Visit in Baxley

We went to Baxley this weekend to celebrate Christmas with Grannie Eloise and Uncle Vance. It is so bittersweet to visit.... happy to see Eller and sad that we have to leave so soon. While we were there, we met several Hunter family members. They all knew Kim's mom and remarked about how they missed her. I do too. And Betsy too. I get so sad when I think about Amelia growing up having never met them. And, selfishly, I am sad thinking of how I could really benefit from their advice and support as I try to be a good mom.

So, no thinking about it... on to good fun! Eller really liked the calendar we gave her - 12 months of pictures of Amelia. And Vance really liked the $50 gift card. Can't go wrong with cash!! We also gave Grannie her birtday present since we missed her 80th birthday (both her and Amelia were fighting viruses). We gave her a frame with... you guessed it... more pictures of Amelia!

Amelia was a trooper. She slept a good bit of the way down there. Because of traffic and stops with her, the 3+ hour trip became 4+ hours!! On the way back, she slept quite a bit too. When she was awake she was very pleasant.... happy with Mom in the back and her caterpillar in her lap!!

Merry Christmas!!

Today has been a wonderful day.... the whole month has been great! We have had so much fun celebrating Amelia's first Christmas. We are reminded during this season of how blessed we are. We have a happy, healthy, and beautiful little girl that makes us smile everyday. We both have jobs and a roof over our head and much, much more.

We have wonderful friends who invite us into their home for holiday dinners. Last night "Aunt" Christa and her mom came over for dinner and then we went over there for dinner today. Here is a picture of Amelia with Aunt Christa. Eric helped Christa make her 1st fried turkey - it was delicious. We were honored to celebrate with the Kirk clan.

Here is Eric placing the turkey in the HOT oil!

During dinner last night, we gave Amelia a spoonful of mashed potatoes.... well, you can see the results......

This morning, Amelia woke us up like clockwork around 6 am (ok, ok, ok.... Daddy got up with her and I slept in until 7). After a morning cup of coffee and chocolate milk, we opened presents. Amelia wasn't too into opening presents, but she was pretty happy with the gifts inside. We got her the Laugh & Learn Home (Amelia played with Addy Duitsman's home over Thanksgiving). We also got her a walker that is also a shape sorter. Although she is a good walker when she can hold on to something, she was more entertained with the toys on the walker, rather than being able to walk. She also got fun toys from Aunt Christa and her two friends Brady & Jack. Here are some pictures of her playing with her new toys.

Mom and Dad were not left out by Santa. As Eric puts it, we had another "embarrassment of riches." Mom got an I-POD and bluetooth. Dad got a new PS3 game and DVD series.... only to find out that the PS3 isn't working.... we knew it was a bad idea to let Amelia play over there!! So, Dad's Christmas is a bit delayed while he tries to figure out the electronics!

We were also able to talk with Grandpa George over in China. Although it was Dec. 26 in the morning over there, we were grateful to be able to wish him a Merry Christmas and to have him as a part of our Christmas celebration.

As you can see, we have had a full day filled with many blessings. We continue to pray and wish for you a life full of blessings!

You found us!!

You have received our Christmas card and were probably wondering about that weird website address.... well, you found our family blog. Here, you can find pictures and updates about our family and, mainly, Amelia. (We know you are here to see her.) We'll try to keep it updated in a timely manner, so check back often for updates!

Here are the most recent photos of Amelia. She turned 9 months old this past Friday. She has started sticking out her tongue again. You may have seen the pictures from when she was 2 months old... her 1st tongue-sticking-out phase. Well, we are back. She continues to crawl and walk around objects. I think walking on her own is just around the corner!!





Today is Dad's birthday... once he wakes up, we'll try to get some birthday pictures!


This past week, we were able to talk to Grandpa George over the web cam. It was very exciting for all of us. Its so great to have technology that allows Grandpa to see Amelia as she grows even though he is around the world in China!!!

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!!

Holiday time!

This weekend we finally decorated our Christmas tree. Amelia helped put "her" ornaments onto the tree... the Minnie Mouse ornament from the Autry family and 2 I bought (I couldn't resist!). The tree has sat empty in the living room for a week and Amelia ignored it. But, once those lights and ornaments went up, so was totally into it.

Also, this weekend, Amelia went to her first Junior League Holiday Tea. She got all dressed up in a pretty dress, white tights, and black mary janes. Once we made our entrance and had our picture made, the shoes came off quickly! She was able to play with friends Payton and Hannah. (also pictured are moms Christa & Melissa!!)

Overdue post

I can't believe that I have written anything since September. Amelia is keeping us busy! Life is great as we have final settled into a rhythm. I am so blessed to have help from Eric. He does so much for us. I can't imagine how I would manage without him!!

Amelia is almost 9 months old now. We are getting ready for Santa. I think this Christmas will be more fun for me and Eric than for Amelia. I am so excited about having a tree this year. We already have an ornament commemorating Amelia's first year (thank you Autry family!).

We had a fun Halloween. Amelia was a "sweet pea." She also has a great Thanksgiving. She had mashed potatoes for the first time!!

Amelia is crawling now. And she can stand up. As long as she is holding on to something she can walk! She giggles as she walks around our ottoman. She can also go from one object to another as long as they are pretty close to each other. In other words, we have to keep a close watch on her because she is all over the place!

She is eating more and more food. Today I tried some food that had "tender pieces" in it to help her learn to chew. Lets just say she didn't like it. It wasn't pretty. We took a step back and had some nice and smooth bananas!!!

A few weeks ago, my friend Marlon came over and took some GREAT pictures of Amelia. You can see how beautiful she is!! (If anyone is interested, Marlon is available for hire!!)

5 months old!

Here is a late photo from Amelia's 5 month-birthday photo shoot!

Football Games & 1st Emergency Room Visit

This was a tremendous weekend in Amelia's life!

It started with excitement as she got dressed up to support the Georgia Bulldogs in the first game of the season! She was the only one in her class representin'!! (Baby Ben showed up in purple & yellow, but nothing said LSU on it!)

Friday night, Amelia spent her first full night in the nursery. Up until now, she has been sleeping in a bassinet right next to Mommy. The night was more difficult for Mom than Amelia!!!

Saturday morning, Amelia got her first taste of rice cereal. She was quite puzzled with the new sensations and tastes!!

But then things turned sour on Saturday night. Amelia spiked a fever of 102.9. We headed for Children's Hospital - our first trip to the emergency room. While there, her fever rose to 104!!! We were there until 2 am and we never did figure out what was wrong. Her physical exam was good. They checked her urine and found nothing. Even the ear infection from last week was all gone. They sent us home with Tylenol. Amelia spent the night in Mommy's arms. She didn't want to be anywhere else!

Sunday was a much better day. No more fever and lots of rice cereal!

Amelia's 1st Trip

Many of you know that the Gallant clan traveled west last week... you know because I called you to vent and cry and worry about taking Amelia on a plane. We traveled to Phoenix, AZ for the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity Convention (I was elected to the International Board... can anyone say "sucker?").

Turns out, I had nothing to worry about!! She was just wonderful. A little bit of Tylenol and a full bottle and Amelia was out. Even when the Phoenix airport was closed and we were re-routed to Tucson, she was great. She woke up and just smiled at folks! We are so blessed to have a wonderful and happy baby.

While we were in Phoenix, Amelia had her 1st trip in a pool. She had her first bikini for the outing.

Thank you to all who listened and advised me before we left!!!

Such a great week!!!

We have had such a great week. It began on Sunday, the 20th, with Dad making pancakes! Amelia enjoyed her new seat at the bar watching him cook!!!!

Then Amelia took a ride in her excersaucer! She loves it! She has been working on moving the pieces. I cannot believe she is so smart!!!

Finally, on Saturday, we took our first trip to Baxley. It was time for Amelia to meet her great-grandmother Eloise. Amelia was a champ in the van... although the 3 & 1/2 hour trip took more time.... hours more!!! But, the visit was totally worth it! She was also able to meet her great-uncle Junior and uncle Vance.

Granny Eloise is not always present, but she immediately recognized me and Eric and was thrilled to meet Amelia. She kept commenting on how much hair she has! (If only she had seen her at her birth and before it all began to fall out!!) We'll have to go back soon as Amelia grows.

4 months old!!!

Happy Birthday, Amelia!!

Amelia is sick... suffering from her first cold. She has been stuffy for about 2 weeks, but developed a fever on Friday. Yet, she was still all smiles as we took her 4 month old picture!!

Baptism & Fireworks

We celebrated Amelia's 1st Fourth of July this weekend with friends and family!

Amelia met her Grandpa George for the first time this weekend. He drove up from Vero Beach, Florida just to see her!



Friday night, Eric entertained all of us by lighting fireworks in the cul-de-sac. Amelia slept through the whole thing!



The big finale of the weekend was Amelia's baptism on Sunday. It was very emotional for me and many of the other women who love Amelia! Amelia did great! She was such a good baby during the service and when the preacher took her into the congregation!





We were so honored to have so many loved ones with us for this special day. Here is Amelia with her Aunt Freak (Shanna), Donna, and Jessica. They drove up from Tallahassee, FL!

Aunt Christa was there.

Amy & Alex were there.

Amelia's good friend Jake Loggins was there too!

Of course, there was cake!!! Thanks to everyone who came. We love you all!

1st Father's Day

Amelia wished Eric a very happy first father's day on Sunday!! She even had a special outfit to surprise him with.... it said, "My Daada is #1" She also had a special outfit for Grandpa George in Florida!!!

All Eric asked for was a photo of his baby girl. We got him a mouse pad with Amelia's photo and a digital picture frame that shuffles many different pictures... 0f course, all of Amelia!! I made Eric his favorite breakfast, pancakes and sausage. Later, we grilled out and had steaks to celebrate. All in all, I think Eric had a great day!

Happy Father's Day to Eric and Grandpa George!!!!

love,

kim & amelia

She's Grasping

Check out Amelia grasping a toy for the 1st time. She was on her activity mat and all of a sudden she had the elephant in her hand!! The 1st time she grabbed the toy may have been an accident, but then she kept grabbing it and moving it!!! I actually cried when she did this... what a sap!!!