Plain Vanilla

I don't like chocolate ice cream. Never have and unless I have a weird pregnancy craving that alters my taste buds forever, I probably never will. I really like Cookies N Cream (bluebell of course) and one of my new favorites is Moollenium Crunch (also bluebell... is there any other?). The point is, I don't consider myself to fit in the "plain vanilla" mold. Even though vanilla is very good! It's just not what I would say defines me as a person or an ice cream flavor for that matter.

We have lived in our house for nearly a year now. I love our home and while I love it there are things about it that still don't reflect who we are. For instance... Apples. On the rare occasion I will find I want to eat an apple or maybe a really greasy baked apple pie from McDonalds. But I have never thought they would be something to decorate my home with. This is a picture of our dinning area. Note the Apple border...

This is our kitchen...

Wait... are those little polka dots?? Nope... guess again!

Apples. I am, and have been for sometime, sick and tired of apples. I assume the people that lived here before us loved their apples and I guess for that reason chose to put them up on the walls in the first place. But the apples must go!

I don't claim to be an overly creative person. I enjoy crafty things and have come up with some cute ideas here and there. I enjoy photography, art and have dabbled in a lot of artsy things. I will say about myself that my creative monkeys (if you will) are wild untamed (hard to catch at times) and other times they are too tired to even think straight (especially the pregnant ones). On that note... I'm not sure if it was the monkeys or me that came up with a new decor plan for our kitchen, dinning room and living room. Nevertheless, there is a plan in motion!

Even though we have started the process of riding our lives of all things Apple, I will not be posting pics for a few weeks. I am so excited about the colors and can't wait until it's all finished! Here's a bit of insight to our color pallet with names like "Invigorate" "Gulf stream" & "Riverbed's Edge". The names may not say much but I will tell you they are definitely NOT Plain Vanilla!

Brotherly Love

Nurse- "Is this your first?"

Me- "No mam, this is our 3rd."

Nurse- "Oh! Well what do you have?"

Brandon (proudly says) - "Two boys."

Nurse- "Aww, that's great! Okay let's see here... this is the umbilical cord. And that's... not the umbilical cord!"

We are having ANOTHER BOY! Of course we couldn't be more thrilled!! He is so cute from what we could see from the sonogram. I have video but will have to figure out how to get it from the VCR tape onto the computer before I can then attempt to share it on here. But it was by far the best sonogram we've had! Our nurse was great and talked the entire time about what we were seeing. It was amazing!

This is a picture of his hand and forearm.

When we had 'the big sono' not only did we find out he is a he and see him rolling and tumbling around, but we also found out that he has a cyst in his head. When the nurse told us about it, we weren't freaked out. From the time she mentioned it we both had a peace in our hearts about it. I don't have many details to share but please know it is mild and the Dr has stressed we shouldn't lose sleep over it. Most of the cases they see of this particular "cyst" go away on their own. We will be having at least one more sonogram to check up on it. Our prayer is that God will take it away. But we are also trusting that He knows best and whatever happens we will continue to rely on Him.

As if having 2 boys wasn't enough of a statement, this daddy is so proud to be having a 3rd boy!

Here is a picture of our big boys. They are playing together more and more. It's fun to watch (referee) and see how they interact with each other. I think another boy is going to be a blast! They are rough and tough but they also love to snuggle and give hugs and "tisses". I just pray these two knuckle heads will let another little boy in their club.

Tristan has been giving the 'baby in momma's tummy' a hug and kiss some nights before he goes to bed. Talk about melting your heart! We have had quite a few conversations about the baby too. Just a few days ago I asked him what he thought we should call the baby. He thought about it for a minute and then said "We're gonna call him... Zoe!" Zoe is one of his best buddies who also happens to be a girl! I said "No! Not Zoe, that's a girl's name. The baby is a boy. So what do you want to call him?" Again he thought about it and then answered me "Mama, we're going to call him on the phone." This was the end of our conversation. He went back to eating his Cheetos as I sat and giggled.

Speaking of names... we have yet to come up with that perfect fit. We have names we like but nothing that just seems right. A lot of people have put their pick in "the hat". In this invisible hat to be drawn from are names like... Griffin, Keaton, Owen, Anakin (yes, as in Skywalker), Steve and many others. Some I like, others... not so much. I mean really... Steve?!?! I can hear myself calling the boys in for supper now "Tristan! Peyton! STEVE!" Or better yet little Darth Vador. No, no and NO!

I'm trying not to get frustrated with the fact that this child has no name. With both T and P we had their names picked out (and their alternate names in case they were a girl) by the time we had 'the big sono'. But I am reminded by my husband that 1st of all we have plenty of time to name him. After all Brandon wasn't named until after he was born (his mom was sure he was a girl... surprise, surprise!). And 2nd that God knows his name. I love thinking about God knowing this child already. It is beautiful to sit and think about The Lord's hands forming him each day into who he is going to be.

This was taken last week at Falls Creek. B is not that big, I however am!

As for me, I am no longer dealing with progesterone poisoning (AKA morning sickness) and have been enjoying being pregnant! PRAISE THE LORD!!! I know a lot of people have been praying for me and our family during my sickness. Thank you for all your prayers and support!

I have to smile through all of this. Knowing God has been pushing me to Trust in Him with ALL of my heart and now He's giving me yet another opportunity to live out what I say I believe to be true. He is an Awesome God, Loving Father, Faithful, Compassionate, Slow to anger, Rich in Love and Good to all!

One Cheekin' It

Sunday morning in worship at our church some friends of ours performed a sketch about Jesus having full control of us. The plot was that the lady gave Jesus "The Chair"... you know the chair that the person who makes all the decisions gets to sit it. She gives it to Jesus only to find when put in a seemingly tough situation (like shopping even though you're supposed to be on a budget) she wants to push him out of the chair so she can make her own choice! Sometime in the middle of the sketch she's sitting on half of the chair and 'Jesus' says "I'm kind of one cheekin' it here... what's the deal? I thought you said you wanted me to sit here?" By the end of it she has crawled on top of him and the chair trying to get herself in the chair ALONG WITH Him. Obviously it doesn't work. There's only room for one of them.

It was a funny sketch that had a really powerful message. But the more I've thought about it, the more God has used it to convict me. How often do I try to scoot Him over? How many times do I pull the chair out from underneath Him? How many times do I never even offer Him a seat or better yet not allow Him in the same room as the chair? Seriously. Oh sure, it's easy to sing "Jesus take the wheel..." whenever I hear that song come on the radio. But how often do I give Him complete control of every decision made in my life?

Verses like, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:4,

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." Mark 12:30 confuse me at times. Did God really mean all of my heart... really?? The answer is YES!! Why in the world would He say it over and over in scripture from the Old Testament all the way through the New Testament if He didn't mean it? He wants all of me. Complete control.

I don't want Jesus to 'One Cheek it' on my decision making, I want Him to have all of me. All my heart, all my soul, all my mind and all my strength.

A Thoughtful Suggestion

This picture is not from tonight, this is Tristan sleeping with his Toy Story buddies and his Cars pillow (two of his favorite movies) while we were on vacation. No, I'm not about to blog about that crazy week right now! But I do feel the need to share tonight before I'm off to bed.

I've had a lot of suggestions on things I could do to help relieve my nausea (which I like to call "progesterone poisoning") over the past few weeks... Saltine crackers, Ginger cookies, Candied ginger, Peppermints, Peppermint oil, Ginger oil, Zofran, Icebreaker sour mints... the list goes on. And while a lot of these were great and helped take my mind away from what was at hand, I haven't had a suggestion as good as the one I received tonight from my 2 1/2 year old.

As we got the boys ready for bed tonight (I say we meaning my husband was actually doing all the work and I was laying on the couch watching. Remember... Superman?) Tristan came over and crawled up on the couch next to me. He took my face in both of his little hands and asked me, 

"Momma, what's wrong? What's matter?" 

I said, "Oh, momma is okay. My tummy just hurts."

Still holding my face with one hand he said, "You gonna... you need to go poop?"

I was trying so hard not to laugh and then I realized, he was so serious and really giving a caring suggestion! I asked him, "Do you think that will make momma feel better?"

He answered very sure of himself, "Yes."

At this point he heads over to Daddy to clue him in, "Daddy, momma's tummy hurt... something muttered... momma need to go poop... something else muttered... make momma's tummy better."

Daddy and Momma exchanged a much needed smile.

This might have been the best suggestion I've had yet! Although... I'm not so sure it will help me in this case! 

Rain= Puddles

With all of our beautiful spring weather we have also had our share of storms. Those heavy soaking rains that make for a perfect afternoon of snuggling on the couch under a good blanket.

The boys don't seem to be bothered by the storms other than they don't get to play outside while it's raining.

The other day Tristan and I had a conversation about the rain while in route in the van. He was hollering out the window at the rain "Stop rain! Stop!" I told him the rain was good because God uses it to make the grass and plants grow and to give the animals water to drink. He ended the conversation with "I like rain."

After a few rainy days in a row the boys (and the momma) were getting stir crazy from being stuck indoors. So after Daddy got home from work he thought of a brilliant idea... they could play in the water puddles! And so they did.

Here's a clear difference in our oldest and middle child...

Peyton is in fact sitting in the water, not care in the world, the messier the better!

Tristan was perfectly fine sitting on the bank, playing in the water and then wiping his hands off on his pants.

No, these aren't usually play shoes!

Tristan found some treasures in the water puddles! It took a little convincing that they were not snakes, only worms (Thank the Lord!).

He loved his "Warms"

They had a blast and Daddy gave baths this night! :)

Superman

I mentioned in my last post about being sick a lot with this pregnancy. And though I don't want to harp on it I want you to know I have been v.e.r.y sick. Like any time I'm not asleep... sick.

I have not had the motivation to do much of anything. You know like take care of my husband, two kids, the house and the dog? Ok maybe not the dog. But truly I have had a rough time with this and God has given much Grace to me. And he's also given me another beautiful gift... my husband.

My Superman has been amazing these past 6 weeks. He has given baths, done laundry, dishes, put sheets on the bed more than twice, put the kids to bed, taken the kids so I could have a break, fixed dinner, mopped, vacuumed... this list goes on. You may be thinking in your head... Doesn't he ever do stuff around the house? Yes he does help out a lot at the house but lately he's done so So SOOO much more!

Many evenings (my roughest times) I have fallen asleep on our couch and he's moved me to our bed. Or fixed me a bowl of cereal, glass of ch-milk, or gotten me a pickle when ever I've asked. 

(not all at once, I'm pregnant but not that sick!!) 

I just wanted to say thank you to him and tell you... who ever you are reading this that I am so thankful for my husband and his selfless acts. He has been a beautiful picture of Christ's love for his Bride. I have seen it and I know our boys have as well.

Thank you baby, I love you!

Spring has definitely Sprung!

The weather is warm and sunny but not hot. The trees are full of beautiful green leaves. The grass is thick and green sprinkled with sweet little wild flowers. It is such a wonderful season full of life and growth.

The Davis family is growing right along with all the beautiful plants outside.

Tristan at 2 1/2 continues to crack us up daily with his little words and actions. It amazes me the things this kid comes up with! His imagination is really starting to show, he reminds me of me when I was little ("mama... is that a dragon mama?").

The other day we were in the car on our way home and he said "Hey, what's on my arm?" (or so we thought). I looked back to see his hand up in the air by his face, I told him I didn't see anything on his arm. Again he asks but adds to his question, "Hey guys, what's on my arm?" I looked his arm over (which was in the air by his face again) and told him there was nothing on his arm. A third time he asks his question adding more to help us out, "Hey guys, what's on my arm in the car?" It was then that it hit both of us, he had been asking... "Hey, what's going on?" "Hey guys, what's going on?" "Hey guys, what's going on in the car?" See what I mean... priceless!

He is doing so good with potty training! We are seeing more and more of his naked bottom running to the restroom and less and less accidents. Still working on the whole poopy thing. We're not very fond of it, I must admit.

In the past few weeks he has started breaking out randomly into song. He melts our hearts with lyrics like "I love the Lord, He heard my cry. He lifted me way up high and set my feet upon a mountain top. Just think of it, The Lord and King, The Creator of everything, loves me with a love that won't stop." Also "Jesus Loves Me" and other songs about our Lord.

Peyton is now 14 months old and so much fun!!! I wish I could freeze him right now and keep him in this stage forever! But the truth is he is growing more and more into a little boy everyday.

He is a chatter box. Most of what he says is not quite understandable but the rest are actual words! (His variations of words anyway) Here is some Peyton-ese and the english translations:

"Ho oo?" -Hello?

"Pup pu"-Puppy

"Ba Pa" -Backpack

"May" -Oh man!

"Chis" -Cheese

"May me" -Macy

"Juisss" -Juice

"De da" -Deeda

"Ti ti" -Tristan

"Ge ge ge"-Get him,Get him

"Anaana" -Eliana

"Ge Dow" -Get down

"Naanaa" -Banana "Mow" -Mouth

"Tay tay"-KayKay "Baa Bow" -Bottle

"Ice" -Eyes "Baw" -Ball, Bear, Bird, Nose

He wants and tries to do everything his big brother does, he loves Tristan so much and watches his every move. They can be so sweet together giving each other hugs and kisses continually... until someone can't breathe!

He is still in love with his little giraffe (a security blanket we like to call his "Kryptonite") and more than just walking around with it, he prefers to sleep and snuggle with him. His other companion is his pacifier which he loves just as much as Tristan loved his.

As for the smallest of the Davis clan there's not too much to share. I am 12 weeks along this week, we've been to the Dr and everything looks great so far. We look forward to our next appointment when we'll get to hear the baby's heartbeat!

One thing I can tell you about this little pepper is that he/she is making this Mama very sick!! Since the 6th week it's been non-stop nausea. I am so thankful that I have not been vomiting along with it. I know it can't last forever and even if it does last the entire pregnancy it will be well worth it in the end!

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so you also share in our comfort."

-2 Corinthians 1:3-7

Thank you Lord for loaning these beautiful babies to us. Give us love, wisdom and strength to complete this task of learning and in turn teaching what family should truly be.