blessings

there are seriously enough pictures in this post to last through the year . . . but there were so many good ones, it was hard to pick and choose.

I am in love with Henry's eyes - these are two of my favorite shots.
This past Sunday Henry was baptized. Henry received God's gift of grace and we vowed as parents and as a church to raise Henry to live a faith filled life. Matthew 12:33 states that a "tree is known by its fruits . . . " It is our hope and desire to nuture a strong faith in our son, who is the most precious and beloved blessing for which we could ever dream.

Catherine made Henry's gown. She did an amazing job - even the button holes were hand sewn. This gown will be used for any other children we are blessed with in the future and will hopefully be passed down for generations to come.
Tricia presented Henry with a Clematis vine, a type named "henry."

the picture above may be my favorite.

four months old for henry, eight years old for savannah

Friday was Savannah's 8th birthday. It doesn't seem that long ago that I was driving to West Point to pick her up . . . July of 2000.

Shelby and Savannah got "summer hair cuts" - Shelby looks especially cute. Savannah looks like a goldendoodle.

Also on Friday Henry had his four month check up and shots. FOUR MONTHS! Anywho, he is up to 14lbs 9ozs (50th percentile) and 25 and 5/8 inches long (75th percentile). The doc said everything looks great! Thanks to Lauren for the adorable green outfit - I love H in green.



oh my giant head

henry with a weak laugh

visit with uncle brock

uncle brock came to visit this week-we had a really nice time with him.

we all went for a family run - this is henry in the stroller after the run
these eyes! they just keep getting bigger!
happy baby boy

and later we tried the bumbo chair for the first time. henry "watching a movie" with the boys.

we went with brock to hit golf balls and enjoy the nice weather. this is what henry thought about his first trip to the driving range.

may day festival at serenbe

on sunday, Tricia, Cole, Henry and I went to the May Day festival at Serenbe. Good times!

these pictures are for Auntie Deirdre . . . hinkle meets his first llama

How handsome is Cole . . . check out those eyes!

pictures from the community of serenbe

they had a bluegrass band that was pretty good
and the children danced around the maypole

amaryllis by morning

our amaryllis is blooming! this one was transplanted from the house where gary grew up in anniston.

henry helped me water the flowers in the comfort of his bouncy seat

miracles are all around us

and they aren't really that hard to see. I know of two that we'd like to write about and for which we are very thankful . . .

1.) Carson Ridley Hess . . . many of you remember asking prayers last spring for Lauren Hess, our friend from college. A link to her blog is on our page. Carson was born at 1 pound 15 ounces. He recently celebrated his first birthday and Lauren put together a rather touching video to recap the events of the last year. You won't be able to make it through the video without shedding a tear and marveling at God's goodness, modern day medicine and technology, and the sheer strength and devotion of two loving parents. Carson is a miracle, and a very cute one at that.

2.) My father in law . . . June will mark the two year anniversary of my father in law's heart transplant. His health took a 180 after receiving his new heart. And, he is well aware of this miracle and is taking every advantage of making the most out of each day. He plays golf regularly, walks daily, participates in cycling and other exercise classes, lifts weights, and has made exercise a way of life. He recently returned from a five day hiking and camping excursion of the Appalachian trail. He provides motivation to many to be committed to staying fit and following a regular exercise routine. His vigor and commitment also leave one with little excuse for "putting off" or not making time for exercise and fitness.

think about your family and friends . . . and I would guess that miracles happen more often than we realize.

fairing well on friday

these pics are in reverse chronological order from yesterday . . . actually, they are in no order, nevermind.

bath time cuteness. this is the softest, snuggliest towel I've ever felt. it was a gift from our cousin, Gail Davis (another "Davis" . . . going back to Henry's namesake . . . Davis is my father's middle name and my paternal grandmother's maiden name). I think she purchased it at Three Sheets in Homewood-I would highly recommend it! A favorite!

oh my cheeks

Daddy Jim came to visit and brought H his very first baseball. He is working with Henry on holding it. Henry has a great grip once he gets a hold of something (especially hair and necklaces).
what a great picture!


ha! this picture makes me laugh


scared of the camera?
bobble head

first ball
Henry is over 14 pounds these days and doesn't miss a meal. He is getting longer and longer too. He is still a happy baby unless he's tired, hungry or needs to be changed. He is an excellent sleeper (is consistently sleeping 11 hours at night), for which we are extremely thankful, and he likes his routine/schedule. We credit this to being blessed with a laid back baby and to implementing the theories presented in the book, Babywise. For you new mothers and mothers to be, I would strongly recommend the book Babywise, by Gary Ezzo. It works . . . and not just on "laid back" babies, but on babies with all types of personalities. Thank you Shannon and Jeff!

Henry loves to be out and about; I guess he gets that from his parents. He is starting to grab and hang on to things if you put something close to his hands. Then he brings it right to his mouth. He has not been enjoying tummy time as much as he used to for some reason. He is showing no interest in rolling over, but can turn his hips as if he were about to, it's his shoulder he can't tuck under yet to complete the roll. He is smiling non-stop and now laughing a lot as well. He is quite ticklish! I know I sound like a broken record, but we just love him so. He is such an absolute joy. I never dreamed I would be so excited each and every day to do such routine "things" with him such as get him up in the mornings, feed him, play with him, rock him, hold him, you name it. And I know I can speak for Gary in saying he feels the exact same way. What an amazing journey.