First Emergency Room Visit...

Well, it happened - Reece fell and it was bad enough that we had to rush him to the Pediatric ER. He is okay - God completely had his hands on Reece. It is amazing to think that at this time last year I was pregnant and scared and not sure about how I was going to feel having someone else truly depend on me. Sure I love to help everyone out and to be there for friends and family, but to have someone depend on me 24 hours a day 7 days a week... that's another story. As a husband and wife, we depend on each other, and I know that Joe is there for me no matter what and he knows I am there for him, but Joe can also take care of himself. Watching Reece fall off the changing table and land directly on his head (hitting both the wall and the changing table with his head) knowing that I was right there and just a second too slow has hit me hard. Yes, I know all of you parents out there can probably relate. Our children became little movers and have a mind of their own and believe if they stretch a little harder they might be able to reach that stuffed dog just on the other side of the changing table; instead they end up, well, I don't want to visualize it again.
I no longer spend time worrying about someone being dependent on me, I'm too busy loving, laughing and trying to care for all the needs of my son. I am just reminded that we can't do it all alone. There are some things out of my hands and instead in my prayers.
Reece had a hard fall, a truly hard fall... All scans at the hospital showed that he is a healthy growing boy and although he may have a few bruises he won't remember today's fall at all. After spending all morning at the hospital we came home and he took a long nap, when he first woke up I wasn't sure if he was going to give me his million dollar smile... but it didn't take long for him to share it with me. I love that smile!

June flys by so quickly...

June has been incredibly busy for us...which means lots of new stuff for Reece to see and learn. June always means North American Convention is in town - or "campmeeting" for long time ChoGers. This past weekend Lisa and Nana brought Reece up to campus on Friday night to the opening session and President Reardon tribute. While on campus Reece got to meet Aunt LeAnne and Uncle Steve from Kansas, then we had dinner with them on Saturday evening.

Since campmeeting was in town, Vision of Hope was performing and we were able to have them at New Life. Our good friend Andy Denniston is a part of that group (second from right in this picture that was stolen from the Denniston blog) and it was great to hear some Gospel muzak.

On Monday, Lisa and Reece came out to support the New Life softball team. We had our ups and downs...ending up with a split in the double-header. Here's a picture of Kaitlin Klotz (our new pastor's middle daughter) with Reece and a shot of the team after a long, sweaty night. Notice the bright red leg of our catcher!

Tonight we had the joy of watching our good friend Sam Brand while her parents got some well-deserved R & R. Sam and Reece had a great time hanging out together. Sam was tying to teach Reece how to move about...she can really get around quickly for a 5 month-old. Reece took some notes, so we'll see if he can't get motivated to start crawling around.

Jersey or bust...

Last Thursday we started on the long trek to New Jersey for my cousin Jonathan's wedding. It was going to be a long weekend, but we were very excited to see family. We drove 6 hours Thursday and stayed in Beaver Falls, PA with Chad, Jamie and soon to be Kate Briscoe. We enjoyed a great dinner at Sal's, ice cream at Handel's and a tour of Geneva College (Chad is the assistant basketball coach there). Jamie is now 38 weeks along and counting down the days before Kate is due to arrive - she looks fantastic. Check out their blog at http://www.briscoebaby.blogspot.com/ . The next morning Reece decided to wake up at 4:45am and convinced us he wanted to get on the road. After packing up we headed out by 6:30am... 6 more hours to go before hitting New Jersey.

Joe and I really can't be more proud of Reece, he was a great traveler all weekend long. After a few quick stops to stretch we pulled into the hotel in New Jersey by 1pm. Ah... it was nice to get out of the car. We relaxed and took a nap and then headed out to dinner with family. Looking back I now realize that this is the only time Reece slept! :)

On Saturday we had donuts with my brother Jamie and Melissa (our roomates for the weekend) and then met up with family to swim and chat around the hotel pool. Jonathan and Meg's wedding started at 3:30pm. The wedding was held in a picture perfect little town, Ridgewood, about twenty minutes from The City. Meg looked beautiful and Jonathan was as handsome as ever. Their fairy tale continued in a reception like no other! Talk about a PARTY!!! Appetizers were served and I swear I thought they were mistakenly serving the main course... Joe's favorite were the coconut shrimp the size of hockey pucks. When we finally made it into the dining hall, I was already stuffed... little did I know there was still tons of food to come. The night was so much fun..... well, it was fun for everyone that is except for Reece. While we were across the street from the hotel with loud music, dancing, and great food --- Reece was back at the hotel with a babysitter testing out his lungs. The poor little guy was exhausted and having some teething issues. Joe and I came back early in the evening to try and calm him down... he didn't really want us, but wanted Orajel. He was smiling before we were out the door. However that didn't last too long, we received a call around 9pm and he was screaming! The traveling had caught with him and he was exhausted... so I was off again towards the hotel. Luckily he was asleep before I made it back to the room. I happily rejoined the party. It was so great to spend the evening with family. Thank you Jonathan and Meg for a wonderful event! May God bless the two of you as you enter into this next phase!!

And let us not forget Father's Day! While we weren't celebrating in a great fashion (a long car ride is not what Joe had in mind) I would like to celebrate the amazing father Joe is. What a blessing to have a man who truly takes his role seriously. How thankful I am that we both have had such great examples of remarkable fathers. Thank you Dad for always being there for me. And my thanks goes out to Dad Davis for shaping Joe into the caring person he is. To all Fathers --- Happy Father's Day.

Chad and Jamie Briscoe with Reece

Joe and Reece resting in the hotel... the only time Reece slept!

Aunt June (mother of the groom, sister of my mom), with my mom

Most of the Baldwin Clan (mom's family)...

Happy Father's Day!!!



Oh yea, I almost forgot -- if you want to see a slideshow of Reece's recent 6month pictures then click here www.brandphotodesign.com/reecealbum1/ turn your sound on. And if anyone needs pictures taken then talk to these guys - they are seriously the best! http://www.brandphotodesign.com/
Good Night!

You gotta see this...!

We are soooo excited! Dan and Brooke just texted to let us know that the photo album is complete! You've got to go to this link - http://www.brandphotodesign.com/reecealbum1/ - and see how incredible the pictures are...
This is done in what they call an 'art book'...there is music, so turn up the sound...click...and get ready to smile.
Leave us a comment to tell us what you think!
Then, call Dan and Brooke to do your next photo session!

Southern Fried Weekend...

I was just watching a little bit of the John Denver documentary on PBS..."Thank God I'm a Country Boy" says John...and I'm glad I've got a piece of that in my heritage, too.


This weekend Lisa, Reece and I had the priveledge of traveling down to central Kentucky to Boonsborough State Park - the sight of the Boggs family reunion. The Boggs clan is my Grandma Davis' family. She is one of 15 siblings...all still living. They range in age from 63 to 87. It is such a fantastic group. All 15 of the brothers and sisters attended...they came from KY, OH, AZ, FL, VA. We ate a fantastic meal and just spent time gabbing up a storm. Reece was the third-youngest attendee...and he was a hit! He seemed to really enjoy the time - very well mannered and tempered all day long. It was a lot of time in the car...good practice for our trip to New Jersey next weekend for a Baldwin (Lisa's side) family wedding.


Here are a couple of good recent photos...




We tried going to the pool last week. Too cold to swim...but Reece was still styling.


Grandma decided it was time Reece tried some frozen lemonade.

Here is a picture of all 15 with some spouses.

We got to ride with Betsy and Grandma to the reunion...it was a tiring day.

Keep checking back for photos from our shoot with Dan and Brook last weekend...we'll have a site where you can go to view and order!

Too much fun!!...

We're within just a few days of celebrating Reece's 6 month birthday! We can hardly believe that he's been around that long...and we are such proud parents...maybe borderline obnoxious?

Anyway, we had the privilege of getting some 6-month photos shot yesterday by our friends/neighbors Dan and Brooke Brand - Brand Photo & Design. Gotta be honest...I've never thought that "good photography" was much different than "nice camera" or "waste of money". My view has changed...what incredible pictures and memories we have now!! Dan and Brooke are incredible... We spent over 3 hours getting different poses and personalities of Reece...several wardrobe changes, several mood changes, a couple of bottles a quick nap and many many smiles by all of us! Even their little girl Sam (a month younger than Reece) got into the action and helped Reece focus!

Here are a few of the shots from yesterday...

(above is a picture of Dan taking the "Reece in the buff" photo)

(this b&w was early in the shoot...still in the smiley mood)

(this is one of the last pictures of the day...tired as an ape)

You can see several more pictures on Dan and Brooke's blog at http://brandphotodesign.blogspot.com

They also did our two family photos to the right. The rest of the images will be posted on a Web site for viewing after they've had time to touch them all up. We'll pass along the address when we get it.

Our first REAL bath...

What a great evening! Every other Sunday night we have Home Group...friends from the church come and we fellowship together and spend time in discussion. Right now we're working our way through The Good Life - by Charles Colson...it is a great time to sharpen and challenge one another. We're an interesting bunch to say the least.

After group tonight we figured it was time for Reece to have a bath, and since he's outgrown the baby tub, we've now converted it into a sit-up tub that goes in a real bath tub. So, Lisa and I stripped Reece down and got him in the big-boy bathtub. What fun...a great picture is below.

Reece is doing so great with sitting up now...we usually put the boppy around him to cushion the leans and falls, but he's managing on his own quite nicely...

Some time this week we hope to take Reece to the pool for the first time...so be on the lookout for a picture of that. Also, we're taking him for his 6-month photos...Dan and Brook Brand our neighbors and friends will be doing the photo shoot (see their link on the right) and we're sooo excited! Be on the lookout for these photos...we'll let you know how to acquire these gems for yourself.

Have a great week!