salmon with raspberries

A couple of videos for you...

Amelia not only feeds herself, but also helps dad finish his dinner.

This is a little post-bath ritual she's been doing for a few months now. I think this must break some type of record for a person her age.

Bless my sisters

Since becoming a mom my eyes have been opened to how fortunate I am to be blessed with so many sisters, and of course a fantastic sister-in-law. If there's one thing I hope to give Amelia it is the gift of a family like I have. I don't know what I would do without the unconditional comfort and support I receive immediately from each of them, while they expect nothing in return. So many times I just need a "we've been there" phone call from an experienced older sister with tried-and-true ideas; or the comfort that comes from one of them saying "it's a stage, there's absolutely nothing you can do but hang in there". Not to mention the familiar way they all can grab Amelia and shower her with kisses, knowing exactly how to make a 13-month old giggle. I can just sit back knowing there is not a hint of judgement in any of them, only a genuine nod of the head that they know exactly how fun, frustrating and frantic having a toddler can be.

And the very special blessing that I have that very few people get, is a twin sister. Meg is not only just the aunt that looks, talks and moves exactly like Amelia's mom; but she is the living, breathing version of me, pre-Amelia. I get a peek at who I was before everything changed. In other words, I get a timely "what the heck are you doing??" from Megan to remind me of who I was, and standards I had before Amelia came along. For example, pleasant suggestions to not let Amelia completely run my life, or demanding me to give her to a grandma and get the heck out of the house. Or to remind me that some people actually enjoy talking about things other than naps, laundry, and how my daughter is the cutest, funniest and smartest.

So, all this to say I don't know what I would do without my sisters. I would be lost and crazy. Lost...and crazy. I love all of you.