Documenting our lives. One post at a time.
05.30.12
I had to go and pick up B12 shots today for Amelia in Savannah. I really don’t have the time this week but duty calls. While I was over there I thought I would take advantage of Fresh Market’s amazing flower selection. They never disappoint. Ranunculus…so pretty. Amelia helped to arrange them. She was so proud of herself afterwards too!!
05.29.12
It is harder than you think to entertain a kid in a 6×6 space. Don’t get me wrong, we had a huge amount of space to work with but it’s not “my” space. We were spending the day at Fripp getting it ready for Mum and Dad this weekend. The last thing I wanted was for Amelia to move her toy operation upstairs and scuff the newly painted walls or drop something on the brand new carpet. So I tried my best (without makeshift walls) to confine her. Thankfully Betty (aka my Mum) has a playhouse and I brought snacks. So a mini picnic later and Tangled on the TV and we were a go. She was as good as gold. All. day. long!! I haven’t been able to say that in a long while. She played with me, on her own and with the foreman when he stopped by for a meeting. Amazing. And props to the foreman, Chris, for getting on the floor and playing with her. Awesome.
We are now at 4 days and counting for their arrival. I don’t think I have been this excited since Christmas ’84 (the first one I can really remember)!!!!!!
Auntie Lallah says: What a fun house you have. Hope I can join you in there one day on 05.31.12 @ 7:55 am
05.21.12
It’s been a hectic week for us running back and forth to Fripp, getting the house ready for Mum & Dad. Right now they are waiting for their ship to come in – literally. They are sailing tomorrow and arrive in New York at the end of the month. It’s all very Danielle Steel. Actually this week has been quite emotional, whenever I think of Mum & Dad I picture them at Kettlebarn…not any more. Kettlebarn isn’t their home anymore. It’s not mine either. Right now they are between homes, living out of a suitcase (or three). Whilst I am sad that Kettlebarn is a thing of the past, I am getting excited that they’ll be right down the road from us in just a few weeks.
I have been receiving gifts, suitcases, work, boxes and trying to keep up with the final stages of the house upgrade. It’s truly been all go. To add to that we have had doctor’s appointments, trips to Savannah (to pick up some of Amelia’s special supplements), and school functions to attend. It’s hardly a wonder that Father Time (Adam) and I can’t stay up past 8:45pm.
So on Sunday, we took a drive downtown, parked and took a stroll. It was a little blustery since the first named storm of the season was rolling down the coast but other than some wind it was pretty out. I am so glad we made some time for this too…we got some great pictures with Amelia. I should have brought my tripod and got a family shot…next time. For now, I am loving these!
I’m not as good as Adam at swinging a 29lb child though…
We are so looking forward to a weekend in a few weeks time…it has yet to be determined…to just sit and stare at the wall. Let’s just get Mum & Dad here and settled in…and get Amelia off all the drugs and get the house cleaned. And the list goes on…yes, I am sure there’s a free weekend in there somewhere 
Tamara says: I better be included in that 'free' weekend. Missing you like crazy! We need to have some tea soon. Text me a day next week that works for you and I'll head down there :) Love you! on 05.21.12 @ 4:57 pm
Betty says: We love these pics - maybe we can join you next time on 05.22.12 @ 3:03 am
Auntie Lallah says: What a beautiful family time and a beautiful family. Hope to see you soon! on 05.22.12 @ 11:19 am
Mary says: Looks like they are having the time of their life on board ship, Barry is really enjoying being out at sea, bet he is getting a chance to drive the ship too!! you must be over the moon thinking you will have them their soon - Love & Hugs Uncle Mike and Aunt Mxxx on 05.24.12 @ 3:12 pm
05.13.12
This weekend was Mother’s Day and we decided to go to the aquarium in Charleston. About a month ago Amelia and I went, it was a great way to help her to use her words and this visit was no different. She had a ball…staring at the albino alligator and pushing the button to simulate a thunderstorm.
Considering I am often complaining that there is nothing to do around here, the Charleston aquarium is pretty cool. It has the resident albino gator, otters, eagles, lobsters, fish (from both salt water and fresh water), a Madagascar exhibit with a crocodile and lemurs (amongst other things) and an ocean exhibit that spans two floors in height. It was at the Ocean tank that Amelia learnt a new word…diver. She was amazed and sat there for about 20 minutes…
The diver was cleaning the coral and rocks and noticed Amelia watching so she came over to say hi! What a bonus to an already fun morning!!
This is a great place to go to if it’s raining or if you want to let the kids run…it is so incredibly kid friendly. There’s even a toddler petting area to touch horseshoe crabs and sea urchins…
Despite it being two hours away, I can see this place becoming a regular spot…we all enjoyed it. As Amelia grows we may be able to read all of the info along the way too. But for now, we experienced it the way she did…through pictures.
Baz says: I knew she would love the aquarium - the pictures are wonderful. See you soon Amelia on 05.14.12 @ 1:33 pm
sara says: AWESOME! LOVE these pictures, and that place, and that little girl... on 05.14.12 @ 1:38 pm
Betty says: I love these pix Kate, they are mesmeric. It looks like you all had a wonderful time the Charleston Aquarium is such fun on 05.14.12 @ 2:52 pm
rachele says: The first picture of the alligator is too perfect to be real!!! AMAZING photography Kate!!! I seriously think you should submit these photos to the aquarium b/c they are much nicer than I have ever seen in any aquarium brochure. They NEED you as their photographer! on 05.14.12 @ 11:31 pm
Mary says: What a fantastic place, the colours are so good too. what a bonus meeting the diver its all looks such fun. on 05.17.12 @ 2:28 pm
05.13.12
As part of our regular weekend activities, we went to Fripp to check on the house. Adam and I were making a list of things to talk to the foreman about and had just moved up to Amelia’s new room when we heard a noise. We looked over the balcony to see Amelia moving her operation upstairs…her entire operation! She doesn’t like to be left out…
Little hoarder!
Baz says: I thought this was our house. Are you trying to take over Amelia - hahaha! on 05.14.12 @ 1:34 pm
Kate says: It IS your house...we're just tending to it and Amelia was testing out the new carpet :) See you soon!! xoxo on 05.14.12 @ 1:55 pm
05.09.12
I mentioned in my last post that Amelia has become her own evil twin…she has so much energy and just won’t put any attention to one task. She was really doing well up until the gluten and antibiotics (two separate issues).
I know that toddlers can have an inordinate amount of energy but having to look at the most tiny of new behaviors as a sign or symptom of something more with Amelia is what we have to do. And increased energy is definitely new.
In 13 minutes she picked out her fairy dress and crown…started watching Alvin & The Chipmunks (which I apparently cut into).
Decided against the crown which she flung across the room. She realized I was unimpressed and I snapped her (hence the lack of feet) uh-oh expression!
I really wanted her to interact with me…so did she, just so long as I didn’t have the camera in my hand. As way to entice me to put it down she started to hone her button skills but undoing my jeans! Yep…after I captured her full in concentration I put it down…just long enough to do them back up.
And then her Daddy pulled into the driveway…she always waits for him at the window. Squealing Dah deeeee Dah deeeeee!!
**Side Note** Look at how long her hair is getting. Some of you may not know that I regularly cut it so it is less wispy. The fish oil she takes makes it super shiny & strong. People would pay good money for those highlights wouldn’t they?!
Needless to say she stays busy! Maybe that’s why I feel like I need to sleep several times a day. I am just shattered trying to entertain this kid!
Auntie Lallah says: Miss Amelia: Your hair is long. I barely remember a bald headed baby! Glad we have pictures. Your legs are long too. You are looking like a beautiful girl and not a baby! Love you on 05.9.12 @ 3:08 pm
Betty says: Its easy for me being 4,000 miles away to think what a little angel you are Amelia but I am not dealing with the fall out of your month of sickness. Be kind to Mummy, she loves you so. on 05.10.12 @ 2:29 am
05.09.12
It’s going to be gone so quickly that if I don’t document it somehow I know I will never really remember her signing and asking for “more, please”. Actually, she currently says “mo eeeeaaase” but, whatever, it’s two words more than we had last year. This time last year we had NO WORDS (or signing). We would occasionally get ‘bye’ (maybe a couple of times a week) and when we did we shouted about it to those closest to us. Today we have lots of words and new ones each day.
You may wonder why she is in a high chair…a few weeks ago we used it for Sara’s baby and ever since then it has been Amelia’s preferred seat. I don’t love it but at least she doesn’t play the running-around-at-dinner game. She’s not herself, not at all. The antibiotics have made her (as her speech therapist said today) a totally different child. She’s spitting, throwing, hitting, pushing, having tantrums and I am over it. I am beyond done. She’s like a demon energizer bunny. Friday can’t come quick enough…Friday is that last day of the anti’s!
Perhaps then the more favorable behavior will set in. I can only hope. Do you see the second to last picture? She asked for more (again) and when I said no she let her snack cup fall to the floor. It was calculated. And then she looked up and grinned at me. Seriously kid…do you think that’s going to fly? Ya, this past month of maladies has been enlightening as to just how far we have come in five months! We are currently back in October and everyone is feeling the pain 
Betty says: We can all remember how our children played us up, you WILLl get through the pain Kate. In the meantime your gorgeous child knows exactly what she's doing and how to yank your chain. on 05.10.12 @ 2:24 am
05.09.12
Sorry…I haven’t been on in a while. I am in the middle of a crisis, doubting everything that comes out of my mouth and that I write. Oddly though writing this isn’t taking any kind of effort. Yesterday was a different story entirely, I wrote an email to a fellow photographer, I deleted it, rewrote it and stared at it for an hour. I got distracted, then Amelia didn’t nap and, well, long story short, I couldn’t remember if I sent it or not. I had that guilty dragging feeling like I had said something I shouldn’t have. Dread. I ran to the computer only to find I didn’t send it. Phew.
Really. Really?! I have become this person that is scared to send emails and talk to people lest I be misunderstood (yes, so many people “misunderstand” the British girl). A long time ago my Mum told me I should stop caring about what people think. That there comes a point where it clearly doesn’t matter what you do – for some people it will never be enough. Some people will like you, some won’t, some will be inspired by you, some will follow you, others won’t. Adam is the same way. Oh how I envy that simplicity.
It hit me yesterday that I am still trying to please everyone. And, in doing so I am certain that there are some that still aren’t satisfied – I know for sure I am not. I almost didn’t post these pictures, I wrote them off as rubbish. I sat there yesterday trying to figure out what people would think. I stared and stared at them convincing myself that I should post them all the while worried I wouldn’t win over the hearts of those that stop by to look at them.
Whether you love them or not…I do. They’re moody and pensive. They’re Amelia watching Madagascar 2 – again!
rachele wilson says: Kate - they are lovely as is the subject!! We miss you guys and I think of you often. on 05.9.12 @ 1:46 pm
Auntie Lallah says: These are some of the best pictures that Kate has ever done. Amelia, you are the perfect model Love you! on 05.9.12 @ 3:01 pm
Betty says: What are you worrying about - these pictures are captivating. Hold your head up because you are amazing. on 05.10.12 @ 2:17 am
Auntie Lallah says: Flowers are lovely. Enjoyed my visit with you. You are lovely too! on 05.31.12 @ 7:51 am