I heard on the radio that tomorrow (4/1) Chick-Fil-A will be giving out free coffee milkshakes from 2-5 pm. I will definitely be there to try out their new flavor! Love the handspun "chick-a-lay" milkshakes.

Dear Connor,
We are home in Grand Prairie, but can't stop thinking about our fun trip to San Antonio to see you. Thanks for letting us stay with you. It was an amazing spring break trip, and we hope to make it a tradition.
We will never forget playing in your backyard, blowing bubbles, getting dirty in the sandbox, and playing on your playset with all the Davis cousins.

I love my toaster oven that you gave me for my birthday. Josie and I made Mommy some toast this morning for breakfast. Please come to visit us so we can cook together!

The SA Zoo was awesome. Even Kate enjoyed it!

The butterfly exhibit was cool. I really wanted to catch one, and Josie loved naming all the colors of butterflies.

Our favorite animals were the hippos and the elephant.


What are your favorite animals? I think you loved the Lory keets the best. Thanks for teaching us how to feed them! We were really nervous, but you were so brave.


We are so thankful for the Sea World passes you gave us. I gave Shamu a big hug because I was so happy to be back!

Our whole family enjoyed a full day at the park....watching shows, eating Lemon Chills, playing at the Happy Harbor, and seeing all the sea life.

When Kate gets older, we will have to come back this summer so she won't need so many naps in her stroller. I think she is happy that we are coming back soon.

I acted like Diego all day and held the map for Dad. I like to know what's next and how to get there.

We love you, Cousin Connor, and will always remember our spring break trip to SA!
See you soon,
Jack (JoJo and Kate, too)

Little Sis turned seven months this week. We are enjoying getting to know her more and more each month. Here are seven things about "sisterbabyTate."
1. She has dark blue eyes with a tint of hazel.
2. She can sit up unassisted very well. When she topples, you might think the world is over.
3. She lights up with a gummy grin when Jack talks to her in his high, only-for-baby-Kate voice.
4. She started eating rice cereal this month and still spits most of it out.
5. She likes her pacifier, her swaddle blanket, and her face to be rubbed when sad.
6. Like most babies, she is content outside. She is enjoying the swing on the playset. It's a great place to watch the J/J show.
7. She likes be held facing out, and kicks her chubby legs non-stop.
Happy seven months to our sister girl.

Kid Whisperers

Have you ever known someone who is a kid magnet?
You know, one of those people who kids flock to wherever they are.
Well, I am so blessed to have two of these people in my life, and in the lives of my children.


My friend Lisa will be so embarrassed that I am writing this, but you should have seen her yesterday at the park. She set up a "store" underneath the playground equipment, and every kid in the area was "buying" things from her with their wood chips. I laughed to myself as I overheard some parents saying..."oh, she's so creative, what a great imagination, I would never think to do that." Thanks, Lisa, for being an inspiration to me, and being a big kid at heart!

And then there's my husband Will. He attempts things with the kids that seem messy, overwhelming, and crazy to me! He makes me look boring. I love him for this, and so do the kids. This week before the big rains, Will mowed and spread weed and feed in our yard. He needed it to soak in really well, so before I knew it, he had stripped the kids down to their undies, and turn on all of his sprinklers. The result was two happy kids, covered head to toe in dirt and grass. But, better than that was the laughter and the memory we made. Thank you, Will, for being an example of fun in our house.

Happy to Be....

1. Fed
2. Clean
3. Outside
4. Watching Jack and Josie play.
5. In my Daddy's lap.
6. Looking at my Mama.

Jo Goes Solo

For the past few days, Josie has been visiting the farm by herself. She and Jack have been talking about her first solo visit for a while, so when Mam invited her to go, she said "sure." We were all a little anxious about how she would do, but she did great! No tears or sadness.
She enjoyed having Doc and Mam all to herself and did the usual farm activities - gathered the eggs, fed the cows, roamed, played in the old black truck, drove the little tractor, lots of swinging, and played with dogs Dutch and General.
Here's a few photos from her first solo trip! Mam described her as "delightful"....and we missed our little delight around here, for sure.

Interview with a 4-year Old

The following is an interview with our son Jack Davis. It was performed on the eve of his fourth birthday. Happy birthday to this amazing boy from his very humble parents! All answers are factual and written exactly how they were spoken by the new 4-year old.


1. What is your name? Jack Kennedy and Davis
2. When is your birthday? After one more nap
3. How old will you be? 4
4. What is your favorite color? Green
5. Who is your favorite character? Diego
6. Who is your best friend? My cousin Connor
7. How many people are in your family? 5 - two boys, 3 girls
8. What is your favorite food? Chicken nuggets
9. What is your favorite thing to do? play with a train
10. What is your favorite movie? Cars
11. Where is your favorite place to go? a beach
12. What do you want to be when you grow up? a pirate
13. What is your favorite song? the Sesame Street song
14. Where do you live? right here

This is only a glimpse into the life of Jack. He continues to amaze us with his sweet spirit, his sense of humor, and his creativity. This year was unforgettable with our son...and I will always remember it fondly because he really grew up this year. His ability to communicate with us and express himself really developed. He began to ask big picture questions, like "where is God?" and "can I please have a brother?" He bonded with his Dad like never before. He thrived in school and Sunday school like never before. He transitioned to a new home and a new sister. And, finally, he faced a challenging lifelong diagnosis with a smile. I will never forget leaving the hospital in tears, and Jack looking at me and saying, "Don't ya know that God loves us, Mom?"
Yes, son, because of you, I am very confident that God loves us. Happy birthday, dear boy.

You're So Vain....

You might remember me mentioning that, when we can't find Josie, we know we should look in the bathroom because she's probably eating/playing with toothpaste. She also can be found looking for my makeup, putting on makeup, brushing her hair, looking for that perfect clip, or emptying the soap bottle to wash her hands really well. The only thing that she doesn't enjoy in the bathroom is the sound of my hair dryer. When that comes out, she disappears, only to reappear every few seconds and ask, "all done, Mommy?" This girl intrigues me...she loves girly things, yet ruins her clothes while playing outside and during meals. She is serious and determined about some things (namely her blankie and copying big bro) but has a carefree spirit that I envy. She's funny, and she makes me laugh almost as much as her Dad. She's a mess, but she's our mess.

Warning

I am warning you that there may be tears in my near future. Lots of them. My oldest turns 4 this weekend, and I am having a hard time with it. Can it really be true? He looks like a 4-year old, talks like a 4-year old, plays like a 4-year old, but in my mind he is still that little bald baby in the NICU.
I remember crying, no sobbing, when we finally brought him home to Stanford Avenue that March day...tears of overwhelming joy and relief to have him home. I have cried many more times with and over this boy, but none compare to that day. He changed me. He made me rely on God in new ways. He made me love Will more. He made me less selfish. He made me want to be better.
Jack, I can't believe you're turning 4. It's been the best 4 years of my life! You are awesome in every way. I love being your Mom - playing with you every day and taking care of you is the best job. If I cry on your birthday, it's just because I can't imagine my life without you.