Time is Fleeting

{Time moves slowly, but passes quickly}

As I was out running errands today with my little man, I started thinking about how much Parker has changed already and how quickly time passes. Time is free, but those moments in time are priceless. It's not something you can own, but you can use it to create those precious memories with the ones you love most. There's no way for you to keep time, but you can spend it...spend it with those closest to your heart. But, once you've lost time, there's absolutely no way to get it back. 

A few days ago, Bryant told me about a comment that was made to him while he was holding Bryson. As he was helping Bryson into the car, someone said, "um...he can walk" (in that negative, condescending tone) and went on to tell Bryson that his dad was an idiot. After sort of laughing to myself at the immaturity of it, I began to ask myself, "how miserable can some people be?" Common sense tells anyone that of course he can walk! He's almost 7 years old. Of course he is capable of walking to the car on his own. Just like he can go to bed by himself at night, tie his shoes, fix his own food, run his bath at night and the list could go on and on. But, as parents, why wouldn't you want them to still need you. One of the sweetest things I see during the day is Bryson running up to his daddy, leaping into his arms, wanting him to hold him. [There's something about being in your daddy's arms. There's nothing like it!] As parents, you want to cherish every minute of the time you have while they're young; when they're still running into your arms after a long day of school, jumping up and down when they see your car in the car rider line, smiling from ear to ear when you walk into the house from work, sleeping peacefully in your arms. When they still need you to tie their shoes, hold them as they get into the car, run a bubble bath for them and stay in the bathroom to play superheroes with them. Of course he can do things by himself, like walking to the car, but...time goes by too fast.

If there's anything I want for Bryson and Parker in this life, outside of them coming to know, love and serve Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, it's to create an environment of love, security, sweet memories and for them to always know that Bryant and I are going to be there for them no matter what, regardless of the age they are. 

When Bryant and I started dating, Bryson was only 2 years old. This December we will celebrate his 7th birthday! I've always heard parents say, "time passes too quickly", and although it has seemed that time continued to get faster as I became older, I've never truly understood the weight of that statement until I become a parent. 

 {The very first pictures Bryson & I ever took over 4 1/2 year ago. Look how little he was!!}

We've spent years at the ball fields (and will have many more to come with both boys). We've cheered for the Mudcats, Blue Bombers, Phillies & Marlins. 

 {Mudcats: 2012}

 {Blue Bombers: 2013}

 {Phillies: 2014}

{Marlins: 2015}

We've celebrated all life's big events together, such as our engagement, buying our 1st house as a family, promising forever to these two precious boys & the birth of Bryson's little brother, Parker James Davis. 

 {Engagement pictures}

 {The first few days in our new house}

 {Our wedding day: 11.9.13}

 {Bryson & Parker meeting for the first time}

{Parker James Davis 7.28.15}

We've made some of the best memories celebrating birthdays. Every year I look forward to throwing Bryson the birthday party of his choice. I can't believe it's time to start planning his 7th birthday! This year he has requested a science party and he wants his very own chemistry set...not sure where it came from, but I can't wait to start making everything! 

 {Bryson's 4th birthday}

 {Bryson's 5th birthday}

{Bryson's 6th birthday}

This year will mark our 5th Christmas together as a family! I am so excited about this year, having both boys with us is going to make for the most wonderful holiday season! 

 {Christmas 2011}

 {Christmas 2012}

 {Christmas 2013}

{Christmas 2014} 

And finally, we've walked through many firsts together throughout the years as a family. We've walked into the first days of school, caught our first fish together, went to Disney World for the first time for the boys (and will be going back for Bryson's Spring Break this year and for Parker's first time), went to the boy's first Braves game, watched Bryson lose his first tooth and many, many more!  

 {1st day of Kindergarten} 

 {1st day of 1st grade}

 {Bryson's 1st fish}

 {1st trip to Disney World}

 {1st Braves game}

{1st tooth to come out}

Time goes by faster than I'd like it to. It seems like we've been home from the hospital for only a few days with Parker, but our little man is almost 1 month old! 

Time literally slips through my fingers. I remember my mom would always give new mothers, as well as myself, this advice as they prepared for their new little bundles of joy: 

{Remember what's important. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter if the house is spotless, if the laundry is done, or the dishes are clean. What matters most is the time you spent with your kids, the memories you made & the love you poured into them. The house, laundry and dishes will still be there; your kids grow up too fast!}

I wish they could stay little forever, but we all know that can't happen. They have a destiny to step into; a purpose and calling the Lord placed on their lives they must fulfill. I pray Bryson always wants his daddy to hold him. Maybe not literally as he gets older (and taller), but hold him up in prayer during down times; in encouragement during hard times; in support during good times. I hope he never gets too old to ask for me to scratch his back as he goes to sleep at night or start jumping up and down when he sees our car in the car rider line after a long day of school. I hope Parker always keeps that sparkle in his eyes (we call him "bright eyes" because of how alert and awake he has been since day 1). I hope he keeps that precious smile on his face, always choosing joy throughout life. 

To all my mama friends out there, here's my challenge to you (and to myself as well): cherish every moment with your babies while they're young. Don't wish the time away. Hold on to the times they still let you carry them, rock them to sleep, scratch their backs, or even just sit down and tell you about their days. Before you know it, you'll be watching them walk across the stage at graduation or packing up their cars for college. Time is fleeting. 

~ All my love, 
         Chelsea 

Great is Thy faithfulness

(I have tried to finish and post this blog post for quite a few days now, but I happen to have the cutest little boy at my house and I can't seem to get enough of him! I want to spend all my time loving on him!) 

 Our sweet Parker James Davis

A few months back I shared the story behind our pregnancy and how the Lord cares for even the smallest details within our life. Well, if He cares for those small details that seem to go unnoticed by others, He most definitely cares about those life changing moments, when the world stands still and everything else falls away...much like the birth of our sweet Parker James Davis.

| Great is Thy Faithfulness |

Let's start back from the top...

From the beginning, the hand of God has been on this little boy's life. From the timing of finding out we were pregnant after months of discouragement, to the smallest of details, such as being able to surprise my family for Christmas (something I've always wanted to do) and being able to tell Bryson on his birthday that he was going to be a big brother (something he continually asked for), the Lord orchestrated the most beautiful story...and it doesn't stop there. He's still writing, and I know He has mighty big plans for this little boy. His faithfulness is constant. 

When there was a chance that Parker's arrival could fall within a week that Bryson was not with us, the Lord worked out our delivery date to fall within a week when Bryson was with us, meaning he was able to spend a whole week with his baby brother. Not only was he with us and Parker for a week, but because of the way the summer weeks and restarting of the school year rotation fell this year, we had him the day of his meet and greet with his teacher (had Parker on Tuesday, came home from the hospital on Thursday and went to Bryson's 1st grade meet and greet on Friday afternoon--nothing like this crazy, beautiful, nonstop life we live- haha!) and we also had him for his first two days of 1st grade. He was able to walk in with his little brother for his first day...our whole family was together and my heart was beyond full! 

| Great is Thy Faithfulness |

 

Now on to the day of delivery- As far as the birthing process went, I had everything planned out the way I wanted it for his birth. I am pro drugs...for all those mamas out there who plan to have their babies all natural with no meds, more power to you! I am not one of those...I don't see the benefit of suffering if I don't have to, but that's just how I see it. As soon as he was here, I would instantly have him on my chest for that "golden hour" of skin on skin and begin feeding him so that he would latch easily and naturally. Bryant would also be there to hold him skin on skin on his bare chest, allowing their precious bond to begin. (I think I was looking forward to those moments the most.) I don't even know why people have birthing plans in the first place...you know it's never going to go according to plan!

Labor started out as normal at 5am on July 28th. The contractions weren't anything that I imagined them to be. I guess I had heard of how horrible they were going to be & I had conjured up something much worse than what I was experiencing. Finally at 6 centimeters, the nurse advised to go ahead and get the epidural. Another piece of the labor process I had imagined being much worse than it was. I didn't even know I was getting the numbing shot and before I knew it, the anesthesiologist had the epidural in and I was back laying down. After a little while, when I thought the contractions would begin to fade, I realized I was still feeling it all. The pain wasn't horrible by any means, but I thought the contractions would fade as the medicine kicked in. The closer it got to "push time", the more I realized something...I was feeling every bit of this labor. I remember telling my nurse, "I'm numb up here (my stomach) and I'm numb down here (my legs), but I can feel everything in between." After the 3rd dose of epidural and nothing changing it was clear I was about to start pushing with no meds. I would love to say the worst pain I experienced that day was pushing him out, but I had no idea what I was about to experience. Once he was crowning, I guess he decided he didn't want to come out any further. Dr. Simpson asked for the vacuum and placed it on his head. Still, Parker didn't budge. I don't want to be too terribly graphic within this post, but due to the urgency of getting Parker out, Dr. Simpson had to do a 3rd degree episiotomy, which normally would be fine and many women have these done...I just didn't have the meds that keep most women from the pain that comes with the procedure. It was then Dr. Simpson realized that my epidural had failed and I was feeling everything. There wasn't much that could be done at that point...our main priority was getting our baby here. I remember looking over at Bryant, asking if what just happened truly happened and began screaming for help at the top of my lungs. I thought my body was going to shut down. 

At 4:25pm, on July 28th, our miracle was born. Parker James Davis entered this world weighing 7 pounds, 11 ounces and perfectly healthy!

| Great is Thy Faithfulness |

After Parker was out safe, they immediately injected my leg with a pain killer to help with the pain. The problem was, because I was bleeding so much, so fast, Dr. Simpson couldn't wait for the pain to subside to begin stitching. He kept saying "baby, I'm so sorry. I can't leave you like this. It's too dangerous to wait."...once again, I felt every stitch. I remember thinking "my heart is going to stop from this pain!" I think for a few minutes, I blacked out. Next thing I remember, I heard his cry. I saw my husband looking at our beautiful baby boy. I remember reaching out to feel my son's fingers grasp around mine. It all became worth it...worth it all. 

 

| Great is Thy Faithfulness |

[This is my favorite part of the story] Thursday morning had arrived and both Parker and I had been released to head home. Maci, my sister, had our cart full of bags (I tend to overpack a little lot), Bryant had gone downstairs to grab the car and I was holding Parker as the nurse wheeled me out. As soon as we reached the bottom floor and exited the elevator, I heard an old, familiar tune. In the lobby, there was a pianist, a very talented musician, playing one of my all time favorite hymns. 

"Great is Thy faithfulness. Great is Thy faithfulness. Morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needeth Thy hand hath provided. Great is Thy faithfulness Lord unto me." 

My eyes instantly filled with tears. I went back to a time, about 9 months ago, when Bryant and I were in Birmingham for Thanksgiving and I held baby Bryce (Bryant's cousin's newborn) my arms, singing "Great is Thy Faithfulness" as he fell asleep (that story is laid out in this blog post if you care to read it). I remembered telling the Lord that my heart's desire was to have a baby, although He knew that well. I remembered turning over that desire to Him in that moment, trusting that He would give us a child in His timing. I didn't know at the time, but as I sat there rocking that sweet baby, singing of my God's faithfulness, I was pregnant the whole time. He had already answered that prayer...and oh what a joy that answered prayer has been! 

Our answered prayer, Parker James

As I was passing the pianist, he looked up and smiled, slightly nodding his head. I wish I could've stopped and told him what it meant to me for him to be playing that specific song at that specific time. I looked down to the little miracle; I was holding a promise in my hands...one the Lord had given to me many years ago. The Lord's faithfulness laid sleeping in my arms. 

| Great is Thy Faithfulness |

Funny story: When my dad first held Parker, the first words out of his mouth were this: "Park, the Braves called and they want you to sign, but I think we need to hold out for the Astros" (my dad signed with the minor league Astros after college, so deep down I think he'll always pull for them). This shot couldn't be more perfect for Parker's Big Daddy. 

It doesn't just stop there. The Lord gave me the most loving, compassionate and caring human being as a life partner, soul mate and lover. Bryant never once left my side or had to step away, even when some of the nurses were struggling with what was happening within the delivery room. He has held me up, literally, when I was too weak to stand. He has carried me to the bathroom and to the bed when I had no strength. He has been the very best care taker and has once again exemplified the love of Christ through his love for me and for sweet Parker. He has been the most amazing father to Bryson and Parker! To say that I am blessed to have him as my husband...well, those words just don't give him enough credit. I am proud of this life we have built together and I am so thankful for his unconditional love. 

Parker loves laying on daddy's chest

This past week has been the most beautiful and unforgettable experience of my life. The faithfulness of my King was painted on the beautiful canvas of life right before my eyes. We now have the honor and responsibility of raising our beautiful baby boy to come to recognize and trust in the faithfulness of Jesus Christ. What a beautiful life I've been given! 

 

| Great is Thy Faithfulness |

FAITHFUL when I'm faithless

Bryson Reid: the most precious soul!

My whole life I've been taught to stand firm in your faith; hold on to the Lord even when times get hard; press in even more when the hard times come...and for most of my life, I have. When bad times hit my family, I was the one who encouraged those around me to carry on. When the future didn't look bright, I was the optimist that saw the silver lining in everything. But this year...this year has been different. I've grown in a number of ways, but there has been an area of my life that I've struggled with...an area that I struggled to let God be God in. 

At the end of 2013, we began to pray about doing something that would affect a major part of our life for a long period of time. After we were married in November of 2013, the time that we were given with Bryson began to be taken away. The more we took him back to his mother's house, the more he cried, wanting to be with his daddy more. After much prayer and consideration, we decided to fight for more time with Bryson. In early 2014, papers were served and the battle had begun. 

All the details aren't important, but to say "things got messy" is an understatement. You name it, we went through it. I've had false police reports filed against me, insults hurled at us, stalked on all forms of social media to the furthest extent, embarrassing scenes at the ballfields (it's sad when you go to a gathering with people who were at the fields that evening and they come up to you and ask if it's always that way) and numerous false claims coming from the other party. You know it's a bad situation when you have to call the cops to your house, letting them listen to the recording of a confrontation with the step-father one evening. After hearing everything, a report was filed because the cops said threats had been made by the other man. (Side note: I'm not sure if you've ever seen my husband...he's not exactly the first person I would choose to threaten. At 6'5, nothing but muscle and an amazing athlete, he's a pretty big dude! Especially with threats coming from someone who doesn't exactly match up to how Bryant looks, on that day, I thank God that my husband has such a laid back personality and that it takes a lot more to upset him.) After the cops heard everything that was said, they suggested we look into video recording for our encounters due to the incidents we already had recorded...if that doesn't tell you how bad it had gotten, I don't know what will. 

My handsome husband, Bryant.

That's probably the moment I had come to the end of my rope with the whole situation. I didn't understand...I was beyond mad...get in my face all you want; throw insults at me; threaten me till you're blue in the face...but, when you mess with my family, the people I love and care about the most, there's a different kind of anger that takes over. I'm sure you've been there before...

Not only were they attacking my husband, the man who had done absolutely nothing to deserve this, besides wanting more time with his son, but Bryson was being affected by it all. He saw the scenes at the ball field...he asked about the heated conversations that were going on. He told us that he was being told his dad never came to baseball games, supported him, cared when he was sick, he wasn't "allowed" to lose his first tooth at our house and that he shouldn't like parts of our family. His precious mind and heart was being affected...and that's what drew the line for me. 

My faith was wavering. How easy it was to say "press on when times get hard" to others, but how hard it was when I was trying to do it for myself. One morning on my drive to work, like normal, I was listening to some of my favorite worship music, singing a song that I sing almost everyday in the car. All the sudden, the words that I had just sung came back and hit me in my face. "Hallelujah, our God reigns" was the bridge I had just repeated at least 15 times. [It was probably the closest I've come to audibly hearing the Lord speak to me. It was one of those times you just know that you know it was the Lord.] "You say, sing and proclaim that I reign, but you've become so worried over this situation that you don't even take the time to lay it before me anymore. Do you only believe I reign when you're leading worship or helping others with their battles. I reign over every situation, Chelsea...even yours." It may sound bare and simplistic to you, but it was the profound awakening I needed. See, I had gotten to a place, after a year of this battle, I was ready for it to be over. I either wanted to go to court and let the judge rule based on the information submitted and what Bryson wanted, or to settle outside of court. I was tired of it hanging in the balance. I was at the point that I began to point the finger back at God. "I KNOW you gave us the peace about going into this...now why isn't it over? Why isn't it ending? WHY?" Probably one of the most dangerous places I've ever been. Who was I to point a finger at God? 

It was during this time that I learned, or maybe re-learned, the foundations of my faith; many of these lessons being taught through my husband. 

1. Proverbs 15:1 says "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." There have been many times that my mouth and flesh wanted to lash out, but thank God for a level headed husband who would much rather keep peace than prove a point. I am thankful that he helped me choose those soft answers. 
2. Vengeance isn't mine. "Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord." Romans 12:19 I've been called to love; love Bryson and make sure he sees the love of Jesus pouring out of our lives. 
3. LIVE OUT your words. My husband is the one who really brought this point home for me. After the incident with the step-father that evening, after Bryson was asleep, we were discussing the situation. I continued to say, "I don't see how you did it...or even WHY! I don't see how you remained so calm. Had he been in my face, I would've lost it!" In the gentle way that he does, he looked over with those beautiful green eyes, grabbed my hand and simply said, "and what would have that done, Chels? Allowed Bryson see his father in a fight and going against everything I've taught him? Not what I want my son to see." I have to say, in that moment, a peace fell over me. Bryson was, and still is, watching our actions and soaking every bit of information up. I can speak words of instruction and what we should do, but if Bryson doesn't see me living out the gospel, it's all a waste. "Preach the gospel; if necessary, use words." 
4. Even when I'm wavering, when my faith is weak, when my burdens are heavy, when this world gets loud and I don't press into Him, HE STILL REMAINS FAITHFUL! "Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love Him and keep His commandments, to a thousand generations." Deuteronomy 7:9. It doesn't say, "if my faith is strong, He will be faithful"...it says He is God and is always faithful! 

After over a year of battle, without ever having to sit before a judge, an agreement was made. When we were gearing up for court, ready to head into that court room, we got word that they wanted to settle outside of court. We now have Bryson for the time we wanted and it cannot be taken away whenever it's convenient to the other party. Over this past year, our marriage has grown stronger, my faith has been tested and my God has proven Himself to be faithful, again. I've gained a new respect and love for my husband, one like never before. He's my quiet place and the strong arms that hold me up when this life gets hard. His heart is beautiful and he leads a life of integrity and peace, and I am so thankful Bryson & Parker have such an amazing daddy. As hard as this year has been, I can honestly say, I am thankful for it. I'm thankful for those hard days, because through them, looking back, I am able to see the hand of God working. He is always faithful...even when I'm faithless. 

I went out to my car to grab this schedule. On the back, I noticed Bryson had gotten a hold of it. When I read what he had written, it brought tears to my eyes. It makes this past year worth it...worth it all! 

I hope this post is an encouragement to someone who is going through a hard time. Maybe it doesn't look like my year; maybe it's financial, or marital, or something going on within your family...it was much easier for me to say "Hold on" when things were going my way, but I can now honestly say, if you HOLD ON to Him, even when the fire is raging, they're spitting straight venom at your face and it's pouring down all around you, He will prove Himself to be faithful! 

All my love~ Chelsea 

THE >little< THINGS

It's been a while since I've posted anything...I've been feeling a little "under the weather"...but this blog should explain why. I hope you enjoy it! 

My best friend, who is my constant encourager, prayer warrior and role model, taught me something many years ago that sticks in my mind still till this day. Throughout the week, I would receive some sort of encouragement; maybe an uplifting text with a scripture or a simple note left on my car reminding me how much she loved me. Often she would sign, "remember, it's the little things..." And there's no one who did the small things better than my sweet James (I call her James for short...her name is Jaime.) I have countless notes within my keepsake box that were placed on my car after a horrible day. Every Wednesday night as we got ready to lead worship, she was right beside me, covering me in prayer and teaching me how to be a leader. After band practice throughout the week, she sat beside me for hours teaching me how to play piano, calming me down after frustration came from not being able to conquer learning to play. I hold close the memories of nights spent at Starbucks venting and crying with her. The times when she didn't have words to ease the pain, but she had arms to hold me up...and she has, faithfully throughout the years. Every birthday, I have a special present with the sweetest words in a card. She loves my family and my boys like they're her family. LITTLE. MATTERS. to Jaime...because she knows that small things add up to make the biggest difference. 

My best friend, Jaime

It soon became a phrase that we used at the end of texts or letters to each other, reminding each other that the small things in life add up to make the biggest difference. As I've grown older, that phrase has echoed throughout my life...and I'm sure it has yours too...you just have to take the time to see it. Many times I feel people look at God and think He only cares about the big things in life...like who you marry, what career you end up at, finances, how many children you have, etc. But, just like my sweet James, the Lord cares about the little things too. The things that bring those small, but genuine smiles across your face. The things you think no one really cares about and it's stupid or pointless to even worry about...He cares about the little and the big in your life. 

I want to tell you a story. One that is very near to my heart & brings me to a place a vulnerability, but also one that proves the Lord cares for the little things in life. 

As a little girl and dreaming teenager, there were only 3 things I wanted in my life. Some girls have dreams of seeing the big city, traveling the world or working for the leading fashion magazine in New York City. There's nothing wrong with those dreams...they're just not mine. I've always asked the Lord that if it be in His will, I wanted to (1) be married to the man of my dreams and one the Lord chose for me, I wanted to (2) fulfill the call of God on my life and have the job of my dreams and I wanted to (3) be a mama. If you've read any of my other blog posts, especially "I still fall for you, everyday..." you'll know that the Lord blessed me with the perfect husband; one that was created just for me and our love story is a beautiful masterpiece that I am humbled to be able to have and share. I daily answer the call of God on my life within the job I've been blessed with, serving as the worship pastor at River of Life Church of God. I'm able to work in every aspect of ministry that I've grown up serving in. I'm in the job of my dreams. 

But...there was something missing. As I've told you before, I have the most wonderful step son, Bryson. I love him like he is my own flesh and blood and he will always hold a special place in my heart. I serve as a motherly figure in his life when he is at our house and the joy he brings to us is irreplaceable. But, I've always dreamed of the day when I heard my child's heartbeat for the first time, held him/her in my arms for the first time or watched my husband fall in love as he held his baby for the first time. I dreamed about the day of telling my parents (I've always envisioned telling them on Christmas) that they were going to be grandparents and my sisters that they have a baby to spoil. It was the only thing missing from the 3 things I've ever asked for. 

[Here's the story I want you to hear...here's why I know the Lord cares for the little things in life.] 

Bryant and I got married on November 9, 2013. After we were engaged and started to plan out our life, we agreed we would wait one year before trying to have children. However, the more months that past after we were married, the more I wanted a child of my own. Everyone around us was getting pregnant (we literally had 8 couples, 4 of them being our closest friends, that were pregnant) and all I could think about was holding my sweet baby. We started trying in February of 2014. March passed...no baby. Then April. Then May...June...July...August...September...you get the point. The closer we got to our one year anniversary, it seemed the more people that began asking when we wanted to have kids of our own. Every time that question came up, I just wanted to run away. WE WERE TRYING! And each month that passed, I could see the growing disappointment in Bryant's eyes. To make matters even worse, as Bryson's birthday was approaching, we would ask him what he wanted. He gave us a few suggestions, but made it clear what he REALLY wanted was a baby. I felt like a failure...for Bryson, Bryant & myself. 

I asked 3 people, who are very dear to me, to begin praying that the Lord's plan would prevail and in HIS timing, should it be His will, we would be given a child. Shortly after asking them to begin praying, one Saturday morning Bryant and I were at home and a pain like I have never experienced gripped my abdomen. I was literally laying on the floor, in the fetal position, unable to move. I called my doctor Tuesday morning and he scheduled me for an ultrasound, expecting to find cysts on my ovaries. He thought that a cyst had burst and the pain was the result. Monday was a holiday and the quickest they could get me in was Wednesday. At the same time, I was referred to a GI specialist due to blood being found with my digestive tract. I had (some very uncomfortable) tests run to check out my system (I would highly recommend staying away from the GI doctor unless absolutely neccessary). The GI tests came back and a simple medicine could fix that problem. My ultrasound came back with no traces of cysts. My doctor was stunned. He said there was a possibility that by the time the ultrasound was done, the remains could have disintegrated & made their way out of my system, but I was praising the Lord that nothing was found! 


Those results still didn't help with my third dream...we wanted a baby. And based on the past couple months, it appeared that wasn't happening any time soon and honestly, I didn't know if it could ever happen...but that was too much for me to think about. I had to stay focused on my job, my husband, our family & getting our house ready to sell. I couldn't think of that possibility. 

December 1, 2014 was a normal Monday morning. I had two follow up appointments that day and was going in late to work. When we woke up that morning, Bryant looked over and said, "I think I'm going to stay home and be with you today." You have to understand, B LOVES his job. He works for a wonderful company and has a great position! It's not normal for him to want to stay home, but he has tons of PTO and vacation and decided to take a day...little did we know, it was the perfect day for him to stay home. As Bryant was coming home from the gym that morning, I asked him to pick up a pregnancy test. It probably sat on the table for 3 hours before I actually found the nerves to go upstairs to take it. Without saying anything to Bryant, I grabbed the box and went upstairs. (This may show some of my blonde, but I'm okay with that.) When I first looked at the test, I thought I was seeing things. Then, I thought that I had held it up to the light and the positive lines were showing through (even though the lines only form when you're truly pregnant). I didn't believe it so much that I brought it downstairs and told Bryant that I thought I was seeing wrong and needed him to read it. Immediately he began crying and all we could do was hold each other. It was the sweetest moment that I will cherish forever! Even after that, I didn't completely believe it, so we had to go by the Clearblue tests...sure enough, they all came back positive. 

 The test that finally made me believe it was true! 

Here's how I know the Lord cares about even the little things in life. Two weekends before, we went to Birmingham to have Thanksgiving with Bryant's family. When we got there, Bryant's mom had a snoogle (pregnancy pillow), What to Expect When You're Expecting book, and a pacifier with a thermometer in it waiting for me. At the time, pregnancy was what I did NOT want to think about! We were able to meet Bryce (Bryant's cousin's newborn) for the first time. As everyone was eating, I volunteered to hold Bryce and rock him to sleep while his mom ate. As I was sitting in the rocking chair, I began to softly sing "Great is Thy Faithfulness" as he fell asleep. During that time, I told the Lord that I knew in HIS timing, he would give us the perfect child. On the way home from Birmingham, Bryant and I were talking about the stuff his mom had given us and began talking about having a baby again. Since this subject had been so sensitive for the past little while, we hadn't discussed it much. Out of the blue, while I was in mid-sentence, Bryant looks over and says, "I think you're pregnant now." "WHAT?!?!"...that was my first response. I couldn't tell if he was trying to lighten the mood or cheer me up...but I knew one thing for certain: he couldn't be serious! Each month and each box of pregnancy tests had proven to be just more disappointment. I knew there was no way I was pregnant...or at least I thought I knew.

As the days passed, all I wanted to do was sleep. I came home from work and got in the bed. Usually I am on top of house work and all laundry is washed, dried and put away before Bryant could even turn around. Cooking dinner was an every night thing and the house was never too terribly messy. But recently, all that had gone to pot. All I wanted to do was sleep. And then comes December 1st, when we found out the news. All the time while my mother in law was giving us the baby stuff, while I was singing about His faithfulness & while my husband was telling me I was pregnant...I was...the whole time. 

Remember a little earlier when I said all Bryson wanted for his birthday was a baby? We found out December 1st that we were expecting. I went to the doctor for testing and confirmation on December 3rd (my parent's wedding anniversary, by the way), and on December 6th, Bryson's 6th birthday, we were able to tell him that his birthday wish was coming true! You should've seen how his face lit up. It was another precious moment I will cherish forever! (By the way, Bryson kept the secret until Christmas eve about his baby brother or sister...and who says 6 year olds can't keep secrets??)

Our social media announcement of our growing family! 

Remember when I told you that we wanted to wait a year before having kids? After the first appointment that confirmed the pregnancy, the nurse calculated an estimated due date: August 9, 2015. If you count that back 9 months, do you know the date it falls on? (I'll help you out and do that math) November 9, 2014...exactly 1 year since our wedding day. I guess the Lord wanted to make SURE we kept our promise to each other of waiting a year :) 
[Since then, we have had our first ultrasound and they gave us the due date of August 5th.]

Oh wait, it gets even better! Remember how we said I dreamed of being able to tell our parents for Christmas? That's exactly what happened. I wanted to have a picture to show them of the baby as a part of their Christmas presents. Without telling the nurse why, I simply asked when my first ultrasound would be. "December 22nd," she replied, "Hey! That's just in time for Christmas!" I didn't cry when we found out about the baby and I didn't even cry when I heard the heartbeat for the first time (yeah, I know...Bryant calls me heartless too), but I cried when I got in my car that day. The Lord orchestrated it all...perfectly! December 22nd would allow us to have a picture to put with our parent's ornaments that said "The greatest parents get promoted to grandparents" and with my sister's coffee mugs that said "The greatest sisters get promoted to aunts" (oh, I wish you could've seen their reactions), but it also fell within the week we had Bryson before Christmas...meaning he was able to see his little brother or sister for the first time with us. I couldn't have planned it more perfect even if I wanted to...the Lord knew exactly what He was doing!  

These are 2 VERY excited aunts!

And finally (I promise I'm almost finished), here's one more piece of this beautiful puzzle that the Lord is putting together for us. The beginning of this blog was about someone very dear to me; someone who has invested in my life and not just in the good times. She's stood beside me in my darkest days and prayed me through to victory. She's the one I know is praying for me in the wee hours of the night when she's up with her own boys. She's my encourager, secret keeper and very best friend. She taught me about the little things...how they add up to make the biggest difference. These pieces of the puzzle, this tapestry of faithfulness knit together by my heavenly Father, all came together through the little things. I find it incredible that something so dear to me and life changing, such as having my own child, would come together through a lesson that was taught to me many years ago by someone who I try to model my life after. 

"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trust with much..." Luke 16:10

I pray that the legacy I leave for my children is that of the legacy James has left in my life and many others...the little things add up to make the biggest difference; be faithful in the small things. 

Baby Davis should make his/her grand appearance August 5, 2015. This mama will be VERY happy once this first trimester is over. Just 2ish more weeks..."sick" is an understatement. You know it's bad when you're going to the bathroom & your husband asks, "are you throwing up or peeing?"