The Arrival of Charlie

After a weekend of intense contractions and just feeling "different", I went to the doctor on Monday, April 30, expecting to hear that I would have the baby within the week. She told me "Congratulations, you are 1 cm. Are you interested in coming back at the end of the week to possibly schedule an induction for next week?". I was suprised to hear that, still being 2 weeks away from my due date (May 12). So obviously I left with no hopes of having the baby early. I wasn't dissappointed, I just planned on another week of nesting.

I called Bryan to let him know that our plans for the Norah Jones concert that night were still on. We laughed later about how if Charlie did come that night we would have to give Norah some credit. Thanks Norah.

Evidently Bryan wasn't sleepy when we got home, so he decided to pop a sleeping pill. We thought about Father of the Bride II and laughed at the picture of Bryan loopy and unmanageable in the hospital. We finally settled in bed and both let out a big sigh of relief to be there. It was only minutes later that I feel the balloon burst. I jump up and out of the bed and yell that my water broke. Bryan lay wide-eyed in disbelief, then we both ran around like chickens with their heads cut off. I was shaking with fear, and trying to process all the thoughts rushing through my head. The contractions began immediately, about 5 min. apart.

We arrived at the hospital around 1:30 am and I began the process with much anxiety, and pain. I think it was the grace of God that made Bryan pop the sleeping pills b/c I really didn't want to talk or be touched at all, and he was able to actually sleep a little. I was at 4 cm and able to get the epidural at around 4 am, but it took the anesthesiologist a while to get there. During this time Bryan leaned over to pray for us to which I responded, "pray silently". By the time the anesthesiologist arrived my contractions were on top of each other and I was nearly 8 cm. Bryan says he thought I might pull the arm off the bed. I had 2 contractions during the epidural - thankfully - b/c all fear I had of it disappeared (other than the fear of being paralyzed from flinching from the pain of the contraction). Once it set in, the epidural was the closest thing to heaven I have experienced. I was all of a sudden a different person, able to enjoy this time with Bryan and my nurse.

Charlie arrived at 11:03 am, May 1 at 5 lbs., 15 oz., 20 1/4 inches. We had a little scare as he didn't cry for the first minute or so. Maybe he's just a laid back little soul. The rest of the day was quite surreal. I just couldn't put my head around this little guy being ours. But it was beautiful.

The rest of our stay in the hospital is a blur. No sleep for 48 hours, literally. I loved my nurses, but I wish they didn't come in the room (seemingly) every 30 minutes.

We are now happy to be home, and actually loving this little slice of life. Welcome Charles Bryan Davis! We are overwhelmed with love for you!

Showers

My friends the Hall's (the family I used to babysit for) opened up their beautiful home for my first baby shower given by both old and new friends. A couple of my favorite gifts were a handmade newborn outfit from April, and baby gap overalls given by Jane as a "membership" into their family (when her kids were little they would all travel in the same overalls so that she could keep up with them).


We have been so thankful for our new friends from our church, Red Mountain. Our community group suprised us with a little shower a couple of weeks ago. They all shared both funny and encouraging stories of parenting and gathered around us and prayed for our new family. We have been amazed by how quickly the Lord has provided such true friendship in the short amount of time we have been here.

All of "the girls" (as we are affectionately called when we - about 30 of us- get together) threw me a shower at Anna's new beautiful home. I not only received cute things for Charlie, but also a pedicure, plants for my house, and a workday in my yard from Liz, Merle, and Master Gardner Jane! Pictures to come.

36

I'm currently 37 weeks, but the pic was taken at 36.
The other day we were laughing with friends about the differences in having the first vs. the second child. They are expecting their second around the same time we are expecting our first. The husband said the difference is this: "so Bryan, how many weeks is Angie?" He replied, "36". To which, the husband relplies, "yeah, I have no clue how many weeks my wife is".

31!

We've been intending to take weekly pictures to track the progress of my growing stomach, but it has turned out to be about monthly. Yesterday I asked Bryan to track week 31, in the most flattering way he could manage......but I think he enjoyed taking advantage of this opportunity. Next time I'll wear black.

From Fear to Freedom

I've been greatly impacted by the book I have been reading by Rose Marie Miller, From Fear to Freedom, and have been wanting to record some thoughts about it for some time. It is very much a book for the single, the married, the parent, the child, and for me - the often guilt ridden and condemed, the bearer of bitterness towards others whether conscious or not.

It is basically the honest and vulnerable story of her personal journey, mainly involving her family. In her words I see how conditional my own love and forgiveness is, how narrow my view of the gospel is, how I crave comfort and control, how weakly I view prayer (especially questioning God's willingness & power to transform the most difficult issues).......I could go on.

One quote I took away from her this morning is, "prayer is partnership with God coming to expression in words". Partnership in my prayer?! You mean it's not begging and pleading an untouchable God to intervene on my behalf? Is this at least part of what it means to be "in Christ"? To be a son, rather than a slave?

I'll keep reading.

Rewind

Our friend Brian Prentiss came into town last week to have a guy fest at the lake with Bryan and some other guys. As we were talking with him and Nicholas and Oliver on the way back from the airport I realized how much I missed that family. So what else can you do but hop on a plane and head to California the next day?

As the guys were passing gas and beating their chests over burgers and brews, Katie, Abi and I had a great time having our own "pink" fest as Abi might have called it (in her little dreamy princess mind, anything that has any worth in this world is PINK). If it were another time in our lives we might have enjoyed getting out and doing more than hanging out over rented movies and good books, but we were quite the pregnant pair: she with painful Braxton Hicks (only 39 days to go!), and I with a touchy sciatic nerve (still 86 left). Oh, and let me not forget Abi, who constantly reminded us of the baby in her tummy too (prayerfully, at least 20 years to go).

Bryan flew out and joined me in time to go to Grace and see the progress that has been made in the short 4 months that we have been gone. We were so welcomed and encouraged. We had lunch with some dear friends at one of our favorite Chinese spots, checked out the new shops on Castro, stopped by Red Rock for old times sake (sorry I missed you Emily, Diane, Angela, Michelle....), and had fabulous desserts at the new Mediterranean coffee/sweets/food/wine hang out, Netto.

We loved reminiscing about the brief but rich chapter of our lives that was spent there. We ended our time with a stimulating and thought provoking conversation with Brian and Katie. Just like old times.

There are many places we could have spent our airline miles on, but little Mountain View CA has more than a vacation could ever offer.

Poochin' Proof

Week 25.

I'm currently at 26 - only 14 to go! My doctor as she was measuring me on Friday said, "wow, (shaking head) this baby is really growing"! She says that after the scale told me I gained 4 lbs. in only 2 weeks! Did I really just put that out there for all of cyberspace to know?

Although the scale confirmed it, I previously had no doubts. Our "little" one has been pushing on my ribs for 2 weeks now. He obviously prefers my right side - I often have a slight, to the right, lopsidedness to my stomach. I can't sleep on my right side due to the pressure he puts on whatever organs are there, and my right leg will frequently go numb. Are we sure this kid only weighs 2 lbs.? I'm sure though this uncomfortable feeling is mutal - there is just not much room in my short torso for both of us! Poor kid.

I am growing more and more excited each day about meeting Charlie. It's amazing to think that this little child still in the womb is already known by God, created intricately with his own personality, talents and gifts. Of course I often wonder what he will look like, but even more so, who will he be? What will he be interested in? What will excite him? How will the Lord use him?

As I feel him move around I think about how even though it is happening inside me, I have no control over his little kicks and squirms. Although he is utterly dependent on me, he is also completely independent of me. As much as I want to think he is simply my little baby, he is even more so a child of God. How can we be so blessed?!

The Bungee Belt

I have found that maternity clothes are never, ever as cute on as they are on the rack. As soon as I put on the typical empire-waist shirt with a tie in the back, I don't feel like a pregnant woman but like a little girl with a belly. I know I basically have to get over this and just wear what fits, but it's hard to throw all of my personal style out the window just because I'm getting fat. Don't get me wrong. I am fully aware that I am no fashion diva, but I just want to still feel like "me".

So to all current or soon-to-be friends with child, let me introduce you to my favorite maternity invention - the Bella Band (or as my brother-in-law has named it, the bungee belt). I am amazingly still able to wear my normal jeans because this little contraption allows me to wear them unbuttoned (even unzipped when I've gone a little overboard on the ice cream) while securely keeping them in place. And thanks to the current trend of layering tops, it's not too obvious (although my shirt usually comes down lower than what is shown in the pic). Well, until now. I guess my secret is out.

Humility is good

What's more embarrassing than fainting in Walmart? Reliving it in the second row during a church service.

My only thoughts as I was going down (thankfully, just slumping over onto my husband's shoulder) were "Lord, please....don't....let.... the pastor....ask "is there a....doctor....in the house". At least it was a prayer.

By the grace of God the pastor didn't notice, and my husband heroically ran out and returned with crackers and cheese in seconds.

Poochin'

I think I am beginning to get out of the stage of pregnancy that my friends like to call the "is she, isn't she?" stage, and into the "the belly is always the first topic of conversation" stage. It has mostly been pretty weird for me to have my stomach constantly in the spotlight, always being evaluated; but at times it is really fun.

Today I was in Lowe's buying paint and the cashier says, "you paintin' the baby's room?". I laugh and respond, "what gave it away, the stomach or the colors?". Her response will go down as my favorite so far, "girl, you poochin' ". Both me and the woman behind me burst into laughter. The other girl quickly let me know that she was only laughing because she is due in May. It turns out the same time as me. We all break into conversation about babies, doctors, etc.

I'm glad my belly can strike up a fun conversation among strangers. Let's just hope it quits soon after the little one is born.

Barefoot, pregnant, and where I belong

Although I am very well into trimester #2, it wasn't until a few weeks ago that I started feeling significantly better. There are many things I am now jumping for joy about, but the best thing is that I love food again. For the first 15 weeks or so I would be in tears any time I had to go to the grocery store. My method was to speed through the frozen food section, focus straight ahead as to not see too much, and grab whatever seemed to have the least amount of prep time. Poor Bryan seemed to be having "sympathy" heartburn, but we know the real reason for that.

I am so happy to now be back in the kitchen and eating real food rather than crackers, cottage cheese and buffalo sauce (you think I'm kidding, but it was hard to find wings in CA, and a pregant woman must have what she craves). I'm even attempting to update my recipes blog so check it out if you want at angiehdavisrecipes.blogspot.com. Todays post is Guiltless Blues Burgers, baked sweet potato fries and a pear, blue cheese and walnut salad. If you ever try anything, I would sincerely love your critique!

It's a.....

BOY!!

Bryan and I had such a fun Christmas being able to tell everyone that our little one is a boy. We were also very surprised when Bryan's younger sister announced that she was pregnant too! Their baby will be due in August, just 3 months after ours.

No turning back

As I wrote a few weeks ago, for me the confirmation of pregnancy was feeling the baby kick. I guess it took Bryan a little longer. I am assuming the light bulb came on last night as he said, "wow, you are really getting big. I guess you really are pregnant"!

I'm sure I'll be right there with you soon Katie. :)

Only 3 more days until we find out if the little booger is a boy or girl!

Maybe I'll be a soccer mom too

I have felt little "Peanut" two or three times now (at least I think it was "him")! For a first time mom I think this is more confirming that you are actually pregnant than a test, a doctor's word, or even an ultrasound. All of those things seemed so surreal, but a little kick was just so, real.

Welcome back my dear friend!

I've been waiting anxiously for this day, and it is finally here! No, I really don't care much about Alabama and Auburn (except for the festivities surrounding it). What excites me to no end today is that I am enjoying........ a cup of coffee! Those who know me know that this is one of my favorite things on earth. Not just a quality bean, the perfect roast, and excellent drip, but the whole morning ritual that surrounds it. I just haven't known what to do with myself over the last 3 months without it! The very day I found out that I was pregnant I wanted nothing to do with it. It wasn't even the whole "no caffeine while pregnant rule" (thankfully, doctors say up to 2 cups of java a day is fine). I simply had a huge aversion to it. The taste, the smell, even the thought of it. I even had to quickly turn in my 2 week notice at the coffee shop. Such a sad day. But no one really wanted the green lady serving their cappuccino anyway.

So cheers to 15 weeks! Hopefully you are raising your mug and savoring each sip along with me!

The rumor is true!

"We" are pregnant! Bryan and I have sat on our news for quite a while, waiting until our move to tell our parents as well as friends here in Birmingham. We had to remake that decision every few days though, because we wanted so badly to tell everyone. It was somewhat of a selfish decision - we just wanted to see the family's reaction for ourselves! Needless to say, it was priceless.

I am almost 12 weeks along, feeling pretty crummy, but that should be getting better soon. We have moved into our house, but have not gotten very settled yet. On one hand it's nice not having to do all the dirty work (painting, moving the heavy things), but on the other it is so hard not to be able to do all that I want to. I'm so thankful for our family that has graciously given their time and energy to help us!

Pregnancy definitely made the journey out here a little more interesting. I was in tears nearly every time we had to decide where to eat. I hate all food right now, and had to decide between a handful of fast food places for lunch and dinner every day. I actually "craved" a McDonald's hamburger during the first couple of weeks of pregnancy, but that quickly faded. When it came time to move, McDonald's was no longer my friend. Well, except for that one morning I had my heart set on an egg mcmuffin and it wasn't breakfast time anymore (I know you would understand Katie). I had a meltdown. Just ask Bryan.

More meltdowns to come, I'm sure. I'll keep you posted.

I can't believe it

We made it. We really made it.

The first half of our journey was wonderful. I was struck by the accomplishment of man at the Hoover Dam (did you know that the cement is so thick that inside much of it is still cooling and setting - and it was built 60 years ago! Thanks for that insight BP). Then I was dumbfounded by the beauty and majesty of God driving through the National Forests that lead to the Grand Canyon, and then of course the Canyon itself (all the pictures I have seen cannot begin to capture how amazing it is). The artistry didn't end as we drove through the Painted Desert, rock monuments and mountains of Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado. All of it made me think that the beauty that we try to create (even the Rembrandts of the world) seem like kindergarten scribblings. But I think the Lord looks at those "scribblings" as we would at our own child's work. He reminded me that our creativity is a reflection of Him!

We made it to Kris and Bec's stomping ground and had a great time over beer and pizza, sampled some brews at Bristol Brewing Co., saw the Garden of the Gods, and took a scenic drive through the mountains. The highlight was just being with them. Gosh I love those people.

There is not too much to say about Colorado on.....not to say that it isn't pretty. We realized that the South really is beautiful, just not quite as awe-inspiring as the West. So I just tried, but failed, to sleep. It got pretty miserable. As did the food. I'm just not a fast food kind of girl.

We are now enjoying some time with our families while we wait to move into our new house on Sunday. You should come by! Free pizza!

On our way...

After all the packing and good-byes, we left our CA home around 3 pm yesterday. We spent the night in Vegas, slept in and went to Hoover Dam today. We are now in Flagstaff, AZ (love this place!) hoping to see the Grand Canyon early in the morning, then on to see Kris and Bec in Colorado Springs. It's been great so far - I'm exhausted (maybe more from packing and tearful farewells, but so glad we chose to drive. Just seeing the ever changing landscape is worth all the fast food and tired bums.

From CO, we plan to just head to B'ham as fast as a Penske with a Camry in tow will take us. We assume we will arrive Wed. night or Thursday.

To our CA friends, we truly miss you already, and to our Birmingham ones, we can't wait to see you!!!

Those dreaded chopsticks

You might think that after spending a summer in Thailand I should have become pretty good at eating with chopsticks. I sure thought so. I have always thought that I was pretty decent with a pair any time we ate Chinese in Birmingham. When I dropped food or fumbled with a stick, well, that's just natural right?

The way I saw my little chopstick-skilled world has since come crashing down. How did this happen? Well, I made some friends that are as intimately acquainted with chopsticks as I am with a fork. All of the couples in our supper club are of Asian (mostly Chinese) decent. The other night we had sushi and other Chinese cuisine at a friends house and I realized that my fumbling and dreaded "crossing of the sticks" is indeed..... amateur. Sigh. As I enjoyed dinner with them I couldn't help but to wonder if I looked as motor skill handicapped as a small child, or worse, as impolite as a messy adult. Thankfully they didn't seem to notice, or more likely, they gave me much grace.

Oh well, I guess I can't be good at everything. Do they have classes for this?

Call me crazy

As crazy as it sounds, I have started a new business venture. Those who know me are probably scratching their heads. Angie starting a business sounds as likely as Bryan starting a beauty salon, I know. Since being in CA, working in a coffee shop (which I love), I have been dreaming up my "ideal" job, and I finally began to try it out about a month ago. I'm now a Personal Chef! That title actually sounds way too formal for my experience and credentials, but I'm going with that anyway. I tried this out in B'ham, but I clicked with one family so well that I ended up being their nanny. No regrets there, but I'm giving it another go. I am currently working with one family, and 3 others have contacted me over the last couple of weeks. So, here goes nothing, or something, we will see. I will be keeping a log of each weeks recipes on my cooking blog (or at least I intend to). Ideas and advice are welcome!!