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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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