Starting to Settle In

Hopefully next week I will be able to update the blog with pictures from the start of our new adventure.  I did want to give a quick update as to why I have not been adding anything.

Alexa and I joined Adam in Texas on June 9 and we stayed in a hotel with him until June 21.  Fun times, huh?  We were able to move into our apartment on June 21 and finally, today, we had the movers bring all our stuff.  I don't know which was worse:  Being in a hotel for that long or Living in our apartment with nothing!?  :)  So we finally have everything we need, although, all boxed up still, and the internet is up and running.  Once we get unpacked and settled, I'll add some pictures and updates.  I have been making sure to take pictures to share!  Talk to you all (or y'all) soon!

One Year of WALKING

This post will be very short because Alexa and I are leaving for Texas tomorrow morning!  I still have some packing to do and finish some cleaning around the house.  I will post more in the coming weeks but I did promise at least one post a week, right?  And this post is an exciting one!

One year ago from today... On June 8, 2010, Alexa accomplished something that many people (including professionals) weren't even sure if she would do.  Yes, before this day, Alexa had been taking a few steps at a time.  But she had been doing that for at least a month or two.  I had been praying and praying that she would walk.  Well, she was technically "walking" but it would only be those few steps.  I started praying that she would have the ability, balance, stability, and confidence to really walk for good.  June 8th was a Tuesday and since I was helping out with day camp, she was spending the afternoons that week at church in the nursery.  I went to pick her up on Tuesday and was trying to get her to walk some of the way down the hall by herself (like I did every day).  And something about that day, she walked the entire way down the hall ALL BY HERSELF!!  I was so amazed!  I'm sure I had other moms looking at me like I was weird because I was practically in tears.  That day was a huge answer to prayers.  We give God all the glory.  Like I said, we weren't even sure if she'd be able to walk independently.  That's the thing with her diagnosis - we just don't have much idea of what she will or will not be able to do in her future.  She is and always will be full of surprises and miracles from God!  Ever since June 8, 2010, she has been walking independently and just keeps getting stronger and stronger every day.  Her geneticist once told us that as long as she is making progress, that's what is important.  And I completely agree.  If she keeps moving forward in every area of skills and development... how can we not be thrilled!?

Thank you to all our dear family, friends, therapists, and medical professionals who have helped us, supported us, and prayed for us along the way.  Alexa would not be where she's at without all of you.  Keep praying for our dear little girl.  We're praying that she's start to really "talk" any time.  She seems close and she has some words but just like walking, she seemed close for a long time before she really started to walk.  Although, we don't know for sure, I feel certain that she will someday be talking my ear off!  Just like she now gets into everything because she can walk and climb.  Thank you God for allowing me to pick up messes!  =)

WELCOME BACK

Alexa's 3-year old picture, October 2010

Tracie and Adam (and baby girl), March 2011

Welcome back friends and family!  It is time to start this blog back up and keep it going this time.  For those of you who have not heard, our little family is moving to Texas.  We apologize if this is a surprise to anyone at this moment.  Everything happened so fast (and still is) that we have barely had any time to think!  Adam applied for a position at Traxxas in April and by the end of the month, he had accepted a job.  May was a crazy time as we had to get the house ready to sell and get ourselves ready to move.  

Today is actually Adam's first day at Traxxas.  You should check out their website but in simple, "tracie" terms, they make high-performance remote control cars, trucks, and boats.  Adam actually applied to them right out of college but they had wanted someone with more experience.  This current position came open and once Adam applied, everything went relatively smooth.  He is very excited to work for a small company that designs something he is passionate about.  Everyone wish his luck today - his first day!

Traxxas is located in Plano, Texas.  We have decided to live in McKinney, which is just north of Plano.  McKinney is about 30 miles northeast of Dallas.  We've heard great things about McKinney and after visited for a short trip, we loved the area.  We're so excited about the move!

We will miss some very dear friends from Wichita.  And of course, we are moving further away from our family.  Those emotions will be the most difficult.  However, God has been with us every step of the way though, and we are sure this is His plan for us.  Every worry or challenge that we come across, He clearly takes care of the situation.  It is amazing to see that happen and it is so comforting to know that He is taking care of us.

Since we are moving further away from so many friends and family, we have decided to start the blog back up.  Even though, I have changed the name and layout, I am keeping the address the same because it is simple.  I know I will be busy with Alexa and a new baby but I will try hard to keep everyone up to date and at least post something once a week.  I know so many of you want to know all of Alexa's amazing progress and see pictures of the new baby girl in July.

I will post later some updates on Alexa and the plans for baby sister.  This is all for now as today's big moment is Adam's first day with Traxxas.  I'm thinking of him all day and I can't wait to hear about how it goes!  We are so proud of you Adam and so excited for your new job and what is in our future, together, as a family, in our new city.