Presents from Aunt Amanda

I just LOVE being an Aunt! I have four nephews and one niece. Realizing that I could only make presents for them while they are still young, I got to work! After each nephew/niece is born, I paint letters for them spelling their name. When they get to the age when they can draw, paint, and create I make them art smocks from colorful material (I will have to post about those another time.

In 2008, John and I were blessed with our nephew, Andrew and niece, Helena. As a part of their Christmas presents I made name letters for them.

Andrew has a frog/Lilly pad/butterfly/firefly/snail theme in blues, greens, and yellows. The letters that I created are similar to the designs already in his room, but are not exact. I wanted them to look a part of the room, but not to blend in completely.


Before Helena was born, my brother and his wife were thinking of doing butterflies in brown, beige, and pink. I took that theme and ran with it! I am not sure that they have completely stuck with the original theme, but I think the letters will look just fine in Helena's room. (I took these pictures in a hotel room where I did not have quality lighting).

My Neice, Helena

A new baby is like the beginning of all things-wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.

-- Eda J. Le Shan

Make a Smilebox slideshow

My brother and his wife had their first child in late December. Her name is Helena Rose and she was born 7 lbs, 14 oz and was 19 inches long. She is the first grandchild on my side and my parents could not be happier to be grandparents (just don't call my Mom granny!). John and I have 4 nephews on his side and were happy to add a niece to my side of the family.

We all went to Dallas in early January to meet her and visit with my brother, David and his wife, Rhea. Helena is cute, sweet, and a delight to be around. She brought a smile to everyone's face along with hugs and cuddles to our hearts.

During our stay, I spent hours holding Helena. I enjoyed looking into her eyes and bonding. My parents and John also spent a good deal of time holding her. One of the highlights of our visit is when my Mom and I gave her the first full bath since she had been home. As soon as we put her in the water, she was calm and content. No smell is sweeter than a baby that has just had a bath!

We also enjoyed spending time with David and Rhea. It had been over a year since we had seen them and we were LONG overdue for a visit. It was neat seeing them as new parents and how they interacted with Helena. I always knew that my brother would make a wonderful father and it was great seeing him in action. I cannot wait to see how she will have him wrapped around her finger as she gets older. ;-)

Helena is a blessing to our family and is blessed to have loving parents, grandparents, a great grandmother, aunts, uncle, and cousin. We love you Helena!