Saturday, December 22, 2007

The First Week Home with Russ

What a busy week it has been! So, we got home from the hospital last weekend and started our new life as a family of four. Matt was able to take off work last week, which made things a lot easier on Rachel and made for a fun week for Ms. Meredith. She may be disappointed when its just her, Russ, and Momma come Wednesday.

Meredith is adjusting well to being a big sister. She loves to give Russ kisses and hugs, and wants to "hold" him whenever she gets a chance. Russ has continued to be a very easy going baby. Still doesn't like diaper changes or being naked, but is pretty content either being held, in his cradle or just laying down looking at everyone. Hopefully he will continue to be such a laid back kid.

Here are some pictures from our first week at home. Thanks for your continued prayers!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Meredith pointing out "Eyes, Nose, Mouth....."

Can't Forget about Tummy Time!

Hey, this bath thing isn't so bad.....

Well, maybe it is!

Friday, December 14, 2007

Welcome Baby Russell

Hello Family and Friends,

Today the Lipsey family welcomed its newest member -- Russell Steven!

Here are the statistics:
8 lb 2 oz
21 inches long
born at 8:28 AM

Russell seems to be a very content little baby. He sleeps well in his swaddle, has been nursing well (as long as he's not tired), and the only time we've seen him get upset is when his diaper needs changing.

Thank you for your prayers and we'll keep you updated on things. Here are some pictures from today.




Tuesday, December 11, 2007

It's a Mystery

As I sit here typing, I am amazed at how different my two kids are from each other. No -- I still haven't had dear sweet Russell yet, and now I'm beginning to understand those of you who had to wait patiently for your children to decide to come out into the world. Maybe this is a sign that Russell will be more of a procrastinator, like his parents, and maybe will like to sleep in and not be a rooster like his big sister? Or maybe he realizes that its cold outside, and is trying to just stay inside where its warm. So many questions, buts its good to know that the end is in sight and we will meet our newest family member soon.

Nothing new to report in Lipseyland. We are almost done with our office remodel. It's amazing how much of our office is now toy storage! Other than that, just trying to keep busy.

Thanks for your prayers, and we'll keep you informed on how things are going.

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Busy, Busy, Busy

Hi Readers!

It's been a busy time in the Lipsey family, but just wanted to write to say that we are doing well. Thanksgiving was a wonderful time, and we got to spend it with a lot of our family and friends here in central Arkansas.

Since then we've been trying to tidy up our office area and Russell's bedroom by getting rid of a lot of those never used items. It's been a LONG process -- we seemed to have collected a lot of stuff since college!

Meredith is doing well. Her newest favorite things to do are to say back the alphabet to you -- with a few ommisions ("W" is not a letter she likes to say) and to count with you as well. Yesterday, we were watching trusty Barry Brandt on the 5 o'clock news and she pointed and said "H" for the high pressure symbol on the screen. She then started saying "I" -- too bad there aren't any pressure systems that start with an I. So, I guess all that wheel of fortune watching has done her a little bit of good.

Baby Russell seems to be pretty content with his place inside momma belly. I've got another doctor's appointment today, so hopefully I'll have more news to tell soon.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Jonesboro Trip

Meredith and Rachel joined Dee Dee and Big Daddy on a work trip to Jonesboro last week. While Big Daddy did his attorney duties, the rest of us visited the nice Turtle Creek Mall. For a city that is surrounded by farm land for as far as you can see, it was a pretty impressive mall -- and the best part for Meredith was their inside playground. Below are some pictures from the excursion.

After shopping it was on to a very yummy lunch at Lazzari's, and then the trip back home. Driving through all the harvested rice fields reminded me of all the work I have done for Extension. Oh the memories....

Ducks say "Quack"
Meredith about to go "Wee"
Taking a little break on the toy turtle


Thursday, November 8, 2007

Baby Russell's Baby Shower

Matt and I were so blessed to have a baby shower thrown for us for Baby Russell this past week. Thank you so much to Kevin and Kim, Gary and Jennifer, and Daniel and Laura for throwing such a fun party.

So, Kim -- and all those other second (third, fourth, etc..) children out there -- I have posted this blog for you, as well as our precious new baby, to let you know that you are special.




Monday, November 5, 2007

Catch Up Time

Hi Blog Readers!

Sorry its been so long since my last blog. As I have been telling people, Halloween has somehow morphed into a fall edition of Mardi Gras -- with about a week's worth of activities before the big Halloween night. The Lipsey family had a great time. Meredith was a pink leopard for the festivities, and seemed to have a good time at most of the festivities (well, except Boo at the Zoo -- don't worry the fried twinkie seemed to brighten her spirits).

Meredith and I also had a good time with the Nantze clan at The Wonderplace last week. Mauree, Miles, and Jonas met up with Meredith and me for some catching up and serious playtime. Let's just say God gave me a glimse into the life of having two boys, and I am thankful to not have to worry about boys climbing into the water table and wrestling with each other! Bless you, girl -- I don't know if I would have the energy for them! Mauree -- we had a wonderful time, and I'm so glad that you called to let us know you were coming into town!

Meredith at the PHBC Fall Festival


Meredith with friends Savannah and Jackson


Meredith with friends Brooke, Abby and Jack

Meredith sliding at The Wonderplace


Meredith and Jonas in a rare time together in the picture frame


Unhappy Meredith and Mom at Boo at the Zoo

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Family Pictures from Tyler Weekend

Here are the pictures from our weekend in Tyler earlier in the month.

Last week was pretty uneventful. It rained and rained earlier in the week, so we were stuck inside. I helped out with Cattle check in at the Fair, Matt played bass guitar in a band for Race for the Cure, and we had dinner with friends over the weekend. Meredith got to see lots of "balloon balls" and flamingos on sticks as they passed by where the band was playing during the race. One walker even gave Ms. Meredith her own balloon, which provided a weekend's worth of entertainment all by itself.

Friday, October 12, 2007

Loving those Pumpkins

Here are a few pictures of Meredith at the zoo yesterday. The zoo is getting preped for the annual Boo at the Zoo celebration, and Meredith was hugging all the pumpkins that she could.

Wednesday morning was one bad morning for an area deer, as it went head first into the back door of our green car. Thankfully, Matt was driving alone -- and was so calm when he called to let me know what had happened. So, just a friendly reminder to watch out for our little fury friends as the temperatures start to drop.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Texas Trip

This past weekend sure seems like a whirlwind, and I am finally getting around to posting about our exciting trip to Tyler, TX for Sean and Kim Lowery's wedding.

My little sister came into Little Rock on Friday, so we left town on Saturday -- of course carrying more things than Napoleon's Army -- but none the less we got off! First stop -- manditory picture at Texas State Line. Here is your picture, dad:)


Back on the road, things went well (except for a little DVD player malfunction, and Little Einsteins not being able to be played at our toddler's every urge), and we even got to listen to the OU-Texas game on the radio. Got settled into the hotel (more OU-Texas game), and then went to the beautiful wedding.

Kim looked amazing, and the during the whole wedding she had the most geniune smile on her face. I can only imagine that Sean looked the same way -- but its hard to tell when he's totally turned away from you. Meredith tried really hard to be a good girl -- and even helped Joe out by "directing" him during his solos.

On to the reception, and it was, of course, beautiful. The country club has pictures of all the former Rose Festival Queens -- so it was neat to get to see all the different dress designs and elaborate flowers. Meredith made several new friends that night -- our little social butterfly -- but finally got pretty tuckered out when we took this picture.

We ordered a few pictures from the wedding photographer, so I will try to post those family pictures when we get them. Thanks to Sean and Kim for inviting us to their special day!

Interesting tidbit -- I have only been to Tyler one other time for a wedding -- but both of these weddings were at the same church and the same reception site. Everywhere we went we thought "I've been here before."

In other Lipsey news, we are officially MDO dropouts. Sadly, Meredith never really got over her separation issues, and the teachers didn't feel like they could do anything else to help her out. So, more Meredith and mom time for us. I'll just have to find more things to do (hopefully with other kids and adults) during the week to keep me sane! Baby Russell is about 10 weeks from his arrival date, and our doctor's appointment went well yesterday. I've gotta get busy on his room, and start doing more Christmas shopping! December will be here before I can blink an eye!


Saturday, September 29, 2007

Pumpkin Patch

Matt, Meredith and I decided to go out to a local pumpkin patch this morning for some family fun. You may be asking yourself, "Why would they be going so early to a pumpkin patch?" Well, last year Rachel made the mistake of going out to the pumpkin patch early with Meredith, and Matt just thought that it wouldn't be special if we went again another time (Who knew that guys would be that sentimental?). So -- trip one for Fall 2007 to the pumpkin patch was very successful. Meredith pointed out several pumpkins to us, by saying "ball," and she really enjoyed pushing and pulling the wagon. Pretty soon she'll be doing it all by herself.

For those Central Arkansas readers, the jams and jellies don't come out until Monday; but other than that everything is pretty much exactly the same. We went around 10, and things weren't too crazy -- but the crowds were already coming in when we were leaving. It looks like they will have another successful year.




Thursday, September 27, 2007

Happy Birthday, Liz!

Happy Birthday, Liz! It's hard to believe that you are old enough to be teaching college kids. However, I am so proud of you and hope that you have a wonderful day. Meredith is waiting for you to come back for a visit so she can say "Diz" down the stairs and you will come running to her. Enjoy these young birthdays, little sis, because pretty soon you'll want to start counting backwards!

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

All Wet

Meredith and I thought that today would be a perfect morning to go on a walk. We get a good 1/2 mile from our house, and the clouds open up and rain keeps falling on us all the way home. No -- I didn't take the time to look at the weather report (who has time for that when your 18 month old is saying "go, go, go"), so I guess I deserve my little shower.



Sunday, September 23, 2007

Bible Sunday

Today was Bible Sunday at Park Hill. At the beginning of each year, our new first graders are given a copy of the Bible from the church. It's hard to believe that its been 21 years since I received my Bible from the church, but I am so glad that the tradition continues to this day.

We are taught from a very young age that the Word is living and active, and to set its words in our hearts. It holds the very words of God, and is a guidebook for life. However, today our pastor told the kids that its the most important story, and the one story that makes all other stories make sense. I had never thought of the Bible in that way -- probably because us Baptists place so much emphasis on the Bible being concrete and the exact Word of God that the word "story" doesn't seem adequate enough to define the Bible. However, today I was reminded of all the Parables in the New Testament that Jesus used to teach, and how even the Savior knew that telling a story was a good way to teach the Truth.

I'm so thankful that God still teaches us through his stories in the Bible, and that he still speaks to me even after all these years of having a copy of his Word. Now that is a Living Book!

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Rough Day......Go to the Park

Today was apparently a rough day for Miss Meredith at MDO. So, after I picked her up, we went to the park, ate lunch and played on the slide. We saw the ducks and turtles in the lake, and of course the normal people watching. Here are some pictures of the outing.

Yum, Yum Applesauce




















Do I really want to go down that slide?















Come on Mom -- its much more fun up here!

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Welcome to the Blog

So, hopefully I can do better at this blogging thing than some of my other on-line endeavors. While putting up my family picture, I've noticed that pretty much all of our pictures are of Meredith. So, I'll try to hand that camera over to some one else so I can update our family portrait!

Update on the Lipsey's
Since Matt and I got married, we lived in Oklahoma for 1 1/2 years while working on graduate degrees. Norman was a great college town, and its also nice to have two football teams to root for in one family -- because when one team is doing bad, usually the other is doing ok. However, Arkansas has nothing on Oklahoma Football atmosphere. It may have just been because we had tickets to OU's 2003 season (Jason White winning the Heisman and an undefeated regular season), but Football is VERY serious business there.
In January 2004, we moved back to Little Rock. Matt took an electrical engineering position with BEI Technologies in Maumelle, and after interning with NRCS I ended up with an ag engineering position at the U of A Cooperative Extension Service. We kind of got back into the swing of Central Arkansas by getting back involved at Park Hill Baptist and seeing many of our high school friends. Both sets of families live in the Little Rock area - so it was nice not having to rush around like ants during the holiday season anymore!
Onward to 2006, and sweet little Meredith entered into our lives. She was a very good little baby, and now is growing into a lovely, energetic toddler. She keeps us on our toes all the time! Meredith and I try to stay busy during the week with playgroups, library story time, and Mother's Day Out. I am so blessed to be able to spend so much time with my daughter. Here are some of our favorite pictures of her.
The first "eye open" picture (Spring 2006)














Matt and Meredith giving her "Kermit the Frog" face (Spring 2006)


















Hi Mom, I'm "flying" (Summer 2006)














The Birthday Girl (March 2007)
Such a Cute Hog Fan (September 2007)

We are getting excited about the upcoming addition of Russell. The second pregnancy has been fairly uneventful. I am starting to feel big, and getting those "how much bigger" can I actually get thoughts again. Its hard to believe that in less than three months I will have another kiddo to talk about.
Thanks for reading my first blog, and I'll try to keep you updated!