The Amos-Hallford Life

  • Our First Family Vacation: A Reunion, a Road Trip, and a Whole Lot of Memories

    This year, our much-anticipated first family vacation kicked off the way all great adventures should—with family, laughter, and just a hint of chaos. As tradition goes, we started our journey with our annual family reunion, always held around the 4th of July weekend. It’s a time filled with a fish fry and lots of catching up to do with the extended family.

    But what was supposed to be an 8-hour drive to our vacation destination turned into a 14-hour odyssey filled with detours, unexpected stand still traffic, and a lot of “Are we there yet?” moments. It wasn’t quite how we imagined the trip beginning, but it certainly set the tone for an unforgettable week.

    You may be wondering, why in the world did your trip take 14 hours? Trust me, we were wondering the same thing. As I normally do in times of confusion (and slight panic), I turned to my favorite search engine—TikTok. I typed in something like “What the heck is happening in Pell City, Alabama, and why am I not moving?!”

    Sure enough, the mystery was solved: a tractor-trailer had flipped over, and they had to bring a crane onto the interstate. A crane. And get this—it happened five hours before we even got close to that stretch of road. By the time we reached Pell City, traffic was still at a standstill. We moved a grand total of 0.4 miles in three hours. That’s not a typo. We could’ve walked it faster. Crawled, even.

    And just when we thought everything was dandy—we were only 30 minutes from my Memaw’s house, dreaming of pillows and praying that Henry would make the magical transfer from car seat to bed without waking up—I glanced down and saw it: 21 miles till empty. No big deal… until I realized the closest gas station in the direction we were heading was 39 miles away.

    Cue the panic.

    So! We took a major detour—about 30ish minutes out of the way—to find gas. And while it felt like an eternity at the time, driving down pitch-black, winding dirt roads in complete silence made us very thankful we weren’t stranded out there with a baby, an empty tank, and zero cell service. That little detour easily added an hour to our already too-long trip, but it may have saved our sanity.

    Finally, we pulled into Memaw’s driveway. We were exhausted, bleary-eyed, and ready to collapse. And just as Andrew and I let our heads hit the pillow, Henry—who had been an angel in the car—decided he was fully rested and ready to party. Our prayer for a smooth bedtime? Yeah, it didn’t even make it past the roof of the car.

    After what can only be described as a barely-there night of sleep (thanks, Henry), we slowly came back to life the next morning and made our way over to Grannie’s for the family reunion. It’s always the heart of our July 4th tradition—good food, familiar faces, and stories that somehow get more dramatic with each passing year.

    But this time, it felt different in the best way.

    It’s hard to believe that just last year, Henry was still in my belly, and we were imagining what it would be like to bring him into all of this. And now, here he was—the star of the show. Everyone wanted to hold him, see him, talk to him. He was crawling across the floor, giggling, and playing with his toys like he owned the place. And honestly? He kind of did.

    There’s something really special about seeing your baby in the same space you grew up in, surrounded by people who have loved you your whole life—now loving him just as much.

    After the buzz and happy chaos of the reunion settled down, we made our way across town to visit with my dad’s side of the family. It was a quieter moment, but just as special. My Aunt Vicky, Uncle Frankie, and Cousin Jessica finally got the chance to love on Henry in real life—and after almost nine months of only seeing him through a screen, it felt like a long overdue hug for all of us.

    There’s something so powerful about watching your child connect with people who’ve known you your whole life. Seeing them light up when they held him, hearing their laughter as he babbled and crawled around—it was one of those full-circle moments that you don’t forget. It reminded me how important it is to make the trip, however long and chaotic it may be, because this is what it’s all for.

    The next morning came quickly—because time always flies when you’re with family. We packed up our bags, soaked in a slow breakfast with Aunt Vicky, Uncle Frankie, and Jessica, and then hit the road once again—this time heading for Long Beach, Mississippi.

    Even though we were tired, and maybe still recovering from the 14-hour trip that should’ve been 8, there was something exciting about getting back on the road. A new destination, a new part of our first family vacation. We didn’t know exactly what the rest of the trip would hold, but with Henry in tow and coffee in hand, we were ready for whatever came next.

    After the travel drama on the way in, we were more than a little nervous to get back in the car—but thankfully, the drive to Mississippi was an absolute breeze. Henry napped for most of it (can we get an amen?), and it felt like the travel gods were finally giving us a break.

    Breaking up the trip home was hands-down one of our smartest decisions. Instead of trying to power through one massive drive, we gave ourselves space to actually enjoy the journey. Windows down, good music, and a peacefully snoozing baby in the back seat—it was the calm after the storm we didn’t know we needed.

    We rolled into Long Beach with just enough time to settle in, grab some groceries, and finally kick off the relaxing part of our vacation. Within a few hours, we had our toes in the sand, the ocean breeze in our faces, and Henry experiencing the beach for the very first time. Pure joy.

    After a quick beach stop, we headed to the pool to cool off and unwind. It felt surreal—just 2 days earlier we were crawling through traffic in Alabama, running on fumes (literally and emotionally), and now here we were, soaking in the sun with our little beach baby.

    There’s something about the mix of salty air, baby giggles, and the slow pace of a beach town that makes all the travel stress worth it.

    But let me be frank—Henry absolutely HATED the sand. I mean, full-body shivers, pick-me-up-right-now kind of hatred. The water? Total bliss. Splashing in the waves and the pool? He was all in. But the second his little toes touched the sand, it was game over.

    Still, I think it’s safe to say he’ll grow to love the beach more and more each time we go. And if it’s up to me? That’s going to be every single year. Because despite the chaos, the traffic, the baby sleep battles, and the sandy meltdowns—this trip was everything I hoped it would be and more.

    Our first family vacation was far from perfect, but it was perfectly ours. And I wouldn’t trade a single second of it.

    Now that the blog part of this post is officially over…
    Please enjoy the endless photo dump. 😄

    From beach days to backseat naps, baby giggles to sandy meltdowns—it’s all in there. And best believe, there are loads more where these came from (shoutout to my camera roll for being 90% Henry these days).

    Thanks for coming along for the ride—chaos, cranes, and all. 💛

    Digital Camera Used

  • The Season of Love

    If you would have told 7th grade Kylah that Her and Sierra would still be rocking it, she’d believe you.

    Sierra and I met in 7th grade writer’s workshop, right after I had just moved back to Georgia and was fully committed to my “mysterious girl” era. I was deep in my Pretty Little Liars obsession, convinced I was the seventh liar (if we are counting Mona)—giving dramatic glances, barely talking, and acting like I had secrets that could ruin lives. It was wildly over-the-top, but I was dedicated. Then out of nowhere, Sierra—completely unfazed by my silent soap opera performance—walked right up to me and asked if we could be friends. Just like that. And from that moment on, we never stopped. No awkward phase, no weird silences—just instant, easy friendship, like we were always meant to find each other.

    In both my lowest moments and my highest highs, Sierra has always been right there beside me. When I was a young adult making questionable choices and living way too fast, she was my emergency contact—literally and emotionally—and there was never a doubt in my mind that she was the one I trusted most with everything. Sierra has always been the one person I could never lie to; she sees straight through my sarcasm, my jokes, and all my attempts at comedic relief. She just knows when I need a hug, a shoulder to cry on, or someone to sit in silence and truly listen. Her presence in my life has been nothing short of grounding, honest, and unwavering.

    From awkward teens to lost young adults, I truly don’t know what I’d do without Sierra. We’ve grown up together in the most real, chaotic, and beautiful way, and even now—when she’s not even living in the same state—she’s still the person I go to nine times out of ten (and honestly, that one other time is probably a mistake). No matter the distance, she’s always just a call, text, or FaceTime away, ready with advice, comfort, or just her familiar presence that somehow makes everything feel a little more manageable.

    So when it came to the big, life-changing moments—like pregnancy announcements and getting engaged—it was a no-brainer that Sierra would be the first to know. She’s always been my go-to, and it only made sense that she’d be the one to capture those moments too, camera in hand, doing what she does best. As a photographer, she has this magical way of making every memory feel even more special, and having her behind the lens (and beside me) during those milestones made them all the more meaningful.

    But I’m not the only one who feels this way about Sierra—she has this incredible gift for making people feel genuinely loved, and the best part is, she truly means it. Her heart is so big, and she pours it into everyone around her. So when it came time for her to get engaged, I knew she probably had a long list of amazing people who could be her bridesmaids, and honestly, I wasn’t sure if I’d made the cut. But when she asked me, it was the easiest and most heartfelt “yes” I’ve ever given—well, besides saying yes to Andrew when he asked me to marry him, haha.

    Sierra, Henry Carson and I love you dearly. Thank you so much for the opportunity to celebrate you in all the seasons of your life, but especially this one—it’s such a joy to watch you step into this new chapter with so much love and grace. Thank you for all you do and have done for me and mine. Your constant support, kindness, and friendship mean more than words can ever express, and we’re so lucky to have you in our lives.

  • Teething Era

    Henry Carson is in his teething era. He cut his bottom two teeth like a champ, did not miss a beat. Now his two “vampire fangs” as I call them are cutting (before his front teeth, which I thought was crazy!) and my poor baby is hashtag miserable!

    I have been trying every teething hack under the sun, from teething toys to frozen breast milk. It all works for the whole day, but come 5:00 pm and punkin butt is hollering! I cannot blame him, I can only imagine how uncomfortable that must be. Believe me when I say I get it. I myself have just started my adult braces journey. Teeth pain is NO joke. We are now trying the amber teething necklace. We only let him wear it when he is right in front of us and never leave him alone with it on. I am super excited to see how it works and to keep you all updated!

    Amber Teething Necklace

    They have so many cute color combinations, it was very difficult to pick one! I ended up going with the brown combinations because that is what I mainly dress him in. Nowadays, we are just hanging around the house in some shorts and no shirt for easier diaper changes!

    Teething has definitely tested my patience at times, but it’s also reminded me how strong and resilient our little ones are. Some days are harder than others, and that’s okay—it’s all part of the journey. If you’re in the thick of it right now, just know you’re not alone. Trust your instincts, give yourself grace, and celebrate the small wins (like a peaceful nap or a new toothy grin). We’re all learning as we go, and that’s more than enough.

  • Eight Months!

    Today our sweet Henry turns eight months old! It feels like just yesterday we were welcoming him into the world, and now here we are, celebrating another beautiful milestone.

    Henry is currently in the thick of teething (poor little guy!), but true to his joyful spirit, he’s handling it like a champ. He now has four teeth — two on the bottom and two on the top — which makes him look like the cutest little baby vampire you’ve ever seen.

    He’s also been working so hard on crawling. He’s not quite there yet, but he’s giving it his all, scooting and reaching with so much determination. It won’t be long before he’s off and moving on his own — watch out, world!

    He’s also started enjoying a bit of solo playtime in his playpen, exploring toys and keeping himself entertained — it’s such a joy to see his independence starting to blossom. We’re so proud of how much he’s grown and how wonderfully his little personality is shining through. Happy 8 months, Henry — you light up our lives in the biggest ways. We love you so big, punkin!

  • Summer Time Is Here!

    There’s something incredibly special about watching your baby experience something for the first time—and lately, for us, that something has been water. Over the past few weeks, we’ve had the most beautiful weather, and it’s made for the perfect backdrop to enjoy some sunshine, catch up with good friends, and let baby Henry explore the simple joy of splashing around.

    At first, it started with dipping his toes in at a friend’s house, just testing the waters (literally). But once Henry realized how much fun it was, he lit up with excitement. Seeing his face light up, hearing his little giggles, and watching him splash around with so much joy—it melted my heart. It’s like watching a whole new world open up to him.

    That moment was all it took for us to go out and get him his very own little pool for the backyard. Now, it’s become part of our sunny-day routine. He could spend hours kicking, splashing, and playing in the water, and honestly, I could spend just as much time watching him.

    What makes it even better is that we’ve been able to enjoy this time with friends. There’s something about hanging out in the sun, sharing laughs, and watching our little ones play that makes these days feel even more meaningful. It’s the kind of simple joy that fills you up in the best way.

    Now, with a beach trip planned for July, I’m counting down the days. If he loves a little kiddie pool this much, I can only imagine how magical the ocean will be for him. The waves, the sand between his toes, the endless horizon—I can’t wait to see his reaction and start building beach side memories that we’ll carry with us for years to come.

    Summer is just beginning, and already it feels like it’s shaping up to be one for the books.

  • We’re Engaged!

    That One Time I Got Engaged (And Didn’t Let Him Speak)

    May 3rd — a date I will never, ever forget.

    I thought we were just heading out for a sweet little family photo session. You know — get some cute shots with Andrew, maybe Koda, enjoy the sunshine, and call it a day. I hadn’t even done my nails. Classic me. There were absolutely zero red flags, zero suspicions. Just a regular day in my book.

    And then — BOOM! I was engaged.

    One second we’re posing, the next Andrew is down on one knee… and honestly? I blacked out a little. In true Kylah fashion, I didn’t even give him a chance to say “Will you marry me?” I screamed, snatched the ring (yep, snatched), shoved it on my finger, and started blabbering about how I had no idea this was happening and how crazy it all was.

    Poor Andrew — he didn’t even get to finish his sentence. But if you know me, you know that tracks.

    I was completely shocked, overwhelmed, and absolutely over the moon. It felt like the whole world tilted in the best way possible. One minute I was smiling for the camera, and the next, I was looking at the man I love, realizing that we were about to start forever together.

    It wasn’t “perfect” in the Pinterest sense — my nails weren’t done, I didn’t have a clue, and I very literally interrupted my own proposal — but it was so us. Loud, joyful, messy, full of love.

    And the best part? I said yes (with or without Andrew getting to ask).

  • The Birth of Henry Carson

    The Day We Met Henry Carson

    It’s taken me some time to find the words to describe the day we met our son, Henry Carson. Maybe it’s because those moments are etched so deeply into my heart that putting them into words almost feels impossible. But today, I want to share the story of how our beautiful boy came into the world — not because it was easy, but because it was ours.

    After 3.5 long days of being induced, my body just wouldn’t progress past 1 cm. The pain was constant, exhausting, and defeating. I remember lying there thinking, I just want my baby. Every hour felt like a lifetime, and every failed effort chipped away at my strength. When the doctor finally came in and explained that they wanted to start the induction process over, I broke. I cried and cried — more than I thought I could. I was physically and emotionally done. And in that moment, I made the decision that changed everything: I elected for a c-section.

    And you know what? My c-section was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life.

    Every single nurse in that room was kind, compassionate, and reassuring. They made me feel safe when I felt vulnerable. Andrew held my hand the entire time — steady, calm, and full of love. I don’t know if I’ve ever felt so connected to him as I did in that operating room.

    Then came the moment. When they pulled Henry from my belly, the entire room lit up. The doctors and nurses immediately began talking about how beautiful he was, how chunky his cheeks were — but all I could hear was his cry. That tiny, perfect cry. It was the only sound in the world that mattered. I just needed my baby.

    And then — they placed him on my chest. And everything stopped.

    He settled immediately. Not another cry left his tiny mouth. It was as if he had been searching for me, too. That stillness, that peace — it was the most overwhelming moment of my life. He was warm, soft, perfect in every single way. The most beautiful baby I had ever seen.

    Growing up, my mom used to talk about the smell of a newborn’s mouth — how it was the most pure, perfect scent in the world. I never really understood what she meant until that moment. The very first thing I did was lean in and smell Henry’s breath. I still can’t describe it, but she was right. It was everything.

    After a difficult, exhausting 3.5 days, I had the most beautiful cesarean birth. And I met the most perfect little boy. Henry Carson, you were worth every single second. I would do it all again — a thousand times — just to hold you for the first time.

  • The Announcement of Henry Carson

    Looking Back on the Day We Announced Baby Henry Carson

    It’s hard to believe how much time has passed since we shared the news about our sweet Henry Carson. Sometimes it feels like just yesterday — the nervous excitement, the whirlwind of emotion, and the blur of those first precious moments when it all began.

    I actually found out I was pregnant the day before I had to leave for a work trip to Pennsylvania. It was surreal, holding that little test in my hand, knowing everything was about to change, and yet also having to pack my bags like it was just another day. There was no way I could keep it to myself for long. The moment Andrew got off work, I told him — and to say he was shocked would be an understatement. He was completely stunned… but in the most beautiful way. I could see the wheels turning, the joy already starting to rise. From that moment on, we were in this together.

    Some time later, once we had time to let the news settle and our hearts catch up to the excitement, we decided to do a small announcement photo shoot. My dear friend Sierra graciously captured those moments for us. It was just the three (well, four!) of us — Andrew, me, our ever-loyal pup Koda, and little Henry tucked safely inside, already loved beyond words.

    We intentionally waited to do announcement photos until I had my first ultrasound — I wanted to have those precious images in hand, a little visual proof of the tiny life we were already so in love with. But in true “life comes at you fast” fashion, I was in such a rush that day… I forgot the ultrasound photos in my bedroom. Classic. Despite that, the shoot was everything we hoped it would be — simple, joyful, filled with love and anticipation.

    Looking back, that time feels like a dreamy blur — the beginning of a journey that’s brought more wonder, growth, and love than we could have imagined. Henry Carson, you were celebrated before you even arrived — and every day since.