Posted by: Amanda in Amanda Carroll on
Dec 29, 2008
There I was 6 weeks after having our baby boy and 30 pounds heavier trying on cocktail dresses for my husband's company Christmas party.
As my daughter played with her dollhouse in her room and the baby slept, I dug deep in the back of my closet to see if a red strapless dress I wore to a company party two years ago would fit.
I took a deep breath, shimmied it over my hips and started to zip it up while hoping it would make it beyond my waist and I could stave off a breakdown. The zipper stopped at my back. Even a few grunts and groans couldn't get it up to contain my back and chest.
As I prepared myself for a breakdown, my daughter runs into my room, mouth wide open and says,
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Posted by: Amanda in Amanda Carroll on
Oct 20, 2008
He is here! Andrew Gregory Fisher was born 10-19-08 at 4:20pm EST. He is 6lb 12 oz and 20 1/4 inches long. He is perfect! Mommy is doing well too. Labor took about 10 hours and pushing 1 hour. whew... We feel so amazingly blessed to have another healthy baby. Thank you God! Love, Greg, Amanda, Emily, and Andy Fisher! VIEW MORE PICTURES HERE.
Cross posted on http://amandacarroll.wordpress.com/.
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Posted by: Amanda in Veralana, Baby, Amanda Carroll on
Oct 06, 2008
What is it about motherhood and pregnancy that makes you feel so invincable? Maybe it's the hormones, or maybe it's just because all of a sudden you realize you have no other choice but to be strong for your children.
Yesterday, I did something brave for me, and had a professional photo shoot with my bare pregnant belly. I'm typically pretty shy of taking pictures of myself especially when I feel well...as large...as I am. But, when friend and fellow Vienna Mom Club member, Emily Korff, of VeraLana Photography brought up the idea, I went for it. And I'm so glad we did it! I will never forget the experience. I felt beautiful. I felt special. I felt powerful to be a mama!
Emily Korff
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Posted by: Amanda in Amanda Carroll on
Sep 29, 2008
Inside the gates of the White House grounds
Help me stop the negativity and pessimism about the future of America today...and turn into Hope. The confident expectation in the future of our families and the future of America.
I'm tired of the campaigning surrounding the election...and the media coverage of it only discussing the worst about our country instead of the hope that we have in our future! I'm tired of everyone being so negative and pessimistic about this Bank Bailout in the news freaking everyone (and the stock market) out.
Where is the optimism?
I challenge you...to be hopeful and optimistic today in your job...in your home...and to the media. To trust that the people working
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Posted by: Amanda in Reflections, Amanda Carroll on
Aug 28, 2008
I lost my Grandmother today. She passed away this afternoon from...well..."old age". She was one of the toughest women I had the pleasure of knowing. She only had 2 grandchildren, my sister, and I, sometimes I felt like her daughter. I miss her voice, but will never forget her spirit - it feels stronger than ever in my heart now.
The greatest thing about Grandma's in your life is that you know that no matter what happened in your day there is always someone that is thrilled to hear from you. Sometimes waiting by the phone for you. There is always someone that will bake you cookies...and send you packages...even when you're over 30. Always someone to listen to every word you say.
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Posted by: Amanda in Products, Amanda Carroll on
Aug 18, 2008
Saw this tonight while surfing around for some baby gear at BabiesRUs.com. I was looking for a backpack/sling to carry enough stuff for 2 kids instead of just one, and I stumbled upon this new product. The Daddy Diaper Vest! Here's what the website said about it:
"DadGear introduces the Diaper Vest. This wearable diaper bag is the hottest innovation in parenting gear since the diaper bag itself. Our revolutionary twist on the traditional diaper bag sets the standard for our "hands free" line. Combining comfort and style, you can change, feed, and entertain your child with ease and no one will be able to tell you are wearing your diaper bag. We have strategically placed pockets for all of
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Posted by: Amanda in Reflections, Amanda Carroll on
Jul 26, 2008
What would you teach your children if you knew it was your last day with them?
I know it's a tough and morbid thought today, but I'm challenged with this concept after I read a great article in Parade Magazine on Sunday about the Last Lecture of Professor Randy Pausch . He is a husband and father of 3, and he is dying of cancer.
Hopefully we will never get to this point. But, it's possible, and who knows if we will be lucky enough to have a warning. It made me seriously think about what my job as a mother really is all about. Do I want to mold my daughter into a a dream I have for her? No. I have to figure out how to empower her to be herself and achieve her own dreams and desires.
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Posted by: Amanda in Reflections, Amanda Carroll on
Jul 21, 2008
When Mommy puts Emily to bed it's quiet and calm. We read a bible story, Goodnight Moon, say a prayer, and cuddle.
When Daddy puts Emily to bed he starts with silly stories, usually some tickeling, and tonight he's reading to her a book about Black Holes. Well, I guess that book would put me asleep too!
Here's the actual title of the book he's reading: "The Black Hole War: My Battle with Stephen Hawking to Make the World Safe for Quantum Mechanics". He picked it up at Borders last weekend.
I love my husband.
Cross posted on http://amandacarroll.wordpress.com/.
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Posted by: Amanda in Toddlers, Amanda Carroll on
Jul 20, 2008
So, we hit a bump in the road with Emily's "Big Girl Bed". The transition from the crib went so smoothly at first. She's not getting out of it on her own....but it's so much harder to get her to fall asleep. We made the mistake of falling asleep with her. NOT GOOD. Now, we have a whole new routine of books and cuddling and prayer with her. And lately, she only wants Mommy.
At 7:35pm....Greg tried tonight to help and do the bedtime routine...but she cried off and on for an hour screaming MOMMY! I finally went up to calm her down, cuddle, read her "tractor" book that she loves...and 30 minutes later I'm still trying to "get away"...but her please of "one more minute mommy" mealt my
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Posted by: Amanda in Amanda Carroll on
Jun 05, 2008
I'm getting sentimental. Just wanting to spend lots of "girl time" with Emily before the baby boy comes. So today we spent time in the garden together, wore dresses, and played tea party. Only a precious few months left with just me and my little girl.
What other "girl time" activities should we do this summer?
Cross posted here.
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Posted by: Amanda in Pregnancy, Amanda Carroll on
Jun 05, 2008
They say, every pregnancy is different.
With my first pregnancy I could only eat plain foods. Grilled Cheese, Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwhiches, and Cheese Quesadillas.
With my second pregnancy I can't get enough TABASCO! I put it on everything. I've never eaten it before!
But now, I eat it with my eggs for breakfast, on my taco for lunch, and even on pizza. I must have TABASCO. Everything tastes so plain without it.
And, it has to be Chipotle flavored TABASCO. It just hits the spot.
Is it the difference between a boy and a girl? Crazy...
Cross posted on http://amandacarroll.wordpress.com/.
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Posted by: Amanda in Pregnancy, Amanda Carroll on
Jun 04, 2008
Today is the day! We have our 20 week ultrasound this morning and will find out if our baby is a boy or a girl! It feels so big to me! Just as exciting as finding out you are expecting...almost as big as "labor day". Expert mom opinions have predicted a girl...oh a sister for Emily how precious. She will have the blessing that I have had in my sister, Meaghan.
My mind still wanders at the thought of a boy...who will take care of his momma. Hmm... I will update with the answer today!
Your predictions?
Cross posted on http://amandacarroll.wordpress.com/.
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IT'S A BOY!
My hunch was right! We are thrilled to announce that we are having a son! He is perfect. The doctor says there are no problems, he is healthy and strong!
We're thinking of naming him "Andrew" and calling him "Andy"...still working on middle names!
Thank you Father! You truly spoil your children. Emily will be enthralled with her baby brother, Andy!
His Daddy will make sure he has every video game known to man, and his Mommy will give him a tender heart and raise him to become a good husband and father! Is it too much to ask for a football star too?!
I have thought it was a boy all along...and been nervous about it. Thinking, "I don't know what to do with a boy...how do you
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Posted by: Amanda in Reflections, Amanda Carroll on
May 25, 2008
Memorial Day Reflections
Two Farmers
Two Worlds Apart
Two different sides of the war
Two Sacrifices
One Legacy
One American Girl
Emily, her ice cream sandwhich, and Oma (Greg's mom Gert) at the WWII Memorial in Washington D.C.
It began with my mother's father...my Grandfather, John Marker of Bement, IL. A simple farmer's son turned airforce pilot in World War II. Survived the war and came home to start his family and take over the family farm with my Grandmother, Emily. Together they had four children. He died in 1956 of a heart attack out in the fields of his farm. My mother was only 6 years old. My Grandmother, Emily, became a single mom of 4 in the 50's. She raised 3 girls and 1 boy on her own.
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Posted by: Amanda in Amanda Carroll on
May 21, 2008
My alarm is set to 91.9, a Christian radio station in the Washington D.C. area. Today, I woke up not to an inspirational song, but to this horrific news story. One of the most recognized and sucessful Contemporary Chrisitan musicians has lost his 5 year old daughter.
The dj was asking for prayer. I am trying to find the words to pray, honestly, I am at a loss. I told God a moment ago, "I don't know how to pray for them...Lord find a way to comfort them."
Please, if you find the words, pray for Steven Curtis Champan, his wife, and 5 surviving children.
I have had the pleasure of speaking with and interviewing Steven several times as a dj for KSBJ-Houston. He's the real deal. The family
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