An AMAzing aMEREKin Life

Christmas 2013 was a very special one. I had been looking forward to celebrating this holiday with our child since before she was even conceived.  It was as memorable as I imagined.  Anyone who knows me, knows that I LOVE this time of year! Despite Pat's begging, Christmas carols take over the speakers in our house and "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" is replayed from my DVR nightly.   Now I get another chance to experience the story of The Grinch as I read it to our beautiful, little Ama as part of her nighttime routine.  And we both love it! This will be one of the many traditions I hope to start for our new, little family.  We have a few traditions in my family, most of which center around the idea of spending time together.  One tradition being that we have always gotten a  real  tree, focusing more on the aroma than the size, enjoying the smells all month long (and sometimes til the end of January) as we gather throughout...

    Where does the time go!?  Everyone warns you that 'they grow so fast' but this is crazy.  Two months ago my day belonged to me.  Now, I don't even remember what it feels like to sleep for 3 hours straight, to cook without singing a lullaby, to wear clothes without sour milk curds on them, or to wash dishes with two hands.  But I also don't know how I ever started my day without her smile.  Ama is my reason.  She is my reason for anything and everything.  Ama has started to smile back at us!  I don't imagine it will ever get old.  Her smile makes us giggle and smile, which in turn usually gets Ama giggling.  It's not a vocal giggle as of yet, but all the same, we're mesmerized.   She loves being outdoors. Whether it's swinging on our hammock together or taking golf cart rides at the farm, she is at peace in the fresh air.  The other nig...

      We spent a wonderful Halloween in Melbourne Trick or Treating with the Gorham family.  Oma and Jopa drove with us to meet Baby Hulk and the other Avengers for some door to door entertainment only Elwood can provide!  Ama opted to stick to her milk-only diet but looks forward to trick or treating with her big cousin next year. Dressed as my little strawberry, she was actually my perfect angel.  She was amazingly content in my arms as we walked the neighborhood and watched Elwood learn the reward for bravely approaching his neighbors' doors.  Kids make Halloween so fun!!!         TA DA!!       So  much love between these cousins already! "Let me help you with that Ama" "Oh, you're welcome!"  "Anytime cuz"  The boys grilled up some great organic burgers for us before Trick or Treating    ...