What a Difference a Year Makes

When we took Josie to her 12-month well visit today, Dr. Halsell walked in and, looking stunned, said "is she really 1 year old?" It's true that 12 months has flown by quickly, and we have have had some unforgettable moments. It has been fun to see the changes our little girl has made since her birth a year ago. Her spunky yet sweet personality brings us so much joy. Before knowing her, I always dreamt I would be a mother of all boys - enough to have my own basketball team, of course. But now that I am Josie's mom, I can't imagine my life without my little sweetie. (we really needed a point guard on the team anyway) She rocks my world with her toothy grin, wobbly walk, wet kisses, and wake-up cuddles. New tricks and things that make us smile are: when she holds up her "candle" when singing "This Little Light of Mine," the way she tries to copy dogs barking, her love of all carbohydrates, her dancing during music time, and how she loves her brother. Nicknames that have developed over the past year for our girl are: Sweetie-Jo/Cutie-Jo,(Daddy)Jo-Bug/Josie-girl(Mom)and JoJo.(Jack) Twelve month stats are: 22 pounds, 4 ounces, 30 inches long.
Here's a few photos from her 1-year portrait session at Sears. Notice the red puffy eyes from crying in the car, and the left thumb that enters as soon as she gets anxious, tired, cranky or sad. We love everything about this cute little bug.

Way to go, Tynan!

Our sister Tynan stole the show this weekend in "Marriage of Figaro" in NYC. The reviewer from the NY Times said that "Tynan Davis was amusing as the cheeky, love-struck page, Cherubino, providing comic relief." We are proud of her! If you have time, check out the review as well as the great photo of our opera star here.

Guilty

As parents we'd like to protect our children from their sinful nature but it's just not possible. Sinful nature, meet my two year old. I love this boy but even he, as cute and sweet as he is, falls short. Just today I was letting he and Josie play together in his room and I hear the familiar cry for help from the younger. I walk to the "kid wing" of our house and Jack meets me at the door. There he incriminates himself and says "Jack push, sorry Mom." Although I had to discipline him, his honesty made me smile and self-reflect. Uh-oh.
We all do the things we do not want to do. (Romans 7:15) Such is the conflict of two natures. We are guilty of many things but thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! He frees us from this death of sin. This is encouraging to me as I struggle with my sinful nature, (all day/every day) and watch my children struggle as well. We are guilty but free. (Romans 7:24-25)
On a lighter note, here are a few pics of the kids looking guilty....Josie of climbing up the slide at the park, and Jack of eating too many cupcakes at Josie's party! Call me prideful (and there's the sinful nature again) but I don't think they could be any cuter.

Psalm 121

As a family we are memorizing and meditating on Psalm 121 while our brother and friend, 1st Lt. Clif Kennedy is serving in Iraq the next 7 months. We trust in the Lord as He watches over Clif, Kat and little Clay. If you are wanting to give back to these men and women that sacrifice so much for you, please pray for them....that the Lord would "not let their feet slip, keep them from harm, and watch over their lives." (Psalm 121)
Thank you for your support and prayers.

This is the Day

"This is the day the Lord has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24
We rejoice today as we think of Josie's birth one year ago. We love you Josie, and thank God for your birth and life. September 12th will always be a day of rejoicing and celebration here at the Davis house. Here's our sweet girl on her birthday.

#1 In Our Hearts

We now have a big ONE YEAR-OLD in our house! Today at 6:03 pm our Josephine will officially be ONE. On one hand we can't believe it but, when we look at her, we know it's true. She is acting like a one year old, (trying to stand in her highchair) looking like a one year-old (more dark brown hair and trying to walk) and even sounding like a one year old. (squealing, babbling, pointing and "talking") I would be very sad if it weren't for our morning and after nap cuddles.
For Josie's birthday we had a brown and pink polka dot party. Yes, it was my dream come true but I thought she looked pretty cute in her dots as well! Special friends and family came to celebrate our little girl - with games, gifts, handwritten notes and even a slideshow by Dad. Thank you for being here!
What a year. Seems like yesterday when we brought her home. We look forward to what year #2 has to bring with Josie Marie.

School Days

Dear old golden rule days are here once again, and two members of LHIGP are heading to school on Thursdays each week. Jack had his first day of preschool at GPBC last Thursday, and Mom aka Cara, taught her first day of 2nd/3rd grade at the same homeschool coop at GPBC. Both had a great first day! It will last each Thursday 9:30-2:30....it goes quickly and is a breeze compared to public school hours and prep work.
Thursdays will also be a special time for Josie to bond with her Daddy and occasionally her Mam. A majority of this time is her napping, but when she is awake, she is so fun and spunky. I can already see a new friendship between she and her Dad forming!
On Jack's first day at Sonshine Club we walked into his classroom and his teacher had his little seat labeled with his name and also a water bottle with his name. He was so excited, and recognized a few of his friends from church. They fingerpainted, read stories, did puzzles, had lunch and took naps on their nap mats. As excited as he was to go to "cool," he was even more excited to see me at the end of the day....he ran to me and hugged my legs. It was a sweet moment!
I loved going to school and I hope my children will always look forward to school days.