Big Trip

We're leaving this morning to visit Sarah's family in Missouri. Many of them will be meeting Abraham for the first time. He seems very content riding in the car and is generally very well behaved away from home, but he's never been away this long so we'll see how he does. We plan to return home next weekend. Please have a very happy and safe new year everybody!

Merry Christmas!!

First Outing

The weather was finally cooperative enough to let us take Abe for his first stroll around the block.

From First Time Out

Abe's First Bath

Umbilical Cord Gone

The umbilical cord is gone!

From Umbilical Cord Gone

What are you doing this weekend?

From the day a child is born until he graduates high school,
you have 940 weekends together.

If he is now in Kindergarten, you have 636 weekends left.
If he is now in 3rd grade, you have 468 weekends left.
If he is now in 5th grade, you have 364 weekends left.
If he is now in 9th grade, you have 208 weekends left.
If he is now a senior in high school, you have very few.

What are you going to do this weekend?

Make it count.

Two Week Checkup

Mom and baby are doing great. I'm so proud of both of them. Abraham up is back up to his birth weight and then some. Now 5 lbs. 14 oz.

One Week Checkup

Abraham had his one week (actually, more like 5 day) checkup on Monday. Everything looks good. He's 5th percentile for weight and height and about 25th percentile for head circumference. He weighed 5 lbs 8oz, so he's gained 3 oz. since leaving the hospital Thursday evening. We need him to get closer to his birth weight of 5 lbs 11oz by next Monday. Fortunately, he's not letting one drop of Mommy's milk go to waste.

Pictures. Finally.

The past week has flown by. We've cherished every second. Our little boy is growing up fast. :[

I'm very sorry about the wait for pictures and really appreciate everyone's patience. I know many have not had a chance to see any. Please click here for pictures.

A few photos of our baby boy

Ourl little Blessing is here!!

Abraham Nathaniel arrived Tuesday November 25 at 10:32 pm. He weighed in at 5lbs. 11 oz. and was 19 3/4" long. He is so handsome! He looks just like his daddy. We are all doing great. I hope to update more soon.

Chris set up a blog where you can see pictures here.

Life is good

Mom and baby are doing great. We are adjusting to life at home. Everyone was right. Things will never be the same. :]

Blessed

Abraham is here!

Abraham Nathaniel Davis arrived two days past his due date on November 25th 2008 at 10:32 PM. He weighed in at 5 lbs. 11 oz. and measured 19 3/4" long. Mommy and Daddy are busy enjoying their little man right now. More pictures and video to follow!

From Abraham Nathaniel Davis

Monday Update

We went to the doctor's office this morning, but had to see a fill-in. My blood pressure was running pretty high and my protein is up. The nurse told me I would be heading to the hospital to have a baby today. She hooked me up to a monitor to check on Abe. When the doctor came in she told me the monitor looked pretty flat, but she'd give it another ten minutes. When she returned she said it didn't look great, but she would go ahead and schedule my induction for Wednesday or Friday. We saw this same fill-in on the 10th while the baby was still transverse and she told us the baby had no chance whatsoever to turn. She was ready to schedule a c-section two weeks ago. Needless to say, we're very glad she's not our regular doctor. She got me in Wednesday morning at 8:00, but the nurse called not long after we'd left and told me she had talked to my doctor and she wants me at the hospital tomorrow night at 10:00. So if the baby isn't here by then it looks like we will have Abraham on Wednesday. =) Please continue to pray for us. We're still hoping things will happen naturally. I really don't want to be induced.

New Toys

Some of Chris' new toys arrived the other day and he's already gotten plenty of practice.

Due Date

Abraham was due today. It doesn't look like he's going to make his grand entrance just yet. My parents got here on Friday and my mom and sister just knew he would be here yesterday. We're all getting pretty antsy. I sure hope I don't have to wait until Wednesday to be induced. I go to the doctor in the morning. I'll update more then.

Happy 8th Birthday Megan!!

I LOVE YOU!!

Doctor Day

We got a pleasant surprise at the doctor today. Abraham turned into position. =) He was moving like crazy in the wee hours this morning and I think that's when he turned. The doctor couldn't believe it. She did two ultrasounds just to make sure. She was thinking that his fluid was down and we might have to go ahead with a c-section, so we had to go and get a better scan of him. Turns out the fluid is fine, he's just outgrowing his home. We go back to the doctor on Monday to see how things are coming along unless he decides to make his entrance before then. Thank you all for your prayers and suggestions.

Here are a couple of face shots. =)

39 weeks

We were 39 weeks as of Sunday. Abraham is still transverse. He has until Thursday to make his big turn. I've been given a lot of advice, and tried it all. I really think he is trying, he just doesn't have much room. Right now he has his head and his bum in my ribs.

I've been keeping myself busy cleaning and such. You have to keep the house clean when your parents are coming. =) I know it may sound a bit too early, but I've gotten our Christmas tree up and decorated. I wasn't sure it'd get finished if I waited. I need to get to the post office and mail my niece's birthday gift. She turns eight on Sunday. I can't believe how fast she's growing up. It seems like she was born just yesterday.

'Why Believe in a God?' Ad Campaign

I came across this story today. I have to say it's pure stupidity. Why should you believe in God?

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life." John 6:47

It bothers me knowing that many children will see this ad and have it stick with them. The whole point of Christmas is to celebrate the birth of our Saviour not to "be good" and get all the things on some stupid list. I'm so tired of the gimme mentality the world seems to possess.

The people responsible for these these ads hate God and think everyone else should too. They certaintly don't have a problem promoting their religion.

"The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God." Psalm 14:1

Ultrasound Day

We finally got our ultrasound today. The only picture we could get was of Abe's arm. =)~ He didn't want to cooperate and turn to face us. We found out he has gone from being very close to being in position to being almost breech. He's laying diagonally with his head to the left. The doctor said there is still a chance he can make the turn to be in position, but it's not likely. Otherwise things with him look great. I'm so happy and feel so blessed to be having a healthy baby. I really would rather not have to go the C-section route though. I'd appreciate your prayers concerning him getting into position and coming into the world naturally. I go back on Monday and we're hoping he will have gotten back around by then. He has been a mover from the start so we just need him to keep it up. =)

Baby update

We went to the doctor for our 36 week check up yesterday and everything is looking great. We were supposed to get an ultrasound, but one of the machines was down. So we will get some new pictures of our little man next week. =) The doctor said she thinks Abraham is weighing in somewhere between 7 1/2 and 8 lbs. That's a bit scary for me. I was thinking more like 6 lbs. She also said I'm measuring about a week ahead now. We're getting really close!

I thought I would show you some gifts that Abraham received recently. Jaime made him a beautiful blanket. I just love the color blue that she picked and it's so soft. Zsuzsanna made him an adorable bath towel. The little ducks are so cute!! I can't wait to wrap Abe up in them.

Stocking up

I've been cooking and freezing meals for when the baby comes this past week. So far I have fifteen pounds of hamburger fried and bagged in 1/2 cup portions, two pounds of meatballs, twenty five bean burritos, ten cheese enchiladas, ten BBQ cups, twenty taco cups, a chicken pot pie, and six pork roasts. I need to get some more chicken so I can make some things up with it. We stocked up on things like bread, beans, tortillas, veggies, spaghetti, sauces, rice, and spices. I plan on using the hamburger for tacos, soup, chili, goulash, and hamburger helper. Any suggestions on things I might have missed are welcome. I'd really like to be able to just stay at home with Abraham for his first couple of weeks.

Our 3rd Anniversary

Chris took last week off as we celebrated our 3rd anniversary on the 15th. We also finished a few projects we've been meaning to work on. We still have a couple of things that need done before the baby arrives, but it's looking better. We managed to purge three car loads of junk into the neighborhood dumpster. It feels so great to have that much gone. It's crazy how much stuff can accumulate in such a short amount of time. It was really nice having my husband home for 10 straight days. It sure didn't feel that long though, more like a long weekend. We only have five weeks until our due date. I'm excited and scared at the same time. I'm so looking forward to meeting our little man. =) I spend most of my evenings watching him move around. He seems to be running out of room fast.

Time seems to be flying by

I've had a pretty productive week. I managed to get all the 0-3 month clothing washed and ready, along with all the receiving blankets and extra bedding. I had quite a few loads thanks to my sister. It really is a blessing that she gave us so much. =) I even have a tub full of girl clothes to store. I also made up a list of meals that I want to get made up and frozen for after Abraham is born.

We have a pretty busy day ahead of us. We have a doctors appointment this morning, and a shower at Chris' work this afternoon. This evening my Father-in-law is going to help get all the furniture moved into our new living room.

A beautiful day!

It's really is a beautiful day outside today. It's a sunny seventy degrees right now. I started out the day just wanting to crawl back into bed, but now I've got my windows open enjoying the breeze and the sunshine. I love being able to just enjoy the simple things that God has given us. I think the only way the day could be nicer is if someone decides to mow their lawn, I just love the smell of freshly mowed grass. I hope everyone else is enjoying their day.

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

The Past Week

We've been working on getting things ready for Abraham since my last post. The size small diapers are washed and ready. The bassinet and crib have been set up. We will be finishing up painting our living room Saturday. We also have a dresser to prime and paint. I'd like to go to the craft store and see if I can find some stencils that match the bedding for a cute finish to the dresser.

We had our last prepared childbirth class on Tuesday and I feel like I'm as prepared as one can be. We talked to the instructor after class and she gave us the names of some of the midwives she has assisted. It's good to know that there are some reputable, experienced ones in town. When I got pregnant, I could only find one midwife and she had only assisted in a few births, so we weren't all that comfortable going to her. The ladies on our new list all have many years of experience. Our teacher was wonderful and very dedicated. She really stressed that the natural way is best and childbirth is nothing to fear. It's a shame none of the other couples took the class seriously or acted like they even wanted to be there. They were all too busy making fun of the people actually doing the breathing techniques, mainly the instructor and me. Anyone about to have a child should realize it's time to grow up. This isn't high school anymore. If their behavior is any indication, they're going to be poor excuses for parents.

I been pretty sick since the doctor put me on iron supplements. I've tried taking them with orange juice or food, but nothing seems to help. I'm open to any suggestions to make taking them easier.

Our size small diaper stash:


The bassinet (I think it's the cutest)

Back to Joplin

I got my test results back and everything looks great. I'm so relieved that I don't have diabetes!

We'll be going to Joplin for a long weekend this afternoon. It will be our last trip before the baby is born. I'm sad that I won't get to see my family for so long, but I'm hoping they will get to come and meet Abraham when he is born. =) It really all depends on the weather. My Aunt is throwing a shower for us on Saturday. She's such a sweetheart! We plan to be back Monday evening.

A long week

Well, we made it to the new doctor on Monday. She was really nice and has a great bedside manner. She assured me that we will get to know each other well before the birth, so it won't feel like a stranger is delivering our baby. I got a call from the office on Tuesday to inform me that I had failed my one hour glucose test, so we went back yesterday and did the three hour test. I'm waiting for them to call with my results. I'm praying it was a fluke in the test, but it I know it will all be OK if I am diabetic. God has blessed us with Abraham and I have faith He will keep both of us healthy.

We had a prepared childbirth class on Tuesday night and breastfeeding class last night. The childbirth classes are going great. I'm learning a lot of relaxation exercises and how to labor as comfortable as possible. As for the breastfeeding class, the lactation consultant made me glad we will be switching hospitals. She kept referring to our babies as mammals, and said it would be fine to feed the baby after drinking alcohol. As many as seven glasses of wine on your first night out wouldn't be harmful. Seriously!? She said she'd went as far as drinking beer to see if it would help her produce more milk. Shockingly, it didn't. One of the women in the class wanted to know if it was a myth that breastfeeding would help with spacing children. She told her it would keep you from becoming pregnant for about six months if done right, but a tubaligation works much better. I do think that I got the information I needed, but we were so ready to get out of there by the time class ended.

Changing Doctors

When we got home Monday evening I had two letters in the mail from my doctor stating she was taking an immediate unscheduled leave of absence. Not something I wanted to hear at 28 weeks along! The letters were dated a week before the actual postmark dates, so I'm wondering what took them so long to finally mail them. Of course, the fill-in for her is a man, so I called to let the office know I would be finding a new doctor. They preceded to tell me to "just hang in there," that I would only have to see this fill-in once. He was actually a fill-in for another fill-in, also a man by the way. Is that supposed to make me want to stay? Well, this all turned out to be a blessing. Chris works at a hospital and his boss has quite a bit of pull. We've been fortunate enough to be accepted by a doctor we never thought we'd have an opportunity to see. She's on many "Best Doctors of Arkansas" lists. Her practice also includes four other women and they have already noted that I am to be seen by one of them if she isn't available. I have my first appointment on Monday. I'll let you know how it goes.

Many people think I'm crazy for insisting on seeing a female OB/GYN. However, I think it's crazy not to. Please give it some thought.

What's Wrong with Male Gynecologists?

Back from a long vacation

We went to Joplin last Tuesday and returned late last night. My mom and dad were in the process of moving, and Chris wanted to help out. He's totally sweet like that. =) The house they moved into is so cute. It's exactly the kind of house we would love to have. It's a smaller three bedroom and I'd guess it's around 1000 sq feet. Too "tiny" for most people to even consider, but we never want a McMansion, even if we could afford one someday. We just prefer a small, cozy home. Less is more sometimes. This particular house is within walking distance of many stores, restaurants, and other businesses as well my dad's work. It's also in a nice and quite neighborhood with a large fenced back yard that would be great for children. I'll have to take some pictures next time we're there. I got to spend Wednesday with my three year old niece, she is such a doll. She just can't wait until the baby gets here, she's ready to meet him. She also requested that we pray for a girl next time. How cute is that? I really enjoy getting visit with my family. Time always seem to go by way too fast when we're there though.

My "opinion"

I've recently been called out for being narrow-minded because of my beliefs and the beliefs of those I associate with. I have to admit, I am narrow-minded. Narrow is the way. I strive to follow Jesus, not the crowd. I don't want to involve myself in evil, even if that evil is socially acceptable.

Matt 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
Matt 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Exodus 23:2 Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil;

I will not change the way I believe about: Salvation (and the denominations that have it wrong), sodomites, fornication, abortion, the KJV, sissified preachers, modest clothing, and so much more. I will question something if I think it's wrong, especially when it comes to those that I love. For the record: No, you do not have to be Baptist to be a "Christian". In fact, a lot of Baptists have jumped on the faith plus works bandwagon. The only thing you must do to be saved is believe on Jesus Christ. Period. However, I think you would be hard-pressed to find many non-IFB churches that still believe in by grace through faith, plus nothing minus nothing. Most churches add works to grace, teaching that one must "turn from all their sins" and maintain a good life to stay saved.

Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Romans 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Romans 10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

We simply can’t compromise our convictions and beliefs for the sake of having unity at all costs. Consider the words of Jesus: "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword."
So hate us if you must. Jesus and Paul weren't popular in their day either and suffered terribly. Repeatedly they warned Christians to expect persecution:

1 Cor 4:10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.
1 Cor 4:11 Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;
1 Cor 4:12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:
1 Cor 4:13 Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.
1 Cor 4:14 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.

2 Cor 4:8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
2 Cor 4:9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
2 Cor 4:10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

Matt 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matt 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Matt 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Matt 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
Matt 10:17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;
Matt 10:18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.
Matt 10:19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.
Matt 10:20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.
Matt 10:21 And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.
Matt 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
Matt 10:23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.
Matt 10:24 The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.
Matt 10:25 It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?
Matt 10:26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.
Matt 10:27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.
Matt 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Matt 10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.
Matt 10:30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Matt 10:31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.
Matt 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
Matt 10:33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
Matt 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
Matt 10:35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
Matt 10:36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.
Matt 10:37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
Matt 10:38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

John 15:18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
John 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
John 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
John 15:21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.
John 15:22 If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.
John 15:23 He that hateth me hateth my Father also.
John 15:24 If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.
John 15:25 But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.

Recommended listening (WARNING: Not for the thin-skinned!)

The Mother Whore
Independent Churches
Tradition v. Bible Doctrine
The King James Bible
King James Bible Only
The NIV's Attack on Jesus
Standing Alone
Without the Camp

A little update

Sorry it's been a while since I've posted. I've been so tired lately. It seems like I have to take a nap after doing the simplest of tasks. Hopefully I will get some energy back soon.

We started our childbirth classes last week. We started with infant care class. The teacher was really nice. Chris won the daddy diaper changing race. =) Pretty good for his first attempt. I'm looking forward to the prepared childbirth classes. I think it will put my mind at ease to know a little more about attempting a natural birth. It's hard to believe we're already in week 27. We'll be meeting our little man before we know it. =)

Protect your children

These creepy ads were brought to my attention last week.

They make my skin crawl. I guess maybe that's the response they're after. It makes me wonder who in their right mind would want to portray a child molester in a television ad? It seriously irks me that they have a lesbian freak in one of their ads. I sure don't need her to tell me to keep my kids away from people like her. It really bothers me that most parents see no problem leaving their kids with someone they barely know if it means they get a few hours of time alone. We see children as a priceless blessing, not a burden. (But what do we know? We've been told we're "not 'real' parents yet!") How well do most people really know their family and what goes on inside their homes? Everyone has some dirty uncle or cousin somewhere. It's insane. Yes, we plan on sheltering our children from the "real world" as much as possible and never letting them out of sight. Kindly get over it, please. =)

Sewing Woes

I didn't realize it had been so long since I posted. I've been working on sewing nursing pads. I'm not very good at sewing, but I figure I'll be the only one who sees them. I've found many places like The Diaper Hyena with information about sewing your own cloth diapers and covers, but I don't know if I'm quite up to that yet. People say cloth diapering is very addictive and I can see why with so many options. Until I can make my own, I think we've pretty much decided to use the prefold diapers. We initially chose Chinese, but are now leaning towards Indian prefolds since they seem preferred by many Mommies on Diaper Swappers. We've found some great prices on prefold packages through Clothdiaper.com. They also have great deals on factory seconds if a person wanted to go that route. We just can't decide how many to purchase.

I also finished another cross-stitch for Abe. I think it turned out cute. I changed the colors up to match his bedding.



We went to the doctor last Friday, she said that everything is looking good. I get to do the dreaded glucose test at my next appointment. I've also been having a lot of hip pain for the last few days. From what I've read it's to be expected. It's really hard to rest with it hurting so much. I may look into getting a pregnancy wedge. I've read that they really help.

Cloth Diapering

Before getting pregnant, we decided we would be using cloth diapers. It just seems like they would be so much better for the baby. Since I will be at home with him anyway, I don't mind doing a few extra loads of laundry a week. We've been researching all the different kinds for a while now and have decided on either the Bumgenius 3.0 one-size "all in one" diapers or Chinese Prefolds with covers. I think we're leaning more towards the prefolds and Bummis Super Whisper Wraps. Either way, even if this set of diapers only lasts one baby we'll save a significant amount over using disposables. The "green" aspect of cloth diapering is important to many parents, but didn't factor into our decision whatsoever.

The bouncy seat that my Mom and Dad got Abe. Isn't it adorable? =)

45 years

I want to wish my Mom and Dad a Happy 45th Anniversary!! You are both such and inspiration.
I LOVE YOU!!

Back to Joplin

Well, we took our niece home Friday and miss having her here already. Chris comes home for lunch everyday, but it was fun having someone to share the rest of my days with.

I saw my sister that lives in Ohio this weekend. We live so far apart that we don't get to see each other nearly enough. She brought lots of gifts for Abe. We're hoping she will get to come here in November and meet him soon after he is born. I actually got to see all three of my sisters during one trip which rarely happens!

Pigtail twins

Chris took this picture of us on Megan's last night here:

Trip to the Zoo

We recently purchased a family membership to the Little Rock Zoo and plan on going much more often from now on. One of the benefits of the plan is free or discounted admission to other zoos across the country. Fortunately, there are several great zoos within just a few hours of Little Rock. The Memphis, St. Louis, KC, Tulsa, OKC, and Dallas zoos to name a few. Most offer of these actually offer free admission.

A minor rant: We usually go in the afternoons only to find many animals like the Elephants and Rhinos inside their shelters being fed for hours at a time. The zoo entrance closes at 4:00 and since they insist on closing so early year round, we wish they'd feed the animals after they close to the public. I guess we need to start going earlier in the morning.

Here's a few photos from our latest trip to the zoo a couple of days ago. Although it was very hot, the hottest day of the year up to that point, we still had a really great time. Somehow Chris always manages to escape being photographed!