Heartbeat (Singular)

We got to hear the heartbeat of our newest family member today and yes, there was only one! Nate has been really nervous about the possibility of twins and was quite relieved when the doctor confirmed he heard a single baby heartbeat. The doctor's visit was pretty standard; my blood work came back and everything was fine and the baby's heartbeat sounded strong-always a relief! I had forgotten how fun it is to simply hear it beat. We're so thankful it's going strong.

On another note, my sister-in-law, Rachel has just moved back to Northwest Arkansas and is continuing her photography business in our area. She started her business in California and has taken some amazing pictures. If you need any pictures, please take a look at her website and give her a call.

Rachel Blackwell Photography

Quick & Painless!

I was tagged by my lovely friend Kari Beth. Its quick and easy, so I thought I would give it a go. It is the 6th picture in your 6th folder tag. I promised myself I would be honest and luckily its nothing too incriminating.

I don't know why the image is so small, but it is a picture I took after I had Eli. I was trying to get a cute picture of all three of them that I could frame, but ended up with this lovely mug shot...where is my sister-in-law when I need her. Well, that wasn't too bad. Now I tag...
Kate
Brooke
Sarah R.
Alissa
Ashley
Robyn

Explanation

I apologize for my lack of blogging. Some of you may have given up on me, but for those of you who still give the Brown's an occasional glance, I promise to upload some pictures soon. As always, we have been busy bees, running here and there. We had a wonderful Christmas and New Years filled with family and good friends. The kids received way too many toys, but loved every minute of it. Nate got me a great new camera that I have used quite a bit, however, I have yet to sit down at the computer and upload the new viewing software--my goal is to do it this weekend. We've had a few days of the typical winter illnesses: ear infections, colds and coughs, but nothing too serious. Will got his cast off right before Christmas and was very concerned that he wouldn't grow new skin to replace the dead skin that lurked beneath the cast. He has been quite pleased with his "new arm" and can't wait to use it to go down the fire pole...yeah. During the warm front that came through the area, we were able to go on a family bike ride at Lake Fayetteville. Nate rides around the lake all the time, but it was my first time to go up there. We did the paved trails (of course) with Nate and Will leading the pack while Eli (who rode on my bike) and I kept a nice, brisk pace and Kate brought up the rear-slow and steady, steady and slow; thats the way she always goes! It was a lot of fun, and I look forward to going again this spring...oh, did I forget to mention...I'm pregnant!

Home Sweet Home

Every year the kids look forward to making a gingerbread house. They were all big helpers in the construction phase, however our candy inventory for the project was a little low due to some off the clock snacking. I took a handful of candy out of both their pockets later that night. Even Eli got in on the fun this year, he liked to sniff everything.


Our masterpiece!

Over Thanksgiving, we got to see my brother and sister-in-law. They are both great with the kids and somehow have energy to play non stop. Needless to say, they are favorites around our house, and we always hate to see them go.

Help!

Last night, I was beckoned from the other room by a sweet cry for help from Kate. This is what I found...Her explanation was "Mommy, I'm stuck. I think my bobo's not little anymore." I couldn't help but laugh.

Halloween at the Browns

This year, funds were somewhat tight, so we chose to do costumes comprised of things the children already had, yet were still characters the kids enjoyed...thankfully Dora and Diego fit the bill and just happened to have a cute little monkey friend for sweet, baby Eli. Since I didn't spend much on their costumes, they both got the special backpacks and have loved playing with them. My grandmother and I made Eli's costume, so all in all it was a cheap but fun Halloween around our house. Thursday night, we went to Shiloh's fall festival and won the grand prize...goldfish. The kids loved them. Mommy was thrilled too...something I have to find a place for, keep their hands out of, and explain to them why the "fishies" are swimming upside down...sounds like fun to me! But, like I said the kids were really proud of them and had fun with them while they lasted.





Friday night, we met some of their friends at Nanny's house for some special treats, then trick or treated around our neighborhood. Will and Kate really got into it this year and were always looking ahead to see which house had their lights on. Eli figured out what to do as the night went on , but could never quite get the words out. When we were done, the kids continued to hand out treats and had as much fun doing that as trick or treating. It was funny to watch Will try and hold a big bowl of candy with his good arm and hand out candy with the other.

Broken Bones

I knew it was bound to happen sooner or later. I walked into the house at 530pm Monday, October 27th, put down my keys, let the dog in, and picked Eli up off the floor where he had fallen, just in time to hear the screaming from right outside the back door where I was standing. I ran outside to find Will laying on his left side, crying and refusing to move. He told me he had really hurt his arm when he jumped from the top of the wall of our 3' toddler gym over the other wall, which caught his foot and caused him to fall on his arm. When I pulled his shirt sleeve up, I could tell his arm was deformed and could feel the bone sticking out the side. It was awful;I had to work hard to keep it together. I called Nate and told him to meet us at the house so we could take him to the emergency room. We got to the ER at 600pm and were out of there by 745pm..not bad for an ER visit. I was surprised that they did not want to fix it immediately. They took x-rays, gave him pain medication and a soft splint and told us to call the orthopedic surgeon sometime this week. It was like it was no big deal that his bone was going the wrong way. We called the next day, met with the surgeon and had it finally fixed on Wednesday afternoon. Will was in a lot of pain on Tuesday and Wednesday, but after the procedure, he was good as new. I was hoping that he would learn a valuable lesson from the whole PAINFUL ordeal, but Thursday when I picked him up from school, there he was sliding down the fire pole one handed and proud as can be...he's a quick learner! :)
The night it happened...

After the procedure...he is still a little loopy here!

Will has enjoyed having everyone he knows sign his red "Razorback" cast. I'll take a picture of it soon. It may be coming off next week. (I'm not sure the doctor realizes what an active boy he is.)