Happy 3rd Birthday MACEY!!!

2011-09-12T16:06:00.001-05:00

9/12/2008

9/12/2011

We love you more than you will ever know!
Happy Birthday Macey Charlotte!!!

McNeely Road Trip Adventure, Day 3 (and Day 4)

2011-09-05T10:38:00.000-05:00

I know you must have checked our blog 100 times wondering where Day 5 was, right? Hehehe! Well, when we got to Vegas we learned that in order to get WiFi we had to pay $12 a night, um, no! Since we were trying to get to CA as cheaply as possible this luxury was not going to make the cut.

Then we got to Bakersfield and there was a party waiting for us, and hardly a minute to do anything but have fun! So here we are, a few days later, but I'll fill you in.

We left Gallup, NM to head to Flagstaff, AZ and check out some Indian ruins. We figured we just needed to get out and walk a little bit to get the wiggles out. Let me say, when our day started it wasn't very pretty and I thought maybe this was the day our pleasant road trip would come to an end. BUt I was wrong, things definitely got a little harder, but it was still better than we expected.

So, the Wupatki Pueblo was our first stop. We had been here before, and the last time I actually read the descriptions along the way, this time, not so much. Our goal was to get out, walk around and get the kids ready for the next leg. We had to do a lot of coaxing Macey to get her to walk the entire way, but we did it.

Our next stop was Las Vegas. I know it is not a very good place for kids, but it was a good place for a last stop and we thought we'd give it a try. Um, we won't try it again. :) We found our hotel and by the time we drove to The Strip (we stayed off The Strip, it was cheaper) we had time for dinner, and that's it. We had heard about a pirates show in front of Treasure Island, so we thought we would hang out around there. We ate at Gilley's, which was right where the show was. We sat on the far end of one of the ships and I'm glad we were not able to see the stage. It was a little more Vegas Showgirl than pirates, but I figured this would be the case. The best part to the kids was the pirates jumping into the water and the big pirate ship that actually came toward the stage. There were fireworks and explosions that Xander was scared of, and if you ask him he'll tell you "The fireworks made me SO MAD!"

We settled in late and were ready for the next day when Bakersfield would be our final destination! We woke up early and left by about 7:30am. With about 4 1/2 hours ahead of us we knew it was going to be an easy day. Well, Day 4 turned out to be what I thought the rest of the days were like. My kids had been pretty self sufficient the entire road trip, playing with their stuff and each other, but this day they need my help. I got into and out of the snack bag and activity bag more in the 4 1/2 hours to Bakersfield than maybe the first two days combined. We knew it was the final stretch so it wasn't too bad.

We got Bakersfield around lunchtime and were greeted by our favorite Bakersfield-ians with balloons, party blowers and a big sign! What a fun way to end our road trip.

Later that evening Great Grandpa Marvin and Great Grandma Nadene joined us for pizza and Great Grandma came bearing gifts. I love any time that my kids can spend with their great grandparents, although they do not understand the significance of having them around, someday I can show them pictures and explain just how lucky they are! Of course, I enjoy every minute I get to spend with them too!!!

And then the road trip was over! We made it, and we enjoyed it! Now instead of dreading the trip back to Texas I can hardly wait!!!!

McNeely Road Trip Adventure, Day 2

2011-09-02T22:17:00.001-05:00

I won't bore you by saying how great my kids travel, but they do, and I am proud of them! Ok, I'm done, that's the last you'll hear of it.

We headed out early because our plan was to stop in Albuquerque, NM and get out and visit a zoo and botanical garden. So we left the hotel by 8am.

Day 2

A Wells Fargo add, made a cute photo op in Tucumcari, NM, our first pit stop

Our plan was to visit the zoo and botanical gardens, but by the time we finished eating lunch we did not have enough time to do both. We opted for the zoo since there was a train ride, and we had been talking about a train all day. It was a good choice, the zoo in Albuquerque was great. We did not get to see everything, but it was nice and there was plenty to do if you had a whole day.

Macey pretending to be a flamingo

Getting ready for our train ride around the zoo

Sea lions!

They were very excited to see a snake, but wanted to keep a safe distance (I was ok with that)

After the zoo the kids were done, just like we had hoped. They slept almost the entire way to Gallup, which is where we are staying tonight. Right next to the hotel is a playground, so we headed over there so burn so more energy. Kevin took the kids for a quick dip in the hotel pool, but it was kind green, and cold, so it didn't last long.

Sweet Xan Man

Our little monkey Macey

Sleeping has been the hardest part of the trip. The kids are sleeping a lot in the car, and sometimes their naps get a little late into the afternoon, which means they are up later at night. They are not in their normal beds, so it makes things a little tougher. We'll make it, I think each night will get easier, well, that's my encouragement to myself anyway!

Tomorrow we're going to see some Indian ruins in Flagstaff, AZ and then we're staying in Las Vegas!

McNeely Road Trip Adventure, Day 1

2011-09-02T07:53:00.001-05:00

We set out on our first real road trip yesterday. The furthest we have ever driven, since having kids, was 7 hours. Thursday we set out for California!

All packed up and ready to go!!!

Sleeping, and making sure the back pack, full of goodies, doesn't go too far

Our only tourist stop of the day was Cadillac Ranch on Amarillo, which was our final destination for the day. Kevin and I had been before and knew that this time we were going to bring spray paint to leave our mark. Macey and Xander picked their color of spray paint and off we went. They thought it was pretty fun to see cars in the ground and enjoyed seeing their names on them.

XANDER

Daddy painting names on one of the cars at Cadillac Ranch

MACEY

Cadillac Ranch

Macey and Xander are true road trippers. They did SOOOO good! They napped during their normal nap time and talked and played the rest of the time. We didn't even have to get out the portable DVD players on day 1! So happy to still have some "new tricks" up my sleeve. Day 2 will take us to Gallup, NM. Today we get to stop in Albuquerque for some fun, I'll post pictures tonight!!!

One more month of summer in the bag (almost)

2011-08-28T14:20:00.007-05:00

To say that this summer in Texas has been brutal would be an understatement. We didn't break the 100+ days in a row record, we missed it by 2 days, 40 instead of 42. And right now we are flirting with the most 100+ days in the summer, the record is 69 and today we are on day 62. We should break that record by quite a few days. Anyway, it has been hot, and we are ready for it to be over.

August has been a BIG month for the McNeelys. We started the month off by putting an offer on a new house!!! WE ARE MOVING!!! We thought we were going to wait until Lyla came home, but lots of things fell into place to make this move possible, so here we go. We are so excited! More bedrooms and more space for our growing family. We close September 29th!

The next thing in August was a fun one for this Mama. For the first time since bringing Macey home from the hospital I had a kid-free night! The ladies from our group at church stayed the night in a nice hotel, about 45 min away, and shopped and ate and played games and laid by the pool. It was a fun relaxing time for me and a good test of what is to come for the kids when Mama goes to China. Kevin took the kids to the fish store (aka Bass Pro Shops) at Macey's request, and they came home with some new friends.

So, since we have a contract on a new house that meant we had get our rears in gear and get our house on the market. Let me tell you, even though we didn't have anything major to do it has been tough. We've painted, repaired doors, repaired walls, cleaned, cleaned and cleaned. The hardest part is keeping our house "show ready" with two toddlers. We're doing pretty good, and have already had 3 showings (1 more tonight and 1 cancelled, so we are hoping for a reschedule), the more interest the better our chances.

Macey and Xander helping the realtor put the sign in the yard

Well, a few months ago Kevin and I decided that we were going to participate the in same triathlons that we did last year. Kevin's was August 21st and mine was today, August 28th. We signed up and paid...that was well before we decided to buy a new house and try to sell ours. Training for these events was certainly not the priority, but we paid for them so we were going to complete them. Our encouragement to each other was this "Either win, or don't die." Isn't that sweet? Well, we didn't die, so it worked! Last year we had pictures of Kevin at his tri and none of me, and this year we have one of me and none of him. We'll get it right one of these years.

Since attending the rodeo in July our kids cannot stop talking about it. And Xander wears his hat and his boots almost every day, no joke, wherever we are going his is most likely in his boots and hat. We took them again (but of course I did not bring the camera) so they got one more look at the rodeo before the season was over, they loved it again!

A little Ring Around the Rosey

Our hardworkin' Chinese cowboy

And now I'm just going to brag on my kids, afterall, it's my blog, so I get to say what I want, and I'm their mom so it's my job. More than one time people have commented on how well Macey and Xander get along. People from church, people from my gym, even friends who have watched them for us. It makes me so happy to know that when they are in someone else's care they behave well. The question I get the most is, "Do they get along this well all the time?" The best part of that question for me is that I can say yes, they get along MOST of the time. Now that doesn't mean that we don't have knock down, drag out fights, and yelling and screaming, but they get along wonderfully. I guess you just don't know what to expect when you throw two almost 2 year olds together. From day 1 they have amazed us and they continue to do so. This is one of my favorite pictures of them (messy faces and all) because they were sitting like this on the couch just because they wanted to. Kevin quick, grabbed the camera and asked them to say cheese, and here is what he got. Two perfect kids!!!!

Closing up July

2011-07-29T08:11:00.004-05:00

A few weekends ago I got s good deal on some rodeo tickets so we decided to go. Just a few hours before we were going to leave I found out that kids got free cowboy hats that night! Yeehaw!!!

Nana came for another visit in July also. Macey had been asking to stay with her at "her" hotel, so as a reward for learning to sleep like a big girl Macey got to go to her first sleepover with Nana. She was SO excited and everything went perfectly. It went so well that she got to do it a second time while Nana was here.

Nana took us all to see Winnie The Pooh. This was Macey's first trip to the movie theater and she loved it. Xander had already been to see Cars 2, and this movie was not nearly as high energy, so he got a little restless toward the end, but they both did really well.

Daddy/son and Mama/daughter Day!

2011-07-15T15:30:00.004-05:00

Last Sunday we decided to make it a Daddy/son and Mama/daughter day.

Kevin and Xander went to see Cars 2

Kevin said Xander loved the big screen! He didn't quite make it through the whole movie, but he wasn't restless and just watched the movie. When he got bored he just told Kevin he was done, and so they called us up and we met for dinner.

I took Macey for her first mini-mani and mini-pedi at a place called Sweet & Sassy.

Macey's first pedicure!

Cutest little toes!

Beautiful little fingers!

My little princess loved all the pampering. She sat so still, everyone was amazed! She picked the color herself and I was shocked that she didn't pick pink, everything is pink for this girl, but not this day. I see some more days like this in our future.

Happy 4th!

2011-07-04T18:00:00.002-05:00

This was Xander's first July 4th as an American citizen! Now he has officially celebrated all the American holidays with us!. Last we we sorta celebrated, they wore red, white and blue for part of the day while in China, but that was it. This year was pretty low key as well, we stayed home, we didn't buy any fireworks and we are not going to any fireworks shows. We grilled burgers and had root beer floats, pretty American if you ask me! :)

Macey and Xander's red, white and blue breakfast.

Yogurt with blueberries and strawberries.

Daddy's red, white and blue breakfast, same as above only add a waffle! Now before you think I am a mean mom and didn't let my kdis have a waffle, they declined the waffle at first, and happily ate their yogurt. After their yogurt then they decided they wanted a waffle! :)

Happy 4th!!!

Happy Xander Day!

2011-06-27T20:26:00.005-05:00

For all of you who didn't know, today is Xander Day!!!! One year ago we hugged our sweet boy for the very first time. What a day that was. We've had a fun time celebrating him today and the miracle of adoption. I won't say much, I'll just let the pictures tell the story.

Macey and Xander's first encounter (6/27/10)

Today they are partners in crime!

Daddy with two (6/27/10)

Daddy with two (6/27/11)

Mama and Xan (6/27/10)

Mama and Xan (6/27/11)

Camping!

2011-06-13T08:27:00.005-05:00

We started the summer by camping at Lake Tawakoni for Memorial Day weekend. Kevin had Friday and Monday off, so we headed out Thursday evening (just an hour drive) and stayed until Saturday. We felt like we had two weekends, one camping and one at home. Most people start the camping season on Memorial Day weekend, we like to say that is our last camping weekend of the summer. Even with a trailer it is just too hot in Texas for camping. In order to enjoy being outside in the summer you need a boat, and well, we're not getting one.

Our little fishergirl, at it again.

Our mini beach at the lake, pretty muddy, but they enjoyed it

Happy Summertime from our family to yours!

Bakersfield

2011-06-09T14:11:00.004-05:00

It's a good thing I am not one of those "real bloggers" who have add and sponsors, I would dropped like a hot rock. Blogging is getting VERY hard to do, it used to be that things just didn't seem very interesting, and that I used my free time to rest and get my house in order. Well, things can get pretty interesting around here, but free time is almost zero, so my house is not really in order....ever.

So, after nearly a month, here is the rest of our trip to CA. The final stretch was in Bakersfield with the Steinerts. We mostly just hung out at my parent's house, family came and went and Mom even hosted an open house on our last day there for people come say hi and meet Xander. I actually don't have any pictures of that, I was busy chit-chatting with friends!

Xan and Mace at the table Nana borrowed form Aunt Delores especially for them!

Each time we are in California I make a point to see my best friend from high school, Kristi. Sometimes I get to see all of her kids, sometimes only one or two of them, sometimes I get to see her husband and sometimes they get to see Kevin. But, Kristi and I ALWAYS get enough time to give each other a hug! This time everyone was together and the kids had a great time playing while we talked. In years past Kristi and I take a picture together, but our kids are cuter than we are, so here they all are! :)

Special friends Tyler, Kate and Breann

Those of you who know my grandparents know that their life journey is amazing. You also know that in the last two years it took a turn that no one could ever have imagined. Regardless of that, my grandparents are two of the most admirable people I know. Taking whatever life sends their way and relying on God to supply their needs. So spending time with them is always precious. It has been about a year and half since Macey has seen my grandparents, so warming up to them took quite a bit of coaxing (just like with everyone else), but quick thinking by Daddy and Great Grandma and Grandpa were handing out chocolate and the kids came running!

Xan getting a piece of chocolate from Great Grandpa Marvin with Great Grandma Nadene looking on. (Macey got her piece from Great Grandma!)

We were able to spend a little time with some of Kevin's family. Kevin's Aunt Sue, cousin Scott, his wife Tanya and their kiddos, Taylor, Justin, Travis and Reece. It was such a wonderful time. We felt privileged because the kids actually stayed home from school (shhh!) to spend time with us. Come to think of it, I never heard one of them tell me thank you for getting them out of a half day of school! ;) We played, talked and ate lunch, and had a really great time!

Macey, Xander and their 2nd cousin Reece!

Whenever the four sisters are together we take a picture. Sometimes we are REALLY happy with the way it turns out, sometimes we hate it, but all of the time we just love that we were together! You can't see them in this picture, we have our matching Mickey Mouse shirts on!

The sister picture!

Ok folks, summer has started! Things are happening around here, and I hope I can keep you informed before the Fall gets here.

DISNEYLAND!!!

2011-05-30T19:22:00.007-05:00

I am having trouble doing all that I am supposed to be doing right now, and this blog gets the least of my attention, so sorry for the delay.

DISNEYLAND took place at the beginning of the Bakersfield portion of our trip to California. We got to Bakersfield on May 11 and on May 12 we headed south to meet the mouse!

Mama, Daddy, Tinkerbell (holding Minnie Mouse) and Buzz Lightyear (holding Simba)

before entering the park for the first time!

Buzz and Tink waiting to board the Nemo ride

Xan and his cousin Jakob (one of his favorites!)

Macey and her cousin Kymberli riding the carousel

The whole gang!

Xan and Mama stuck in a Toy Story box

The castle!

Daddy and Xan on the carousel

If I had to pick one favorite moment, it would be what this next picture captured. Macey and Xander are scared of all character type things. Cry, turn away, won't have anything to do with them. On day 1 we decided that waiting to see Mickey was going to happen, so we waited. Knowing that the best picture we were probably going to get was of us holding our kiddos standing next to Mickey. Well, Macey surprised us all when she very willingly gave Mickey Mouse a big hug, all while she smiled and giggled! I am so glad cameras we ready!

Until next time Mickey Mouse!!!!

CA trip, part 1

2011-05-18T20:58:00.004-05:00

We have a lot to share, so here it goes!

We left on May 5th for a 12 day trip to California, complete with a visit to the mountains and to Disneyland. The kids got new suitcases for the occasion, and much to my surprise they were SO happy to pull them along with us.

2 very capable 2 year olds!

Our first stop was Fresno. Papa Ross and Grandma Connie were waiting at the airport for us after our flight got delayed and we arrived very late Thursday night.

Enjoying Papa's flowers

Loving Papa's organ

The following day we headed up to Hume Lake with Papa, Grandma, Uncle Rod, Auntie Julie and cousins Alyssa and Lindsey. What a treat! The Steinert cabin recently went through a renovation, but it was more like a complete rebuild. We were so grateful to be one of the first official guests of the new and improved "chalet."

Kevin took the kids fishing one morning and we found out that our Macey is a natural.

"Here fishy, fishy, fishy."

Back in Fresno Papa, Daddy and Uncle Rod showed Xander the McNeely family tradition of croquet. He was semi interested, but as with most things, he didn't last very long.

Good shot, Xander!

Macey and Xander got to got to the zoo with Papa and Grandma, while I went to visit my sister in Modesto and Kevin did some work. Since we didn't go, we have no pictures, but it included a trip to In-n-Out on their way home, which was a big hit!

Kevin joined the North Fresno Church softball team on Monday night for a game, which made him sore for days (wait, maybe I wasn't supposed to share that part). After the game we enjoyed pizza with some of our friends in town, it's never long enough, but the time is sure cherished.

Our last night there Papa made homemade chocolate ice cream with m-n-m's! YUMMY!

And to top it all off, the next morning for breakfast, the kids put ice cream on their waffles! Special breakfast at Papa's, always a treat!!!

Our time in Fresno and Hume Lake was so wonderful. We have SO many pictures, it is hard to pick a few to post here. Macey and Xander LOVE, LOVE, LOVE their cousins Alyssa and Lindsey. And their cousins are such wonderful "big" cousins to them, taking care of them at every opportunity.

Stay tuned for the Bakersfield/Disneyland portion of our trip!

Texas Bluebonnets

2011-04-05T13:51:00.002-05:00

How about an update!

2011-03-20T13:44:00.003-05:00

Well, March is flying by, and mostly because we have been so busy and there is no plan on slowing down until March is over.

Tuesday, March 8 was Mardi Gras. Now, I have never celebrated Mardi Gras, don't have a reason to, but Jill and Cari were coming to visit on that day so it seemed like a good reason to have a party.

Mardi Gras masks!!

Jill and Cari were here for a whole week. This was Cari's gift from Grandpa Max and Grandma Charlotte. Although her 13th birthday was back in September, this was the best time for her to come. We got manicures and pedicures, shopped, saw a movie, shopped, she and Kevin went to Six Flags and we spent one day in Ft. Worth. It was SO much fun!!!! Macey and Xander love their cousin Cari and Aunt Jill, and I love my sister and my niece, so it worked out great! :)

One of the pony rides in Ft. Worth. I wish I could tell you she loved it, but after she cried on all four of the ones we tried we stopped spending our quarters.

Jill and Cari stayed until the 15th, which happens to be especially close to my birthday, so my family sent gifts with them so we had a mini party on the last night they were here.

Enjoying Mama's chocolate birthday cake!

This last picture is just a Mommy bragging moment. Macey LOVES to draw and write. We spend time tracing and she just loves to "write" her name and words. Macey and Xander have those magna-doodle boards and they usually want us to draw something for them. Well, apparently, Macey wanted Kevin to draw a happy face, which is a common request. So, Kevin drew one on her board. She then took Xander's board and went to work. She didn't say a word, just started drawing, and this is what she showed us when she was done...

Um, I was pretty impressed!!! Way to go Macey!

Picking your battles

2011-02-17T16:50:00.002-06:00

I learned very quickly, that as a mom of toddlers you have to pick your battles. One battle, I chose not fight, was jumping on the bed. Macey did it before Xander came home, and she was more than happy to show him just how much fun it is. Here is what I get to enjoy at least once a day!

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T08:38:00.002-06:00

For those of you who have known me for a while know that I am not much for Valentine's Day. I don't hate it, I just don't see the need for it. I got a Valentine from my mom every year, and she send them to my kids, and it is great! I just don't buy into the mushy, gushy flowers, candy and all that stuff. For those of you who love it, enjoy your day, I'm not going to judge.

On that note, I am always a sucker for a good love story. I know, doesn't make sense, but it's true. I want to hear stories about people who fell in love in high school, only to go on and live separate lives and came together again like a day hadn't passed in between. My favorite stories are the one's where people do not give up on their true love. I mean when times get tough, I mean REAL tough, and true love prevails. Those are my favorite, they bring me to tears every time!

I have been privileged to witness such a story first hand. It is not my story, but it is a story of two people whom I admire and love very much.

Please take a little time to read this story about Marvin and Nadene Steinert, my grandparents!

Xin Nian Kuai Le

2011-02-03T17:39:00.001-06:00

Random January post

2011-01-27T14:28:00.003-06:00

This is going to be a completely random January post. A few things have gone on this month, very few of them worthy of their own post, so I'll just show you some pics and explain what it was from...ok? :)

Way back in early January we actually got to see the Seahawks play on TV. It's not very often that forgotten team in the Pacific Northwest gets shown in Cowboy country, but the boys were dressed and ready for it. Xander wanted to on Kevin's lap most the time because he was so excited that they had matching jerseys. I wish I could have caught the look in his eye on camera when he saw Kevin wearing the same jersey. Priceless.

Go Seahawks!

On January 9th it snowed! Xander's first snow! We didn't get a lot, but just enough to make a snowman or two.

Still celebrating the Seahawks. Touchdown!

For Christmas, Grandpa Max and Nana are sending Macey and Xander to gymnastics once a week. Nana was here in January and was able to go with them for their first class, which they loved!

My cute little gymnasts.

Like I just mentioned Nana was here for 10 days in the middle of January. Of course, she likes to take lots of pictures, and one particular day Xander was being super silly. He is definitely the class clown type, if you start laughing he keeps doing whatever he was doing, only bigger.

This is evidence of his super silly face. This was on purpose, so Nana could take a picture of him. Silly guy.

Nice smiles from everyone, with Nana!

My sister's new blog

2011-01-20T12:16:00.002-06:00

OK, so I want all of you bloggies (kind of like being a groupie for those of us who obsessively read blogs) to jump on over to my sister's new blog. Due to my suggestion (pat, pat) she is going to blog about her new year's resolution!

I'm not going to give it away, I want you to be curious and go check it out. Let me say, if you know my sister this is a bit out of her comfort zone and a challenge for her, so it's very fun to see it unfold. If you don't know my sister, then jump on over and take a look and get to know her!

Megan's (aka Emme) New Blog!

A look back on 2010

2011-01-03T13:37:00.004-06:00

Kevin - Kevin continued working at Cirrus Associates where he has been for 4 1/2 years. This past year he spent more time on out of town assignments than he ever has before, but it kept his job interesting! He continues to enjoy mountain biking (or really trail riding since there are no mountains) and tries to get one good ride in each weekend. He participated in a 10k run in March and an off-road sprint triathlon in August! Currently he is training for a 26 mile mountain bike race at the end of January. Oh, and in December he shot a hog on his first hunting trip.

Allison - Being a stay at home mom has never been more challenging! Busy toddlers who often need some extra TLC just about burn every ounce of energy she has. She managed to participate in a 10k run in March, a sprint triathlon in August and a half marathon in December, shew!

Macey - She gets more unique every day! She's a blonde, curly haired girl with a smile that will brighten up a room. Recently she's been learning her ABCs, making up her own songs about whatever comes to her mind and working on potty training! Some of her favorite things to do are coloring and playing with play-doh. Some of her least favorite things are sleeping and eating! :)

Xander - This may be the most eventful year this boy will ever have. 2010 began in Fujian, China and ended in Texas with a Dad, Mom and big sister. He's learned a new language and had two major surgeries and gets sweeter and sillier every day. He has been working on pronouncing the letters P and B and will be starting speech therapy very soon. Some of his favorite things are making pretend food in the play kitchen and eating anything and everything he can get his hands on...non-stop, all day! :) Some of his least favorite things are sharing his mom with his sister and being told no! ;)

For many reasons, 2010 will always be a year we will cherish. A 3 1/2 year journey that led to the adoption of Xander was clearly the highlight of this year. Watching our Macey go from a baby to a toddler was a close second, what a fun age. We are looking forward to a year of no surgeries (or at least just some minor ones) and getting out of the terrible twos! We're hoping to finally settle into our new normal with the "twins" and enjoy some family vacations that do not include a 13 hour plane flight.

Here's to a fun and blessed 2011!

Christmas!

2010-12-29T16:26:00.003-06:00

This year, after about 5 invitations, we decided to head down to Bryan, Tx and celebrate Christmas morning with the Crawfords. They had recently finished an addition to their house and we were to be the first to try it out! We were happy to come down, with kids and gifts in tow, to celebrate with them.

Christmas morning was fun, complete with anxious children, messes and chaos! No one went overboard on the gifts, which was just as well because all of the kids seemed to entertain each other throughout the weekend.

We had a wonderful time with the Crawfords, as usual. We had lots of food, the kids entertained us and each other and we made memories as we always do. The weekend was complete with cookie decorating, gingerbread house building, playing in the park and a quick drive to look at Christmas lights.

Later in the day Kay (with the help of the kids) made some sugar cookies and got them ready to be painted. This was a big hit and the kids loved it.

Macey was concentrating so hard. She is our little artist who pays attention to detail.

Xander made a masterpiece of his own, not nearly as much concentration here.

This picture was a miracle! We were all headed out to go look at some Christmas lights and I thought, let's get all the kids in a picture. Most of the time things don't work out as nice as you envision, but this time it did. From the left we have Julia (2), Macey (2), Lillia (1), Xander (2), Carolina (3). Amazing!!!!!

Our successful, last minute, Christmas Eve picture!

Swanson/McNeely Christmas

2010-12-22T14:37:00.003-06:00

I think we decided that this was Christmas #7 for the Swansons and the McNeelys, and wow have things changed in the last seven Christmases. It started out as a simple dinner get-together with the Swansons and Ethan, the only kid for a few of those years. Fast forward to this year when it was a crazy dinner with three 2 year olds and a 6 year old!

This year I ventured out and made some of the traditional Mennonite dishes that I am accustomed to for Christmas. I made keilke, marinated carrots and cherry mousse (pronounced mose). I was pleasantly surprised that they all turned out like they were supposed to, and tasted "just like home." I think the Swansons also enjoyed a little taste of the Mennonites, as they have been hearing about us for the past 9 years! Oh, we also ate ham and rolls (not zweibach, I'm not that talented), just to make it a full meal. Priscilla ended the night with a delicious cherry pie, tart cherries with spices, not your average cherry pie!!!

The kid table and the Swanson kids flashing gang signs...I guess?

The kids and their loot. One of our rules is that only kids get gifts.

This picture of our girls in their sunglasses speaks volumes about their sassy personalities!

As with every past year, this year we had a great time. As families grow, and lives become more hectic, it is harder and harder to spend time together. We are so grateful for our friends, who are more like family, and this time of year that we get to celebrate!

Merry Christmas from the McNeelys and the Swansons!

(yep, all 4 kids are looking at the camera!!!!)

One year ago today...

2010-12-02T13:23:00.005-06:00

One year ago today, I was checking my email like always. Some emails were immediately deleted, other's were read and responded to, and other's were read and simply ignored because there really wasn't anything to say. And then there was this email...

Subject : Special Little Baby Boy from China Available for Adoption

December
2009

Meet Keith....waiting for his family in China!

Meet "Keith!" He is a precious 1 year old baby boy that has an unrepaired cleft lip and palate. He is waiting for his forever family! Famlies interested in getting more information can call **Name** at ***-***-**** or email ***@*****.com

Merry Christmas from the Open Door China Program!

You know the rest of the story, but there he was, our Xander! I forwarded this email to Kevin with this statement: "Kind of random, but I got this email today from an agency that I got information from about three years ago. Isn't he cute?!"

To which he responded:

"Yeh. Keith. That's funny."

Later that evening when he came home I let him know that I was very serious about learning more about this little boy named "Keith." He did not argue, only knew that I would not stop until I was certain that we were not supposed to bring him home. This was on a Wednesday, we had the weekend to decide if we wanted to pursue this. By the time Monday morning came around I had heard the Lord tell me, "I'm about to do something big, are you going to be a part of it?" It was His was of telling me, you are such an insignificant part of this whole thing, My work will be done whether you are here or not, but I am going to let you come along if you are willing. That was it, that's all I needed. This wasn't about me, it wasn't even about the cutest little Chinese boy I had ever seen, it was about God, and only God.

So here we are. A year later and we have filled out and signed TONS of paperwork, travelled to China for 2 weeks and had and recovered from 2 surgeries. I'm not going to pretend that it has been easy, far from. There have been a lot of tears, frustration, even anger. There has been lost sleep, lost freedoms and occasionally lost tempers. But in the middle of all the adjustments and sacrifices we have gained a son, and become a family of four! We've got a long way to go, we're not perfect (never will be), and we still struggle more than we would like to admit. I often think back to the words the Lord gave to me that weekend one year ago, and sometimes that is the only thing that keeps me going. It not about me, it's not about Xander, it's not about the McNeelys in Texas. It is about God, for God, because of God!

Photo by Janet Mack Photography

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T21:13:00.006-06:00

We're thankful for so much, and today I am especially thankful that one not-so-good day can't take away all that I have to be grateful for. Let me explain...

For 4 of the last 5 years we have spent Thanksgiving with our good friends, the Crawfords. We have had some great times and made some priceless memories. This year, with Xander's recent surgery and just the busyness of life, we decided not to get together with them. We should know by now, that when we try to mess with a good thing it will just get, well, messed up!

Kevin and I decided to run in the Dallas Turkey Trot this year. We thought, we may not always have the opportunity to do it, so we might as well. I was going to run 8 miles and Kevin was going to run and push the kids in the 5k. As the weather reports started coming out it looked like it was going to rain and be very cold. We made the decision to do it anyway, and bundle up the kids and hope for the best. On our way to the race, because we still weren't sure if it was going to rain or not, I ditched the 8 mile and thought the 5k was a better choice. No big deal. We got there, couldn't find parking under $10 (we only had $7) so we had to find an ATM, get some cash, just so we could park. Done. We found the start and quickly realized that this was going to be a crowded race, but we didn't know just how crowded it would be. I wanted to run,a and Kevin was going to do the nest he could. Long story short, it was SO crowded, Kevin had to walk the entire time and I dodged people more than I ran, not what we expected.

Ok, so we had chosen a meet-up place for after the race. I finished the race and waited, in the middle of the intersection that we had chosen. I was able to see all the finishers come up the ramp, so I watched for Kevin and the kids. I watched, and watched, and then started to worry. I looked around, maybe he was somewhere else and I just happened to miss him. Hm. Then, I had waited so long they closed the 5k race. I was a little worried, but more confused, where had he gone? I walked back to the car and there they were. Apparently, he was waiting where we said (which was literally 30 yds from where I was standing) and we just didn't see each other. I still have no idea how it happened, but it did. We were both a bit cranky from that because we were unable to enjoy the free snacks and activities, because the kids were ready to go. Not a very good start to the day, but here are some great pics!

We had planned on a non-traditional main course, but all the traditional Thanksgiving sides; sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, corn casserole and rolls. Kevin was going to make a turkey and rice casserole (just realized all the casseroles) in his dutch oven. He has taken up a new hobby, and he enjoys trying new things in his traditional dutch oven, so we thought why not. Well, it required pieces of cooked turkey. I thought I had purchased turkey that was already cooked, and we were just going to cut it up, I was wrong. The turkey loaf (ew) had to be cooked...for 2 hours. I didn't realize this until 4pm and Kevin's casserole was going to take 1 1/2 hours. No dice. I just cooked the turkey loaf and made the sides. The "turkey" was nasty...but my sides were great!

The kids didn't get naps, because our day was so crazy, so by bedtime they were pooped. Luckily tonight was a night that they just crashed in bed, not the typical over-tired-can't-settle-down business we usually get.

Like I said, I'm not complaining about anything, I have way to much to be thankful for to let one day get to me.

I'm thankful for the little girl that makes us smile more than we knew we could

I'm thankful for the little boy that is tougher than nails,

but can melt your heart with his sweet words

And I'm thankful that God trusted us to raise them both together!

OK, hold on, we've been busy!

2010-11-04T13:26:00.003-05:00

Shew! We have been busy, and I would love to tell you all about it.

On Oct 28 Nana and Grandpa Max got here and it was full steam ahead for the next week. Auntie Meedo (Megan) and Uncle Oobie (Mark) got here the next day, followed by Aunt Stephanie, Uncle Eric and cousins Jakob and Kymberli. This was the first time for the Aunts, Uncles and cousins to meet Xander!

That Saturday we had a birthday party for Xander. We invited our friends to join us at a nearby park for some lunch and birthday cake. Our friend Trish made Xander a wonderful camo cake, Kevin manned the grill and the weather was perfect for a picnic birthday party!

The following day was Halloween, so even after a cranky, tired day, we got the kids in their costumes and out the door.

Our little Cinderella who didn't walk one step on her own, and didn't say trick-or-treat once (sigh).

Visiting their friend down the street

Enjoying some loot!

And finally, Xander's actual birthday! Since Macey had a cupcake birthday, and we celebrated Grandma Connie's birthday with cupcakes, I guess cupcakes are what makes a birthday. So, we made cupcakes to make his birthday official.

And now all we have to do is gear up for Xander's surgery on Friday...

Fall Camping

2010-10-21T13:57:00.001-05:00

Two weekends ago we packed up the trailer and went camping at Possum Kingdom Lake with our friends the Lopez's. The weather had been great, so we knew we would have a great time. Macey and Xander love camping, that means they get to be outside ALL day! We had a wonderful time, and instead of me telling you about it I will post as many pictures as I can. The first 4 are ours. The rest were from the Lopez's, they do a much better job of taking pictures than we do!

On our campsite looking for fish in the lake

Macey walking (or getting walked) Jax, the Lopez's dog.

Taking a dip in the lake

Our little campers!

MMMMM, S'mores!

Our big hike. The kids actually hiked all the way up, but needed to be carried back down.

At the top of the mountain

They would wake up, and ask to go outside, sleepy eyes and all.

Thanks Lopez family, for a fun trip!

Special visitors!

2010-10-03T14:05:00.004-05:00

We had some very special visitors this past week, Grandma Connie and Papa Ross were here! We had so much fun! We started the week with a trip to the State Fair, and we had the best time. Texas surprised us this week with PERFECT weather. I don't say that very often about Texas weather, but 80 degrees, sunny with a breeze is nothing but perfect. We spent virtually all day at the fair, and in the 9 years that we have been here Kevin and I have never done that. Jason, Seana and Sharon (who was also in town) joined us for the day and made it that much more fun.

Howdy, Big Tex!

Kevin was unable to take any time off so it was Grandma, Papa, Macey, Xander and I during the day, and we had so much fun! Since the weather was great most of the time the kids were outside, which gave Mama a nice break. They played in the back, in the front, went on walks, played with bubbles, sidewalk chalk, you name it.

Macey's birthday was just a few weeks ago and since Xander's is just a few weeks away, Grandma Connie took the kids shopping for their gifts. Macey got a Little People doll house and Xander got a Little People garage. They loved their gifts, and did a pretty good job sharing.

Christmas?! No, Grandma and Papa came to visit!

Macey is a terrible sleeper and Xander is pretty good, but still getting used to his surroundings. So, as awful as I felt to have to offer Grandma and Papa an air mattress on the floor, they were very gracious and didn't mind. Each morning the kids found it very fun to wake up Papa, he seemed to stay in bed a little longer than the rest of us.

Wake up Papa!

Since we got to celebrate Macey's and Xander's birthdays we thought it was only fitting to celebrate Grandma Connie's since it is in just a few weeks! We made cupcakes and Macey and Xander decorated one for themselves and then one for Papa and one for Grandma!

Happy Birthday Grandma Connie!

Xander couldn't take his eyes off the cupcakes, even for a picture.

What a wonderful trip! We were so lucky to have them here and I will mention the perfect weather again, because it really did make their visit more special.

Come back soon!!!

Love, Macey and Xander (and their parents!)

Macey is 2!!!

2010-09-13T18:33:00.005-05:00

Our little girl is 2!

We had our Texas family over to celebrate Macey's birthday on Sunday afternoon. It was a cupcake party so all the kids decorated their own cupcakes, and boy did they enjoy themselves.

I'm not going to pretend that I have something profound to say about Macey turning 2. Life has certainly not been boring since her arrival, and I can't imagine that things will slow down anytime soon! :)

We set up her new kitchen so when she woke up it was ready for her, like a mini Christmas morning.

These are the AWESOME cupcakes my friend Trish made for Macey! She made Macey's smash cake last year and it was equally as impressive, she is SO talented.

Here are the kids decorating their cupcakes, the table looks pretty clean compared to how it al ended.

After going face first into the cupcake she decorated!

Yummy!

Now I am going to hijack Macey's birthday post to show you one picture of Xander I took today. He found his Shaun Alexander jersey and wore it most of the afternoon. I found him and Macey in my room with some books off of our bookshelf and had to take this picture.

One football on each side of him, wearing a football jersey, and you can't see the book, but it is Friday Night Lights! People, you can't make this stuff up. He's been in Texas just over 2 months and he already knows that football is king! And doesn't his nose and lip look amazing?!

Another update

2010-09-11T12:36:00.002-05:00

Now that I don't have to explain how hard it is to get a picture of Xan, I'll post what I can get, and I got one.

It truly improves everyday!

Here he is!

2010-09-07T18:44:00.004-05:00

First, let me show you a short video. I promised pictures today, but I wanted y'all to see just how hard it is to get pictures of an almost 2 year old little boy. Or at least, my almost 2 year old little boy.

Most pictures look like this

Some look like this

Getting closer

But I got lucky and got one like this, even if he does have food on his face!

OK, I'll give you a minute to scroll down and look at the "before" picture. Look again. WOW, huh? I know!!! We are completely amazed. It's hard to tell in a picture, because you wouldn't really be able to see his scar anyway, but in person it is almost invisible. Even the surgeon commented on it today, in a way to imply that even he was amazed by it. He is still quite swollen on the left side, so his smile is crooked, but still adorable. The scabs you see are from some of the sutures that were removed today and should be gone in a day or so. The food, well that was macaroni and cheese because we were given the thumbs up on using utensils again!

When we walked into the Dr's office today almost all of the people there commented on how great he looked! Of course, they are always going to say that the kids look great, but you know when you can hear a little something different in people's voices. The speech pathologist said "Wow, what a difference! I need to go look at my before picture, that is amazing!" It was nice to hear that even the professionals, who see this every day, thought our little guy turned out better than average!!!

24 hour post-surgery update

2010-08-31T10:27:00.003-05:00

Well, what a crazy 24 hours! The morning of the surgery Xander was a sad little boy. He didn't appreciate all the poking and prodding before the surgery. He was given some "goofy juice" which made him a little silly, and a whole lot more comfortable. Then off he went. He had ear tubes and a lip repair, both went well and took about 2 hours.

When waking up he has certainly not happy, some strong meds took care of that. He slept most of the day on and off and was able to drink some juice and milk. By 4pm we were headed home and as soon as we said we were going home he perked up and started telling all the nurses bye-bye.

We were praying for an easy night, and we got it! He went to bed very easily (again, still on pain meds), and slept until I had to wake him up for more medicine. When I woke him for his 3am medicine he decided he felt good enough to play, so we did for about an hour before he was back in bed.

Since he woke up this morning he has been awesome. I had no idea that 24 hours after surgery he would be running, jumping and climbing on everything! I'm more worried about him bumping his face than anything else. I guess that is a good thing, I'd rather him be happy and playing than in pain.

We bought a train set many months before we even brought Xander home, and were saving it for a "rainy day" and we thought yesterday qualified as one. He loves his train, and it keeps him sitting down, for the most part!

Thank you all for your prayers! We knew the doctors and Xander were covered in prayer, and the doctors did an amazing job and Xander is recovering like we would never have expected. It is obvious that our God hears our prayers and cares about all the stuff in our life. His hand was all over this surgery and everything surrounding it.

Tomorrow...

2010-08-29T20:00:00.004-05:00

Tomorrow is the day our sweet boy's face will change forever. I don't want it to change. The moment I saw his picture, nearly 9 months ago, it was his perfect almond eyes and his sweet mouth, with a cleft, that changed our course. We couldn't deny that he was our son. So it is a sad day to think that after tomorrow morning part of that sweet face will be gone.

However, tomorrow is also the day that we start the process to give our sweet boy the chance to eat, drink and talk with ease. Although he has no trouble eating, he has adapted just fine, there are added issues that a few surgeries can get rid of. He wants so desperately to drink out of straw like his sister, and in a few months we hope that will happen. He has a lot to say, and does quite well, but as Kevin says, I'm the only one who can translate the language of Xander, and before long the rest of you can join me!

I must say, it is different the second time around. I can't say my worries are any less, but they are different. I've been too busy to think about his surgery too much, that is a blessing. As I sit here, Xander is asleep and I don't have much to do, so the fear and worry creeps in. It's all in God's hands, I know, but I bet there isn't a Mom out there that doesn't feel like she can have some sort of control by worrying! ;)

Here are some of my favorite Xander faces.

Cheering for his favorite baseball team!

We call this the cheesy Chinese face. It typically shows up when he has just done something he shouldn't have done, and it's especially cute covered in ketchup.

Tomorrow morning we'll get Xander up early and head to the hospital hoping he doesn't start asking for something to eat or drink. A few hours later he'll leave our care for the first time since we adopted him, into the care of some incredible doctors. The next time we see him will be like the first, we get to fall in love with his sweet face all over again, aren't we lucky?!

All about Kevin

2010-08-15T20:59:00.003-05:00

I don't brag on my husband, mostly because he thinks it's kinda cheesy. I am very proud of him for many things, so today I am ignoring what he thinks and doing what I want!

Kevin completed an off road triathlon today! He did the same one last year with some friends, and decided to do it again this year because he enjoyed it. It consists of a 400m lake swim, a 20k mountain bike ride and a 5k trail run.

Here's what I want to brag about...

Please remember that we live in Texas, and it is the middle of August. Today's high was over 100. The lows don't get below 80, so even at 7am it is about 85. Training for this event has been nearly impossible, as you know, we have recently added to our family! We spent 2 weeks in China and 1 week recovering from the worst jet lag we could imagine. Once Kevin recovered from jet lag and was back to work he got sent out of town for a HUGE project. For the past 3 weeks he has been working in West Texas, outdoors, putting in 10 hour days, wearing fire proof coveralls. Talk about sweat! He comes home on weekends to try to catch up with us, reconnect with his kids that think he got lost and then he is right back at it.

So, I am SO proud of him! He's got a sprained ankle and some scrapes from a hard crash to prove he gave it all he had!

WAY TO GO, KEVIN!

Post race dip in the lake with Dada!

FINISHED!

One month home and some other stuff!

2010-08-10T11:24:00.006-05:00

We have been home a whole month! Crazy! We finally feel like we can sleep normally (although not always good, it seems to be normal), and life is as it is going to be. Kevin has been working out of town a lot, so that is not normal, but that should be over soon and we'll all be home.

It's good for us to look back over the last month, of adjusting to Xander being home, and see just how far we have all come. The jet lag is gone (praise the Lord!), Xander is no longer scared of the kitties, he understands and follows simple commands, and he says many words in English. Macey has started sleeping pretty good again, she loves her brother, and has started acting more like herself, not the fit throwing little one who was mad at her parents. :)

Since Kevin has been gone so much Nana Charlotte has been here, YAY! It has been great having someone to help with the McNeely Preschool, as I like to call it. While she was here we have had some Dr's appointments, a shower for Xander and spent some time with the Swansons for a impromptu party.

Enjoy the pictures from the last few weeks!

Xander's first visit to the park!

In our matching outfits ready for the shower

Xander's new fire truck from Miss Becca and Miss Kate

Macey and her watermelon

Xander and his first popsicle!

Here is some of the fun we had spending the evening with the Swansons. All the kids were squealing and having so much fun on the slide and in the kiddie pool. Made for a wonderful end to the day!

One month ago

2010-07-28T06:33:00.001-05:00

One month ago we adopted this scared, sad, brave little boy.

Today we know him as the crazy, happy, opinionated Xan Man!
It is nothing less than a miracle, the transformation we have seen in this short amount of time. Even though there have been some hard days, and we are sure there will be more hard days to come, we are reminded daily that God gave us the perfect little boy for our family.

Settling in

2010-07-20T18:09:00.003-05:00

Well, life has returned to the new normal at our house. Kevin went back to work which means the two monkeys and I get to hang out all day. I was telling my sister that we are settling in, but hardly settling down. It's rarely ever quiet, unless I can get them to sleep at the same time, and there is always a mess, something I'm just going to have to get used to. It's amazing that adding one child made the mess 5x as bad!

I've got a few pictures to show you, but I also took some video, but I need some help posting it, so stay tuned.

They found our goggles!

Fun in the backyard kiddie pool

One picture from a photo shoot I did in the front yard

Welcome Home, Little Brother!

2010-07-15T06:37:00.003-05:00

Well, as you all know we are home! I will do my best to keep you updated on this blog, but no promises, life is a little hectic right now. :) The kiddos are having a tough time adjusting to our time zone, so we are not getting much sleep. Just when we feel like things are getting better we have a bad night. We know it won't be this way forever, but man we wish it would end soon.

I have a few pictures since we got home that I wanted to share, and hopefully in the next week we'll have an official "sibling" photo shoot, so I'll definitely share those.

Xander sporting his new back pack getting ready to fly home!

Here is a truck he got from the Perkins family

Welcome home, little brother! We're glad to have you here!!!

You know it's summer when...

2010-06-18T13:57:00.002-05:00

You get to go camping at Ft Parker State Park and your friends come to visit!

(Julia Crawford and Macey)

You get to go swimming in the lake with Dada, even if it was just long enough to take a picture.

You get to play in the sandbox in your matching bathing suits.

(Btw, Priscilla and I did not do this on purpose)

Your friends come over for the day and you get to play in the kiddie pool!

You wear your cowboy boots with your bathing suit!

Happy Summer!!!

A little of this and that

2010-05-11T13:40:00.002-05:00

We have been busy around here. Lots of changes going on, getting ready for our new addition. We spent quite a few hours last Saturday getting the kids' rooms in order. Check out the adoption blog to see Xander's room, it's worth a look!

It's no secret to most of you that Macey is a terrible sleeper. So, we had to take drastic measures in this department. We got some advice from our pediatrician, and we both thought that it might actually work. So we made the changes and dove in. It meant moving Macey out of her crib :( and into a larger bed. We had a double bed in the garage, so we decided to use it. The crib got moved to Xander's room in case he needs one, of course we won't know until he gets here. Macey does not like covers, so her bed is so boring, just a fitted sheet.

Where there once was a crib, now there is a big girl bed!

Mother's day was nice. We went to breakfast late, and then drove around dreaming of a new house. No we are not moving, too much going on right now, just dreaming! The afternoon was spent skyping Grandma Connie and Nana Charlotte and hanging out outside and ended with Kevin grilling steaks followed by mint chip milkshakes! Yummy!

Macey loves spending time in her sandbox!

Sweet face.

Playing in the slide with Dada.

Macey and Mama!

(Pardon the no make-up, it was Mother's Day, I was being lazy!)

Another first!

2010-05-05T19:16:00.003-05:00

Today I decided it was time for Macey's first haircut! She hardly needed it, as she doesn't have much hair, but I was getting my hair cut so we were there. Anyway, those pesky baby hairs were kinda long and unruly, so we just cut them off. I've heard a lot of moms say they are worried about cutting the curls off, well, if anything, we cut of the only straight hair. I'm not sentimental about hair, maybe I should be, but it grows. Don't worry, I did save what we cut off, but mostly because I feel like I would have been ridiculed if I didn't. :)

I only had my phone for a "before" picture, so it's not really a good one to show. You can look at old pictures I posted, and honestly, there isn't really anything to see "after." But, I took her picture today anyway, and if nothing else, it's a cute picture!

Bluebonnets 2010

2010-04-30T08:11:00.002-05:00

Well, we didn't make it to a full field of bluebonnets, and the patch that we used last year was kinda puny this year. Since we were running out of time (and being healthy has been a hard thing to come by this April) these pictures are the best we could come up with.

Enjoy!

Beautiful spring!

2010-04-07T12:10:00.004-05:00

The longer I am in Texas, the more I learn to appreciate the Spring. Yes, there can be some nasty storms, but on the days that the sun decides to come out it is gorgeous! I'm seeing blue bonnets on the side of the highways, which is one of my favorite things about Texas. As soon as our local park has a full patch we'll get some pictures.

Here are a few Spring pictures from Easter and from a day at the Dallas Arboretum with Macey's friend Kate.

Lots of pictures, few words

2010-03-23T09:19:00.005-05:00

Just a few pictures from the past month or so.

This is how Macey likes to play golf in the kitchen. But it's a little more like hockey.

Macey loves the dirt, I'm thinking a little brother is the perfect playmate for her.

This was the weekend of March 13-14, perfect spring weather. We were outside more than we were inside.

This was the next weekend, March 21. Macey's first tube run!

Here is what happens when we don't brush Macey's hair after her bath and then she takes a nap.

Well, the easter basket grass didn't stand a chance of staying in the basket.

Happy Valentine's Day and 新年快樂

2010-02-14T19:07:00.002-06:00

Well, as most of you know, we are not Valentine's people. Now that means that Kevin REALLY hates Valentine's Day and I don't really care to get gifts or celebrate it too much. However, I have always received gifts from my mom, who has now passed that on to my children, and I do not apologize for buying small Valentine gifts for Kevin or Macey.

This year Valentine's Day and the first day of the Chinese New Year fell on the same day, so I got away with a little more. Macey and I went shopping this morning and returned with some Valentine candy for Kevin, he did not refuse that Valentine gift! I had already planned on making a Chinese dinner, and just added a few things.

I know very little about the traditions of the Chinese New Year, I have a lot to learn before next year so we can start celebrating correctly. I did find out that noodles are a traditional meal served on New Year's Day. The longer the noodle the better, as it represents a long life. So I just made some stir fry noodles with veggies a chicken. I found some fortune cookies dipped in chocolate with some mini candy hearts, I thought that combined the two events well! Then added a glass of red wine, that seemed to add some romance in my mind!

Macey ate a few noodles, but didn't love the attempt I made at Chinese food. She did love the fortune cookie!

I hope everyone celebrated in the way that they wanted to, whether that is super sappy, or by doing nothing at all! I hope that everyone has a healthy and prosperous year of the Tiger!

SNOW!

2010-02-11T17:03:00.002-06:00

We had real snow today, in fact it is still snowing! It has been snowing since 4am and it is supposed to continue until about 6am tomorrow. For us North Texans it is wonderful! We know it won't be here too long, and it just makes everything gorgeous!

Macey didn't want to go out in it this morning. She loved looking at it. She got very excited when I bundled her all up and told her we were going to play outside. I opened the door and she said "Oooo." I said, "Come on. Let's go outside." She just stood there. I said, "Do you want to go outside?" She said, "No." And turned around and went back in!

Admiring from inside the warm house

Before Daddy went to work

I finally got her to go outside this afternoon. We took a short walk and then built a small snowman. She was pretty cold by this time and wanted to go back in.

I can hardly believe this is our house...in North Texas!

What Macey has been doing

2010-01-27T07:29:00.003-06:00

With all the excitement of the newest McNeely I have neglected to post pictures of what Macey has been doing.

The weather has been great here in Texas, feels a bit more like Spring than Winter, and I am not complaining. We are about to have some winter weather this weekend, so I am glad we were able to take advantage of the sun. We go on lots of walks, which means Macey walks up and down the sidewalk, she could do that for hours if I let her. Kevin and I have been taking her jogging, and sometimes I just let her run around the backyard, she really just loves to be outside.

Playing in the backyard

We went camping last weekend, and had an ok time. The faucet in the trailer was broken, but we didn't know until we got to the site and hooked it up. So we didn't have running water, something you kind of count on when you have a travel trailer. The weather didn't really cooperate either. It was supposed to be nice weather, until a day or two before we left and then rain was forcast. So, it rained most the afternoon and evening on Saturday, which made it a muddy mess. We still tried to make use of our family time, so it wasn't all a waste, but we have had better trips.

Our happy camper

Finally, on Tuesday Macey went to her first gymnastics class. It is a "parent and tot" class, so I was involved as well. She loved it! We had been to an open gym a few times, and were told we could try out the class one day for free, so we went. The class was really small and the teacher was great, so we had a great time. However, for the cost (YIKES) I think she is a bit young. We will probably continue going to the open gym once a week, it's cheaper and gives her the opportunity to explore and do what she wants. As she gets older we will definitely have her in some type of program. Our short, squatty little girl should be just right for gymnastics!

I know one thing, she was THE cutest little gymnast!

Blog changes

2010-01-20T16:36:00.002-06:00

I had to do some revisions to our blog. It was pink, and since we are about to add some BLUE to our life I thought it was only fair to go neutral.

You might want to check this out!

2010-01-19T10:20:00.003-06:00

http://proverbs169adoption.blogspot.com/

Happy 2010!

2010-01-05T10:20:00.003-06:00

This year our New Year's party was very small and low key. The Lopez family came over and it was just the 6 of us. We played Wii (that Lauren got for Christmas), ate yummy food, the girls made New Year's tiaras and we watched a movie (rather than the boring NYE shows).

Sharing a New Year's cookie (portzelky) with mama

Macey, after she woke up right on cue at 11:50pm, about to toast in the new year

A New Year's kiss for daddy!

Happy New Year!!!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T12:20:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas!

Love, Macey

(and her mom and dad)

The most wonderful time of the year!

2009-12-14T21:56:00.004-06:00

It's Christmas time! I love this time of year. Normally at Christmas we look forward to eating a lot of yummy food, mostly desserts, seeing family we haven't seen in a while and hanging out with friends. This year I got to add one thing to that list and it was running a half marathon. I actually was looking forward to it, believe it or not. I started training a LONG time ago and was just ready to see what I could do.

On December 13 I ran with 20,000 of my closest friends in the Dallas White Rock Marathon, and 10,000 ran the half marathon. Early on a set a time goal for myself of 2 hours 15 minutes. I had kinda slacked off the last month, so I really didn't think I would reach it, I was going to try. Well, much to my surprise my finish time was 2:14:09! Here are some pictures from the day.

Cutest little cheerleader!

One tired mama!

Later that day we got to do one of our favorite Christmas traditions, spend the evening celebrating with the Swansons. This year it was at their house and Priscilla made yummy chicken tacos, they were so good. It was a great night to celebrate as Aaron ran the full marathon earlier that day. I believe this was his fourth one, amazing!

We ate dinner, the kids opened some gifts we ate dessert and we had a great time hanging out. We don't get to spend as much together as we would like to, so this is a very special time for everyone.

Macey reading her new book

Merry Christmas from the Swansons and McNeelys!

One year ago!

2009-12-11T10:21:00.006-06:00

A year ago today our sweet Macey was just finishing up her surgery. What a day that was! I was a nervous wreck as my 3 month old was going into surgery, knowing that she was being cared for by skilled doctors and, most importantly, our Lord. I remember waiting and waiting, as the surgery was a bit more complicated than expected, wondering when I would see my baby's new face. Text messages were being sent from me to family and back again, and the support of my "sister" Priscilla was the most calming thing of all. It was a year ago, but it all comes flooding back if I just stop and think about it.

I took a trip down memory lane and looked at the pictures of her before her surgery, right after and today. As tears roll down my face I can hardly believe all of the things we have learned, not only from being first-time parents, but from having a child with a facial anomaly. The fear of the unknown that gripped us as we waited for her to be born, and then the anxiety we felt knowing that surgery would be commonplace in her life was much more than we could carry. We know there are more surgeries in her future, and we also know that she will experience life much differently than most of us, but to think that God trusted us to raise her is simply amazing!

Here are a few of the pictures from surgery day, and one of the perfect smile she displays today.

Just moments before the surgery

Getting a little fussy, as she couldn't eat when she wanted to

Here's our baby as she recovered just hours after her surgery

Here she is today, when we tell her to say "cheese"

Two Dads, two Moms and four baby girls!

2009-11-27T21:01:00.007-06:00

Thanksgiving could easily become my favorite holiday. Now, I love Christmas, it is still my current favorite, but we are creating new traditions at Thanksgiving that are making it a VERY close second. We headed down to Bryan, TX to spend our 5th Thanksgiving with the Crawford family; Aaron, Kay, Carolina, Julia and brand new baby Lillia (9 days old).

Last year we went to their house because Julia was just 2 weeks old, so it was easier for us to join them. We took the trailer, parked at a nearby lake and spent time together. Well, this year, we had to come to them again, because Lillia was born on November 17, so we packed the trailer and headed down. The only problem was that this year Texas and A&M played in Aggieland, so all the RV parks were full. So, much to my dismay, we parked the trailer in their driveway and called it home for the holiday.

One of our annual traditions is for Aaron to fry the turkey. Oh, if you have never had a fried turkey you are missing something, this year was the best one yet!

Aaron and his beautiful, and yummy turkey

Macey enjoyed herself so much. She just loves being around other little kids and the Crawford girls are really fun to be with. They played so well together and really enjoyed each other.

Kevin, Julia and Macey

Carolina and Macey watching a movie

Macey was so thrilled to have som many fun new toys to play with

Carolina and Macey giggling together

This is what Macey did when we said, "Say cheese."

Julia and Macey chasing bubbles

Macey loved baby Lillia. Every time she would go near her she would say, "Aww."

We always have fun at the Crawfords. Their house full of girls is so much fun and we are very blessed to have friends like them. We look forward to Thanksgiving every year mostly because we know we will never be disappointed, it's always something new and always exciting. We have so much to be thankful for, even though our families are far away we have friends who are just like family to spend time with. Thank you Crawfords, for another wonderful Thanksgiving.

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T14:03:00.003-05:00

From the cutest little ladybug in Texas!

Macey's birthday (a little late)

2009-09-27T10:33:00.006-05:00

Well, I'm not sure how it happened, but Macey's birthday was two weeks ago and I didn't even post anything about it. I am a bad mama! Macey had a bunch of family come in to celebrate with her, and we really had a wonderful time. Grandma Charlotte, Grandpa Max, Grandma Connie, Papa Ross, Auntie Meedo (Megan), Uncle Oobie (Mark) and her cousin Logan all came out to Texas for the big party.

We had planned on a nice party at a nearby park. The park had a splash park, which is a fancy way for kids to run through sprinklers, and a fun play area all with a covered pavilion with tables. Our plan was to have the kids play while we cooked, then serve everyone hot dogs, pasta salad, and watermelon. A 1 year old's birthday party isn't complete without the smearing of icing all over the place, and then of course everyone else gets cake. Well, mother nature had other plans and it literally rained for 3 days straight. So, we had the party anyway, it was just kinda wet and a little cold.

We felt so loved because so many of Macey's friends showed up for the party even though the weather wasn't very party friendly. It made me so happy to know that Macey is surrounded by people who love her.

Macey trying watermelon for the first time with Grandma Charlotte. She seemed to like it!

Macey and Grandma Connie getting ready for the party to start. Notice the gloomy weather and wet sidewalk.

After Macey had dug into her smash cake. She preferred the flowers and ladybugs that decorated the cake, but she did get a good taste of frosting. She never quite made it into the actual cake.

Yummy!

I mentioned that there was a splash park, well, by the end of the party some of the kids had gone in with all their clothes on. I begged my brother-in-law to let Logan get in, and he finally caved. Well, when I told Logan that he got to go in he said (with the most excitement I have ever heard) "Auntie Allison, are you comin'?" I quickly said "Well, yes!" So in Macey and I went!

Here is Macey sitting in her rocking chair from Grandma Charlotte and Grandpa Max holding her baby from Grandma Connie and Papa Ross!

It was such a great weekend. By the time everyone had gone home we had been hanging out with family for over a week. Macey loved spending time with all of her grandparents and her aunt, uncle and cousin. What a special treat to have so many people to celebrate with!

Just because I feel a little sappy, here is our baby on the day she was born.

Ahh, the panhandle!

2009-08-12T14:13:00.003-05:00

We took a mini vacation to Amarillo, Tx last weekend. Most people wouldn't choose Amarillo for their only vacation for the summer, but we love it there. We love Palo Duro Canyon, which is the reason we go. The only other times we have been there was on our way back from California in 2004 and on our way back from Colorado last year. In the canyon there is a musical that is performed on an outdoor stage with the canyon as the backdrop, pretty cool. It is a true musical about some portion of the history of the panhandle. We LOVE it! We have seen the musical three times, and this past year it was a repeat form the last year, but it was still great.

Here is a picture of part of the canyon

We took pictures of the stage, but we were borrowing a camera (ours is still broken) and for some reason the pictures did not come out. The highlight of the show was that Macey was amazing through it. First we ate a YUMMY steak dinner in the canyon at about 6pm. Then we walked around and listened to the live music before heading in to the show. The show started at 8:30pm, and Macey usually goes to bed around 8pm. She literally sat on my lap and watched the entire first half of the show, just over an hour. I was amazed. After the intermission she was getting a little restless, but she still wasn't very noisy, so we watched as much as we could. I could tell she wanted to sleep, but the stinker just won't close her eyes. Anyway, with about 15 min left of the show I got up and took her to the back so we could watch and walk around. Kevin came out 5 min later and we decided to leave early. By this time it was about 10:45pm! Macey is a little trooper!!!

Our only family picture at the canyon

Macey and Kevin swimming at the hotel pool. It was pretty warm during the day, but like California, it cooled off at night and the mornings were very pleasant.

Here we are at Cadillac Ranch. It was windy (as you can see by my lovely hairdo) but people were armed with their spray paint leaving their marks on the cars anyway.

This is in front of The Big Texan. It is a famous restaurant in Amarillo. The meal we ate before the musical was provided by them. Then the next morning we ate their breakfast buffet, both were SO yummy.

Kevin rode his bike while we were in the canyon on Saturday, and Macey and I took a short walk before we just about melted (in a canyon there isn't much of a breeze). We all went for a short jog on Sunday morning because it was about 65 degrees, something we are not used to in the summer. On Sunday we also found a really cool museum in a nearby town, the Panhandle Plains Historical Museum. I do not typically like museums, but I was totally impressed with this one. It had everything in it, sports history, lots of oil stuff, geological explanations of the canyon, everything about the panhandle, it was great. We spent well over an hour in there, and again Macey was great. She realized that her voice echoed in some of the rooms so she got a kick out of herself by shouting!

I'm going to brag about Macey one more time and then I'll stop, she is quite the little traveler. If we were to drive straight it would take about 6 hours to get to Amarillo. Obviously with an 11 month old you have to make some stops. On our way there we drove late at night so we made two stops and she only cried for about 30 min of the 6 1/2 hours in the car. On our way home we stopped quite a few times, and we had to go around a bad accident when we got back to the metroplex, all in all it took us 8 1/2 hours to get home. Macey only fussed the last 30 min of our drive, and honestly if I wasn't an adult I may have been fussing with her, it was a LONG ride home!

Dancing, singing and shaking the booty.

2009-07-19T19:00:00.003-05:00

As you can see, Macey not only enjoys music, she also likes dancing and singing along.

Legitimate excuse

2009-07-18T07:23:00.005-05:00

It has been a long time since I have posted pictures, but I have a real excuse this time, our camera is broken. All of a sudden it will not focus and you cannot look through the pictures, so we have to take it in to get it fixed. No camera, no pictures of Macey, no blog. However, Grandma Charlotte came to visit this past week, and she has a camera that works!

We have a small blow up pool that we get out occasionally and Macey has really grown to love it. Sometimes she just sits in it and sometimes she splashes around and tries to "swim" (aka crawl through the water).

Cooling off

I am very proud to say that I have a little girl who loves books and loves us to read to her! I am very excited about this, because I am not a reader, but I have always wished I was. Hopefully her early love of books will turn into a love of reading.

Reading books

One of her new games is peek-a-boo, and we play it at the coffee table. She squats down underneath, and we peek under the table, then she pops up and we say "peek-a-boo!" It can go on for quite some time, luckily it is so cute we are willing to keep playing.

Peek-a-boo

Another game Macey plays is "Got you!" It is played when mama or daddy lays on the floor and says "Come get me." Macey then crawls as fast as she can and gets us. We then say "You got me" and she smiles and usually buries her head into us. This game is played at all times of day or night!

"I got you!"

And this was just a sweet picture of Macey and Grandma Charlotte. It was before church so they were both all spiffed up.

Macey and Grandma Charlotte

Macey has also learned how to wave. It started by us trying to have her wave bye-bye when Kevin goes to work, but it ended up with her mostly waving at herself in the mirror. She has the cutest wave, it is kind of like a princess wave. We are trying to get it on video and we will post it here when that happens. I am so thankful for digital video cameras, it is really hard to get a 10 month old to perform on cue!

Catching up

2009-06-11T08:01:00.002-05:00

I guess it has been a while since I posted any pictures here. We have been busy, but the camera hasn't been used too much, so I apologize. I just have a few pictures of some of the latest things.

A few weekends ago we went to Six Flags and an A's (Ranger's) game with the Swansons. We knew we were in for a long day, but the kids did great. Ethan rode some BIG roller coasters at Six Flags, and Macey and Kate got some time to hang out.

Hanging out with Kate at Six Flags

It was a pretty warm day, so we requested seats in the shade, and we were not disappointed. Our seats were great, and we even had a breeze the entire time. Macey seems to really enjoy baseball games, and we are happy about that. At least while she is still content being held and looking at people we can watch a game without too much interruption. She has now been to two A's games and they have won both times!

Macey's 2nd A's game

It's springtime which means thunderstorms. We have a dog who is scared to death of storms, which has been quite a challenge. Before Macey we would just bring Maggie inside and she would do pretty well. Now that we have Macey bringing Maggie in isn't always an option. Maggie will yelp at the sliding glass door thinking someone should let her in, and now Macey will stand at the door and is quite entertained by her.

Macey's new favorite place to be

And finally, Macey has graduated from her baby tub to the regular tub. I probably wouldn't have even mentioned this, except that I thought she looked cute in the picture, so here she is!

Her first bath in a big tub

Shew!

2009-05-20T15:02:00.005-05:00

Well, let me start by saying we are never going to California again! Don't panic, I am only kidding, but apparently when we go to California Macey grows up much faster than when we are at home, so we are trying to fix that. I will give you a list of all her "firsts" while we were in CA, and will share as many of the fun moments that she shared with her family as I can.

I'll start with the only thing that was for me during this trip. A former student/athlete of mine was drafted by the Giants this past year and is currently playing for the San Jose Giants (A). It just happened that he was in Bakersfield while we were there. So I got to see him play, and I was so excited. I could go on about him, but he is just a great kid and deserves all the success in the world. So, if you hear the name Roger Kieschnick in major league baseball in the next few years, that's him!!!

My special treat during our trip to California

During the trip to California Macey met, for the first time, 8 first cousins, 3 uncles, 1 auntie, 3 great-uncles, 2 great-aunts, 1 great-grandma, 2 great-grandpas, 10 second cousins, she also met our cousins and countless friends. I expected it to be quite overwhelming for her, but she just warmed right up to most people and enjoyed the attention. Our first trip within our trip was to Pismo beach. Here she went swimming for the first time and went to the beach for the first time.

Macey and Grandpa Max

Our little beach baby

Grandma Charlotte and Grandpa Max's house is kind of like a mini resort, complete with a pool and putting green. So Macey took full advantage of everything.

Trying out Grandpa Max's putting green (notice the sandals)

Kevin joined us after we had spent a week there and we headed to Fresno. After being greeted by Uncle Rod, Auntie Julie, Grandma Connie and Papa Ross it was off to meet her cousins Alyssa and Lindsey. Those two little girls were so excited, and Macey was all smiles when she saw them.

Macey and her cousins Alyssa and Lindsey, this was Grandma Connie's mother's day present

We always have to have an In-n-Out burger when we are in California. We wanted to make sure Macey had her chance to "taste" some of the food, so I handed her my burger and here was the result.

Only the best for her first "taste" of a hamburger

Later that day Macey had another huge first, her FIRST TOOTH. Now it makes sense why she was so eager to take a bite of that burger, she wanted to try out her new tooth. The next day a second one came through.

The second trip within our trip was to Shaver Lake. It is an annual event for the McNeelys and Rushes (Grandma Connie's sister and her family) to head to Shaver Lake and stay in a large cabin for the weekend. The kids are slowly out numbering the adults, and it is a ton of fun. There is lots of dirt, food and more food. Once again Macey just loved everyone and seemed to be having a wonderful time.

Alyssa, Brook (a 2nd cousin), Lindsey and Macey

The Rush/McNeely clan (that would be 12 adults and 11 kids, but another little girl will be joining the family in few weeks, and a new baby is due in December)

Swimming with Dad and Alyssa

This only brushes the surface of all the pictures we took, but it gives you a good idea of some of the things we were able to do while in California. Some more firsts for Macey were learning to go from a crawl to a sitting position. She did it once, and by the next day it was old hat. She had pulled up to the furniture once before we left home, and by the second or third day there she was pulling up on everything! She literally grew up while we were there, and now she is hard to keep up with. I guess the next step is cruising along the furniture, I'm sure that will start any day.

Here are a few more pictures that I thought were "blog worthy." Enjoy!

Macey and Grandma Connie

Macey adoring her cousin Jakob

Pismo Beach

Having so much fun with her cousins (I love the remarkable resemblance in the facial expressions of Macey and Alyssa)

Macey just loves her cousin Josh

Go A's

2009-05-01T10:11:00.003-05:00

Well, yesterday was a special day. Kevin used a personal day and we took Macey to her first baseball game, because the A's were in town. It was a gorgeous day and we had a wonderful time. The A's won (yay, that doesn't happen very often when we are there) and if you are a baseball fan you must see this spectacular catch! It was very fun to be an A's fan that day. Enjoy the pictures from Macey's first baseball game!

She looks pretty excited to be at the game

The cutest little A's fan we've ever seen

About halfway through the game she decided this was a comfortable way to hang out and watch the people walking by

Mama and Macey

She caught a short nap towards the end of the game

Festival Weekend

2009-04-27T07:55:00.005-05:00

In Texas it seems like every city has it's own festival, and this is the time of year for them. The weather is usually pretty good to be outside, unless there is rain, but it is a risk you take. This past weekend we were able to go to two different festivals and we were pleasantly surprised by both.

Friday night we headed out the the Real. Texas. Festival. in Mesquite, TX. We basically live in Mesquite, so it was just down the road. Our plan was to enjoy some food, walk around and look at the booths and then watch part of the rodeo, all before the concert. We weren't sure how Macey was going to do, but she proved to be a little trooper. She enjoyed herself and was a perfect little angel!!!

Macey's first rodeo

Looking at the baby goats

Saturday we drive a little further, but it was worth it. There is a little town called Wills Point about an hour from us and we happened upon their Bluebird Festival last year and knew we needed to go back. Most festivals have, what I like to call "Fair food." You know, the portable concession stands on wheels that serve corn dogs, nachos, funnel cakes and your occasional BBQ sandwich. There is nothing wrong with these foods (not referring to the nutrition), but they are the same everywhere you go. Well, Wills Point is a small town and they know how to have a festival. Literally people bring their own cooking instruments from home and sell home made food. It is wonderful! Kevin loved the steak tacos, my personal favorite is the gorditas (with your choice of beef, chorizo, cactus, pork skins or beans). The gorditas are freshly made right in front of your eyes; good home made food. And it is cheap!!! We left the festival, very full of lunch and a dessert of home made ice cream and fried peach pies, for about $20!

So tired from all the excitement

More firsts

2009-04-22T07:47:00.003-05:00

Well, as with any baby's first year of life Macey is adding to her list of firsts. Unfortunately, last week she had her first ear infection, but she is feeling better now and just trying to get healthy before our trip to CA. I have been offering her some teething cookies recently, but she doesn't know what to do with them. She just kinda picks them up and plays with them, but won't put them in her mouth. Well, the other day she put it in her mouth, so of course I took a picture!

"Feeding" herself for the first time

She didn't really eat the cookie for very long, but she seemed to enjoy it. She is definitely teething, she is always biting on things. So hopefully soon we can post about her first tooth. We have also been hanging out outside. She isn't very mobile yet, so a big blanket in the front yard is a great change of scenery. She loves watching cars and people go by and she is very calm and content while we are outside.

Enjoying the outdoors

And finally Macey got to meet the first of her 4 uncles. Uncle Gary moved to Texas last week to start his new job, and made sure he came over to meet Macey. She kinda stared at him for a while, but eventually she was playing with him and even let her hold him. She looks pretty happy! I think it's partly because he is so tall, she had a whole new perspective on things! :)

Macey and her Uncle Gary

MT4

2009-04-19T15:06:00.015-05:00

Two weeks ago, as Allison mentioned, some friends and I went on our annual Man Trip. We have hiked to the top of Texas in the past as well as our river trip last year, so I decided that we should set out for an adventure on our mountain bikes. On Friday we drove to the panhandle to ride along an abandoned rail road line that has been converted to a hike, bike and equestrian trail, which is near Caprock Canyon State Park.

The advantage of having an engineer in the group.

The plan was for us to start in the small town of Turkey, ride 32 miles uphill to South Plains and then back. The forecast was for 55 mph wind gusts and blowing dust. Well, it turned out that there were 61 mph gusts in the area.

Aaron S., Ram, Bubba, Kevin and Crawdaddy in Quitaque ready to start.

The least scenic section between Quitaque and Turkey. Mmm, breathe it in.

Aaron and Kevin standing by the Clarity Tunnel. We had to walk the bikes through the tunnel due to the mounds of guano.

We changed our plans the night before and decided to start in Quitaque, ride 10 miles downwind to Turkey, then back to Quitaque before heading off to S. Plains. The first 10 miles was easy, and only took one hour, but the same ride back to the truck took us 2 hours in the wind. We were averaging about 4 to 5 mph on the bikes and about 3 walking the bikes, which at times was much easier.

On Saturday we ate dinner in Turkey, but Friday consisted of steak and West Texas Chili (includes steak, ground beef and chorizo) by our talented cook Crawdaddy.

By the time the first 20 miles was over, we had decided that failure had set in. A couple of the guys ended up driving me and the two Aaron's to South Plains, which is at the highest elevation and they went back to the campground to ride around the canyon. The three of us rode downhill and thankfully downwind for another 22 miles along the trail and five miles on the road back to the park.

We could only find one restaurant in town, but it was a good one. Mexican food and homemade fried pies.

Bottom line, I rode 47 miles, but the plan was for 64. The wind was absolutely ridiculous and the dust did not taste good either. This was the first time we have failed to do what we set out to accomplish, but it leaves incentive for next year's International trip (Oklahoma and Arkansas).

While I was writing this, someone was not very impressed. For those of you who only read this blog for Macey pictures, well, here you go.

Spring is finally here!

2009-04-14T12:15:00.008-05:00

It seems like winter did not want to give up on North Texas this year. I wouldn't call it a hard winter, it didn't seem like we had very many really cold days. However, we had our last freeze just last week, so it lasted a little longer than normal. We are so ready to see the sun and enjoy being outside.

Well, a few weekends ago Kevin went on the annual "Man Trip." It is planned by him for his friends, and they do "man" things. The Crawford girls came to stay with us while the men were out doing whatever. I didn't get too many pictures, but here is one of the babies.

Macey and her good friend Julia Crawford

Macey has been doing much better with eating. She is starting to like some foods, fruits of course, and eating is getting fun. We got out her high chair so now we enjoy meals together at the table.

This was her first meal in her high chair. She enjoyed a wonderful meal of banana puree!

Macey has been learning to crawl for the past week or so. She gets up on all fours and just rocks back and forth. It is so cute. She can get around, but it is not a true crawl just yet. She scoots and rolls and usually gets just was she is after.

The cutest little crawling booty

It is an annual Texas tradition to take pictures in Bluebonnets. Typically these bluebonnet patches are on the said of the road, so you will randomly see people parked by the road taking pictures. Well, we found a safe patch of bluebonnets at the park near our house, so we got our first pictures there. Macey wasn't really into smiling, it was kinda sunny and when she looked up the sun was in her eyes. So we took what we could. We tried to lay her down and that just made her mad, and so ended the photo shoot. I broke the law and picked a bluebonnet and we headed home. We got some really cute indoor shots!

Our little Texan in her first Bluebonnet pictures

Our indoor version of Bluebonnet pictures

We really enjoyed our first Easter with Macey. We attended Easter service on Saturday night, and that is when she wore her dress. Sadly, I didn't take pictures of her that night. We had professional pictures done in her Easter dress, so I guess I just didn't think about it. Macey sat with us through Easter service, she really enjoyed the music and singing, and we're sure she enjoyed the message as well! Easter morning was very low key. With no family in town we really had no plans, and it was great. Macey got her first Easter basket, which she loved. Later that afternoon we had a Easter egg hunt with our church family, complete with pictures with the Easter bunny. Macey didn't really understand the hunting part or the big bunny, but it was fun for us.

The cutest little bunny, in our opinion

Macey's first Easter egg hunt

A picture with the Easter bunny (aka our friend Jerrod)

So far, the beginning of spring has been great. We are taking advantage of being outside as much as we can. Macey seems entertained, and it is just nice to get out after a long winter. We are counting down the days until we are in California. We hope to see as many of you as we can while we are there. We hope all of you are enjoying the beginning of spring as much as we are!

A special visitor

2009-03-25T15:20:00.003-05:00

Well, this past week Grandma Charlotte was in town. She was only going to be here a few days, but some things changed and she ended up staying an entire week. YIPPEE!!! All these pictures were taken by Grandma Charlotte (except the one that she is in). We had a good time shopping, taking walks, and enjoying the great weather. During the time that she was here my kitchen was getting a facelift (I'll post about that later) so we chose to be out of the house to get away from the noise., so naturally we did a lot of shopping!!!

Macey is now rolling all over the place. She even started to pull her knees underneath her like she wants to crawl. Kevin and I will be childproofing the house this weekend, because I have a feeling we have a curious one on our hands. As soon as she learns how to crawl I bet we will be chasing her everywhere. It seems like she changes everyday, it is so fun to watch her grow and learn new skills.

I just thought this was a silly little face. She likes to suck on her bottom lip, it is so funny.

Here she is practicing her sitting. She can sit by herself for a little while, but putting some padding around her is a little safer. Before long she won't need the padding.

Macey is really starting to get the hang of the jump-up! If mama jumps and acts silly, so does Macey.

Thank you Grandma Charlotte! I had a great time!

I know, I know...

2009-02-28T15:29:00.004-06:00

It's been a long time since I posted anything here. I've got all the excuses in the world, but I won't waste your time. I just have some random pictures to post, because one of my excuses is nothing much has been going on. We have been continuing to fight some minor infections on Macey's lip and nose, so that has been a real bummer. We think we have it under control now, but your prayers are appreciated so we can put this behind us.

Anyway, this first picture is just a cute one of her in an outfit from her cousin Kymberli. I think aqua blue looks really good on her!

Hey, everyone! How's it going?

A few weeks ago Macey tried cereal for the first time. She doesn't really love it or hate it. She eats it, but doesn't seem to be begging for it. Soon we'll try some food with flavor and maybe she'll like that better.

The Crawfords came for one night and it is always a party when Carolina and Julia come to town. Here's one of all the girls enjoying a lazy Sunday morning.

One more cute outfit from the Swansons. Here we are decked out in a black velour sweatsuit with sassy leopard print!!!
And that's it folks. I'll try to post some more random things in the next week, because we really have nothing going on.

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T16:50:00.002-06:00

5 months old

2009-02-12T20:36:00.003-06:00

It's true, Macey is 5 months old. Today was quite a day, so I thought I would show you what it was like to be Macey today!

First of all she had a rough night. I don't know if she sensed my stress about her surgery, but she had her worst night ever. I put her down at 8:15pm only for her to wake up crying at 8:45pm. She went back down around 9:30pm, then was up at 12:15am. I put her back down at 1am, and she was up at 2am, I put her back down right away only for her to wake up at 2:45am. The last time she was allowed to eat was 3:30am, so I stayed up while she slept in my arms so I could feed her one last time. I tried to lay her down again at 4am, and she woke up. I actually had to get myself ready (we had to be ready to leave at 5:15am) so I needed her to lay down somewhere. I decided to put her in our bed.

Here is where she spent the last hour of her night. She was out! Let me add that when she sleeps in her crib she still has to be swaddled, and if she gets out of it most of the time it wakes her up. Apparently that rule does not apply in our bed.

We had to be at the hospital at 6am. We went through the same routine as we did with her first surgery. We arrive to a room for day surgery check in. There are beds for little ones and a nurse that checks you in. We stay there for about an hour. This time, since she was a little older, they pointed out the TV available above each bed. We gave it a try.
Here's our little trooper enjoying some cartoons as we waited for them to take us to the "Surgery Holding Room."

Next we are taken to the "Surgery Holding Room." This is where we meet the nurses who will be in the operating room with her. We also get to talk to the anesthesiologist. We are typically there for about 30 min, and with so many people coming and going Macey enjoyed watching all the commotion. This is also where we got her dressed for surgery. Last time, because she was so small they just gave us a t-shirt. This time she actually got a gown.
The gown has little tigers on it and she looked so cute in it! She soggied up the arms because they were a bit long, and everything must be put in her mouth these days.

Next was the surgery. We were very thankful that, once again, when they took her away she did not cry. The nurses loved her and she was in such a great mood all morning. They were so amazed that she was so happy even though she hadn't eaten in quite a few hours. She just smiled at everyone. When she woke up after surgery she was super cranky. It took a little extra medication to get her calmed down, but eventually she did and fell asleep. Then we had to wait for all her antibiotics to get administered through the IV, and as long as she showed signs of being alert they would let us go home. We were home by 10am.

Macey slept most of the day. At about 4pm she woke up and was acting like her normal self. She started talking and wanting to play. It was nice to have her back so quickly.

Later in the afternoon she received a package from her Uncle Eric, Auntie Stephanie and cousins Geoffrey, Jakob and Kymberli. It was a Valentine gift and it couldn't have come on a better day. Maybe we should have waited until Valentine's Day, but we decided she deserved whatever it was today.
It turned out to be a handmade (by Auntie Stephanie) blanket! It is wonderful, and you can see that Macey loves it. It is a lady bug blanket! Those of you who know my family know we are a bit obsessed with themes, and each of us has an "animal" that we are associated with. Well, Macey's is a lady bug.

You can see that her lip, just under the nose, is swollen and bruised, but her smile lets you know that she is doing just fine. The surgeon explained that the procedure went well and was relatively easy. He removed the stitch that was causing the problem and cleaned out the infection. With some minor wound cleaning she will be healed in no time.

After her long day she was so tired. And there is no better way to end the day than a little snooze with Daddy! They were playing on the couch and all of a sudden she laid her head down and her little eyes just closed.
Thank you all for your prayers. Everything went as planned, and Macey seems to be in little to no pain. Please continue to pray for her healing, this was just a little hurdle, and before we know it all these surgeries will be far behind us.

Playing catch up

2009-02-10T15:50:00.005-06:00

It has been a while since we posted, so I have a few things to tell you about.

A few weekends ago we went camping. We like to take the trailer out every 6 weeks or so just to make sure everything is in working order. We got lucky and chose a weekend with great weather. It was in the 70s all weekend! Macey is quite the little camper, this was her 3rd time to stay in the trailer. She does great!

Macey hanging out in the Bumbo

Macey and Dad enjoying the beautiful weather

This past weekend Macey went to her first birthday party. Her friend Kate Swanson turned 1, so we got to enjoy some yummy food and celebrate with some friends. She could not enjoy the cake just yet, and she had no idea that presents were exciting, but I am pretty sure she still enjoyed herself.

Macey and Kate with Kate's Nini and Pawpaw

Nini, Macey and Kate

Other news:

Macey will be having another surgical procedure on Thursday. She ended up with an abscess around some of the deep sutures, and the Dr cannot safely remove the sutures and infection without putting her under anesthesia. So, on Thursday morning keep our sweet little girl in your prayers. We'll let you know how it goes.

Busy weekend

2009-01-28T10:18:00.008-06:00

We were very lucky to have some visitors this past weekend. Grandpa Max, Grandma Charlotte and Aunt Megan came to visit! They came to celebrate with us as we dedicated ourselves to raising Macey in Christian home. Lake Pointe has a special service for parents to make a public commitment to raising their children in a Christian home, and asks family and friends to be a part of it to help support parents in their efforts.

Pastor Aaron reading Macey's scripture, which we chose, Psalm 139:14 I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Grandpa Max, Grandma Charlotte, Kevin, Macey, Allison, and Aunt Megan

We had a good time just hanging out. Macey got to spend some time getting to know Grandma, Grandpa and Aunt Megan a little better. Here are some pictures from the weekend!

Ready to go out in the cold!

Grandpa Max and Macey

Aunt Megan and Macey looking quite content

Random note: You may notice that sometimes Macey has tape on her lip and sometimes she doesn't. Well, the tape is to help with the healing of the scar. We are supposed to keep it on all the time, but we were told that it could come off for special occasions.

4 months ago

2009-01-16T11:14:00.004-06:00

4 months ago today we brought Macey home form the hospital! After a few stressful days in the NICU she was able to come home. I thought it was a good time to "measure" her growth since then.

Here she is, born 6 lbs 2 oz and 17 1/2 in long.

4 months later...

She is 12 lbs 15 oz and 24 in long!