Magnanimous

Celebrity sighting

2010-09-18T10:24:00.000-07:00

We ran into Akon in the Atlanta airport after a work award ceremony.

Big girl ponytail

2010-08-25T17:45:00.000-07:00

Baby Love

2010-08-02T05:09:00.001-07:00

Adaela spends her week days with Baby Addison. As you can see, she Lurves her :)

I like this guy :)

2010-07-14T15:49:00.000-07:00

Alaska

2010-06-26T04:26:00.000-07:00

Ok, I am about 4 weeks late, sorry, it has been busy in Florida :)...and really hot, about 95 degrees everyday.

Here are some pictures from our trip to Alaska with my parents. We had the best time. Adaela was a ROCK STAR!! She did amazingly well on the long flights and the cruise. Mom and Dad neglected to realize it doesn't really get dark in Alaska this time of year, so that was a bit of a challenge for sleeping.

Enjoy :)

Awkward photo .com

2010-05-17T16:19:00.000-07:00

Oh sweet Adaela why are you so silly and cute?!?

Happy Second Birthday Adaela Elizabeth!!!

2010-04-29T17:28:00.000-07:00

This is a walk through memory lane. I can not believe you are two years old now little girl! Time has flown, and yet, in two short years my whole life and being have become something new, something better and more full.

The picture above is the moment we met. We have shared so many moments since then, happy ones, crazy ones, silly moments, challenging moments, and beautiful moments.

This messy little picture is from your first Birthday. I thought you were such a big girl then and now I look back and you seem so little still.

That picture reminds me to cherish every moment and not wish any of it away. Each stage is fun and exciting and I want to savor them all. Thank you Adaela for giving me the gift of living in the present moment with you.

This past year has been a lesson in staying in the moment, a lesson in trust and joy. There have been great things and hard things this year. Much letting go, some by choice and some by chance. But, through it all you and your Dad are there growing, changing, and filling my days with love and joy. Thank you Adaela for another wonderful year.

These pictures are from your second birthday this year. We had a few friends over for dinner and will celebrate with a big Tinkerbell party at the park on Sunday. And...Uncle Nolan is coming...YAY!!!! It will be so great to have him here to celebrate your birthday and his.

My how you are grown this year Adaela, in every way possible. You are a tall girl (yes, I do have tall people in my family :)). We just finished your 2 year check up and you are almost 3 feet tall and in the 98 percentile for height. You love to talk...and talk... and talk. You will repeat anything you hear. Look out world!

You are getting your last 4 teeth right now and then we will just wait for them to start falling out :)

You love to sing and play outside with Dad. You like to garden and water the plants, chase the cats around the lanai, and "play" with Mommy's make-up, hair spray, and shoes.

You love the friends you in Florida. You talk about them everyday, especially your favorite dog Cali girl :). You rejoice when ever you are with them. I love to watch you with new baby Addison, you are so sweet, and gentle, and kind.

You love to "go shopping" and visit our favorite outdoor Florida malls. You love Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Elmo, and Tinkerbell. You can count to ten and sing your ABCs. You tell me lately how you want to "go to school," soon enough my love, soon enough.

Adaela, as much as I would love to freeze time and keep you small and close to me. It
is so amazing and exciting to watch you "unfold." I love to watch you learn something new. It warms my soul to see more and more of who you are, who God made you to be. We welcome you Adaela Elizabeth. We cherish you. We love you.

Happy Birthday my Sunshine!

Love you,

Momma

Dealth Con 5..aka the Death Flu

2010-04-21T05:00:00.001-07:00

Well, I know it has been a while since I have written. Our whole household plus my Mother In-Law were stricken with the "death flu."
It started with poor Adaela and made its way there everyone expect my magical Father In-Law who, dispite cleaning up all the "messes" did not get infected.

This was the worst flu of my life. We ended up taking Adaela to the ER in the night because we were so worried about her being dehydrated. I lost 7 pounds in about 3 days and thought I may just die.

Thankfully, we all survived. Add another parent badge to my sash, "being sick and caring for a very sick child."

The Heart Ball is this weekend and I am excited to get that show on the road.

Happy to healthy in Florida!!

My Little Flower

2010-03-22T15:03:00.000-07:00

Having fun with Grandpa and Grandma

2010-03-15T07:02:00.000-07:00

Stylish

2010-02-28T15:05:00.000-08:00

Adaela is starting to pick out her clothes. Yes, I like her style.

Siblings

2010-02-16T05:06:00.001-08:00

I love my brother. There I said it. He is one of the funniest people I know. He came for a quick visit this past week and we had a blast. He and Adaela were quickly BFFs. She and Uncle Nolan played at kids gymnasium, splashed in the rain, and shared mac and cheese.

I feel so blessed to have a brother, someone who has been with me through the majority of my life ( I am three years older). Some how when he is around I feel better, it feels normal, even when I want to murder him. I really wish we lived closer. Maybe someday huh?

Thanks for the great visit Uncle Nony. I love you!

One Day

2010-02-07T09:03:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking a lot of the power of a day. Earlier this week I had friend of friends welcoming their first born into the world. On this same day, a family I know through work was testing to see if their only child had cancer.

I was amazed that one day could hold so much. Our friends having their baby, feeling so much joy and hope, and our friends praying and worrying about their little son. How could all of this fit in one day?

I know that this is the reality of everyday, but, it has never quite touched me like this before.

Thankfully, the family discovered their son did not have cancer, a total blessing.

If you are reading this please know you are a blessing in my day and I am thankful that you are in my life this day.

National Weat Red Day

2010-02-05T09:02:00.001-08:00

Adaela and I are going Red!

Lost!!

2010-02-02T05:17:00.000-08:00

Lost is back on for the final season tonight. Hooray! It is about time. I am SO ready for some answers people.

I hope you all have a great day here is some Adaela cuteness :)

Stylin'

2010-01-26T17:05:00.001-08:00

My beauty

2010-01-18T18:52:00.001-08:00

Weekend fun

2010-01-11T07:51:00.000-08:00

Adam one of dearest friend from NYC is visiting. We are having a blast
catching up and relaxing despite the record low tempatures here on SW
Florida. We are having lows in the 20s. Burrr!
We took a road trip to Fort Lauderdale to visit Dove. We spent some
time at Dave and Busters and Adaela had a blast driving her fast car :)

I am looking forward to my four day weekend. Life is good in 2010

Love at first sight

2010-01-03T12:33:00.001-08:00

The Heart Walk

2009-12-13T14:20:00.000-08:00

My Heart Walk is over and it was a complete success! What a relief and what a blessing.

I have been fundraising for Heart Walks for 4 years now, but, never had to deal with the logistics of the event for over 4000 people before. Due to layoffs in our office I am now in charge of the event planning too. This includes food, tents, water, scripts, maps, permits, volunteers, etc.

Any one who knows me knows I am not afraid to ask for anything. But, planning for details is not a strong point of mine...until now. I did it, it took a lot of lists, and some sweat, but, I did it.

And it is over.

Now, on to Christmas and a New Year.

Thanksgiving break fun

2009-11-24T11:56:00.000-08:00

Working hard this weekend

2009-11-15T18:12:00.001-08:00

Adaela was working hard this weekend. She got new shoes and then swept
the yard :)

Life

2009-11-07T11:52:00.001-08:00

This past year has been a pretty tough one. My closest family and friends know of the sorrows and hardships that have shaped some of my days. I told my Mom the other day "life is harder than I ever thought it would be. Better, too, but harder."

Having said that, I could not be more grateful or proud of my little family. Andy I just had our 4th Anniversary on Nov 4th (yes, I love the symmetry). I came home from work to a big bouquet of fall flowers, fresh baked brownies, ice cream, and my favorite candies. Andy and Adaela were waiting for me dancing to the song that Andy I danced to on our wedding night. Our song, "God only knows."

I will never forget that moment in the kitchen with Andy and Adaela. My heart was so full. Yes, it has been a hard year. But, that moment, summed it up. I am loved and I love.

I feel like I have been telling many of my friends lately how sorry I am about hard things in their lives. Telling them too that "Life is hard, but worth it." Telling them I love them and I am here with them.

These are not easy times. Life is not for the faint of heart. But, I am moved by the beauty I see in our "struggle." It is human and beautiful.

At Circle in the Square my favorite acting teacher would say to me "I love your struggle" again and again he would remind me of that fact. You know what, I am starting to love it too.

So yes, life is hard, so is love. But, it is beautiful and so worth it. In the words of a gift a beautiful friend gave to me "Love Life....Be Brave"

Stylin'

2009-11-03T05:53:00.000-08:00

On the move!!

2009-11-03T05:50:00.000-08:00

Look out Adaela is driving!!

2009-10-29T18:22:00.001-07:00

We had a blast at Disney

2009-10-28T11:50:00.000-07:00

Bounce House Fun

2009-10-19T10:44:00.001-07:00

Adaela hearts her boots

2009-10-15T05:00:00.001-07:00

Kansas I miss you

2009-10-13T16:50:00.001-07:00

Sweet girl

2009-10-06T18:03:00.000-07:00

Halloween is coming....

2009-10-02T18:28:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Misty! We love you!

2009-09-29T15:52:00.001-07:00

Reading

2009-09-25T08:30:00.000-07:00

Sara got married!

2009-09-16T10:38:00.000-07:00

Little Ophelia

2009-08-27T17:58:00.001-07:00

Little Ophelia has been sick. A week ago she started throwing up and couldn't stop. She would get sick every time she ate. So, we took her to the vet Friday. They though maybe she had a virus and sent us home with some medicine. The poor kitty continued to get sick every time she ate. So, we took her back the Saturday. This time the vet said it could still be a virus, or it could be her pancreas. If it was her pancreas we may not be able to keep her. She needed to get better.

So, we took her home with special food and more medicine. She continued to get sick all day Sat. and Sunday. Monday morning she got sick again and had a little blood in her throw up :(.

Let the crying began. I called the vet and cried to the receptionist. They told us to bring her in for a few days and many tests. I cried. I was convinced it was over, she was very sick and we would love have to put her down.

Thankfully, I was wrong. This kitty is a survivor.

They ran all the test and could find nothing, her pancreas was fine, and apparently, so was everything else. They gave her more fluids and kept her over night. We brought her home Tuesday night. This picture is Ophelia and Adaela's reunion. Yes, they are loveys.

She is now rocking too amazing shaved arms from her blood work. She looks like a cracked out poodle. But, we love her and we are so happy to have her home.

Mommy and Daddy Get Away!

2009-08-20T17:53:00.000-07:00

Andy and I took a big step this past weekend. We let Adaela over night for the first time. She is 16 months old and two of our dearest friends down here booked us a room on Key Largo and told us they were watching Adaela.

At first we both fought it. We said "no, no, we will take Adaela." But, both of us knew it was time. Adaela has a blast with these two and Andy and I needed the time.

This is not to say I didn't grimace every time I talked about leaving her. But we were only a couple of hours away, I could be there if I needed to be.

It was an awesome trip. I had forgotten how much fun Andy and I have together. We laughed and laughed. It is amazing how the daily business of living can drown out all the reason you really love someone. In the end I hope to be 90 and still laughing with this man.

Adaela had one big party while we were gone, and I am not going to lie, I was a little offended how "uneventful" our reunion was :). She gave me a big hug and then went to play with her toys.

Yes, I know it is a good thing she feels so secure.

So, put a check in another milestone box.

I love her and miss her

2009-08-04T17:38:00.001-07:00

Update

2009-07-26T14:52:00.000-07:00

Hello World,

I am writing with a weaning update. Letting your baby grow up is hard. My hormone levels have reached a whole new level of awesomeness. I have the broken out face and weepy episodes to prove it. My boobs are official back to their tiny selves :( and I have mysteriously dropped about 5lbs, ah hormones ( probably mostly boobs, yes they are that much smaller).

I am being reminded lately that I like a plan. I have never loved changed and now I have a living reminder in Miss Adaela that nothing stays the same. She is different, although more wonderful, everyday.

I am in one of those "in between" times. I am working on being thankful for the Grace of the moment. I feel like I am working on figuring out who I am today.

I found myself as a growing prego, then a new Mama, then a nursing/working Mom, now I in this toddler stage trying to figure out where I fit in.

Lot of unknown. It is good for me, a lesson in living in the moment. But, not my favorite. Alas, this too shall pass.

Weekend Funtivities

2009-07-19T13:53:00.001-07:00

Big girl

2009-07-16T10:11:00.001-07:00

Snuggle Bunny

2009-07-14T05:03:00.001-07:00

Weaning

2009-07-05T06:32:00.000-07:00

Well, the day I always knew would come has arrived. This is a day that at times I greatly anticipated and other moments I dreaded. It is official, Miss Adaela Elizabeth has been weaned.

Now, Adaela and I made it nursing 14 months. When I was prego I was a bit freaked out by the whole idea of nursing. My brother and I were not nursed, neither was Andy. It seemed a bit weird and frankly, looked painful.

I knew how great it was for the baby, and for Moms too, so, I decided I would do my best to make 4 months (a nurse told me that was the most important span of time to nurse).

To my surprise, I loved nursing. Adaela was a natural and I adored that time with her. And to future Moms out there, no it doesn't hurt if you are doing it correctly, and it wasn't weird at all. It was something that was just ours. No one else in the world could share that with her.

I found my attachement to nursing strengthened when I returned to work. Adaela was 3 months old and still so tiny. Someone else was taking care of her during the day. But, we still had our time together. Adaela loves her Daddy, they do many fun things together, but, nursing was our thing.

Don't get me wrong. There were nights and mornings when I thought "it will be great when I am no longer nursing and someone else can get up early, or put her to bed." But, mostly, I loved it and so did she.

We made it to the one year mark and I am not sure I have ever felt more proud. I worked over 40 hours a week and nursed my baby to a full year. It is one of the first important gifts I have given her.

I have spent the past two months wondering how we would wean. Would she just get tired of nursing and be done? Would she be mad at me when we stop?

This past Wed. I had a meeting in the evening and Andy gave her a bottle an put her to bed with out me. She did great. I knew this was the opportunity to wean her and be done.

So, I did it. Adaela has been a champ. Mom has been a bit of a mess.

The first night I hid in the guest room while Andy put her down ( I didn't want her to see me, freak out, and beg for milk). She went right down. Later that night I cried in my closet ( a favorite place for weeping :)). I was sad a that time in her life was over. She was not a little baby anymore. I was sad that the one thing I could give her that no one else in the world could offer was ending. Now Andy could do it all.

But, slowly my sanity returned, and I realized I will always be her Momma, even if I was no longer the "milk machine."

So, here is to a new phase in life and being able to drink as many Diet Dr. Peppers as I want to!

Daddy and dancing

2009-07-01T03:56:00.000-07:00

Adaela collects/loves giraffes, so, Dad was really excited when we found this giraffe at Epcot with my parents.

Adaela also loves to dance here is a great example. Prepare yourself :)

Stylin'

2009-06-27T14:07:00.000-07:00

Adaela has a love for my clothing, specifically my socks, bras, tights, and undies. Although, currently she is wearing on of my tank tops over her skirt and shirt.

She is only 14 months and I already can't keep her out of my closet, yes, I am in trouble.

Here is Adaela enjoying the hot summer months in Florida. She is a little Florida Fishy

Family Vacation/Kansas Wedding Trip

2009-06-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

These are pictures from Sam and Lindsay's wedding. Miss Adaela was a dancing queen :)

These are pictures from our day at Discovery Cove swimming with dolphins :)

Adaela rediscovered her love of bouncy seats when baby Graham visted my parents house in Kansas.

Shopping

2009-06-20T09:52:00.001-07:00

This is just way to cute not to post it.

The Plague

2009-06-18T06:19:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, I have some rare form of the plague. One of my eyes goes blurry and I can't hear much of anything. My doctor says one of my eyes is "swollen," as well as my ear drums. All of this seems to be due to a sinus infection. So, I am on the drugs and a nasal spray and hoping to be able to see and hear fully soon :)

Come on, give us a kiss!!

2009-06-14T08:08:00.000-07:00

Ahhhhhhhhh!!

2009-06-11T12:13:00.001-07:00

Life is a bit stressful at the moment. My boss is on maternity and
work has kicked it up a notch :)

Chilling out

2009-06-01T13:31:00.000-07:00

Adaela is resting from her busy vacation :)

Dear Aunt Misty

2009-05-30T12:46:00.001-07:00

Dear Aunt Misty,
I love to color and draw. Would you give me some lessons?? Mom says I
have real potental.
Smooches,
Adaela

Miss Minnie Mouse aka Adaela E

2009-05-29T08:49:00.000-07:00

Here she is at downtown Disney. She has been a real trooper this trip.
Her favorite thing to do is clap when everyone is clapping at the
shows. She is an excellent clapper.

Tank out at Seaworld

2009-05-28T05:53:00.001-07:00

Adaela has a new word "shark" she learned it on her first trip to
Seaworld, then, she tanked out. God bless the Ergo for naps on the run.

I am wondering if anyone reads this anymore??

Scratch that

2009-05-24T10:27:00.001-07:00

Dad's finger was dislocated.

Sent from my iPhone

Grandpa's broken finger

2009-05-24T08:08:00.000-07:00

My Dad somehow hurt his finger getting into the rental mini van Friday
night. It was purple and swollen Sunday morning, so, we took him to
the ER. This was his x ray.

Orlando vacation

2009-05-24T07:20:00.000-07:00

First day of vacation and Adaela is driving.

Family Vacation

2009-05-21T06:22:00.000-07:00

We are headed for a full-on-Ahlvers/Amick family vacation on Friday. My parents fly in on Tuesday night and tomorrow we are picking up the rented mini-van and heading to Orlando for the week. Uncle Nolan flies into Orlando tomorrow night to begin the week of family fun.

I am SO excited that Tuesday we are going to Discovery Cove and swimming with the Dolphins. This is on my "life list" and I could blow up from anticipation.

But, even more exciting than the dolphins, I will get an entire week with my family and no work. It has been a bit of a rough/challenging spring and I am ready to rest and rejuvenate. My brother has a way of making me laugh and remember being little and silly and I could use a little of that right now.

So, tonight we are packing up all the baby gear and our swim suits and tomorrow we head out of Adaela's first family vacation. Let the games begin!

My little tulip

2009-05-12T05:01:00.000-07:00

Birthday Girl

2009-05-06T10:07:00.000-07:00

The birthday party was a great success. Here is the star!

My little flower

2009-04-29T12:24:00.001-07:00

Happy First Birthday Adaela!

2009-04-26T15:53:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday my darling little girl. I can't believe how quickly this year has gone by. It has been the best and fastest year of my life.

You were born at 9:39 am on Sunday morning, April 27th. The Dr. said you would be here with the next push and the song "Shelter from the Storm" by Bob Dylan started playing. Both Daddy and I began to cry. We knew this was the moment, the moment we had always be been waiting for.

If I have learned anything this past year it would be that I have needed you just has much as you have needed me. I will always be your Shelter from the Storm, thank you for being mine.

I love you. Happy Birthday Adaela Elizabeth,

Mom

"Twas in another lifetime, one of toil and blood
When blackness was a virtue and the road was full of mud
I came in from the wilderness, a creature void of form.
"Come in," she said,
"I'll give you shelter from the storm."

And if I pass this way again, you can rest assured
I'll always do my best for her, on that I give my word
In a world of steel-eyed death, and men who are fighting to be warm.
"Come in," she said,
"I'll give you shelter from the storm."

A year ago today.

2009-04-26T07:14:00.000-07:00

Here I was a year ago today in early labor.

Heart Ball Week insanity....

2009-04-22T05:36:00.000-07:00

Hey Adaela, what do you think about Momma's crazy Heart Ball week?? Agreed.

Easter

2009-04-19T11:36:00.001-07:00

Easter time is here. Adaela's first Easter on the "outside." I love Easter. My Grandmother, always says "We are Easter people. We are people of Hope." I like this. She is right we are Easter people, and sometimes, that is all that we have. Thankfully, it is enough for me.

I gave up all sweets for Lent. I have done this for a couple of years now and usually it almost destroys me. I am a sugar girl. I love ice cream, snow cones, candy, chocolate, cupcakes, icees, etc. But, I was surprised this year it wasn't has devastating as usual.

I think after having Adaela and learning to sacrifice for her over and over again, when it was time to let go of sugar and sacrifice for Lent, some how, it was easier.

That is a wonderful gift of motherhood. The opportunity and even desire to sacrifice. To look past myself and my wants and needs for the good of another. I can not believe Adaela will be a year old a week from tomorrow. (Ps. tomorrow 4-20 is Andy's birthday, he doesn't like people to know, but I can't stop myself :) he will be 30!!).
Time has flown with this little pixie.

I will be done nursing and pumping at work soon. Now, that has been a sacrifice, I don't want to see that pump for a while.

Anyway, Easter was a wonderful day full of sugar and friends. My Heart Ball is this coming weekend, so it will be a busy, busy work week.

Here is a little Adaela cuteness to get us through the week....

Relaxing

2009-04-17T08:04:00.001-07:00

Swim Baby

2009-04-11T13:52:00.001-07:00

Miss Adaela LOVES to SWIM!!! Come visit us in Florida and she will take you for a swim :)

Cutie

2009-04-08T07:57:00.000-07:00

Man, I love this Smoochie!!

Party Time!

2009-04-05T10:03:00.000-07:00

We went to an "America's Top Model" birthday party. It was a blast,
Grandma & Grandpa Amick babysat. We will miss them tomorrow when they
are home in Indiana. I'm wearing hot pink tights in this picture,
sadly, they didn't make it in the shot.

Smoosh face baby

2009-04-01T10:52:00.000-07:00

Adaela was really sleepy!

The Girlz

2009-03-30T07:59:00.000-07:00

Here I am in Orlando with the Nieces and our big sunglasses!

Randoms

2009-03-23T19:04:00.001-07:00

I had to post this picture because Adaela just looked WAY TOO CUTE in it. She is a beauty, her Mom thinks so at least. Yes, Sam, I took a bath picture of her :).

Well, the more pictures I take with Adaela the more and more I realize how crazy I can look. I don't know if something comes over me when I am with her that makes me INSANE, or if I just look that way all the time. You can be the judge...

Zoo-ba-lee-ZOO

2009-03-22T07:18:00.000-07:00

Grandma and Grandpa Ahlvers are were hear visiting and Adaela had a blast. They played games all day long while I was at work. Grandma is convinced Miss A will be walking any day now. I promise to keep you posted.

So, I took off work on Friday and we took our first trip to the Naples Zoo. Stephanie and Addison met us and we had a great time.
Adaela took a "ride" with Grandpa in his snazzy wheel chair at the zoo. She enjoyed the view and the company. And, I am pretty sure Grandpa had fun too with the wiggly worm, Adaela.

Adaela seemed to like the lions the best. I think it is because the lions most resemble Mom's hair every morning. Overall, the Naples zoo was pretty nice. The local news was there filming the new lion cubs and Adaela, Mom, Stephanie, and Addison made the news!

The whole day was SO exciting that Adaela and I had to do a little dance. Please see below...
Yes, she is a genius dancer!

Visitors

2009-03-20T08:02:00.001-07:00

Adaela's Kansas Grandparents are visiting, aka, my parents. I am posting some older pictures, because we have been having too much fun to take pictures :).

I've taken today off to be with the family and I think we are headed to the Naples zoo. I promise to post some Adaela loving the animal pictures tomorrow.

In the mean time, here is a gratuitous Mohawk shot of Miss Adaela E.

One her way...

2009-03-09T18:23:00.001-07:00

Oh Adaela E., I can't believe you will soon be 11 months old and next month is your special Birthday month. Time truly does fly. I am sorry I have been behind in posting on our blog. Life has been busy but good.

Every day you are conquering new milestones. You now stand on your own like a big girl. You are starting to take steps from one furniture piece to another. I know you will be walking before me know it. You have befriended Tybalt and spend much of your day looking for him to "wrestle."
You learned a few new words like "kitty" and "ball."

Many people tell me how cute and sweet you look. But, if I had to choose one word to describe you it would be intense. You can be so "focused" (your father blames this one on me) and very determined. You are already very expressive. You are sensitive and so full of life. I think you could make an incredible actress some day, actually, if you want to, of course :)

You can be very loud when you talk and squeal. But, when you sing, your voice become very sweet. It has to be my one of my favorite sounds in the world. Next, to "Mama", of course. People may think I am nuts, but, I swear you can match pitch already when we sing our songs.

You swing at the park now and love it. You love to play in your room all by yourself like a "big girl." This play time includes pulling all your toys into the middle of your room, emptying the clothes out of your bottom drawer, and lots of talking.
You have four teeth now. Your two front teeth have come in and your look like a cute little jack-o-lantern. You love to eat. I think that Cheerios are your favorite, along with squash, and yogurt. We are still nursing. But, I know my days are numbered. I am so happy and proud to make it a whole year breast milk. A whole year of you and me.

I can not believe it has almost been a year. Dear Lord, I hope the rest of your life doesn't go this fast.
You are so FUN. We have a blast! My favorite time of the day is when we are playing on the living room floor together, laughing, and singing, and snuggling. Your smile lights up my heart.

I have no idea what the future holds for our special little family, but I do know together we will love every moment.

Working Mom

2009-02-02T04:27:00.000-08:00

Oh Adaela, why can't you get a job at the American Heart Association
and come to work with me? I miss you all day.

Big Girl

2009-01-27T14:52:00.001-08:00

Wow! Nine months has flown by my sweet girl. You have come a long way. We have come a long way together. Thank you for your patience with me. We have learned together how this all works. Thank you for your sweet silliness. Thank you for the way you greet me each day with excitement.

Thank you for your determination and intensity. You are definitely my daughter, and you are definitely yourself. You are Adaela Elizabeth Amick and I love you.

I am so happy and excited to watch you achieve each new milestone. At the same time I am so sad to watch you get so big so fast.

I want to put you in a box and keep you my little baby forever.

Yesterday, you crawled over and looked right at me and said "Mom." In that moment, I melted. That is what it is all about. I am your Mom.

I feel so blessed to get to watch you each day become more and more the woman God made you to be.

I love you Adaela,

Mom

Happy Nine Month Birthday!

2009-01-27T07:12:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday my Love! I can't believe you are nine month old. I
could not love you more.

First Beach Trip

2009-01-08T18:06:00.001-08:00

Here is Adaela's first trip to our sunny beaches. Ah, my little
Florida baby!

Wednesday Cuteness

2009-01-07T07:31:00.000-08:00

Adaela says is it the weekend yet?

2008

2009-01-02T12:56:00.000-08:00

2008 was the best year of my life. Adaela Elizabeth Amick filled it for love and excitement from the year's start. 2007 was a bit of a rough year. After a battle with Alzheimer's we lost my beloved Grandfather in November. I was heartbroken my Grandpa would not meet Adaela.

So, when January 2008 rolled around we were all ready. Ready for a new year and a new life. My parents and Andy's parents were in Florida visiting for that New Year's Eve. I was excited to be "showing" a little and looking like I could be prego. Little baby Adaela was busy rolling around in my belly. My dad and I bought a whole bunch of fireworks and we all set them off. It was a great start to the new year.

For the next four months, Andy and I waited nervous and excited for her arrival. Then, on April 27th, a week after her Dad's birthday, Adaela made her entrance. Life would never be the same.

The rest of 2008 was filled with kisses, diapers, rocking, laughing, "dada", "mama", crawling, and love.

Thank God for 2008. It feels impossible for 2009 to be any better, but, somehow with this little wonder around I think it really could be.

Smooches

2008-12-23T12:03:00.000-08:00

Give us a kiss!
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Adaela and Santa

2008-12-23T11:46:00.000-08:00

> Adaela loves to wrestle Santa!
>

Grrr

2008-12-23T11:43:00.000-08:00

She is one tough cookie

Hi Rita!!!

2008-12-23T11:08:00.000-08:00

Andy didn't bring you any coffee today but how about a raise?

Headed to Kansas

2008-12-20T07:02:00.000-08:00

We got up at 4 am. Can you tell?
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Cousins

2008-11-30T09:22:00.001-08:00

Grandpa David

2008-11-30T09:21:00.000-08:00

Sitting Pretty

2008-11-30T09:20:00.000-08:00

She can sit on her won now.

Adaela's first snow!!

2008-11-30T09:19:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving

2008-11-30T09:18:00.001-08:00

Vacation!!!

2008-11-21T05:04:00.001-08:00

We are headed to Indiana for 9 days. And...it's snowing! Adaela will
see her first snow. We are having a bi-family Thanksgiving. Yay
Ahlvers/Amick party!

Sick Head Baby

2008-11-17T14:28:00.000-08:00

Hi Friends,

Adaela is very sad to say she has a bad cold. Her little nose is all runny and she is coughing. Very sad. And, the saddest part of all is that she doesn't want to take her naps. This makes Mom very tired too :)

This is her new hat. She seems to love it and I think it makes her look like a cute little elf, just in time for Christmas!

Mowhawk Friday

2008-11-13T17:34:00.001-08:00

Uncle Nolan

2008-11-07T19:06:00.000-08:00

What can we say??

Bucket head

2008-11-07T19:04:00.000-08:00

Happy Saturday Bucket Heads

Hubba Hubba

2008-11-05T10:59:00.001-08:00

Look at these two studs and their beauties.

Purple People Eater

2008-11-05T10:57:00.000-08:00

Thanks for the Blanket Jaime!

Three Years

2008-11-03T18:04:00.001-08:00

Happy Anniversary, Andy. I can't believe it has been three years already.

I could not be more grateful for every moment with you. Thank you for the times you've made me laugh. Thank you for your patience with me when it takes me forever to get of the car :).

Thank you for all the incredible meals you have made for me. Thank you for all the walks together. Thank you for your hand to hold. Thank you keeping me warm.

Thank you for all the sacrifices you have made for me. Thank you for being you, strong, funny, and steady.

Thank you for showing up three years ago.

Thank you for showing up every moment since. For me. For our Family.

Thank you for being an incredible Dad and husband. I love you.

Here is to a hundred more years.

Food, Friends, and Lots of Disney

2008-10-23T19:57:00.001-07:00

We are headed to Orlando Friday evening to meet Misty, Sam, Samaire, and other friends. We are going to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival Mickey's not very scary Halloween. I could not be more excited. Adaela decided to try on her Halloweenie pj's to get in the spirit :)