Since I am the newest member of the Davis Extended Family, I wanted to write you all a note to let you know I have arrived. My name is Nicholas James Garland, son of John and Kelly Garland and little brother of three year old Joel. I was born November 18 at 5:11 PM, weighing in at 5 lbs. 14 oz. and 19” long. I arrived three and one half weeks early. As I was being born, Grandma Alice and Pastor Uncle Mel Waters were prayer walking in the hospital halls, so they were the first relatives I saw when I was just a few minutes old. They saw my Dad ecstatic over my arrival. My Mother was still in recovery, but she and Dad met me as I was born. Grandma Alice & Uncle Mel got to see me cry and flail my arms and legs in objection as the nurse checked me out and tried to put an oxygen mask on me. I knew I was healthy, so I promptly pulled off the oxygen mask!

Well, I am home now and everyone is trying to adjust to my wanting to eat every few hours, even during the night. Joel says I am too little to play with him, but I am eating really often because I want to be able to play with him soon. Mother Kelly is doing well and loves to hold me. She and my Daddy are proud to have a second son.

Now I want to tell you the news about the rest of the Davis Family: Pastor Uncle Mel and Betsy Waters are busy raising my Cousin Matthew, age 9, and Cousin Mark, age 7. Both boys are enjoying attending Hilltop Baptist School. Mark will be great at teaching Joel and me how to enjoy sports, as he is an excellent athlete. Matthew will be able to teach us other important things that boys need to know, as he is very smart. Uncle Mel is Associate Pastor at New Life Church and Auntie Betsy has built a successful Seasilver business.

Auntie Diana Davis graduates from Colorado State University December 19 and will be working as a mental health counselor. Her daughter, my Cousin Hannah, will be four in March, and is enjoying Pre-School and anything that is musical. She is our Princess, the only Davis Granddaughter. Auntie Pamela is in Nursing School in Denver and is already working in the hospital. She spent spring semester in Hawaii, studying, working and visiting friends. She has a really big heart for serving people, and is very capable, so I’m sure she will be a great Registered Nurse.

Uncle Mike is Assistant Manager at Overland Trading in Chapel Hills Mall, where Grandma Alice is one of his best customers! He is also director, lead singer, songwriter and guitarist in his new band, Portrait. Uncle James is a freshman at University of Houston Honors College on a coveted National Merit Scholarship. His interests include French, Creative Writing, Theater and his many friends.

Great Grandmother Vivian visited in September where everyone got to celebrate her eighty-first birthday. Uncle Harold came from San Diego for the occasion. I’ll get to join the celebration for her next birthday!

Grandpa Johnny is workin' on a red sixty-four Ford pick-up truck, so he can take me, Joel, Markie and Matthew for a ride around the Davis Ranch in style! He and Grandma Alice are planning an anniversary trip to Germany in May via Washington, D.C. and New York City. Grandpa Johnny and Grandma Alice pray that you enjoy a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Hugs and Kisses,

Nicholas James Garland

~ December 2003 ~

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