8 Weeks and Counting

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!

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!

Big Announcement

Please read our Christmas letter in the post below for a big announcement.

Happy Birthday Addie

Can you believe it? Addie turns THREE YEARS OLD today!

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!

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.

Bargain Hunting is a way of life for some

I woke up this morning and joined the millions of other early-bird shoppers on the prowl for a discount. For us, it was a new Christmas tree. Our 6-year old artificial tree was $15 at a church garage sale. So a new tree had to be of a similar value to us. My first stop proved to be unfruitful, as they did not carry the full-range of door-buster deals that a full-sized store would have. I was met with satisfaction when one of our other frequent big-box retailers had a similar tree for a better price. Later in the day I pondered the discount-drive that my wife’s family has. I decided that the Stevens tribe has a deep-seeded genetic drive to secure discounts and bargains of all kinds. Here is my tribute to the Lynnwood Band of Stevens bargainers. The Chief of this tribe who I call “Grey Discount” has leaped into the 21st century and has set a family record in scouring the Internet for vehicles online. His squaw “Walks With Sharp Eye” is somewhat of a multi-mode connoisseur of deal-hunting. “Walks With Sharp Eye” frequents the antique mall, consignment store, and auction. Princess “Card In Hand” is a main-stream value vixen. “Card In Hand” has probably subscribed to every discount email alert system from every major retailer in the lower 48, and one form Alaska. With the updates “Card In Hand” gets on her Blackberry in real-time, she can adjust quickly to a changing economic climate. I was permitted to join this tribe by barter and fair trade by marrying “Bargains With Strength” , a skilled urban and sub-urban deal finder. Garage sales and the best thrift stores are treasure troves of dollar saving goodness. Later, this nomadic group of penny-wise spenders sits around the proverbial village fire to tell tales of their trials, tribulations and success. My hats off to this noble tribe, Happy hunting

Tony Stanza

So... we have two cars. One that I drive mostly, and one that Greg drives to work and back, which is a very short drive. That short drive is why Greg's car, an 18 year old beauty named Tony Stanza, has survived as long as it has. Tony is a special car, kind of like an ugly dog. No one out of the family would like it much, but if you know it, and it's part of your family, you love it.

It's the car Greg drove when we were dating, and every time I ride in it I am transported back and riding shotgun next to my boyfriend. It's the car I learned to drive stick on. We love it extra because it just won't die- and that's a great thing for us.

One of Tony's many unique qualities is that it makes a really loud, shrill squeek when it turns a corner in first gear. Sure, it's embarassing when you're driving it, and as the squeek has gotten louder lately, Greg's reported many a funny look or gesture. But Addie and I have grown to love the squeek, because it's the sound of Greg coming home. As he turns the corner into our driveway and garage, we can hear him from inside. Just yesterday, Addie heard the car and excitedly shouted "Daddy's home!"

Well, Greg decided he was done with the squeek, and sent me this Suessian email today:

The car squeak is gone
this much is true
I learnt how to fix it
from a website or two

They said "look at this"
or "look at that there"
"look for some leakage"
or "a wire that's bare"

the serpentine belt
that is the cause
of the squeaky-squeak sound
that gives bystanders pause

so with a small wrench
I opened the hood
and did what I did
and did what I could

with a turn of the bolt
a dozen times or so
I tightened the belt
then started to go

I turned the brown car
to the left and the right
no noise to be heard
no "check engine" light

the squeak is all gone
I'm sure that you're sad
cause now you can't hear
the car that brings Dad

It made me laugh, and I thought a few of you would enjoy it too!

Halloween in the Courtyard

So, I've heard that some of you think that we live in a pretty great apartment complex, and I'd like to agree. And I'll bet that the next few posts will really convince you of that if you weren't sure already. See, last night's Halloween festivites captured some of the best of living here.

First of all, I'm not the biggest fan of Halloween, and have spent the last month or so averting Addie's eyes from all the ghosts, ghouls, and other assorted death decorations everywhere we go. And if we lived in a "normal" neighborhood, I would consider boycotting Halloween altogether. But we don't live in a normal neighborhood. I'm glad Addie could still have the fun of dressing up and getting candy without any of the general evil associated with this night.

We Courtyard moms got together and decided to add some fun games to the regular candy swapping that goes on around here. We ended up with almost all the neighbors outside, laughing, talking, playing, eating, and having a great time. That is, except for Brooke, who spent the evening in Urgent Care with some kind of tummy virus or something. That meant we got to have Grant join our family for the evening, which is always a treat. (By the way, Brooke is going to be just fine). And we really did have fun.

Here's Addie, the bee.

And Grant, trick or treating with his construction-man lunchbox (we added this to his costume and are feeling pretty proud of ourselves).

Jen helps Addie go "fishing." The Ballard family hosted a game of fishing over their porch railing. Lindsay made individual cookies for each child with their name written on them, and they would fish and catch their personalized treat.


Here Grant reels in his catch.

Bobbing for Apples

The Myers-sponsored event for the night was bobbing for apples. Evidently, none of the kids had heard of this before, because as Ben was explaining it to them, they looked at hime like he was nuts. Stick my head in a bucket of water? Is this a prank? Finally, Tim Starr demonstrated for them, still wearing his big afro wig, and Addie really loved it. How do I know? Because she's told me about 10 times today that Mr. Starr got an apple and he was sooooo funny.

Here's Grant, contemplating this situation. He was veeeeery skeptical about sticking his head down there.

Finally convinced, he was helped by Ben Myers who lifted an apple up for him.

And for Addie too.

Here they are, eating apples (instead of candy) on Halloween night. They have some MEAN parents, huh? (Addie was pointing out clouds, by the way)

Doughnuts!

OK, so my weakness is doughnuts. Man, do I love doughnuts. So when we chose the Spangler-sponsored event for the night, it was doughnuts on a string. Because it sounded fun and interesting, I decided to try making the doughnuts myself. The recipe sounded easy, and it was, just time consuming. But it was well worth it!
Here's a batch, fresh from the fry pan. Then I coated them in powdered sugar.
We put the kids in groups of like age. Here's half of the 2-3 group, ready to go....
And they sure tried! Lydia, second from left, has her tongue way out, and Addie is just standing there licking the powdered sugar off her lips.
Here's the rest of the 2-3 year olds. Notice Lukas' super-cute superman costume!

More Doughnut Eating

Here's a group of the older kids, just starting in.
Now, I wish I had video of this round. This was the men's advanced doughnut-eating-on-a-string. This was serious business. As Greg nibbled away, our neighbor Kempis pushed his doughnut up against the fence and went to town, then Tim Starr's doughnut fell to the ground and he went down on his knees, hands still behind his back, and ate it like a chicken with seed. I laughed so hard I almost cried.
Here's the adult snack table with treats and hot apple cider.
Addie found these goggles on the ground and put them on herself. Hee hee.

Costumes

Grant as "Bob the Builder" aka: construction man, with our bee girl.
Our friends the Espinos- Lukas was superman, mom and dad were Lois Lane and Lex Luther. Lewis shaved his head just for this! That's dedication.
The newlyweds of the complex: the Kelleys and the Starrs. Two couples without children (yet) who love all our children. We love them. Lisa, on the left, had my favorite costume of the night. A pregnant woman with pickles and peanut butter. Considering the amount of young families in this complex, and the fact that there's almost always a pregnant woman around, it was very funny.
A group shot- about 3/4 of the kids- in assorted costumes. Cowboys, princesses, a dog, an elephant, all having a great time.

Bee Honest

"Look into my eyes, deeeeeep into my eyes....."
"Now tell me the truth, does this costume make me look fat? Seriously, you can tell me."

OK, there's something about her face in this picture that made me think she was asking that.
I'm pretty sure the beekeeper costume wasn't flattering MY figure, but it was fun anyway.
Don't we look excited? Well, I was at least. And once she figured out that saying one little phrase made people give her candy, she was too.

Pumpkin Carving

We had an impromptu pumpkin carving gathering in the Courtyard a few nights ago. I guess Jen knew that if you spread out newspaper, we will come. Despite that it was dark and we were carving on the ground with children playing wildly around us, it was fun- and no one got hurt.
Rachel and Jen with their onlookers.

Yes, it was warm enough outside just a few days ago for me to be wearing shorts and a short-sleeve shirt.


And here's the finished project- a kitty with the "S" for Spangler in it.

Last Few Pictures

A potpourri of pictures from the "Pumpkinliner" train day.
Getting the ticket punched on the train in the morning
Grant and Addie on the carousel
Grant on the way home- you think he was pooped?
Well, not too pooped to watch the scenery go by with Addie. They enjoyed it so much!

Pumpkin Patch Lowlights

Grant's carousel chicken that was broken
The hay ride around the next door christmas-tree farm
(but the kids still had fun)
And the $4 hotdogs while we grooved to "The Copa Cabana"

Addie and Grant and pumpkins