Hello, blog! I have dreams of writing here more often, but I'm not sure this is the season for that. So for now, it will probably continue to be sporadic. :)
********************
For now, let me introduce to our latest addition,
Maggy Michelle Davis!
Born 9/11/14
8lbs, 21in
She is perfect in every way! Thank you, Lord for this blessing!
And for fun, a comparison of Molly (left) and Maggy (right) flashing the same beautiful smile. :)
*I know it's been f o r e v e r since I've written here. Life does that, I guess. If you want more up-to-date happenings on life, follow me on instagram here (@amydavis356). :) :)
I've had more than one person say to me in the last week alone something to the effect that I'm "the best parent ever", or their "parenting role model". And to be quite honest, even though I'd like to gloat and take some glory, it's really SO very much NOT about me. You see, I'm about the second most impatient person that I know. For real. I'm hot-headed, and sometimes I inappropriately display my anger in ways that should not be displayed in front of children (or really at all). I am an introvert and recharge by being by myself, which doesn't always mix well with being a stay-at-home mom, especially when the aforementioned children don't nap or don't nap well. I could go on and on about all the reasons why I make an unfit mother. But the bottom line is this: I am a work-in-progress, continually being changed and shaped by none other than my LORD Jesus Christ. When I am patient, it's because of HIM. When I curb my anger and express love instead of hate, it's because of HIM. When I'm able to rise above myself and my wants and play with my children when all I want to do is run in my room and be alone, it's because of HIM. I'm hoping that you're catching my drift. So while I appreciate the "you're an awesome mom" comments (really, it's very encouraging), I just have to be sure that it's made known that I am only that mom because of who Jesus is in my life. I never want to give the allusion that I have it all together or that this whole parenting thing is easy for me. I want other moms out there who may be struggling to know that there is hope, and His name is JESUS. Just this morning, it was barely 9am and I was in tears, wondering how in the world I was going to make it through the long day ahead. I fully recognize the raging pregnancy hormones that for sure take all things to the next level, haha, but still. My mind turned to this passage in Isaiah:
Do you not know? Have you not heard?The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.He gives strength to the weary,and increases the power of the weak.Even youths grow tired and weary,and young men stumble and fall;but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.They will soar on wings like eagles;they will run and not grow weary,they will walk and not be faint.*Isaiah 40:28-31*
And ya know what was right on that exact same page?
He tends his flock like a shepherd:He gathers the lambs in his armsand carries them close to his heart;he gently leads those that have young.*Isaiah 40:11*
Such balm to my soul. Such refreshment. I am so thankful that He cares. That He loves my babies more than I do and that He has designed ME to be their mother.
*wasn't really thinking when I wore a white shirt against a white background, haha. Makes the teeny bump a little tough to see*
How far along: 17 weeks. (the picture was last week)
Baby's size:Your baby weighs 5 ounces now (about as much as a turnip), and he's around 5 inches long.
Sleep: Meh. Nothing to do with pregnancy, though. And everything to do with the two little people that end up with us every night.
Maternity Clothes: I've started wearing my pants, but my belly isn't really big enough to hold them up all that well, haha.
Food cravings: None.
Food aversions: Nothing anymore.
Symptoms I have: Nothing. It's crazy--Aside from the occasional heartburn, I don't even feel pregnant.
Doctor’s Appointment: Just had one yesterday--healthy heartbeat of 150! We scheduled the ultrasound for three weeks from now! So excited!
Movement: Finally starting to feel the teeny kicks. I assumed that since I felt Cooper so early on, that I'd feel this one early too. That was SO not the case! It honestly wasn't until last week that I was certain I was feeling baby. But yah for those tiny kicks! :)
Gender: Pretty sure it's a girl, but we'll find out in three weeks!
What I miss: Nothing!
What I’m looking forward to: So much. Obviously so excited to find out the gender. I can't wait to start making the baby blanket! I already have the pattern/colors picked out for whether it's a boy or girl. :)
A few IG pics relating to baby #3….
*15 weeks*
*I started knitting a sweater for the little babe because I just couldn't wait another second! It's gender neutral though.* :)
Some days are difficult. Like, really difficult. Most days I'm excited about a third child. On days like today, I'm completely and utterly terrified.
Driving home today after a rough morning of running errands, I saw a sign somehow through my tears that I had never seen before. I think it was an ad for the Army? Not sure. But here's what it said: We don't take applications. Only commitment. And good golly, that resonated quite soundly. You see, if I had to submit an application to be a mother, I would most certainly NOT get the job. By my own natural tendencies, I am a downright terrible mother. It's funny*, because I've dreamt of being a mom for my entire life. Somewhere in all that dreaminess, I just kind of assumed it would come naturally to me. Newsflash in case I've been fooling any of you: IT DOESN'T. *I chuckle only to keep myself from crying more tears--it's just so far from the truth. BUT. While my application would for sure be denied, one thing is even more certain: I am committed. First and foremost, I am committed to the Lord and allowing Him to change me. Second, I am committed to these children and becoming the very best mom that I can be to them. I realize this does not and will never mean perfection. But for me, the best that I can be entails surrendering my natural tendencies to the Lord and begging Him to change me and make me more like Him. I texted a friend when I got home (which is a rare thing for me when I need help) because I just felt so alone in this and needed to know if I was the only one who struggled. Guess what? I'm not. Sometimes it's easy to get tunnel vision and only see our own difficulties and along with that, it's so dang easy to believe the lie that noone else knows what we're going through. I put all this out there as a simple message to others who may be feeling the same: YOU ARE NOT ALONE. If you're struggling as a new mom, experienced mom, young mom, older mom, mom of one, mom of twenty, working mom or stay at home mom, you are not alone. We were made to live in community, support each other, encourage each other, and spur one another on in our callings and commitments. Maybe many of you have already learned this. Maybe not. I just know I feel led to share. Be encouraged, fellow mamas. No matter where you are on your journey, the Lord wants to use you and teach you and make you more like Him. And do not forget that you are not alone. :)
I just have to give the Lord the praise and glory He deserves.
A little backstory...
This year will be filled with all sorts of big expenses--some of which we were expecting, some of which we weren't. Some days I do better than others when it comes to surrounding my worries to Him and trusting His word when He says:
"So do not worry, saying 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do no worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself."
(Matthew 6:31-34)
These past few days, my mind has been filled with thoughts of how all of these upcoming expenses will be paid for. And God has been so patient with me, pointing out time after time where He has taken care of us in the past.
Isn't that so silly? I see His constant provision in the past, yet I still sometimes question and doubt how He will take care of in the future! So silly. I know better.
This morning, Chris received some amazing news from his employer. He's asked me to spare the details, but after my initial shock, my eyes welled with tears as I knew this was God speaking.
Jehovah Jirah. The Lord provides.
I'm certain that this news will not cover everything coming at us this year, but to me, it is such a clear sign of God saying,
"I've got you guys under the shadow of my wing. Please trust me."
***********
Lord of Lords - Hillsong ft. Brooke Fraser
Beholding Your beauty Is all that I long for To worship You Jesus Is my sole desire For this very heart You have shaped for Your pleasure Purposed to lift Your Name higher
Here in surrender In pure adoration I enter Your courts With an offering of praise I am Your servant Come to bring You glory As is fit for the work of Your hands
Now unto the Lamb Who sits on the throne Be glory and honour and praise All of creation resounds with the song Worship and praise Him The Lord of lords
Spirit now living And dwelling within me Keep my eyes fixed Ever on Jesus' face Let not the things of this world Ever sway me I'll run 'til I finish the race
Now unto the Lamb Who sits on the throne Be glory and honour and praise All of eternity echoes the song Worship and praise Him The Lord of lords
Holy Lord You are holy Jesus Christ Is the Lord
Now unto the Lamb Who sits on the throne Be glory and honour and praise Call all the saints to join in the song Worship and praise Him The Lord of lords
When Molly was born, I had the idea to make a pillowcase to take to the hospital (add some spunk to the hospital room, know what I mean?) and then use that pillowcase to make an outfit for her first birthday.
It was a little more difficult to pick the fabric for my pillowcase when Cooper was born, knowing that boy's outfits are slightly more difficult than a girl's dress.
Here's the best shot of the pillowcase in use.
(Note: best shot of the pillowcase, NOT myself, HAHA)
And here is what I made of it for Cooper's first birthday party.
I'm pretty excited about how it turned out, and love that I was able to keep this tradition for both kids! :)
In case you don't know, I have about the best father-in-law in the whole world - Mike Griffith. It's for real. I couldn't even begin to describe all that he means to my family. Mike- we love you. :) A couple of things about Mike.... Mike has a passion for addicts and desires to counsel those who need and want help. He has a new website that you all should check out. Please pass this along to anyone who you think might need and want it! Click HERE to view his website. And second, Mike is an incredibly talented musician and song writer and just released his first CD. It is available to purchase HERE. Please consider supporting Mike and his amazing ministry! I had the incredible experience of recording with Mike for one of the songs on his album. You can listen to the whole song on the above link. It's called Line in the Sand. Don't forget to check out Mike's website and music and show him your support!
I remember your Birth Day so vividly. (One of these days I'll finish all the details of your birth story and get around to posting that)
You big sister Molly was head over heels in love with you from the moment she saw you.
You were a tough little guy when you were first born. By this face, you'd never know it!
Mommy had a tough time transitioning to two kids. But we learned so much about each other every day. Mommy grew closer to Jesus, and we are all better now because of it.
Since the very day you started smiling, you could light up a whole room with your smile. It's just that contagious.
See what I mean? :)
Daddy and Mommy started looking for a house in the summer. I thought this one was meant to be....
We were so excited when the weather got nicer. That meant playing outside, which we did a LOT!
In July we traveled to Indiana for Travis and Elizabeth's wedding. You were the most handsome man of them all, if I do say so myself.
You and Molly started sharing a room sometime in the summer. This went over very well. She sleeps through all your crying! ;)
A happy little pumpkin....
You and Molly play so well together. It makes my mama heart swell so big to hear the two of you giggle together. I am in love with the bond you share.
My sweet Cooper. This past year has brought me so much joy. I am so happy to be your mama. Happy first birthday, buddy. Hope your day is full of happiness. :)
Remember back in March when I changed up my blog? I'm going to let you in on a little secret. I knew I wanted something different, but I wasn't really sure what, so I temporarily wrote in the blog header: to be changed. And the more I thought about it, the more those exact words lined up with exactly what I wanted for my life. And thinking back on the year 2013, that is exactly what happened. I would most certainly say this was the most difficult year of my life, but it has also been the year that has brought me closest to the Lord. *funny how that works, am I right? I am so thankful that I stand here in the beginning of 2014 a different person than I was at this time last year. I have a deeper understanding of what it means to live each day dependent on my Savior. So as I fix my gaze into the next year, I may write a few loose goals, but overall, I want to grow even deeper in my love and need for Jesus. I just want to be changed. Again. And again and again and again for as long as I walk this journey called life.
Because, ya know, it's been a while. And New Years seemed like the perfect day to recap Christmas. :) This post is going to be long and picture-heavy...just a fair warning! ************** Setting up the tree together was SO fun this year. Molly loved putting up the ornaments. Here she is right before putting the tree up:
We decided to get our kids a new ornament each year when we put up the tree so that when they leave our house, they have a box full of ornaments for their own tree someday! This year I got Molly a baby, because she looooves babies so much. Safe to say she was pretty excited about it. :)
I finally have a mantel to decorate! So fun!
We went to see the zoo lights on a beautiful night...see, we didn't even wear coats! We thought it wouldn't be that crowded, being a weeknight. Everyone else in Columbus thought so too. :)
Chris's work had a Christmas party one Saturday this month, which had a ton of fun activities. Molly was pretty unsure of the idea of getting her face painted, so I went first. Here are our matching bows:
And this was Molly's face when she first saw Santa. She immediately exclaimed, "I don't like Santa Claus!" haha
And yes, we got the classic picture of a screaming child on Santa's lap.
Cooper, on the other hand, was infatuated with Santa. Especially his nose and his glasses.
Molly and I making Christmas cookies together:
We travelled to North Carolina to spend some time with my family before Christmas. It was nothing short of amazing. I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful family that loves each other and gets along so well. :)
My mom bought a bounce house! Yes, a bounce house! Haha. It was so cool, and the kids loved it!
We came home from our trip to a flooded laundry room. Just two days before Christmas. It was terrible timing, to say the least. Monday was such a discouraging day for me, as I was trying to keep my joy amidst all the crazy of the laundry room situation, our cars having issues, and just the madness that IS two days before Christmas.
Then this happened. A sweet, sweet friend from church delivered this beautiful plate of goodies. It just couldn't have come at a more perfect time! God knows best! Thank you SO much, Mikayla and Whitney!
The kiddies before Christmas eve service. You can see how much she adores her little brother.
Also, let it be known that Molly wore the same dress two Christmases in a row. My tiny, petite little girl. (last year on the left, this year on the right)
Molly at Grandma Dorothy's with the big giant Christmas bear: (I'm not sure why there's snow on this picture, but it's kinda cool, right?)
Christmas morning was the four of us at our house. It was so relaxing and full of joy.
The annual stocking picture:
Chris had this incredibly old pair of shorts that used to be his dads that were getting super worn out. He literally could not take one step without them falling down (the elastic was so stretched out!) I was finally able to convince him to get rid of them, but without him knowing, I fashioned them into a pair of pants for Cooper.
I figure my sister-in-law is making babies to carry on to a third generation....I'll make a pair of pants to do the same! ;)
Hope everyone else had a Merry Christmas. Here's to a wonderful 2014!!!
