Happy Birthday Jackson!

We celebrated Jackson's birthday this weekend in low key fashion....gonna have a party next weekend! However, you never would have guessed it was low key in Jackson's world. He got to do all of his favorite things together in one weekend. Friday night we took him to his favorite dive, The Alligator Cafe. He loves the live blues music and the fried pickles! He even got the Happy Birthday song sung to him blues style! Saturday he watched the UT game with his Daddy and we won!!! Then Sunday he got his favorite ice cream, gelato......yes, he has expensive taste. Mostly we just got to be together and have fun for three days along with Mamma Z. I don't think it could have been a better birthday :).


Ready....
Set.....


GO!!!!!!!!!


Good to the last drop!


Lovin' on Josie


Go Vols!

Having fun with Mamma ZZZZZZZZ!

Pictures!!

We are enjoying some quiet times here in the Jones household. Jonathan has returned to school/work and my mom is still here (thankfully) helping out while I recover. Josie is doing great as well as Jackson. Josie has settled into a great routine already and Jackson loves his role as a big brother. He is precious to watch as he kisses and hugs and caresses his little sis. We are grateful for all the blessings we've received through this new life in our family. I look forward to sharing more on the labor/birth when I am a bit more clear headed to do so. Thanks for your patience and enjoy the pictures.

Josephine "Josie" Renee' Jones

Our sweet little girl has finally arrived. Josie was born on August 27th at 4:38 am weighing 7 pounds even and measuring 19 1/4 inches long. She is such a joy and truly a blessing from the LORD. She is as healthy as can be and doing a great job eating and adjusting to life. Jackson is so excited that she is here and has been so sweet to her at every turn, surpassing all of our expectations. He is a great big brother. We have had tremendous help from Mom Z, Gran Pat, Poppa, and all of our friends here in Dallas. We are truly blessed. There will be more to come but please enjoy these pics for now. Love to all, -Jonathan, Holly, Jackson, and Josie Jones.

Answered Prayer!

August 11th is finally here! I am officially 37 weeks and still pregnant! I prayed many many nights throughout this pregnancy to make it to this day. Unfortunately I have had some small complications since early in my 2nd trimester that have caused contractions and, therefore, worry, for many months. I was consumed for some time with the fear that I would have to go on bed rest early and search for help/care for Jackson until my delivery. Not anymore!! God has taught me a lot about trust over the past few months and I won't lie in saying it has been a struggle to remember His truths with each new day. At night when I am awake and uncomfortable, I try to remind myself I should be glad I am still carrying our daughter, uncomfortable or not!! His mercies are new every morning! Thank you so much for many of your prayers and concerns. Now I enter the hardest part, I think....always wondering if today will be the day. Pleading with God to allow her to come always battles against the knowledge that He is in control and knows the best time for her arrival...not me. Please continue in your prayers for a safe and soon delivery of our daughter. In the meantime, enjoy a few picts of Jackson at his first attendance of a friends birthday party. The theme was Elmo (as painted on his face). He had a blast with his friend Peyton. Happy Birthday Peyton!

Ready and Waiting

Photo compliments of Lilla Cummings : www.capturingexpressions.blogspot.com

Normally the easiest way for me to entertain Jackson and spend good quality time with him is to read a book. He loves it and I can sit with him beside me and relax for a few minutes. Today marks the end of those moments. My belly is now the size of a small chair according to Jackson, therefore, the perfect place to sit while I read. Our relaxing moments together turned into a full out battle between him, myself, and our daughter. It seemed more like a wrestling match instead of story time, not to mention the teddy bear he insisted be in my lap (the one I don't have) as well. I have struggled over the past few weeks to find a comfortable place trying to be wife, mommy to Jackson, and pregnant mommy to our baby. Comfortable physically and mentally. Even though we don't want her to come early, I have been soooooooooooo ready to have her!! This afternoon Jonathan came home from work as usual asking what I needed....he is so good! I decided I needed to get out of the house for a bit and he told me to go to Starbucks and head to Target. Now I'm not sure if it was just what I needed or the small caffeine boost from the green tea frap, but I feel like a new person! I got the last few things on my list that I needed before the baby's arrival and Jonathan took care of feeding Jackson dinner and now I feel like I could conquer the world! I headed over to babysit Cara, our friend down the hall and was reading some scripture that speaks so perfectly to me tonight. (Cara is already in bed by the way).
"My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:19
I suddenly feel a true peace about delivering a baby. Up until now I have been burdened with worry that she would come early, or I wouldn't have everything ready when she does come...having a 23 month old makes nesting a bit difficult!! Finally tonight I feel peaceful. FINALLY. I believe it really has nothing to do with checking off a list and everything to do being reminded that He really does provide all of my needs. I have a wonderful husband who takes on the world each day to make my life easier, a beautiful son who can't get enough hugs and kisses from Mommy, a healthy second on the way any day, and a God who takes care of all my needs. Life can't get any better. Tonight I am grateful for a nice, quiet break from the norm to give me some perspective and appreciation for all I have. I encourage you to do the same. :)