Blake Terry Davis (16-19 months)

Blake is my little "Happy Monkey". He is such a joy to all of us. Our favorite Blakeisms of late are: "Jee Jee" (Gagey), "Bysey" (Bryson), "Cah een" (Collin) and "Ma Ma". We also love how he give us hugs and kisses without being asked or how he carries his little PlayMobil action figures around and calls them "Guys". He loves "BaBas", "Cokeoo" (cookie), "BumBob" (SpongeBob), "ChooChoos" and "five, two, bwat ah" (5, 4, 3, 2, 1...Blast OFF!). He loves to follow his big brothers around and learn from them. They have taught Blake to respond to "What does a fishy say?" with "WAA WAA" in a deep scary monster voice. Collin has taught Blake to go around spanking his brothers on their bum. Gage has taught Blake to give hugs. And Bryson prides himself on teaching Blake to pull Collin's hair on demand. Although the boys are great at teaching Blake new things, none of us can seem to break Blake's habit of throwing things: Food (as soon as he's done eating), his shoe (beaning Mom in the head while driving), or toys (into the next pew at church during Sacrament Meeting).

Our New Life

Ok, I've put this off long enough. This was supposed to be my journal and for the last year, I've chosen to avoid putting in writing what my family has been through. It's difficult to write about something that so many will see as a "failure" and honestly, part of me did too. My past journal entries have always been, for the most part, filled with happy, spiritually uplifting memories. And while enduring the pain of this last year, it was difficult to see it as anything but negative so how could I include it in my journal of happy memories? It has taken me this long to realize that this experience has actually been a blessed trial and that is why I'm finally able to write about it.
In January of 2010, Matt and I separated. Our baby was only 5 months old and it was a very difficult and painstaking process. It was a long time coming but I kept trying to put on a happy face and hope that things would get better. Especially with a new baby on the way. It is now March 2011 and we are in the process of divorce. I've learned so many valuable lessons along the way. Being a single Mom has taught me the importance of perserverance, patience and humility. I have also learned of the love that my Father in Heaven has for me through the love, support and service of so many angels on earth. I know that my children and I are being looked after from heaven. I have so much admiration for my 4 sweet boys. They are so resilient, patient and forgiving. They have a desire to choose the right and they are such a blessing to me. They are the first thing I thank God for every morning and the last thing I think about before I fall asleep each night. This last year has been tough as we adjust to the changes and uncertainty of what the future will hold, but the boys and I have grown so much closer and know that the Lord watches over us and that we can be truly happy by following Him.
I can't express the strength and support I have received from my Father in Heaven. I have learned to be a stronger woman spiritually and emotionally. I can honestly say I am grateful for the trials I have been given because through Him, I am becoming the woman I have always wanted to be.
Thank you to all of you who have reached out with support, understanding and love. Your friendships have always been a source of comfort and your examples have strengthened me.