Daniel's First Bite

He had his four month check up last week and is 15 pounds. Dr. Young said he could start on solids and since the last few days he has seemed less satisfied even after nursing we tried out some brown rice cereal tonight. It might be a few more tries before takes to it!  Leah is hoping it's soon...she can't wait to be the one who takes care of him when he's hungry.

One of our neighbors is out of town and told us to get anything out of his garden while he's gone. We're not sure what it is, but it's something that thrives here in the heat. I need to see if I can look up what it is. 

Isaac fifth grade

Benjamin let Elizabeth dunk her cookies in the same cup he was dunking his in and at the park he lifted her up over and over again so she could reach the rings.  They also took a bath together and laughed and laughed until he tinkled on her. 
Leah climbed up a pole at the park and held on for ten minutes.  She's got some stamina!  She still always wants to hold Daniel and change every diaper.  She and Benjamin had a conversation that I wish I recorded word for word because it was better than I can recreate. Benjamin thought changing poopy diapers was gross and when Leah heard this she acted appalled.  "I just love it!  It's not gross at all!" 
Right before getting into the car for school Isaac came into our bedroom (didn't know I was peeking) and stood over Daniel, just watching him, for a few moments until he bent down to kiss him goodbye.  He is sweet and is getting attached against his will.
Daniel has stolen all our hearts and has brought a wonderful spirit into our home.  We all feel it and so far the only one with a jealousy issue is Tutti Frutti.  He may be our last and the thought of putting him down kills me so I usually hold him and just touch his skin.  So badly I want for him to feel loved, secure and trusting.  I now know how short-lived this newborn stage is and want to enjoy every moment.  Even if it is from 3 to 6am.

Baby Boy

Daniel Hogan Davis
March 16, 2011
8 lb. 2 oz.
19.5 inches

Halloween

Yes, this is the picture that turned out best.

Isaac was Calvin (Auntie Paula and I shopped diligently at thrift stores looking for the perfect Hobbes, but he didn't make the picture).

Leah went as Princess Leia, which she is often called anyway.

Elizabeth changed repeatedly but ended up in this dress. Benjamin was going to be Darth Vadar until he decided to keep on what he wore all day after his soccer game.

Candy to hand out: $12

Costumes: $9

Cost per child to encourage donation of candy to troops (after I pick out the choco, of course): $3

Having no candy in the house for which children are begging: priceless

Picnic Surprise

What  is Leah shocked about even though she's been praying for it?

A heaven-sent delivery

Paul reads:

Dear Mom, Dad, Isaac, Leah, Benjamin and Elizabeth,

I have been wating in heaven for so long.  I just found out four months ago that I will finally get to meet you all on earth!  I won't tell you yet if I am a boy or a girl.  It will be a surprise!  I hope you can find room for me in your house on Cerca Blanca in Houston, Texas.  I'm also excited to meet Tutti Frutti.  I am especially glad that we can be an eternal family!!

See y'all in March 2011.

Isaac finds it comical that Benjamin hears only the part about Tutti Frutti

and thinks we're getting a second dog.

 

Leah's wish comes true.

Benjamin takes another read...

and clues in.

Then explains it to Elizabeth: YOU are going to be a big sister!

Paul loves the whole spectacle.

Four Years of Joy

Tomorrow is Elizabeth's fourth birthday!  Tonight she helped make her cupcakes for her bash.

Favorites

toy: babies
food: bean and bacon soup
treat: Laffy Taffy
movie or TV show: Tinkerbell
snack: crackers
game: tennis "I can plan tennis by myself."
song: Hello Kitty (makes it up and sings it as we speak)
cereal: granola (Benjamin says "crackinola")
friend: Kaileen, Taylor, Minnie and Victoria "because she plays a lot."
book: Here Comes Mother Goose


Siblings

Isaac: he plays cars a lot with me.
Leah: She lets me sleep with her a lot. Sometimes I sleep with mom, but I shouldn't because I'm a big girl. I try to stay with Leah. I walk in your room. First I sleep in Leah's room then I'm in your room.
Benjamin: He reads books to me a lot.
Do you want a new baby? Yes, because I like a new baby.
Our new baby will be named: Elizabeth Leah Davis
Who put the baby in Mom? Heaven.
How? Jesus, because we really want a baby. (Touches Mom's belly.)

Why do we go to church on Sunday? Because we have to be there all day. We pray and read the scriptures.
When I grow up I want to be: a mommy "I don't want to get married because I don't like getting married."

I often think we should have named her Joy; that is what she has given me daily.