What Mess?

Jason and I noticed our house was a little too quiet the other night. Here's why...

Z was busy organizing our water bottles and trashbags in the pantry (yes, he is wearing Halloween pumpkin pajama pants). ; )

At least he was occupied for a few minutes while I cleaned up the kitchen!

You know when I sit and when I rise;
You perceive my thoughts from afar.

Psalm 139:2

Westin's Church Shower

Thank you for your sweet words and excitement for us. I love your thoughts about Reese remaining the princess and angel she was always meant to be. Very very true.

Jason and I are still thinking of names. Well, at least he is! With Zach and Reese I read through a baby name book (even though we loved those names I had to be sure), so I'm letting Jason decide this time. ; )

Shannon's small group shower was so much fun Sunday afternoon at our house. I have been so excited about it! I wanted it to be fabulous for her. We had a great turnout despite the cold and rain. Young moms get out no matter what for a little break. ; )

The hostesses with Shannon

Jill, Helga, Lindsey, Shannon, me, Jennifer, Desty, & Abby

Guess how much candy is in each jar?!

A few gifts

I love this iron stroller. I borrowed it from my mom, and Zach enjoyed pushing it around saying, "choo-choo train."

My favorite part of the shower...little bites of perfection. ; )

Delicious punch

I am so ready for warm weather I went with a spring themed centerpiece in an iron basket. Shannon reminded me that Westin is due this spring, so it worked well!

The table with some of the goodies

Shannon received many wonderful gifts for Westin. He is going to love all of his toys and look precious in his little outfits. Not much longer until he arrives...I can't wait!

...seasons of refreshing may come from the presence of the LORD.

Acts 3:19

Need

Soon after Reese went to Heaven, I met with a woman who lost her two year old son several years ago. She and her husband later had another boy, and I'll never forget what she said about him. "If there is a baby who could heal my heart, it is him." I thought how beautiful that was and one day I hoped to say the same thing about our next child.

GOD alone heals my heart, but He has used countless people, prayers, and so many little and big things the past six months to help soothe our wounds. GOD is filling in the broken places of my heart with His love and grace. I am certain He will use this next little baby to comfort us and give us joy in the perfect way Jason and I need.

Well, it's obvious we need another BOY. ; ) ; ) ; )

Very obvious! We found out today at my appointment with the high risk pregnancy doctor. Although we had an idea based on an earlier ultrasound, today left us with no doubt. We will be making the big switch back to boy. GOD is preparing our hearts and will continue to do so as we prepare for this baby. Our hearts are overjoyed and overwhelmed at this little life!

Jason flew us to Little Rock this morning. Thank you, LORD, for a clear day.

Zach fussed the entire flight, and then after we landed said, "More up, more up!"

Before the big appointment

Lynette was our precious ultrasound tech. We loved seeing all his little healthy parts. Praise the LORD, it's refreshing to hear good news.

Excited & thankful

We surprised our parents with the news with iced cookies. I ordered both colors so we would be ready no matter what. Zach was in heaven, of course, although the icing was a bit much for him. He was too busy bossing our parents around to take a picture. He will love having a little brother. I'm quickly being outnumbered. ; )

It's a boy!

I love you, LORD. Thank you that I serve a big GOD who redeems big in Your way alone. It may or may not be today or tomorrow or twenty years from now, but you know my heart. Thank you that I am 4 1/2 months pregnant with a healthy baby only six months after Reese went to be with You. You know the depth of loss and ache in our hearts over Reese. You know our humility and thankfulness over this healthy little boy. We praise you for our third baby, our second son. Thank you for knowing just what we need.

For My thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not My ways. For as Heaven is higher than earth, so My ways are higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.

Isaiah 55:8 - 9

Game Night

Wow, what a crazy last few days! We have been loving the sunshine. I have been busy cooking for some sweet families who have recently had babies and also getting ready for Shannon's small group shower at our house Sunday afternoon. It's been fun. ; ) Jason's parents came on Thursday, so Jason and his dad have been busy doing all sorts of house projects.

Tonight was game night with my Bible study group. Except we were all too busy talking and eating we never played any games!

Us

Sweet friends

The hubbies

The LORD brought these friends into my life a year and a half ago. Each one is beautiful, selfless, and real. It's an honor to spend time with them each week praying, studying Esther, and praising Jesus together. I couldn't imagine my life without this amazing group of women.

Bring joy to your servant, for to You, O LORD, I lift up my soul.

Psalm 86:4

Own Words

Has the LORD ever brought something back you wrote to someone else to let you hear His heart for your life? It's just like Him!

The other day I was looking at Westin's baby book Shannon has created for him. I came across an email I had written to her Nov. 11, 2008, right before I became pregnant with Reese.

I wrote, "In Bible study this morning, the LORD brought you to my mind again. We were reading Psalm 130 and verse 7 says, 'O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with Him is full redemption.'

When I first read this, I automatically think redemption meaning salvation, which is one definition of it. As Beth talked about this verse though, she said that GOD redeems anything in our lives...relationships, hurts, pasts, etc. I was thinking how one day GOD will redeem these years you have been waiting to get pregnant. That He does not look at these years as loss.

I will now think about redemption in a whole new way in my own life, too..."

A devotion the LORD used to impress on my heart about Shannon at that certain point in her life came back around to me but with a whole new meaning. Wonderful yet painful at the same time. Because Jason and I know truly know what deep loss feels like now, we must persevere to trust that Reese's life will be redeemed completely.

We believe GOD is a GOD of fullness not emptiness. We know GOD does not waste our tears. Our heartache is not in vain. He never wastes a life. He is a GOD of completion. Thank you LORD for always working (especially when we can't see).

He who watches over you will not slumber...

Psalm 121:3

V-Day Fun

This keychain was my present to Jason for Valentine's Day. I wanted him to have something with Reese's name on it that he could wear or carry with him, so I decided this would be perfect. I ordered it to be two inches long, so that's why it looks a little different than the one on Lisa's website. He likes it, too. I got points. ; )

Ummm...so where did my chocolate pecan turtles go!? I was supposed to enjoy them all week. Jason doesn't like nuts, and I had hidden them from Z. Oh, I forgot I ate most of them Valentine's Day. I have a good excuse, right? I definitely got a stomach ache, but it was so worth it. I guess Jason doesn't mind me gaining the pounds since he gave them to me. ; ) I love being much more secure in my body than I used to be. Bring on the chocolate!

Anyone do the Great Date Experiment?! The questions were great. Since we know each other pretty well after 14 years (!!), it's fun to throw some crazy and serious questions into the mix on a date.

P.S. I love your questions. You can probably tell I'm open about little and big things. ; ) If I haven't answered in a blog post, you may want to email me. Sometimes I'm better at answering questions through email. ; )

For He knows how we are formed, He remembers that we are dust.

Psalm 103:14

Our Little Valentine

Happy Valentine's Day!

February 14, 2008

February 14, 2009

Just for fun...I couldn't leave this one out from last year. He's quite "husky!"

Cheese!

Mom, you're silly!

February 14, 2010

Beginning today Jason and I are taking part in the Great Date Experience (http://springdale.reachforlife.tv/2010/02/the-great-date-experiment/).

I love our date nights, so I'll use any excuse to do fun creative things with my love. Check out this website to find out more information and to print off

your first of six dates. Anyone can take part in this so go get your hubs

(or wife!) and add a little spice to your lives. ; )

For all you single gals, hope your day is wonderful, too!

For those of your who asked about my dress...I bought it at Dillards (half off!). Love a good deal. ; )

For Your faithful love for me is great...

Psalm 86:13

Six Months in Heaven

Ok, can each of you move near me so I could hug you every day and tell you how much I appreciate and love you all? I guess the bond of Christ will have to do for now (until that awesome day we all get to Heaven). ; )

My family and friends (old, new, and ones only through my computer) please never tire of me telling me how much your Godly words and wisdom means to my heart and soul.

Thank you for calling me even when you know I may not answer. Thank you for being normal yet sensitive around me when you talk about your babies. Thank you for answering my sentimental texts with "I love you. I miss her, too."

Reese went to be with Jesus six months ago today. Six months. People told us the first year after a death is the hardest (I know it's different for everyone), and we've already lived through half of it.

I've been thinking a lot lately about those two short days she spent with us on earth. Priceless, precious hours. My mind sifts through each detail of the short time we had with her. I'm so thankful I remember those moments despite being medicated. It was almost like she was a sweet perfect presence GOD sent just to touch our lives and pass through this earth.

One thing the LORD reminded me of recently is that we were truly standing on holy ground with Reese. When she was alive and especially in her death. I always felt while Reese was alive GOD's hand was over the hospital, the doctors, nurses, family, friends - all of us.

He impressed my heart the other day that while Jason and I were holding her - as she took her last breath - her body was with us yet her soul was with Jesus at that exact moment. Reese was still in our arms as she opened her eyes for the very first time to see Jesus! GOD Almighty. Holy ground.

I posted the link to her video after her memorial service and would like to share it again for those of you who may not have seen it but would like to.

I've watched it countless times shedding endless tears. I often touch the computer screen as I watch as if it's any substitute for her soft skin. I can also smile and laugh through my tears as I see it too. I'm not sure if I've shared this, but the picture of Zach putting the tiny bow on Reese's head has a story.

Jason and I didn't know how he would be with her anyway since he was only 21 months old, but he was the sweetest little thing. It's like he knew. He was so tender with her until the bow kept falling off her head. He put it back gently a few times but then he had enough. At that point he mashed it hard on Reese's head just like a big brother would. It was funny but not so much at the same time. Just a tiny smile GOD gave us as only He could. A cherished memory we'll always have of them together on earth.

As Jason and I listened to songs when deciding which one we wanted for Reese's Life Moments video, Steven Curtis Chapman's "With Hope" described exactly how we were and still are feeling six months later.

It's amazing how hope gives us life. Keeps us going. One day at a time. One foot in front of the other. Because of Christ, we have the hope and promise of eternal life with our daughter even as our hearts hurt so badly.

Because of GOD's grace, Zach also gives us hope. Reese gave us hope. This new baby gives us hope.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3he1XXg_dY

Show me, O LORD...
let me know how fleeting is my life. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before You. Each man's life is but a breath. Selah

Psalm 39:4 - 5

Six Months

Reese was born six months ago. Today I'm sad. Angry. I can't stop crying. Tired of trying to make this our new normal. Can't get out of my mind that we "should" have a precious six month old daughter in our home. Hard day.

What would she look like today? What kind of personality would she have? Would we be settled in with having two children so close in age? Sleeping again? How different would our lives be?

I love this picture because to me her profile is so much like Jason's...in a girly way of course. Our two children look so much like him maybe this next one will look like me? Probably not. ; ) That's just fine with me, too.

Where is this peaceful woman today?

Lord, what a perfect gift you gave to us for two days. Thank you. We'll never be the same.

Sweet Daddy

Beautiful feet

How she has changed our lives for the better. We love you we love you, Reese!

After Reese went to Heaven, a precious friend of mine shared with me this advice, "Grieve hard." Sounds so simple, yet it hit me so profoundly. I have been grieving hard, and I want to. I need to. Have to. I cannot shut my feelings off because even if I try they don't stay hidden very long (ask Jason!).

Thank you for grieving hard with me and at the same time rejoicing greatly with us as we see and continue to wait for GOD's redemption.

I keep right on praying to You, Lord, hoping this is the time You will show me favor. In Your unfailing love, O God, answer my prayer with Your sure salvation.

Psalm 69:13

Shannon's Shower

Westin received lots of goodies at Shannon's shower Sunday! Check out her blog for all her pics. ; )

Shannon & me

We can't wait to meet you Westin Tanner Davis. You have been prayed for and are already loved by so many. Zach is ready for a cousin playmate in the same city!

May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD,
even as we put our hope in You.

Psalm 33:22

Reese's Name Gallery #15

Thank you for thinking of Reese and praying for us (and our new little one) as you go about your routines each day. We know life is going on all around us (even as my own body tells me more change is coming), and your thoughtfulness means so much. We love each picture for her name gallery!

Precious scrapbook page

Reese's name spelled with the letters from J-e-s-u-s

Mandy gave this to us at Christmas and said, "This is my picture for Reese's name gallery." ; ) The pic I took isn't the best quality (and I didn't plan this), but her crib is the glare in the background. It was Zach's newborn crib and will now be our next baby's crib.

Valentine candy

Sweet heart

Enjoy any sweeties in your life this week before Valentine's Day!

See, I have written your name on the palm of My hands.

Isaiah 49:16