We are settling back into our routine now that Amelia’s birthday has been and gone and I have finished and received the album. What a project! But, totally worth it, so much so that I have signed on for another four years.
I have been sitting here reflecting over the last few days and realized that I have almost been in the States for 3 years! Where has the time gone? It seems like last week when I was watching my Dad struggle with the ridiculously large and heavy bags to the check-in desk. And all the emotion that went with “saying goodbye” even though I was going to be seeing them again in a few weeks. I have spoken to various people who have done similar things…left home and moved abroad. The first year is not a good one…you’re trying desperately to still be you, the old you, but you want to fit in too. The second year hits and without really noticing, you’re finding it all the more comfortable. I can’t say that I am American but I don’t think I can really say I am English anymore either. I am sure there are some of you who feel differently about that statement but being here and living it you want to think you’re fitting in like Joe Blogs next door but you’re constantly reminded of how different you are…even if it’s just a case of pronoucing tomatoes differently 
Your personal subtle differences and nuances in your home country are just that…but when you move somewhere else they are so vast that it’s regularly noticed. It used to really bother me but now I just shrug my shoulders…
Without a doubt I can say that the house I live in is my home…other than my parents’ home and my apartment it’s the only place I have really felt is my home. It has the people I love living in it and memories all over the place. But the reminder that I am an alien still rings through my ears. Perhaps it was my new green card that arrived with big bold letters on the covering letter stating my “Alien Number” that has got me thinking about it. I suppose I can say without a shadow of a doubt I am part of a family and we’re our own people…The Pizzlets!
We have been suffering this week with young Amelia being grizzly…another tooth (that makes 8 so far) came through. 12 more to go. Now if they could just come in 4′s like before we could bash it out in 3 weeks. Since she’s grinding her teeth and chewing so much we decided to give her some crackerbread and Nutella…I think it’s fair to say that she loved it. If you’re thinking of giving this a go with your baby here’s a tip…put two sleepsuits on and that way you can just remove the top one when you’re done. Much less mess!
Adam says: Looks like she grabbed the cracker and Kung Fu'd it! Was fun cleaning that one up!! on 03.31.10 @ 6:08 pm
Grandma Betty says: Love the pic of Amelia covered in Nutella - she looks like she enjoyed the experience. Love your words also. on 03.31.10 @ 9:03 pm
Jo says: Kate - I just love your photos! Any tips you want to share on your blog?? Jo x on 04.1.10 @ 7:39 am
Tamara says: Great shot! I can't believe how many teeth she has! What a big girl she has become. on 04.1.10 @ 7:49 am
Nancy says: She has grown SO much! I miss you guys and so do the girls. on 04.1.10 @ 9:01 am
Rebecca says: Now there's a picture that could be used for a Chocoholics Anonymous ad. I love it!!! on 04.1.10 @ 10:15 am
Uncle James says: Just wait until this picture does the rounds when you get older like mine did on 04.16.11 @ 4:35 am