Well, the good news is that I have now completed 8 weeks of pregnancy. Being two months closer to the end of the sickness is very encouraging. It does still feel like a loooooong journey ahead of us, but we're trying to keep our eye on the prize. :)
My condition is about the same. I am still able to eat, and very thankful for that. The timing of my eating and what I'm eating is far from normal, but it's going in and staying down, and that's the important part. Just like my pregnancy with Addie, anything involving a tomato seems to work well and strangely enough, fresh pineapple is a constant too. McDonald's french fries are also a winner any time. I am having a very hard time eating any meat, so my protein intake is really low (like 2-3 small bites a day). I never imagined I would turn into a vegetarian! I'm still only able to eat very small amounts of food, but something is better than nothing.
Having this last week together with Greg home has been such a blessing. He has kept very busy taking care of Addie, keeping up with my requests for odd food all the time, and trying to keep the house together at the same time. I must say he has done a very good job!
Thank you to all of you who have volunteered your help. We have turned down quite a few offers this week just because Greg was handling it, but I promise when he goes back to work, we will take you up on your offers! We are trying to spare you for now, knowing the time will come when we will be on the verge of abusing you. This coming week Greg will work a few days and then be off a few days, and we've got help lined up for Monday and Tuesday when he is working. I am so thankful for the Christmas and New Years break and all the time home that allows Greg to be home!
That's about it! We'll keep you posted as the time progresses!
Sunday, December 28, 2008
8 Weeks and Counting
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Update
Already so much has changed! Over the last week we have had to make a lot of adjustments, as (unfortunately) I got sicker every day. By Tuesday I had lost four pounds already and was just so miserable, so we called in for the prescription the doctor had me on last time. It really has helped. Though still pretty limited in what I can eat, at least I CAN eat some. I just can only eat a very little before my body revolts on me. I actually eat less than Addie now! But seriously, we are thankful for the medication- it makes a critical difference. It does make me sleepy, so if you happen to call and hear me using slurred speech, just know that's what's going on.
We are already so blessed by our friends and neighbors. We've had meals brought, laundry done, bathrooms cleaned, and most importantly, Addie cared for. That is the biggest struggle for me- because of the nausea and also because of the weakness from not eating, I am not able to care for Addie alone. I am really sad about that and trusting the Lord to take care of that situation in His way. For all of you who have said you are praying for us, THANK YOU. And for those who are local and want to help, we will gratefully accept it with thanksgiving! Greg is off for this coming week, so we are happy to be home together and mostly self-sufficient. We had to cancel our plans to go to Phoenix for Christmas, so we'll stay home for a quiet celebration this year.
Some of you have asked when I am due. The date we have now is July 30th, but I expect it may change a few times since I am only 7 weeks along. We will try to keep the blog updated as things progress. Thanks again for your prayers!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
Spangler Christmas Letter
This is the time of year when we summarize the last year of our life for those who aren’t part of the day-to-day operations around here (or those who are, and just don’t pay attention and need a recap).
It’s been a good, relatively calm year at our house. Mostly because Addie and Niki were sick much less this year, praise God. Not only were there fewer illness, but because of that we were also able to be out and about more this year, having a lot of fun!
We’ve enjoyed all the things we love about Southern California- being out in the sun, going to Disneyland and several botanical gardens, local eateries and landmarks. We went on our first camping trip as a family, and to the beach several times, where Greg surfed for the first time. We visited Greg’s family in Phoenix this Spring, then Greg and I took a short trip to San Diego for our anniversary. We went to Seattle twice; once for Niki’s Grandma’s funeral in the spring, and again in late summer for Niki’s mom’s 60th birthday. Greg also had a Grandparent pass away this year, and was glad to be able to go to Pennsylvania for his grandfather’s funeral and some quality time with his family. We were so glad for the chance to take these trips, even the non-vacations ones.
We had a double visit from Greg’s parents this spring. Once for pleasure, then Greg’s mom returned a few weeks later to help when we all got really sick at the same time. What a lifesaver! She got to see Addie covered in red dots from roseola- she was a sight. We also welcomed Niki’s cousin Julie for a visit over the Fourth of July and had such a great time with her.
Even at home, we had a blast this year. Greg has joined me in an interest of cooking (and eating) and we’ve really enjoyed trying new things and working together. Greg even prepared the Thanksgiving turkey this year.
Addie has kept us entertained. Her strengths lie in her verbal abilities. Her athletic abilities… well, that will keep her humble throughout her life I think. She loves books and is even starting to read- sounding out words like cat, dog, stop and such. We were so shocked when she started to do this! She also likes music and cuddling.
We’ve had a great time with our neighbors this year. They are more than neighbors, and are some of our closest friends. We’ve had several potlucks and parties together throughout the year- at Labor Day, Fourth of July, and Halloween especially. We appreciate the little community here so much. Addie’s 3 closest friend live just doors away and they play together almost every day.
And now, a special reward for those of you who have read this far. Actually, it’s for those of you who either have gotten our Christmas card and went to the effort to check out our blog, or are just a regular to our blog. Our thanks for your interest is that you get to be some of the first for this announcement: I am pregnant! We just found out a few weeks ago and we are excited, though since I have already become quite sick, that takes some of the enthusiasm out of things. I was very sick during my pregnancy with Addie, and had to be medicated all nine months, so we know there’s a chance that we’re in this for the long haul. Regardless, this will just be a season, and well worth it for the payoff of another Spangler in the family! We’ll keep you updated as another great year unfolds, even if the updates consist of “Niki still sick, still laying on couch.”
Oh yeah, and Merry Christmas!
Monday, December 01, 2008
I See You Too
I know the posts have been spread thin lately. Partly because I've had a bit of a cold and some other health issues, and partly because I've been swamped getting prepared for Thanksgiving, my parent's visit, Addie's Birthday, and Christmas gifts (in that order).
Thanksgiving is over. We had a wonderful time at the Kropf's home. Greg made the turkey all by himself, since my cold was raging at that point. It was juicy and delicious! What a nice day to give thanks for God for all His goodness to us. Following tradition, Chris Kropf read Abraham Lincoln's Thanksgiving proclamation (which is really great if you've never read it), and Greg read this prayer, from Peter Marshall:
"Father, we around this table thank Thee:
for Thy great gift of life,
that Thy love for us is not dependent upon any worthiness of ours,
for good health,
that we know neither hunger nor want,
for warm clothes to wear,
for those who love us best,
for friends whose words of encouragement have often chased away dark clouds,
for the zest of living,
for many an answered prayer,
for kindly providences that have preserved us from danger and harm.
We thank Thee that still we live in a land bountifully able to supply all our needs, a land which still by Thy Providence knows peace, whose skies are not darkened by the machines of the enemy, whose fields and woodlands are still unblasted by the flames of war, a land with peaceful valleys and smiling meadows still serene.
O help us to appreciate all that we have, to be content with it, to be grateful for it, to be proud of it- not in an arrogant pride that boasts, but in grateful pride that strives to be more worthy.
In Thy name, to whose bounty we owe these blessings spread before us, to Thee we give our gratitude. Amen."
Anyway, after a nice day, we spent the rest of the weekend putting up the Christmas decorations, and taking the family Christmas picture. We can't wait to show it to all of you! Greg caught the cold too, but he and I are both recovering. Now it's on to finalizing the gift buying and welcoming my parents for a visit in a little over a week. Whew! December is always so busy but always so fun too. We'll try to keep you updated as the party unfolds.
Greg's Pie
Our church has an annual tradition at Thanksgiving time called "Turkeys, Tarts, & Testimonies." It's a special service where the congregation shares the wonderful things God has done for them in the last year (the testimonies). Also, the MEN compete in a pie-baking contest (the tarts), and the awards for the winners are turkeys (self-explanatory I think).
Several years ago, Greg's "Raspberry Cloud" pie won the grand prize, but the last few years he's not competed. Partly because of schedule, partly because his wife gets too competitive. Well, this year he made a "Five Star Peachy Cream" pie and won 3rd place in the best taste category! He took home a turkey Hungry Man microwave dinner. I was so proud.
