My Beautiful Natalie Grace... The only child!

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Today was a very special day for The Davis Family of THREE! It was one of the last days that Natalie Grace would be an ONLY Child! We knew that even though tomorrow was her official last day that all the preparations needed for Tuesday would take away from her day so we scheduled Sunday, June 10, 2012 to be HER DAY!

We started off by going to Shipley's Doughnuts, Natalie and MOMMY'S FAVORITE doughnut shop! When we got there we let her choose which doughnuts and juice she wanted. She chose a Pink Sprinkled Glazed doughnut and grape juice. She ended up licking off all of the icing and drinking her juice but then she saw mommy's doughnut holes and wanted them too. She loved eating the doughnuts and licking her fingers.

After this we decided to go to Orange Julius and get one of mommy's favorite drinks, AN ORANGE JULIUS! Natalie loves these too and she got to choose her own flavor. She chose Strawberry. We took these to go as we made our way back to the house. When we got home we played with the doggies and blew bubbles. This was very special to Natalie because she LOVES to blow bubbles. We spent about an hour and a half in the front yard just blowing bubbles and sitting together. This was so very special to Natalie because during the school year, it was hard for Daddy or I to do this because of our busy work schedules and of course the HOUSTON HEAT!

We ate some lunch and put Natalie down for her nap. Usually only one of us puts her down for nap or bedtime but today we BOTH DID! We read stories upon stories and talked alot about how she was about to be a BIG SISTER! She would tell us how much she loved Baby Luke and how she wanted to "Go get him". She really had NO IDEA what was coming!

After her nap we played with her toys and built towers. We spent the rest of the day just playing together upstairs. We tried to make it just the THREE of US ALL DAY! We focused on her and us together so when Baby Luke comes in a few days she wont feel as left out. Right before her bedtime we brought out her Bowling pins to try to teach her how to bowl. She liked it for a while and played bowling and even knocked down some of the pins. But before too long she turned it into a "Mission Impossible" style of an obstacle course. She would line the pins up close together and then try to walk in between pins and NOT KNOCK THEM DOWN! It was hilarious and we were all THREE laughing!

She loved bowling!

Granny throw!!!

At bedtime, BOTH Chris and I read her our favorite stories and then we talked to her about being a BIG SISTER! We told her about how we would need her help with diapers, clothes and other stuff for Baby Luke. We also showed her how she could hold him using one of her dolls! At prayer time, we each prayed for Natalie Grace and for her to be A GREAT BIG SISTER! I have to say, I cried alot this night! It was like, I was so excited for my baby Boy yet a little sad to be losing my ONLY CHILD!

I told Natalie Grace that night and the following night (her actual last night as an ONLY CHILD), that she would ALWAYS be my LITTLE ANGEL and I would always love her NO MATTER WHAT! I kissed her cheek goodnight and the rest is history!

Our FINAL night as the THREE of us!!!

Natalie Grace is a a true GIFT FROM GOD and I am ETERNALLY GRATEFUL FOR HER! I love you Natalie!

GOD IS GOOD... ALL THE TIME!

Out with a BANG

Friday, June 8, 2012

I went into school for our final day of the year, which was a professional day. Being new to Booker, I did not know what to expect but my team told me that it is pretty much used as a day to complete all required paperwork for the end of the year and pack up your room. I had already completed the necessary paperwork and my room was all ready to go so I was pretty much just sitting around for most of the day. My team and I got together to look at the schedule and calendar for next year as well as the summer but other than that I seriously just sat around waiting for the clear to leave. 

Around 11am an annoucement came over the intercom stating we could leave for a 30 minute lunch. I was helping our librarian complete the LPAC paperwork and at about 11:15 I got a TERRIBLE pain in my abdomen. It was a like a menstrual cramp and it made my lower back REALLY hurt. I got up from the office chair I was sitting in and walked a little bit and that helped a little but not alot. I told my team I was going to go to Sonic to get some lunch, hoping it was just a hunger pain. Besides, I AM 9 MONTHS PREGNANT! In fact, I will be having a C-Section on Tuesday, June 12 just 4 short days away!

After getting my Sonic lunch and eating it I felt a little bit better but the Menstrual cramp feeling was still there. Around 12pm I began to get a worse feeling in my abdomen and I began to think these were contractions. I texted Chris and told him of these pains and then went to the front office secretary to see when we would be able to leave. According to my team, we never stay until 3pm so I felt OK going to the Secretary to ask when we could leave. She was a little short with me and said it was "A full day" and don't expect to leave before 3pm. I was a little upset at this reply and I went back to a teacher on my team to tell her about the 3pm news and tell her I was having contractions. At this point they were about 10 minutes apart but were increasing in strength and pain level. My teammate told me that I should leave and that i needed to go and tell my principal that I was having contractions. I was a little hesitant since my team leader was not there to give me the go ahead but I was also in A LOT OF PAIN!

I finally decided at about 1:15 to go to my Principal, who just this year had a baby as well, that I was having contractions. At this point they were about 6 minutes apart and I was having to bend over they hurt so much! When I got to her she was VERY short with me and said "I told y'all yesterday that everyone would have to get their stuff done and some people did not so we will have to stay until it is all done. If I let you leave, I will have to let others and I just cant". I left her office with tears coming on and I was very upset. I cried all the way down the hall to my room where I just told myself I could stick it out. I was, however, timing my contractions on my iPhone. They were about 4-5 minutes apart and REALLY PAINFUL! Again, they felt like menstrual cramps and LOTS of lower back pain! 

Around 1:30pm my principal came on the intercom to announce yearly awards and at the end of that announcement she said, you are now free to leave. By the time I gathered my stuff and made it back down the hall, I was about 20 people back in line to get her signature for the final check-out. During the wait to get her signature I had another 2 contractions and I had a feeling this was FOR REAL! I finally got to her and she signed my form and I got out of there immediately.

I called Chris and told him I was on my way and about how close my contractions were. During the short 20 minute commute home I had another 3 contractions which made it VERY HARD to drive but I made it home. I immediately called Labor and Delivery and they told me "Come in for sure". I knew I could not go into natural labor since i was having a C-Section so as much as I did not want to have Baby Luke on that day, I went in to the hospital just to be sure.

We got there and they immediately hooked me up to the heart monitor and fetal movement machines. I got comfortable and they checked my blood pressure and other vitals, which were all high since I was a little anxious and nervous about it all! I was in fact having contractions and they were showing up about 4 minutes apart but I was still not dilated AT ALL! The nurse told me that Dr. Markos was in doing a C-Section so she would call and ask him what he thought. She told me "We might be having a baby tonight".

In the meantime I had called my parents and sister and told them what was going on. Of course, my mom ended up leaving work early and getting in the car and started to make the 3 hour trip this direction. I told her not to but she started anyway. My sister kept updated via Facebook and so did Chris' brother and sister!

We sat there in the Triage room of the Labor and Delivery for about 3 hours just waiting and checking on me and Baby Luke. We got so bored that we started downloading video clips of The Office. This made the time pass by alot faster and got my mind off the whole ordeal.

Chris pointing to his shirt that says "TOP DAD"... He says "IM READY!"

At about 5:30, they released me to go home since my contractions had stopped and I was still not dilated or effaced at all. I was sent home with direct orders to "Take it easy" and stay off my feet as much as possible. This was FINE with me since I had been working up until this point and I was DYING FOR A BREAK! In fact, that is why I was wishing and hoping Luke would stay in there until Tuesday... JUST SO I COULD HAVE A BREAK!

It is amazing how God works... I knew that if Luke came earlier than June 8 it would mean that according to Spring ISD he was born in the 2011-2012 school year and I would not have the 12 weeks off in the Fall of 2012. If he was born after June 8, he would be considered to be born in the 2012-2013 school year and I would be able to take off 12 whole weeks from the start of the 2012-2013 school year as the "Baby Bonding" part of FMLA! So there we sat worried that he would arrive on Friday, June 8 but God had other plans! We were sent home at 5:30pm with NO BABY! I hate that I had a false labor but it was a very unique way to end the school year! OUT WITH A BANG!

God is Good.. ALL THE TIME!

My Seventh Year of Doing What I LOVE!

I have known since my Sophomore year of High School that I wanted to teach Band and Music. I was an all-around student participating in many events and clubs in High School but it was during my sophomore year that I really chose a "lane" and put all of my time and energy into music. My band director really took time to help me achieve my personal goals and it was because of him and his commitment to me and my goals that I decided that I wanted to do the same for others. It was then that I decided I wanted to teach Band and Music. Ever since then I have been on the road of changing lives.

This year marked my 7th year of teaching overall and my 1st year of teaching in Texas. My previous six years of teaching had been in Oklahoma and I also was teaching both elementary music and band. This year was TOTALLY different for me as I was not teaching band any longer and I was in a completely new and different state. I had always dreamed of teaching in Texas but I always expected to be teaching band and NOT elementary music. God had something else in mind!

When Chris got the confirmation call that he had been offered the Math teaching position at Aldine ISD in late May of 2011, I was still teaching at Grove and in fact we got this confirmation phone call on my very last day of school at Grove. It was a very emotional day for me as I was finally going to be able to teach in Texas but I LOVED my job at Grove and its students, teachers and community! Shortly after that I started having multiple interviews a day for jobs containing both Band and Elementary Music teaching duties. In fact, because of these numerous interviews, I was only able to be in Oklahoma for 5 days to pack up our house and move. Looking back, it was a very emotional and RUSHED 5 days. I still cant find things in boxes to this day due to my rushed packing!

Around June 20th or so I decided that I really was more marketable in the Elementary Music field since I had not had any marching band experience in 5 years so I began to focus ALL MY ATTENTION to elementary music job postings! There were alot more of these postings available than that of Band director positions. On June 27th I got a call from Booker Elementary in Spring ISD to come in for an interview. A few days later I went in for that interview and felt really good about the interview and position afterwards. I came home on June 30th after that interview and went out to eat with my hubby and in-laws. While at lunch, I got a call from the PE teacher, Barbara Homer, who offered me the position just 2 hours after the completion of the interview. This was a GOD THING for sure.

Since then, I have been a part of the Booker Bengal Team and I have learned and grown a lot. Since the last 6 years of my teaching have included both Band and Elementary Music, I have naturally focused more on the band side of the job and less on the elementary. That was a mistake and I regret not putting more time and effort into the Elementary side of my job at Bowlegs and Grove. Nonetheless, I have grown and learned a lot this year teaching this young kiddos.

It was my goal this 1st year at Booker to just "Get my feet wet" so to speak with the overall curriculum and lesson planning of not only Elementary music in general but also having to be a part of a large district Curriculum and Scope and Sequence. There are lessons and ideas I have taught in the past that are not as important to the district overall curriculum and other things that I have never taught that are HIGHLY important to the district. I have been able to be a part of a TEAM of music teacher and share ideas and lesson plans. This has been something COMPLETELY new to me since during ALL of my 6 previous years I HAVE BEEN THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT! Of course, this has taken a little bit of getting used to. I am a little "set in my ways" on what I like and what I don't. But it never hurts anyone to learn something new!

At the beginning of the year I was anxious and nervous about teaching in such a large school/ district and teaching only elementary music but at the end of the year I am ready for ANOTHER year of just elementary. Of course, I still miss teaching Band but I now feel more capable of teaching elementary music and even less depressed that I don't have a band teaching job. I know God will provide and I am just going to enjoy the "EASINESS" of this position while i still have my kiddos at home.

Another major difference from August 2011 to June 2012 is ME and my physical condition. On August 20, 2011 I was fit and light and ready to tackle just about anything, including doing Car Duty in 100+ degree HEAT! But in June 2012, I have gained over 50 pounds and carrying a baby! In fact, in just 4 short days I will be giving birth to my Baby Boy David Luke! This was all part of Mine and Chris' plan to continue our family while I am teaching at a less time-consuming position. We just NEVER dreamed it would happen in the 1st year! Yet again, God had other plans!

I have learned alot this year while teaching at Booker and I am excited to go back in the Fall to teach these kiddos again. I hope I can instill a love for music into these kids that they cannot get at home. I also hope to be able to touch their lives in a way that no other parent, grandparent or family member can. I love kids and I love music and I hope to be able to combine the two!

August, 20, 2012
The First Day of School

June 7, 2012

The Last Day of School

Thank You, Lord, for the opportunity to teach at Booker and for giving me this job! Count your blessings, NAME THEM ONE BY ONE!

God is Good... ALL THE TIME!

Prenatal Visit #13

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

"He is going to make me work for it!"

Today I went in for my 38 week OB appointment. Since I will be having a C-Section on the 1st day of my 39th week, this was my last official OB appointment for this pregnancy. This was a very short appointment as they were just checking the typical stats and then checking for dilation and effacement.

Chris came along with me to this appointment since he was off work and it was nice to have him there. It started by me stepping on the scale and checking my weight. Oh my... This was AWFUL! I nearly broke down in tears. I have now passed the 40 pound mark and I still have 6 days to go!!!!  I remember at week 30 I had only gained about 17 and I felt great about it but it seems as if as soon as Dr. Markos told me I did NOT have Gestational Diabetes, I began to eat like a crazy woman. What a sad, sad day! I know I will have to be weighed the morning of the surgery so I am curious to see what the final mark will be.

My blood pressure was high again, for me, at 130/81. Typically my numbers have always been in the "Perfect" area of 120/80 (ish) but the past 2 check-ups I have had the top number be in the 130s. Dr. Markos told me to check it every night at home and watch it but he said unless it was "continuing to creep" there was nothing to worry about.

My nurse used the "Doppler" to check for Luke's heartbeat and he did not want to sit still. He moved around more this time than ever before. Eventually she found a steady beat and it was in the 160s. I think he was woke up from a nap because from that point on, he was movin' and shakin' throughout the rest of the appointment and even into the evening!

Dr. Markos came in and checked for dilation and effacement and just as I predicted, I was at 0 dilation, 0 effacement and Luke is still "Riding sky high" as Dr. Markos put it! Luke did, however, get into the typical head down position instead of horizontal like last week so that is good. I asked Dr. Markos if him being so high would make a difference and he said no. His response was "Well, he is just going to make me work for it!" Either way, high or dropped, I have to be cut open to get him out so that does not matter.

Dr. Markos gave me my "Orders" and told me to go down to the admissions level and make a "pre-op" appointment on Monday. Here they will check for my blood type and do ALOT of other stuff to prep for Tuesday. It felt really weird today going and making a "Pre-op" appointment. It is like it is actually happening! I have known this all along but ever since we hit that "Less than a week" mark on this past Tuesday, it has really hit home. I am going to have a SON! Wow... it is just a really weird and cool feeling at the same time.

Just 5 more days to go...

GOD IS GOOD... ALL THE TIME!

Natalie and Luke: Compare and Contrast

The Davis Pregnancies

Natalie vs. Luke

Monday, June 4, 2012

As my 2nd pregnancy begins to wrap up, I wanted to take time to reflect the similarities and differences I have seen in the 2. There have been some similarities along the way but the differences are what I seem to notice the most. Either way, they are both a blessing to me and I have so grateful for my 2 beautiful children!

1st Trimester

Natalie

While pregnant with Natalie as soon as week 9 arrived, I was SICK AS A DOG. I had morning sickness and nausea in the morning, midday, afternoon and evening. In fact, I could barely keep food or even water down. I would be really hungry and want to eat food but as soon as I tried to eat it, the smell, texture and overall taste of the food would send me to the toilet. Luckily this 21 day stretch happened to be while I was on Winter Vacation at school. The last 5 days of this 21 day sickness happened while I was teaching but since I knew these symptoms were coming I was prepared and had all means to take care of this around me at all times. Around week 12-13, this terrible morning sickness and nausea went away and I began to be able to eat real food and enjoy my pregnancy.

I was tired most of the time throughout the 1st trimester and I was constantly coming home from work or elsewhere and taking lots of naps. I could NOT get enough sleep and I felt weak 90% of the time.

Overall during the 1st trimester I LOST 9 pounds and felt miserable most of the time!

Luke

We learned I was pregnant around week 6-7 and I expected to be just as sick this time around as I was with Natalie. We had waited a few weeks to tell both sets of our parents but we knew eventually, Dan and Jackie would find out since I would be sick 24-7! That actually never happened. Every since seeing that PINK LINE, I have not really had any morning/ afternoon/ evening sickness of any kind. When I was about 12 weeks along, I got really nauseous one day but after drinking plenty of water and staying off my feet, I was able to feel much better and I had no vomiting or sickness of any kind. In fact, during most of the 6 weeks between finding out we were pregnant and the end of the 1st trimester, I was eating normally and even on the heavy side a little. Hahaha...I remember stopping at McDonald's on the way home for a "Happy Meal" snack after school!

For the greater part of the 1st trimester, I felt great and barely even knew I was pregnant. I felt energized and relaxed most of the time and I was able to come home and play with Natalie, go for walks and cook dinner almost every night.

During the 1st Trimester I gained 7 pounds and felt GREAT!

2nd Trimester

Natalie

It was around week 14 that I really began to feel like myself again and I was able to start eating like myself again and even start eating like a pregnant lady. I began to crave foods that I didn't usually like or eat on an every day occasion. I have never really been a red meat eater but Natalie Grace had different taste buds and she really wanted that meat. Almost every other night I was going down the street to get a SONIC cheeseburger and tots. I would call Chris and tell him to pick up Chili's "Big Mouth Bites" on his way home. I think after about 3 weeks, even Chris was tired of hamburgers. I also really, really craved Orange Juice. I think I drank about 2 gallons a week. I would take a tumbler full of Orange Juice with me to work everyday and then drink a glass or two once I got home at night. I also had various other cravings like fruit of all kinds, pizza and brownies. These seemed to be in our weekly rotation of menu options throughout the entire 2nd trimester.

At exactly week 20 we  had our 1/2 way ultrasound which told us it was A GIRL! We were excited (I was a little disappointed but after a minute I was thrilled) and couldn't wait to pamper and spoil our new little one. At about 22 weeks Dr. Trotter called and said there was an abnormality of the heart on the ultrasound and we would have to wait until week 24 to get a second look. This was awful and was the worst 2 weeks of my life, I swear! At the 24 week ultrasound, we learned all was fine with Natalie's heart and all 4 chambers were visible and working. What a relief!

My beautiful Natalie Grace at 20 weeks Gestation!

It was during the end of the 2nd trimester that we began to notice Natalie's kicks and movements in the womb. She was never really a "Mover and Shaker" but she would typically always kick between 6-8pm each night. We could almost set our clocks to her. She would usually kick 10-15 times and then take 20 minutes off and then go right back at it. By 8pm or so, she was all worn out and stopped. She always kicked the recommended 20 times a day but it was always at a set time. She liked having a routine.

The 2nd trimester with Natalie Grace was fantastic and I loved being pregnant during these weeks! Overall, I gained 11 pounds and felt GREAT!

Luke

During most of the 2nd trimester I felt fabulous and again, barely even knew I was carrying a child. I was eating like normal and even eating like a someone who was "Eating for 2"! I had just lost about 60 pounds before getting pregnant so while I was hungry and wanted to eat and satisfy my cravings, I also did not want to gain too much weight! I usually ate SmartOnes frozen meals for lunch with the occasional Chick-fil-a but really watched what I ate during the day. I craved fruits almost every day and usually these were rare or random fruits that I would not usually like, eat or even be able to find. I remember one week I was craving a fresh peach so bad I drove to a Farmer's Market south of my school to get one (And it was February so it wasn't even RIPE)! I also really craved salads. I remember wanting to go to Sweet Tomatoes frequently and even ordering entree salads and restaurants like Chili's and Outback! Meat was not a craving for me but I made sure I was eating plenty each and every day.

At 17 weeks, Chris and I opted to do an elective ultrasound to get a gender check on our new bundle of joy! This was very interesting because once we got in the ultrasound room, the entire process only lasted about 7 minutes. The technician gave us a short disclaimer about only checking for gender purposes and then she whipped out her wand and found that IT IS A BOY! She took several pictures of his "boyhood" and then we were through. It was so quick that it wasn't until I got back in the waiting room that I fully comprehended I was HAVING A BOY! I remember calling my parents and telling them and literally having to pull the phone away from my ear from their excitement. My dad was so thrilled, Chris and Dr. Markos heard him say "YESSSSSS" from the other end of the phone. This was a big deal for me and my family! Chris seemed a little upset that is was not another little girl but again, he came around within a minute or two.

"IT'S A BOY!" David Luke at 17 weeks Gestation!

We had another medically advised 1/2 way ultrasound at week 21 and this showed everything was in place and working properly. I remember specifically asking the technician to show me the four chambers of Luke's heart and they were all there and looked great!

It was sooner with Luke that I began to notice all of his movements. HE IS A "MOVER AND A SHAKER"! Wow... this kid really likes to move around. He could kick me hard several times a day and even in the middle of the night. I remember not being able to sleep frequently as he would just be moving and "swimming" around in there. He didn't really have a routine or set time he was active... pretty much ALL DAY! I will never forget the 1st time Natalie felt him kick when she was resting her head on my belly "Whoa... Mommy, what was that!" It was hilarious and I think that is when she actually realized Luke was IN THERE! From then on she said "I want to go get him!" From week 21-22 until right now (week 38) this kids is CONSTANTLY moving around and trying to get comfy!

Around week 25 or so I began to get really bad heartburn after most meals and sometimes even after all I had eaten or drank was WATER! This was a little annoying and even alarming since I have never really had heartburn like this and I didn't experience it with Natalie. I asked Dr. Markos and he said just keep TUMS on hand and ever since then, I have!

The 2nd trimester was Baby Luke was a joy and I didn't really feel pregnant most days. Overall, I gained 17 pounds and felt wonderful!

3rd Trimester

Natalie

I was continuing to crave red meat and beef alot and I was still drinking lots of juice everyday. It was during week 28 I took the mandatory Gestational Diabetes 1 hour glucose test and failed it by 1 point. I had to go back and do the 3 hour glucose test at week 31 and passed all 4 tests with flying colors.

During this trimester I was not really tired like most of the books said I would be but I did start to get headaches more frequently than usual. I also was hot most of the time. These weeks were in May, June and July in Oklahoma so that was just part of the gig I guess! My feet were swollen because of this and it was hard to wear summer clothes and still cover my feet from embarrassment!

At the 37 week ultrasound, Natalie weighed 7 pounds 5 ounces and was measuring at 37-39 weeks in all of the medical categories. Dr. Trotter predicted she would weigh 8+ pounds at birth! She ended up weighing 9 pounds 3 ounces but I carried her til 43 weeks so... it all measured out well

At 38 weeks I began to wake up every morning thinking "TODAY COULD BE THE DAY". I remember going to church and asking for prayer and having a quick and safe delivery EVERY SUNDAY for 5 Sundays. I was supposed to be induced on August 6th, just 2 days after my original due date but was sent home since I was not dilated or effaced. I then was told I would be checked again on August 11th (41 weeks). Again, I was 0 dilated and 0% effaced so they sent me home. Dr. Trotter went on vacation the following week but left me in good hands with another doctor on the rotation and I was sent to the hospital on August 20th to be induced. Still no progress so I was sent home again. Dr. Trotter called me that Friday, August 21 and told me would start the drugs to induce me on Monday morning, August 24th. I was pretty fed up at this point so I told him, "My family is coming in from out of town on this day and WE WILL LEAVE with a baby!" I was 43 weeks on that day and at 43 weeks and 1 day on August 25th my little angel, Natalie Grace, graced us with her presence. The birth story itself is just as insane as the last 3 weeks of this pregnancy but all in all it turned out well... I GOT MY BEAUTIFUL BABY GIRL NATALIE GRACE and my life changed FOREVER!

At week 40, exactly on my due date, I had gained the recommended 25 pounds but by the time Natalie came out, I had gained 36.

LukeDuring this time of the pregnancy, I was not really craving any ONE THING. Each day it would vary from fruits, to veggies, to Cookies and cakes, to Smoothies! Each day was like a new adventure for my taste buds. I wanted to bake and eat fancy cakes and desserts from Pinterest EVERY WEEKEND! At week 28 I took my 1 hour glucose test and failed miserably! I had to go back at week 30 for the 3 hour glucose test and was told I failed it too. I felt terrible and I began to cry thinking I had gestational diabetes. Dr. Markos came in and said the nurse had read the chart wrong I had passed 3 out of 4 tests and only failed the 1 by a few points. I then had to have my finger pricked to check my blood sugar levels at weeks 32, 33 and 34. All of those turned out fine so at week 34 I was cleared from Gestational Diabetes and I was thrilled and started eating those sweet again!

It was during this trimester that I felt the MOST TIRED of all! It seemed like everyday when I got home I was really tired and just wanted to crash and take a nap! Usually, I was by myself with Natalie until Chris got home around 5-6pm from work so Natalie and I usually played and put her babies to sleep so it was quiet.

Just like with Natalie, I felt hot most everyday but this time it was a little different. It was about 2 months earlier in the calendar than with Natalie but I am now living in Houston with 70-80% humidity EVERYDAY! The after school walker-duty was really beginning to eat at me and my poor feet were as swollen as anything. In fact, I told my principal that I would just have to wear flip-flops until the end of school since my feet wouldn't fit in any other pair of shoes!

At the 36 week ultrasound, Luke weighed in at 5 pounds 14 ounces and measured 34-36 weeks in most medical categories. His head circumference measured at 38 weeks so he obviously has a BIG HEAD! I guess it is a good thing I am having a C-Section... YIKES!

His birth story will not be known until this time next week but I cannot wait to see how it is the same or different from Natalie's. I cannot believe how fast the past 38 weeks have flown by and I cannot wait to meet my little man.

The same or different, Natalie and Luke are both gifts from God and I know Chris and I will love them and parent them in as Godly of a way as possible. I just hope and pray for a smooth surgery and a beautiful healthy BABY BOY!

David Luke Davis, I cannot wait to meet you! Just 8 more days!

As always...

GOD IS GOOD... ALL THE TIME!

Prenatal Visit #12

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

"Same Song... Second Verse!"

Today I went in for my 37 week OB appointment. This was a little different and special than other appointments because due to some sickness in our house, I had to take Natalie with me. She did AMAZING throughout the entire visit. She sat quietly and calmly in the waiting room while she ate her sucker and then played on my phone. Once we got into the doctor's office she immediately told the nurse that "This is mommy's doctor... NOT MINE!" I had told her this all afternoon so she would not be afraid and it seemed to work.

As soon as Natalie sat down in the chair in the room, she said "The Giraffe licked my hand". This is hilarious to me and my family because while on vacation with my family last week, Natalie went to the Wichita Zoo with Gigi Shirley and Poppy and she was able to feed the Giraffes. I swear since she has got home she has told ANYBODY and EVERYBODY about that Giraffe licking her hand (She tells Abbey and Oxford EVERYDAY!)

Natalie watched nurse Trisha take my blood pressure and asked "What is that?" The nurse explained a little bit to her and Natalie said "Oh, OK!" My blood pressure was 132/80 which is VERY high for me. I have been having numbers that are "Perfect" readings like 120/80 or slightly lower. My nurse said "It is beginning to CREEP". I am not worried about it just yet but I think I will start to check it nightly if possible. When I stepped on the scale I nearly lost it as I have now gained 34 pounds. This is so frustrating to me since I have worked so hard to lose it all in previous months. I know it will all be worth it when I see that little angel look up at me.

The nurse then used the "Doppler" to check for baby Luke's heartbeat. Natalie was still sitting in the chair just watching it all and as soon as the nurse found Luke's heartbeat, Natalie got up out of the chair and said "What's that?" I told her it was baby Luke and she smiled and said "That's my brother!" It just melted my heart! The nurse kept the Doppler on for a minute or two so Natalie could hear him and Natalie just smiled and smiled and once again said "I want to go get him!" You can Natalie in just 12 short days!

When Dr. Markos came in to examine me for dilation and effacement Natalie was really interested in this. She said "Mommy took off her pants". This was highly embarassing to me and I turned BEAT RED but Dr. Markos said "Yes she did... That's because I have to check for your baby brother." Again, Natalie said, "Oh, OK!"

Dr. Markos then measured me to be at 41 weeks and I am only 37 weeks. I was in TOTAL SHOCK because just 7 days ago when I was 36 weeks I was measuring at 37 weeks. I asked about how that happened and he said "The little man is just growing". I reminded him that according tot he ultrasound Luke was only weighing in at 5 pounds 14 ounces. Dr. Markos then checked for dilatation and effacement and LUKE IS OBVIOUSLY A KELLIE DAVIS BABY! I had dreams and thoughts that perhaps I was already dilated since I was having so many cramps, Braxton Hicks and other discomforts but NOPE... I was 0 dilated and 0% effaced. In fact, Dr. Markos said (and I quote) "Wow, he is so high he is all the way on your left tonsil. That is why he is measuring at 41 weeks. He is SKY-HIGH!"

So this sent me into major Deja Vu!!! I remember Dr. Trotter in Shawnee telling me the same thing at 37 weeks and then carrying Natalie for 6 more weeks! I am so very glad that I will be having a scheduled C-Section... otherwise, I think Mr. Luke would be just like his sister! So comfy and cozy, he doesn't want to come out! Dr. Markos also told me that Luke was laying horizontally instead of vertically. This explains why I have feeling kicks and movements on the far side of my abdomen too!

Luke is doing fantastic and only has 12 more days of growing to do then he will be making his BIG ENTRANCE! I go back to see Dr. Markos in a week and unless something changes I am still scheduled for a C-Section on Tuesday, June 12th at 12:30pm! All of us cannot wait and we are just counting down the days and hours til we become a "Family of FOUR!"

God is GOOD... ALL THE TIME!

ELEVEN Years From Now... Where will we be?

Only God knows!

Throughout my entire Christian life, I have looked to God to help me and guide me through this journey they call life. I have had an amazing "nearly 30" years thus far and I can only imagine what the next decade of my life will look like. I know that if I continue to have faith in God and let him be in control of my life... All will work out fine. But just for fun, I wanted to jot down another "Ten Year Picture" for my life. It will be interesting in 10 years from now to see what has turned out to be true and what has not.

May 2022

1. I see myself with 2-4 children all growing up to be Christ like individuals.
2. Natalie will be 13 and going on 30 I am sure, I see myself as the "Cheer" or "Dance" mom and taking her to and from competitions freqeutnly. Even if it is not cheer/ dance, I can already tell Natlie will be a very outgoing child and I see her furture is BRIGHT!
3. Luke will almost 10 years old and growing up to be a very Godly man and individual. I see him playing Pee-Wee sports and T-ball frequently and Chris and I being the supportive parents cheering him to success on the sidelines.
4. I dont know if we will have any more children but if we do I see them too growing up to be remarkable individuals that have Chris in their hearts and growing in the Word of Jesus Christ.
5. I see Chris and I still teaching in our respecated fields. I think by that time Chris will have that fire and passion for teachgin that I do now. I think he will have touched NUMEROUS children's lives by then and will be working on touching more everyday.
6. I hope to be able to back in the BAND BUSINESS and teaching/ directing band at a major district or school in the Houston Metro area.
7. I hope to continue to be active in our church and faithful in weekly activities so our children will lead a Christ like life.
8. I see Chris and I traveling during the summer months with and without our children. My family has always been into vacationing and I cannot wait to continue this tradition for my own children.
9. I also see my children visiting their grandparetns frequently and vacation with them whenever possible.
10. I hope to be able to perform at major sporting events in the Houston Metro frequently with my voice and saxophone as well as perform with other ensembles are the metro area (Such as Conroe Symphony Orchestra).

There are numerous other things that I can see happening in my and my families lives but the major picture I want to paint today is love for God and a love for leading a Christ like life. I hope to be able to do both of these on a daily basis for my family. The next TEN years will be interesting to see what happens but no matter what, I know GOD IS IN CONTROL!

As always...
GOD IS GOOD... ALL THE TIME!

It's been ELEVEN years... (Recap Part 1)

May 25, 2001

Arp High School Graduation

Arp, Texas

It was a scorching 98 degrees outside and we were all lining up to get ready to start the processional to the football field from the Band Hall. I had arrived in my sundress with sunscreen and sunglasses in place. My mom had helped me put on the Maroon Gown and Cap. I was already sweating with excitement and the fact that well... it was MAY IN TEXAS! Mrs. Vaughn had come in and asked us to get into our order. I got into my 6th position behind a great friend of mine, Arethra. With my dad on one side and my mom on the other we began our trek across the goal line through the field goals to our seats. We walked down the main aisle and parted ways as my parents took their seats on the first row and I did the same amongst the other AHS graduates.

The ceremony I do not recall as well as I was just struck with other emotions and feelings. This school and community I had so desperately wanted to "get away" from was actually letting me "get away". I was headed to The University of Oklahoma in Norman, OK to do what I had always dreamed of doing... teaching music and band. It was almost like my entire teenage years flashed before my eyes and I saw my past and yet somehow saw my future as well. I listened to good friends give Valedictorian and Salutatorian addresses and it was about time for me to sing "I Will Remember You". I have never gotten stage fright or nervous about performing but this was different. I felt as if I was being heard by the entire world. The words to this song were so simple yet powerful at the same time.

I will remember you

But will you remember me

Don't let your life pass you by

Weep not for the memories

I really listened and heard the line "Don't let your life pass you by" and as I tried to recap the previous 6 years of my life in Arp, Texas, I couldn't help but smile. Sure they were not what I would have pictured but they worked for me. I then looked into my future and saw a much different picture. You see, if you would have asked me 11 years ago where I would be on that day in the future... Some things would be accurate and others would not! But as I look back upon this date in history, I see a beautiful teenage life that I took for granted.

A great teacher friend of mine from Grove told me once (Well more than once), "Don't wish your life away". Anytime I would come into the lounge and say "Only ____ days left til _____" she would tell me not to wish it all away. She told me to just enjoy it while you can. Sure there were days were I just wanted to get out of there and go home but I still need to enjoy each and every waking moment of my life.

If you would have asked me 11 years ago where I thought I would be in the future (2011-2012) I would have painted a picture of a marriage and family and a band directing career. In fact, many people asked me this question as I was completing high school and exiting my small hometown of Arp, TX to go to college at OU in Norman, OK. I told them I wanted to have a family and be doing what I love... TEACHING! I knew that GOD WAS IN CONTROL!!!

Well... God has been good to me and as I sit here typing this blog, I have all that I described and MORE. It may not have been the EXACT way I would have depicted it but it is all there. And I am so very blessed to have it all.

God is Good... ALL the Time!

It's been ELEVEN years... And where am I now? (Recap Part 2)

May 25, 2012

Conroe, Texas

Eleven years ago today I walked across the Football Field at Arp High School to receive my High School diploma. I had waited for many years to get that diploma in my hand and move on to "Bigger and Better" things. I was going to The University of Oklahoma in Norman, OK where my grandfather had gone and played football and my family had always been fans of. The Klingsick family does in fact bleed Crimson and I just couldn't wait to get there.

As I mentioned in Part 1 of this recap, I had dreams of becoming a Band Director and starting a family for myself and my husband (unknown at that time). That is what I had pictured for myself 10 years in the future. Well... let's see how it actually turned out.

August 2001

I moved to Norman, OK with my family to live in the dorms at The University of Oklahoma. I remember passing by Arp High School on our way out of town and seeing my favorite teacher and mentor standing in front of the band hall waving as we passed by. I got to OU and auditioned for the Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band and to my dismay and disbelief, I did not get into the prestigious organization that year. I was devastated and completely torn. Here I was at an amazing University that I had ALWAYS dreamed of going to and I couldn't do what I wanted to do. I had second thoughts about staying there and for a brief minute I thought about coming home and going to TJC where all my other high school friends were going. I had numerous scholarships given to me by OU and I was just going to throw them all away. I knew GOD WAS IN CONTROL and I trusted him to help me through this hard time and help me this first year of college. Wow... I am glad I came to my senses.

January 2005

The years had passed and I had made it into the Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band as well as other performing ensembles at OU. I had been on a "Fast Track" to completing my Bachelors of Music Education degree. In fact I was so anxious to get out there and teach, I had made my 5 year degree into a 4 year degree. I was a senior and working on my Student Teaching. I was working alongside one of the most amazing and influential female band directors in the state of Oklahoma, Susan Clothier. The past 3.5 years had been amazing and I was pressing hard to achieve my goal of teaching and directing band. That was really ALL I had on my mind.

I was working and teaching at Bethel Baptist Church in Norman, OK as a children's choir director. I had told Bro. Jerry, the music minister, that I needed a "bouncer" to help control some of the 4-6 grades boys that were in my choir. A few weeks later along came Chris Davis.

The Man of my Dreams
(He can always make me laugh... even now looking at this picture!)
I love you Chris Davis!

I did not know him but we seemed to click almost instantaneously! On January 27th, Chris asked me out on our 1st date and the rest, as they say, is history. In the blink of an eye, I went from "All Career... ALL THE TIME" to being love-stricken. What a difference a day makes!!!

May 2005

BOOMER SOONER BABY! It was time for me to get that degree. I had worked SO VERY HARD the previous 4 years, especially the last 2, in order to graduate a year early and really get out there and teach. The day had come for the OU graduation and commencement ceremonies. I remember having my then boyfriend, Chris, right there beside me the whole time. I felt like I had really accomplished something and it all seemed to be coming together! I was so very happy! Later that month, I accepted my 1st teaching job in Bowlegs, OK teaching K-4 general music and 5-12 band! I felt like I had it all at this moment!

July 2005

Chris and I had been dating for about 6 months or so and we both really enjoyed spending time together. We had gone on several dates and in fact, we had met each other's parents several times. On the weekend of July 4th we made the long trek out to the "Farm" in Lubbock where Chris' parents lived. We had a great time with his parents, brother and sister. We fired off fireworks on the back part of the farm and I really got to see where he was from and his families lifestyle. Chris and I were very faithful in church and were about to commit to teaching a Sunday School class together in the fall!

We had just begun to talk about "The Future" and marriage and stuff like that. We both knew that this was for real and happening. We even began to discuss rings! On Sunday, July 31st I was at our Large Group Sunday School time with my 4th Graders and in came Chris to the front to make an announcement. I figured he was going to tell the kids that he and I would be teaching together soon. Instead, he got down on one knee and proposed to me saying "Kellie, you make me so very happy and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you do me the honor of being my wife?" I was so shocked at the whole ordeal and was shaking but of course I SAID YES! He placed the ring on my finger and it was all done. In fact I looked at the back of the small room and saw all of his singles class watching as well as the music minister and his wife who more or less set us up in the first place.  By the time we got to "Big Church" and the worship service... our pictures and the announcement was all over the screens. I will NEVER forget that day!

March 2006

It was a beautiful 75 degree day in Norman, OK and I was with all of my girlfriends at the Bridal Salon about to get ready for my BIG DAY! I remember arriving with my sister and Best Friend and yelling "I'm getting Married TODAY! Woohoo!" (A line from FRIENDS... Allison will get it!) and all of them laughing! By noon, I was in my dress and ready to take pre-ceremony pictures with my bridesmaids, groomsmen and family. The day I had ALWAYS dreamed about was FINALLY here and I could not believe it! We took all the pre-wedding pictures and then went to the choir room to "wait it out". It was there that I signed Kellie Rhea Klingsick for the last time... in a few short minutes, I would become Kellie Rhea Davis. It was surreal. It was 1:55 and the time had come to go outside to go through the back door of the Sanctuary. I remember people honking, waving and yelling at me as I walked along the busy Norman, OK Lindsay Street. It was 2:00pm and the wedding party had started to enter the Sanctuary. My dad and I stood outside the Sanctuary just taking it all in. I will never forget my dad's last word to me as Kellie Klingsick, "I love you Kellie and I know Chris will take good care of you. But no matter what, you will ALWAYS be my little girl." Those words spoke to my heart and they will be with me forever.

I will always be a "Daddy's Girl"!

My wedding coordinator, Barbara, opened the doors and there was Chris at the front with a huge smile on his face.

I am so glad our photographer captured this face! I will remember this ALWAYS!

The crowd stood up and watched me take those precious steps to becoming a wife. It was the most amazing feeling in the world! I got to the front and my dad gave me away and that too is something I will NEVER forget! The ceremony proceeded and in all reality I don't remember much except for the fact that there I stood living out my dreams of getting married to the MAN OF MY DREAMS! I remember looking out at all my family and friends and smiles were everywhere. That was 6 1/2 years ago and those have been the best 6 years of my life and I cannot wait for the next 6, 36, 66 years ahead of us!

After the wedding, Chris and I took our honeymoon to London, England. In all of my dreams and fairytales of my wedding and honeymoon, I never imagined London. I mean I did think of the overseas amazing honeymoon but I always  told myself "Yeah, right. That is expensive! My future Beau and I wouldn't be able to afford that!" Well... yet again, God heard me and had his own plans! Chris and I went to London for 8 days and these were some of the BEST days of my life! It was amazing to see what life in Europe was like. I will never forget getting to the hotel room and looking at the 2 SEPARATE beds. They were both twin sized and separated in the room. I went down to the front desk and was like "But it is my HONEYMOON!" The nice and polite English people looked at me with a smirk on their face and said "But this is LONDON!" I will never forget that! Needlesstosay, we pushed the two twins together the rest of the week!

Chris and I in front of Tower Bridge in London!

The beautiful Westminster Abbey!

October 2006

I had just completed my 1st year of teaching at Bowlegs Public School and had moved on to teaching at a K-8 school in Shawnee, OK called Grove School. I had no idea at that time what a HUGE impact Grove and its faculty, staff, students and community would make on my life as a teacher, band director and even person. Chris and I still lived in Norman and wanted to live closer to both of our work locations so we moved to Shawnee, OK. It was on October 5, 2006 we closed on our very first home together! It was such a joy to shop for a house with the person you love just thinking of what "could be" in that house you will soon call home.

Our first home: 4339 Liberty Circle, Shawnee, OK

August 2007

Chris and I were so very happy in our marriage and lives together. We had been on numerous trips and vacations together as well as other activities such as attending 2 season of OU home Football Games together. We were in love! But the time had come to begin to start thinking about that "Family" we both so eagerly wanted. Little did we know, God had other plans (Lessons really) for us!

August 2008

It had been a year since we first trying trying to conceive and no luck. We had kept our hopes up and faith in God and him providing for us. Since it had been a year, we began to work alongside a fertility specialist. We heard everything from "Kellie, you are too fat to conceive" to "Chris, you need to change your wardrobe to help to situation (undergarments)". We were getting so discouraged and all seemed lost in our hopes of the "Family" we had always wanted. We had both gotten very discouraged and for the 1st time in my life, I can say I was LITERALLY DEPRESSED! In fact my family doctor had prescribed medication but it was conflicting with the other medications and treatments we were using to help conceive. Through it all, we knew GOD IS IN CONTROL!

November 2008

This truly was a "November to Remember"! We went to Las Vegas with Chris and his family for Thanksgiving that year and had a great time. Neither Chris or I had ever been to Vegas so it was an experience for both of us and I am grateful to his parents for helping us be able to enjoy this trip together and with them. The whole trip was a little mellow for me as I was awaiting yet another monthly visit from "Aunt Flo" and still not be pregnant! I had a great time but that was constantly on my mind. We had taken 3 tests before we left for Vegas and even 2 while there. Still NO PINK LINE!

We got home on Sunday afternoon and tried to rest up for the following day and week at our jobs. I know I had a very busy Christmas season of Band Concerts, Christmas Cantatas and other performances ahead of me and Chris too was very busy. I woke up on Monday morning and hung my head in disappointment that "Aunt Flo" had not shown up yet. I remember walking to the bathroom really slowly thinking "I am going to go waste yet another test only to find out it is negative". I said a little prayer asking God to be with me and help me remember GOD IS IN CONTROL. About 5 minutes later, I came yelling and screaming out of the bathroom "Chris... It's POSITIVE! WE ARE PREGNANT" Chris was still half asleep but work up real fast and just hugged me. I swear we spent the next 30 minutes or so just praying and thanking God for that PINK LINE! It was a miracle!

The remainder of the that Holiday Season was amazing as we were able to tell all of our family, friends and co-workers of our miracle and spread the good news that God was in Control. I will never forget that Holiday Season.

March 2009
We found out we were having a little GIRL! We both were thrilled and decided to name her Natalie Grace!

Natalie Grace at 20 weeks gestation.

August 2009

It had been nearly 2 years since we decided to start trying to have a baby and 9 long months of waiting for this little miracle to join our family. After a nearly perfect pregnancy the day had arrived and I was anxiously waiting to meet this new baby, Natalie Grace. Monday, August 3 was a very long day. This was my projected due date and I basically just sat around all day thinking "Is today the day". The next days and eventually weeks passed and still no Natalie. I was 41 weeks pregnant and had to go in to hook up to a monitor in order to check on Natalie Grace. Still after another week still no Natalie Grace. I was 42 weeks now and had to go and monitor Natalie's progress and mine every other day. I was told we would induce on August 20th which would have been 42 weeks and 3 days. This seemed like forever to be carrying a child so I was thrilled to be able to finally meet her. Little did I know, I would be sent home on the 20th WITHOUT a baby!

Monday, August 24th had arrived and Chris and I went to the hospital there in Shawnee to meet our baby girl. I was 43 weeks exactly and as my husband told the doctor "We are not leaving here without a baby!" I had had ENOUGH! I was only 4 days shy of a Guinness Book of World Records. The birth story in an of itself was an amazing experience but after nearly 26 hours of labor and still no Natalie, we had to have an emergency C-Section! On Tuesday, August 25, 2009 at 7:34am Natalie Grace entered the world with a powerful set of lungs. She weighed 9 pounds 3 ounces and was 20.5 inches long.

God's Gift to me... Natalie Grace Davis: August 25, 2009

She was beautiful. In all of my hopes and dreams throughout the years, I never imagined such a BEAUTIFUL baby! I was speechless and forever grateful to be called "Mom"!

Our first "Family Picture" when Natalie was 1 month old!

December 2009
I had been working so hard for over 18 months to complete my Masters of Music degree from UCO in Edmond, OK. I had always wanted to get graduate degrees in Music so I could one day teach Music/ Band at the collegiate level. I worked through many summer months, Fall and Spring evenings and even weekends to make it happen but I completed the degree in July 2009, just weeks before Natalie Grace arrived, and was able to walk across stage with a perfect 4.0 (At the graduate level is hard to do) in December of 2009.

UCO Master's of Music Ceremony in Edmond, OK


August 2010

Natalie Grace had just turned 1 year old and was growing like a weed. She was up and down and walking all around! It was amazing how quickly she had grown into a toddler. She was no longer a newborn or infant. It is like I could see her life flash before my eyes. She and daddy had spent the previous 10 months together at home and we could not be happier.

Miss Birthday Girl opening her 1st Birthday gifts!

Except for 10 months now, Chris had been without a job and we were struggling just to pay the bills and stay afloat. Chris had been on over 30 interviews in that long 10 months without any luck of a decent full-time job. With the cost of daycare and babysitting, it was better for Chris just to stay at home instead of go and take a minimum wage job at Wal-mart or McDonald's. It was at the end of this month that Chris and I had a heart-to-heart talk with each other and with God. We felt it was time for Chris to look at a different career.

Chris had taught with me before in various Sunday School classes at numerous churches so I knew he was good with kids. In fact, after Natalie was born I saw a side of Chris I had never seen before. He is AMAZING with kids! I love that about him! We decided late one night in August for Chris to pursue the teaching field. It was then he began to work on his Alternative Certification.

December 2010

Chris had been working on his certification full time now and was nearly complete with all the paperwork, tests and classes. I was still teaching at Grove and LOVING it. In fact it was during this month that I was awarded a very prestigious title of Teacher of the Year for Grove School. I was awarded the "Pottawatomie County Teacher of Today" award for our entire county. These were priceless awards for me and I never thought I would achieve such a career goal in my TWENTIES. I felt like I had just accomplished something HUGE and it felt great!

Grove School "Teacher of the Year" 2010-2011!

"Pottawatomie County Masonic Teacher of Today 2011"

May 2011

Chris and Natalie had been in Houston on and off for about 3 months looking for Chris a teaching job in the Houston metro area. His parents now lived in Conroe and we had hoped to be able to move and be closer to them and my parents as well. This was a very hard 3 week stretch as I had not seen Chris or Natalie for over 20 days and it was the end of the school year at Grove. This was the first time in my career at Grove that Chris had missed a concert of mine. I knew it was all for the better though.

On Friday, May 27th, on my last day at school at Grove, I got a phone call shortly before 10am stating that Chris had gotten a job offer!! It had been 20 long months of waiting to try to find that perfect job for Chris and it had all come together! It was an amazing feeling and i could not believe it was actually happening and we would be moving to Houston soon. We started telling people "Houston,  we have a problem... THE DAVIS Family is coming to town!" There was only a few hours left for me to tell all of my kids at Grove goodbye and that I would not be back in the Fall. It was a day full of mixed emotions, I was excited to be able to start a new life in Houston but sad to see my wonderful kids and job go and have to say good-bye. But none-the-less, I knew God was in control and was excited to see the next chapter of our lives.

Our last day in the Liberty Circle House in Shawnee.

June 2011

After countless interviews int the Houston metro area, I still did not have a job teaching music or band. I had decided that I was more marketable in the elementary field so I had stopped putting in applications for band jobs and focused more on elementary jobs. I went to interview at an elementary school in Spring ISD called Booker Elementary. The interview went like all the other ones I had been on in the last month and I didn't expect a phone call. About 3 hours after the interview concluded, I got a job offer from Booker Elementary. It truly was a GOD THING! It may not be the ideal job for me (I want to be teaching BAND) but it works for us none-the-less!

October 2011

Umm.... this was a little unexpected but Chris and I saw another PINK LINE. Since the last time around it took us 15+ months and neither of us were getting any younger, we decided to start trying to grow our family from 3 to 4. After just 2 months of trying, we got a PINK LINE! We were a little shocked at first since it happened so quickly (All of us were... in fact, some people were so shocked they didn't even say anything after we told them!) but after a few days we saw the big picture and yet again we looked to GOD! We knew that God was in CONTROL!

January 2012

After 17 weeks of waiting to see if Natalie was going to have a baby sister or baby brother, we saw the ultrasound technician point to the important part which depicted a BABY BROTHER! David Luke Davis will be joining our family in June 2012! I feel I can now die a happy woman. I will soon have 1 of each! That too was part of my plan 10+ years ago when I painted a picture of my life!

ITS A BOY!!!

May 2012

After another 10 long months of waiting, Chris and I have finally sold our 1st house in Shawnee. We have been living with my in-laws since then and will continue to live with them until after Baby Luke comes and we are able to find new house that we will call home! This will be the house we raise our children in and the house we hope to graduate our children in!

SOLD... May 21, 2012! God is GOOD!

With a little over 2 weeks to go until Baby Luke arrives (at the latest), Chris and I are wrapping up our first year of teaching in Texas and beginning to look into our future. With the sell of the house and Baby Luke joining our family soon, we are truly beginning the next chapter in our lives together. I feel as if we have been in a 10 month "holding pattern" since moving down here in June of 2011 and I cannot wait for this new chapter to begin. In everything, Chris and I have learned to trust God and remember HE IS IN CONTROL!

Looking back at the 11 years since graduating High School, I have had an amazing journey and I have basically achieved EVERYTHING I had on my "10 Year Bucket List". I am VERY grateful to God for providing me with these people, things and events in my lifetime that have led me to this day! I think the picture I painted on May 25, 2001 is remarkably similar to the picture of my life right now. I AM BLESSED and I OWE IT ALL TO GOD! Without Him none of this would have happened or be possible! Thank you Lord, for Your continued blessings!

This is a true reminder...

GOD IS GOOD... ALL THE TIME!