family jewels

We all have our weird phobias. Some people can't stand spiders, some heights, some water. And then there are some people out there who are literally spooked by very strange things, like...jewelery. I was surprised to learn that my good-ol'-boy-husband has this jewelry phobia. Necklaces, rings, earrings, you name it, he hates it. He's not "scared" of jewelry, but he really is grossed out by it. He's very specific about when jewelry crosses the point of disgust for him, but he will make it clear that he can't stand it, especially in piles on a counter and especially not in someones mouth. Interestingly enough, his little sister shares this phobia. After doing a little research online, although rare, there really are people who are grossed out by jewelry.

When I first learned of this, naturally I did what any normal person would do, I dangled as much shiny jewelry in front of his face as I could, saying "Really? This is gross to you? Really??" And then watch him cringe and gag. "This?" with a little more shaking near his face. If I'm feeling down and need a laugh now and then, I'll get out a big ol' necklace and watch him go. It always seems to lift my spirits.

Well, as you'll see in this video, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree....

good morning, beautiful

Amelia is becoming a kissing expert. I get awoken every morning to little hands grabbing the sides of my head, turning me toward her and then I receive several big, wet, loud kisses from tiny lips right on my mouth. And she doesn't always close her mouth to give you one of her REAL smooches. Of all the things in the world, nothing can beat getting woken up this way. I have been so pleased that she also gives other people kisses when asked nicely.

So yes, we do bring Amelia into our bed in those early morning hours when she wakes up much too soon for us. What a special time this is!! Snuggling and kissing, hearing her sit up and say, "hi! hi!", and then crash down on us for more snuggling.



Since it's the end of July, my little toddler has also earned a very nice little tan. It's so special to have a little person, squishy legs and fingers sprawled all over me, who is the exact same color as me in the summertime. And hard not to giggle when Grant holds her, who is not so bronze, to see such a big difference in color! Of course, her sweet round little face, bushy eyebrows and deep dimples reveal that she is indeed his baby girl.


Watching Amelia running around, learning more everyday and changing so quickly made us look forward to watching our family grow. That's why I'm 7 weeks pregnant with our next baby :)

it's no big deal...

BUT SHE'S WALKING!!!!



and if you think it's really cool...(like we do of course) here's a really long video of her first night of walking!!