2016 Christmas Card

2016....it's been a "changing" year.

So much has changed in such a short period of time. Below is in no particular order.

1. I changed shapes. 
I went from a recognizable form to a very uncomfortable pregnant lady. April was the longest month ever - I've never groaned so much in my life.

2. Two became three! We welcomed Eleanor into the world! 
She's been the biggest change of all, changing our household, our family, our world, our house, our travel plans, EVERYTHING.... you name it, she's impacted it. We laugh at her growth and changes and find ourselves sometimes just sitting and watching her. Sure, we don't get as much done, we don't sleep as much, we more laundry loads, we use more stain resister, and we snuggle more. And she's a big fan of the raspberry.

3. We said good-bye to TonyDanza. 
This was a hard one for me. He just wasn't doing well and I hated to see him suffering.

4. Political change and protests
During the last couple months of the year, we watched the world change. Between the DAPL protest, the presidential election, and the new governor... we watched the things we knew shift. Matt and I've had a lot of conversations about the impacts and ramifications all of these decisions have on our community. It's been an interesting time and as a first time parent, I am already worried how to shelter our daughter from the hurt and meanness of our world.

5. We became a dog household
We rescued Sam in November, a 7 year old English Pointer, who needs some work. He has a few things he needs to learn (like his name and some basic commands), and his shortcoming, just as his deafness are hard for him but we see this as a good test to if we are "dog people."


6. We welcomed Eric to stay with us while he finds his place in ND.
Eric moved into the basement in September after moving home from Mississippi. It's been good for the family as he gets to know Eleanor and I a little better and become more comfortable with her. He's quick to help out when asked.

7. We learned to travel with an infant.
I didn't say we were good at this or that we've mastered it. We just learned how it's so different. Now things include multiple bags or items and we don't just pick up and go like we'd like.

8. We made major improvements to the house.
Starting the first of the year with backsplash, wallpaper removal, shower door removal, painting, nursery designing, to new flooring, new lighting, new furniture, 2 tvs, a slew of baby equipment, and probably my favorite, some pictures up on the wall! This is the longest we've been in a house together and it feels amazing to make it ours.

So from our house to yours... may 2016 have been a wonderful year for you - it's one we will never forget - no matter how it blurred by!

Love, the Remynses 
Matt, Amanda, and Eleanor

May 2017 have more changes.