It has been eighteen months now since I gave birth to my sweet baby girl.  Our brown haired, blue eyed tall and skinny baby with an infectious personality.  Each day is an adventure, each one more unique than the last.  I have said it on repeat since January 25, 2014... it is a blessing to be this girls mama.

At eighteen months, Grace is...
22 pounds (18th percentile!!! OUT of the single digits!).
31 and 3/4 inches tall (54th percentile).
wearing a size 4 diaper.
wearing 12 month and some 18 month clothing.
wearing a size 4 or 5 in shoes.
sporting almost all of her teeth.
saying "mama", "daddy", "dawg", "hi".
babbling away the rest of the time in completely coherent baby conversation.
running.
dancing and singing to music of all kinds.
nursing in the morning, before naptime (most days) and before bed.
loving macaroni and cheese, grapes, cheesesticks.
pointing.
not afraid of strangers.
obsessed with Piston and any and all other dogs.
getting her own food at restaurants.
craves routine like her mama.
loves being outside.
brushing her own teeth.

hates her carseat, getting her diaper changed, being told no, not being able to get a certain toy out of the toy box and most vegetables.

Mommy loves...
how much of a little mama you are to your baby dolls and other babies.
your over the top smiles and grins.
hearing you sing along to the National Anthem.
when you crawl in my lap and snuggle.
hugs where you wrap your arms around my neck and squeeze.
holding your hand while you lead me places.
how you tuck a purse into your elbow and carry it everywhere.
the excitement you have for life.

Being a mother is still one of the most challenging gigs I've ever had.  My anxiety levels can shoot to insane heights over the smallest change... but I am reassured every day that I am doing okay when I am greeted in the morning with a smile and some cuddles.  Knowing this little person is someone that I grew and get to raise is still something awe inspiring.  I wouldn't trade the hardest day being a mom for the world.

Maybe time could slow down just a little though?


always,
amanda

It has been eighteen months now since I gave birth to my sweet baby girl.  Our brown haired, blue eyed tall and skinny baby with an infec...

Well folks, we've reached the one month out from our move point.

Our last Georgia visitor, one of my best friends from back home, flew in Friday and left today.  We were able to hang out in Atlanta for a while, a city I will truly miss (not the traffic and crazy drivers though - oye!).  We hit up the World of Coca Cola.  Walked through Olympic Park and ate at Hard Rock Cafe before driving back to Augusta.  The rest of the weekend was spent doing a canal boat tour down the Augusta Canal, hitting up the Saturday Market for the best ice cream I've ever had and eating lots of good food.  We also went to the pool for the first time with Grace.  She LOVED it.  We watched movies, stayed up late talking and took lots of pictures.


I'm so glad that Kara was able to make this trip to see us. We have been friends for basically ever and she is one of a few friendships that lasted into our adult life.  We are at completely different places in life, but it doesn't matter - because we just pick up where we left off each and every time.

But now that the guest bedroom is empty, it is time to get down to the nitty gritty.  I'm not really ready for pictures to come down off of the wall and rooms to start being packed up.  But it's time.  We've got a handful of weekends left - already packed with things going on.  Our going away dinner is on the calendar.  Orders are in hand.  So ready or not, let's pack?

What is your best packing tip?!



always,
amanda

Well folks, we've reached the one month out from our move point. Our last Georgia visitor, one of my best friends from back home, flew...