Tres Meses

Cora turned three months old this past Monday.  You may think I'm already slacking in the monthly update department, but we've been on a family trip to Mexico.  So, here we go...  Cora's tres meses update...

Cora, oh how you have grown this month.  You change every day.  Each day we think you're more precious than the next, which I can't believe is even possible!  

I honestly think three months is such a milestone, even though there is no doctor's check up or anything special to mark the occasion, because you are truly coming into your own.  You have ways you like things to be done and ways in which you prefer to be interacted with.  Your daddy and I think everything you do, every sound you make, each face you show is so special and sweet.

We have lots of smiley pictures of you now, because you love to show it off.  In the past week and a half, you've even begun to smile around your pacifier - so cute!  You will talk nonstop, when you are in the mood.  You will tell your daddy about your whole day, when he gets home.  It's so adorable how you jabber away.  I know we will think it's even better once we know what you're saying.

You did amazing traveling to Mexico.  You are a happy, easy baby.  We know we've got a good thing with you!

Cora, there are no words for the joy you've brought us these past three months.  We love you so much!

Three Month Stats:

Weight: a guess based off of a recent weigh... 12lbs - 12lbs 4oz
Height: unknown, but maybe another inch since last month
Diapers: size 2
Clothing: 0-3mo

All About You:


Hair: brown, thinned out a lot on top
Eyes: blue

-Your sleeping patterns are similar to your two month update.   You usually wake once during the night, anywhere from 2:30-4:30.  So, depending on that wake up time, you are usually ready to start the day anywhere from 6:00-8:00.  You do not wake up for very long in the middle of the night, though, and you are usually very sleepy during that feeding.  You had a growth spurt in Mexico and slept through the night twice.  It is interesting that the earlier we get you to bed, the more likely you are to sleep through the night or until the later early morning hours, at least.  Logistically that is hard sometimes, but I am going to make an effort to get you to sleep earlier.  You seem to like it!  You take a morning nap about an hour after waking up (usually it lasts an hour or two) and a long afternoon nap.  You'll have cat naps in between those, as well, but you have a lot of awake time now a days.

-You feed every three hours.  If you take a long nap, that isn't always true, but it is generally the rule.  You really love to eat, which is awesome to see.  Your daddy and I have been reminiscing about trying to keep you awake and making you eat during that first month - definitely a thing of the past!  I don't like to put this in writing, because I'd wouldn't want to jinx you, but your reflux meds seem to really help, now.  You still spit up, but once you've had your medicine each day, you do so much better.  It makes us happy that you don't feel badly all of the time anymore.

-Some sounds and motions you make include lots of talking jibber jabber, standing up and putting weight on your legs, holding your head high with a lot of strength, sighs and coos of pleasure or dislike,  sitting up (while being held in that position), scooting around in your swaddle, sucking on your hand and arm, spitting bubbles and drooling, mini push ups while on your tummy, and the same kicking, swatting, and adorableness of the previous months.  If we could stand to keep you in tummy time, you might make some progress in the rolling over department, but for now, you're still stuck on your back.  You follow your daddy and I around with your eyes.  You did that at two months, but it became a constant this month.

-This month you especially enjoy people taking the time to look you in the eyes and have a conversation.  The faces of your loved ones is still your absolute favorite toy.  You enjoy your swing again, yea!  You also love your activity mat or just laying on your back to stretch, kick, and observe.  You love to be with the people who love you, so you are happy almost always.

-This month your dislikes aren't even dislikes, just things I've noticed.  You will become over stimulated now that you take in so much more.  You can go from smiling and active to completely exhausted from such things in a snap!  Your "hardest" time of day is before the bath, dinner, bedtime routine in which you're kind of hanging in there until you can go to sleep.

-It has been exciting that you actually respond and really like more toys and games.  You still love peek a boo.  You also really enjoy nursery rhymes and songs.  You have actually started seeing illustrations in certain books (for example, Eric Carle illustrations) and like to see the pictures.  I read to you almost every day, and we always sing and recite rhymes.  Music also calms you down and makes you happy.

Here is a list of some of the experiences you had this month:
first boat ride
moved to size 2 diapers
started drooling
first (two) plane rides
first time out of the country
first time in the ocean

Lake Recap

We spent this past weekend at the lake, our favorite summer hangout!




It was so fun and relaxing. Of course, now that the babies are around, I forget to take pictures of anything else.












Cora went on her first boat ride!




There was a lot of good food, and Bennie Rue spoiled me with birthday cupcakes :).




Campbell and Cora are both such good babies. We were lucky that their Cappy and Ruesy would watch them and let us get out for some much needed adult time.




Cora and I enjoyed the morning view during early feedings.




Matt and Miles put on an awesome fireworks show for us, too!


We hate to leave and can't wait to get back out there!

Happy 4th of July!

Over Ponder

Let's ponder some things together...

1. How long will I tell my daughter "good job" or "good girl" for having a big burp?






2. I cut my hair short about a month ago and it's a bit grown out. I'm going to Mexico soon, where I'll probably pull it back a lot. It looks better when shorter, though. So, do I cut it before or after the trip?






3. This one is in case you're pondering this topic... Yes, Good Will accepts cat litter.  Really, anything but mattresses!

4. Why does one bad food choice lead to another?

5. What's up with the phrase, "How come?" Is it incorrect? Does it mean the same thing as, "Why?"





6.  How come I can't decide what to do about this couch cushion? It will cost me almost a third of what my couch cost to have the chaise cushion cut down to make it a regular sized third couch cushion instead. But, it would really truly open up our living room. Hmmm...





8. What is she thinking? Always wishing I could tell.





9.  Will I melt this summer?

Yes.

10.   Why exactly was Ann Curry replaced?  I really liked her.  And, am I the only one that thinks that just because this lady looks similar to Meredith Viera, that it doesn't make her Meredith Viera?  I'm confused.

My Happy Monday

I am having so much fun with my smiley, happy baby these days. She's become my little sidekick, and we just play and cuddle all of the time! Well, there are still fits (mainly Cora's), chores (mine), naps, and exhaustion. But, how rewarding to see her happiness and to know her wants and needs better.









We have some fun, busy weeks coming up - with the 4th of July, a lake trip, and a vacation to Mexico. I have to soak up all of this quiet time, while it's here.








My nemesis has become my dirty house and my never decreasing, ever increasing to do list. But, I don't care, because I'm busy...

Two Months Old

*Cora turned two months old on Saturday.  Her doctor's appointment was today, so I waited to have her official weight to do the post.  The pictures were taken on Saturday.  

Cora, you are two months old!  You become more you, and we love you more and more, each day. You've experienced so many "firsts" this month, and it's been a joy to watch you do so.  You're surrounded by family and friends who care for you.  I hope you will always know how much we all love you.

I still call you my itty bitty baby, but you're growing at a very fast rate.  When you were born, we struggled to get you to eat.  That is definitely not the case anymore!  I love how strong and alert you've become. You still enjoy cuddling, though, thankfully.  I think I enjoy it even more.  I'll never forget the way the weight and warmth of you on my chest feels.

You are smiling, which is just about the most beautiful site in the world.  It makes my heart melt each time.  The smiles are still so special and fleeting, however, that they've barely been captured in picture or video.  Most of the time, I'm too busy enjoying that moment with you to try and record it.  Soon, though! I promise.

Two Month Stats:

Weight:  9lbs 11.5oz (twenty-fifth percentile)
Height:  22.5in (sixtieth percentile)
Diapers: size 1
Clothing: newborn and 0-3mo

All About You:


Hair:  brown hair, that has thinned somewhat but not much - also, we see hints of auburn in your hair
Eyes: blue

-Your sleeping patterns have changed quite a bit.  You always have one long stretch at night now.  That stretch is getting longer the bigger you get, as well.   The "long" one is usually six hours between feedings.  You've slept through the night about three times (from 8:30-4:30, in those cases), but that is not a consistent pattern.  The better your daddy and I do about getting you to bed at the same time, the better you do with sleeping through the night.  During the day, you still feed every three hours.  You usually take one long nap in the morning or early afternoon, though, that will sometimes extend that feeding to four hours apart.

-Your feeding schedule still goes along with your sleeping schedule.  I feed you about every three hours during the day, and only when/if you wake up at night.  You are eating a lot.  You breastfeed very well, now that you are bigger and stronger.  Whereas you used to have a bottle of breast milk after every feeding, you now only do so at your bedtime feeding.  You also feed faster.  Your reflux is still bad, but we are all getting better at handling it, and now that you're gaining weight well, it is not as big of a deal, either.

-Some sounds and motions you make are to coo, to bat at toys, to sigh, gurgle, and smile.  As I mentioned earlier, your smiles are so precious.  You also kick and hold your head up for small lengths of time.  You're quite the "scooter," when your swaddled in your crib.  A week ago on your activity mat - and this could have been a total fluke, but it happened - you rolled from your back to your tummy.  You are still crying sometimes, but I'm sure that will stop soon :).  In fact, you have a new cry. You rear your head back and scream a hoarse cry.  It's very pathetic...and cute.

-This month you especially enjoy being talked to, laying out on a blanket or mat, sticking out your bottom lip in a sad face, smiling, and sleeping.  You still love to be held, unless your extra tired, in which case you love your crib.  You love when your daddy comes home from work.  You always smile most for him and will calm down for him, too.  Lucky daddy.

-Your dislikes are your swing and the hiccups.

-Your favorite toys and games include peek-a-boo, an elephant toy that hangs behind your diaper table, your activity mat, and you can't get enough of that binky.

Here is a list of many of the experiences you had this past month:
very first smile (May 24th)
started cooing
started sticking out bottom lip
moved to size 1 diapers
first swim
first weekend at Jama and Poppy's (with me, too, of course)
playing more, following things with your eyes more
first weekend at the lake
fitting into 0-3mo clothes
first car trip (to Houston)

We love you, Cora!!

Miles' Birthday was Yesterday!

Happy 28th Birthday, Miles!!

 This age isn't significant in any milestone way, but I just know its going to be a wonderful year for you.

Simple reasons being twenty-eight is great:

1. You got to celebrate the weekend before your birthday with your family at the lake.

2. You will be able to cuddle your baby girl all year long.

3. You can enjoy the weather like an old man.
4. You can still be silly like a little kid.
5. You know how to enjoy the sweet feeling of relaxing after a hard day's work.
6. You get to go fishing in Mexico.
7. You can go on dates with your wife, or stay home, and enjoy being a couple.
8. You are still young enough to have guys night out.
9. You're old enough to opt out, too, if you'd rather.
10. You might find a new hobby...(Fathers Day gift hint!)

For your birthday this year, I wish you all of the simple pleasures life has to offer! Love you!!