What a Year It Has Been!

You know the phrase people often use in response to someone who is facing an uncertain situation where life seems to be headed in a direction they weren't quite expecting:  "Everything happens for a reason".  Or often it comes across as:  This is just a part of God's plan for you.

To be honest, in the past I've used this phrase and wasn't quite sure that I believed it.  Stated a different way, I don't know that I truly understood what it meant to use that advice.  For me, as a bit of a confession, it took God's plan being shown to me in the form of working through all the obstacles in the road and sending Nicki and me to Fayetteville, Arkansas and providing us with an experience that we couldn't have drawn up if we were planning our own lives.

April 1st was our one year anniversary of living in Fayetteville.  I was looking back at some pictures over the past year and I thought this picture was a great way to summarize our lives on April 1, 2011.  We had just arrived after our drive to this new city, new state, new house, and new life.  We didn't have any of our stuff as it was arriving with the movers the next day.  I remember how close I felt to Nicki knowing that we were truly "on our own" for a little while.

Fortunately, we wouldn't be on our own for too long.  God brought some absolutely amazing people in to our lives who have changed us forever.  I will spare you the in-depth, long winded, and sappy story of the past year of our lives.  If you've read any of this blog or interacted with Nicki or me throughout the past year you know that this year has exceeded any expectations we had when we made our final road trip to Fayetteville from Cincinnati.

But what I will say is that I can, without hesitation, know God has a plan for us.  And while it took putting us in a situation and a place with which we were totally unfamiliar - and bringing a certain amount of uncertainty in to our lives - we wouldn't have had it any other way.  It seems like the past year has gone by so fast, but in the same measure, it feels like the incredible development of friendships, family members, and in our marriage has been more than a year's worth.

We were able to celebrate our one year anniversary by taking a trip back to Cincinnati - and in addition to somehow fitting in Skyline, LaRosas, Maggiano, First Watch, Paxtons, and Jeff Rubys in a three day period - I went for a run on the Loveland trail.  As I ran down the trail which we had spent so much time on discussing our future, praying for events we were 'certain' were meant to be, wondering where we were supposed to be, and what we were supposed to be doing, it all seemed so crystal clear.

And while we slip in to the conversation every once in a while of "what's next" we know one thing for sure:  

Everything happens for a reason.

It is all a part of God's plan for us.

Officially in the 2nd Trimester

Some books say 12 weeks while others say 13, but either way with 15 weeks complete, we are officially enjoying the 2nd trimester!!  After a quiet few weeks, things picked up a bit with two weekend trips - first to Little Rock for a Zac Brown Band Concert and then to Kansas City for St. Patrick's Day!  We had another appointment with our doctor today and got to hear the baby's heartbeat.  Everything sounded great so we will be anxiously awaiting our 19 week ultrasound and appointment.  As most of you know, Nick and I are not finding out the sex of the baby but we are always excited for any chance we can get to have an ultrasound.  Because my mom and sister will literally miss this 19 week appointment by just 10 days when they come to Fayetteville for Easter, our doctor approved an extra ultrasound while they are in town so they can see the baby!!  Sooo that means two ultrasounds and lots of pictures to come in the next 4 weeks!

Irish Pub before the concert in Little Rock with a fun group from Fayetteville

St. Patrick's Day Parade!!

Bobby, Nick and Jeff with Owen and Emily 

One Day To Remember

January 7, 2012 - OH, WHAT A MORNING...

Before the morning of January 7th, I spent the week prior in Dallas at our year end meeting and awards celebration for 2011.  I made it home on Friday night and was so surprised yet excited to walk in the door to a home cooked meal and two bottles of wine on the table.  While of course I missed both Jack and Nick, and have never really  needed an excuse to enjoy a glass of wine, Nick made it clear that he wanted a night of celebration since  since I received a few surprise awards and a promotion while in Dallas.  As grateful as I was, I told Nick I had a really good feeling that I was pregnant but said we had to wait until morning to take the test...of course, I had to follow the directions exactly as printed.  I think I woke up every hour that night in anticipation for morning.  Finally, at 4am, I couldn't wait any longer and literally less than 15 seconds later, the test couldn't be more clear.  I knew the digital that spelled it out was the way to go!!!

Excitement, Joy, Shock, Relief, Amazement, Disbelief (yes, I continued to check it all day just to make sure the test didn't change)!  I remember all of these emotions hitting us at once and despite the hour on the clock, we were up and I already had the computer turned on and google ready.  What to eat?  What not to eat? What should I be feeling?  What's to come? The list goes on and on.  BUT, our number one question for the morning was- how do we tell our family?

Throughout the many times daydreaming about how our life may play out (the planner in me) and our hope for a baby one day, Arkansas never fit into that story...until 11 months ago.  12 hours of separation between Ohio and Arkansas posed a challenge for the typical tell everyone in person routine.  So, after a morning of brainstorming we had a plan and were literally bursting at the seams to share the news!  I am definitely not a person that could have kept this a total secret for 12 weeks.

My Parents - I called my mom's favorite flower shop in Akron - Pam's Posie's and ordered what my mom later called a gorgeous arrangement of flowers.  I have to admit, it felt a little odd having a stranger at a floral shop be the first to hear I was pregnant, but it was all well worth it.  Within an hour, the bouquet was at my parent's doorstep.  Nick and I loved waiting for the phone call.  I wouldn't let him leave the house for fear he would miss it!  Needless to say, my parents were just a bit excited!!  The flowers were a huge success blue vase and all (really?!  I had no idea I needed to specify a clear vase) so as you can imagine, my mom now thinks we are having a boy!

Nick's Parents - Nick decided he really wanted to tell his parents in person.  As much as we love a road trip from time to time, we weren't about to hop in the car for a 12 hour ride.  He decided Facetime was the next best option.  Nick made a sign and Jack was a great sport to wear it around while we attempted to Facetime.  Little did we know, the Spicher's decided to switch internet providers and were without service until Wednesday.  Nick was crushed...but managed to get through the next few days without slipping the news and we were finally able to tell them that Thursday night!

We then told our siblings and word spread throughout family over the next few weeks.  Now that I am officially 13.5 weeks along, the word is out and we are so excited about the journey ahead.  We continue to pray daily for a healthy baby and smooth pregnancy.  I feel so lucky and blessed that overall I've felt great so far!

Did You Ever Dream You'd Have a Baby in Arkansas?

My desire to start this blog with a line that read "It's A Baby Y'all" overwhelmed me...but I just couldn't do it.

Maybe it's due to the fact that Nicki and I live within a 9 minute drive from The Duggar's house, or maybe it is because I've always secretly desired to have a child with a southern accent.  No matter what the underlying motives are - Nicki and I are anxiously anticipating the arrival of Baby Spicher on  September 9th!!

We couldn't be more excited, and as any of you who have had children know, we couldn't feel less prepared.  Actually, allow me to restate that...I couldn't be feel less prepared.  Nicki is impeccably prepared.  Since the day I met her I've known she will be a great mother - now I'm just excited to get to be a part of the experience - and reap the benefits.  I will spend the next six months reading book after book to discover what so clearly comes very naturally to her.

Since the moment we found out we were pregnant we have been reflecting on the experiences we've been lucky enough to have, as we have joined in the journey of a number of our friends and family members as they have started, or grown, their families.  We have been alongside the incredible journey of pregnancy, adoption, and even international adoption.  We've been a part of the birth of boys, girls, and even twins!  We've experienced, with the people closest to us, the magical gift of starting a family, and the chaotic blessing of raising a family.

As we have entered this new phase of our lives, and of our marriage, so many emotions have been involved.  Many of these emotions are completely new (since when did Nicki like Eggo waffles for breakfast?), and many are just heightened levels of frequent feelings (I knew I was a cryer - but really...come on man...get it together).  But one thing is perfectly clear, God has a plan for his family - and that plan is perfect.  No matter whether that plan involves triumph, challenges, ups, downs, and unknowns - in the end, it is good.  What He has planned is unknown to all, but when it plays out in dramatic times, such as pregnancy and the birth of a child, it couldn't be more apparent that we are totally out of control of our lives - and I really like it that way.

What we have also learned through the experiences of our friends and family is that the fun is that in the chaos, the blessings of having a child are endless, and it will be the little things that will make us smile the most.

So, while it is probably a true statement that as a future dad I fall asleep concerned that my knowledge and skill in 'father duties' will result in the following:

                                         




I know that someday, somehow, with God's grace, my wife's amazing talents, and help from family and friends like you, I will get to experience moments like this:

My brother Scott with Abby and Ben before the first day of school

Jeff teaching Emily why it is patriotic to pay your taxes...

Ross and Norah celebrating what appears to be Norah's 30th birthday...

Mark and Walker misinterpreting that tigers aren't black and yellow...bees are.

Ray and Ryan clearly happy to see something.

Matt clearly risking Will's life for the purpose of a good black and white picture...

Right now, what we have is this incredibly overwhelming picture to stare at day after day, and simply stand amazed at the wonderful things God has in-store for our family.

Fayetteville Relaxation

This picture of Jack pretty much sums up our last few weeks.  I've always felt like January and February are our "quiet" months of the year and 2012 is seemingly following suit.  While the winter weather has yet to show up this year, we have thoroughly enjoyed some favorite cold weather activities - aka time spent indoors...bowling night, game nights, dinner parties and even a few movies.  The weather experts are predicting tomorrow to be the first real snow storm of the year - a whopping 1-3 inches of snow but hey here in Arkansas 1-3 inches is just enough for a potential snow day.  I'm not going to lie, I've been looking forward to a southern snow day ever since I heard everyone just stays home (I feel a lot like Jen tonight!)  In the meantime, I'm kicking myself for not getting our fireplace up and running.  I convinced Nick that Spring was just around the corner and I had also decided for about a week that we were going to buy a place down here.  Turns out, no progress has developed on the purchase front and we can't help but admit how happy we are in our current place.  Guess I will be calling to get the fireplace working this week...

Culture...in Arkansas?

You know, most of you who are unfamiliar with Arkansas, would probably assume that in Arkansas the word 'culture' means learning how to eat your ribs without splattering on your Razorbacks shirt, or understanding the difference between a crawfish boil and a shrimp boil.  If I were to ask you what you thought 'modern art history' meant in Arkansas you would probably answer "the first rendering of the Razorback bumper sticker" or the Duggar family picture.


But indeed, with the help of a small donation from the Walton family (the family of Sam Walton who started a small chain of stores known as Walmart), Northwest Arkansas is now home to one of the world's greatest art museums.  Please, don't take my word for it.  The opinion of someone who force dropped Art History in college after syllabus week would not be a good census.  The New York Times called Crystal Bridges "a genuine cultural contribution, and possibly to become a place of pilgrimage for art lovers from around the world."  Nicki and I thought we would go and provide our own review...surprisingly no newspapers asked for our editorial.


In all honesty, Crystal Bridges is spectacular.  From what I understand the museum is dedicated to modern American art - which ranges from rooms filled with revolutionary war heros to Norman Rockwell's Rosie the Riveter (again - I write that not as someone who knew what that painting was before Saturday).  The art collection is spectacular, but the building and the surrounding grounds make the event worthwhile. 


As you will see below, the building was set in the middle of a forest area and the developers envisioned areas for local residents to enjoy walking paths, benches, overlooks, etc. year-round.  What makes this possible is that, thanks to a donation from the Walton family, the museum is free of charge - and is set-up to be that way for the next 20 years.


We went on our visit with our friends the Reinerman's, and enjoyed a 'night out' in Bentonville afterwards.  The addition of the museum makes for just another compelling reason for you to come visit us!  We even promise to show you how to eat a crawfish.

This was an incredible display of spools of yarn showing the last supper upside down - which could be seen in focus through this lens.

I'm fairly sure I doodled this in a notebook in 8th grade - who knew it would have been art history...

This is the interior view of the buildings - the building is set to represent the 'natural state' of Arkansas - and is wonderfully designed.

Christmas in OHIO

A few highlights of our Ohio Christmas Extravaganza!!

Awaited at Crossroads Church in Cincinnati - One of our favorite events in December that is an amazing production of the Christmas Story.  From the music to the dancing to even the drummer (that Nick is obsessed with) it truly portrays what Christmas is all about.

Our family picture at Crossroads minus a few because Pattie, Ray, and Connor were getting things ready for Spicher Family Christmas later that night!

Abby - 10 going on 16

B

Ben - the biggest Browns fan who doesn't live in Cleveland

Connor - quote of the night "I love it!  I love it"  It was so much fun watching him open all of his gifts

Just before heading up to Akron for Christmas we got to celebrate with Izzy and Dan at their baby shower.  Baby Bobshaw is due the end of March and we are so excited for the new addition to their family!

Of course, we had to have personalized cups for the occasion!

AKRON - We drove up to Akron on Christmas Eve morning.  We were very excited to see my parents and Jack who had been at "camp" aka my parents house since Thanksgiving.  As you'll see in the pictures below, my mom is definitely attached and spoils him just a little.  Jen and John joined us in Akron on Christmas Day.

Nick's gift to my dad - can I refill your eggnog Eddie?

Christmas Day Fondue!!

Never a trip to Akron without the annual Christmas Ale Taste Test

Mom and her grandkids

My gift to Nick - and he would say the only thing he's been waiting over two years to receive

Jack and Mom

Stan Hywet Hall - Touring the house and Christmas lights...an Akron Christmas Tradition