The Amos-Hallford Life

Tag: writing

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.