Six Months

Cora, you're a darling little six month old, now.  For half of a year, you've been making us smile and allowing us to feel the most amazing type of love.

This past month was just a special month with you.  You are a very happy baby, easy-going for the most part, too.  That is especially lucky for your daddy and me.  You love to play - so very interested in everything you observe.  Checking things out through taste is a favorite activity of yours.  You come more into your own each day.  You have sort of turned back into my little cuddle bug, which makes my heart very happy.  You really melt against anyone trying to love on you.  So sweet!  We adore getting to know your quirks and unique qualities.

"Okay, whatever.."

You were sick for the first time during this past month, too.  That's a whole other story, since you pulled that one while your dad was taking care of you.  Also, because we are just pretending to know what we are doing, it definitely threw us for a loop!  What a little trooper you were, though.  I can testify that you were less fussy than your daddy, who you passed that bug on to.  :)

"She's talking about you, again."

I'm sure I can expect this next six months to go by as quickly as these first six have.  I know you will continue to change and grow so quickly.  I also know that you will always be so precious to me, Cora.  The best six months of my life have been these I've had with you.  Here are what your habits have been this month.

This Month's Stats

Weight: 14lbs 11oz
Height: 26 1/2in
Diapers: size 2 and 3 (3s at night and in the car seat, your favorite place to poop)
Clothes: 6 months and 6-9 months

All About You:

Hair: Light fuzz (I swear I see it as brown, red, or blond in different lights and on different days)
Eyes: Blue

-Your sleeping pattern is to go to sleep between 7:30-8pm.  You wake up between 5-6:30am to eat and usually go back to sleep (until we leave on a weekday morning or until you naturally wake up on the weekends).  You take two good naps a day, and sometimes you snooze in the car no matter what!  You still sleep on your belly or sides most nights.  You also will move around a lot in the waking hours, so I find you in funny positions.  You still might cry for your binky once a night, but most of the time you sleep all night long.

-Your feeding pattern is to eat about five times a day, starting with that early morning feeding.  You have been taking five ounces in your bottles.  You can hold your own bottles, if you're very hungry and intense.  Towards the end of this month we started introduces some solids and just tried to peak your interest in food.  You are definitely interested in what we eat and drink - you watch us like a hawk.  I guess we better chew with our mouths closed, so we teach you good habits!

"I'll eat you, chair!"

-You started making the most precious sound in the world this month - a laugh.  You are laughing more and more each week, and we can't help but laugh right along with you.  At first it was very hard to finagle a laugh from you, but it is starting to come out more often.  You think Jackson, our dog, is just the funniest thing around.  You also moved from grunting (last month) to squealing.  It was such a little girl thing for you to do - to start squealing all of the time.  You're funny.  Otherwise, you still make the cutest babble.  We love to hear your voice.

You also started to sit up on your own for short periods during this month.  Without any support, you can use your hands and stay up for about a minute.  If you are supported with a pillow, you will stay in that position for thirty minutes and play with your toys.  You love to sit up or stand versus lay down.  You will stay in tummy time longer now a days and play some.  I don't mind if you would rather sit still than start crawling, however, so these decisions you have made so far are fine by me!

-This month, almost all toys, or anything we are holding, interests you.  When it comes to any object, if it's in your reach, you want to grab it.  You also want to put it in your mouth.  You especially love electronic, musical toys.  You, actually, are sort of obsessed with the few you have.  We, naturally, think all of the playing you do is just adorable and oh so advanced.  I can't even think of any dislikes you have, Cora, because you are that good.  I guess I could mention that you get mad at toys a lot (when your chewing on them), and you will start screaming.

It's starting to become more difficult to write these posts and feel like I am adequately capturing your changes and special moments.  It is just that it's impossible to put every moment into words.  I wish I could, so that they were forever in my memory.  I never want to forget all the details that have made this six months so special.  We love you so much, Cora Kaye!

The State Fair of Texas

During the first week of October, Miles was off work between jobs.  So, he kept Cora quite a bit.  I couldn't stand to be left out, and I decided to play hooky one day to join them at the State Fair of Texas!  It was really special to spend the day as a family doing something different and fun.  We loved introducing our daughter to some Texas traditions at the fair! 

She could barely contain her excitement as we arrived and took in some of the exhibits.

We had this little conversation after a corn dog and a bottle.

Cora: "I love you, Mama."
Me : "No, I love you, baby girl."
Cora: "Oh, Daddy, actually, I love Daddy!"

Miles and I argued debated over whether or not this guy was really "half a man," or whether it was an optical illusion.  I will let you determine who thought what and who was right (hint: I was right!).

We took in the Birds of the World show with Brett's family (who were coincidentally there on the same day).  It was a good place to sit down for a break and watch Ben toss food up to a lucky bird.  He's got good form, if I do say so myself.

Cora wanted to donate to the conservation cause.  (Good thing that binky was in her mouth, so that the dollar bill wasn't!)

Miles was dead set on wearing his cowboy attire, even though I thought he looked a little stiff. 

One of our favorite parts of the day was the gondola ride.  It's short and goes from one end of the midway to the other, but it's very cool to see the fair from above.  A new perspective.

Miles grabbed a beer at the Beers of the World exhibit.

Of course, we had corn dogs and real coca-cola - because why go with diet, when you're eating a corn dog?  Am I right?

Cora had to sleep off the corn dog and coke.

It was so fun to be together at the State Fair of Texas.  Can't wait to go again next year!!
 

Bad blogger, Big change

I know; I have been a bad blogger.  It is almost time for Cora's six month post, and I haven't written since her five month post.  Let me tell you - it is not for lack of material.  One, I could write about Cora and post pictures of her nonstop.  Two, we have been busy, busy, busy around here.  

Instead of bogging you down with a tell-all of what we've been up to, I thought I'd catch you up in a few different posts.  I want to start with a little shout out to my husband.  Miles started a new job yesterday!  I totally made him pose in his work clothes for me on his first day (he's not going to be happy that I am posting these pictures). 

While working hard at his old job, going through some health trials, taking care of me on bed rest, and adjusting to life as a parent, Miles spent most of his free time job-searching over the past year.  It finally paid off, with the right position opening up at the right time, in the right area.  I am so proud and know he will find a lot of success in his new job with JP Morgan Chase. 

Congratulations to my Account Manager, Department of Specialty Assets!!  Cora and I love you.

5 Months

Today was such a perfect example of how much you have been growing and developing as of late, Cora. You willingly stayed in tummy time, and even showed interest enough in toys and your daddy's voice to maneuver around a bit. You also faced front in the baby bjorn at the grocery store and grabbed onto the cart over and over to help push. And, just now, you ate - actually ate instead of just spitting out - your rice cereal. You even yelled at us for more, when we thought you were through. Wow!  That's a lot of new in one day.

This month has been quick, busy, and full of new milestones. You leave with me every morning to go to daycare or grandma care. I am so impressed with you for adapting well and being easy going. You are more exhausted each night, but I know that's because you're taking so much in and developing new skills each week. As expected, you have become stronger and even "better" in the face of big changes this month.

My itty bitty baby is getting so big. We love seeing you come into your own, and our favorite time is our time with you. You make us feel so loved by giving your daddy and I extra special attention. I even saw you look sad twice, on occasions I left you ;). We hope you know how amazing you are and how much we love you.

This Month's Stats

Weight: unknown
Height: unknown
Diapers: size 2 (about to be size 3!)
Clothes: 3-6 months

All About You:

Hair: Brown fuzz
Eyes: Blue

-Your sleeping pattern has changed somewhat during the week, due to my work schedule.  You will wake up anywhere from 5-6:30 (depending on if I have to wake you up, if you woke up during the night at all, or if you stay on my preferred schedule like a good little girl).  Sometimes you stay up with me, while I get ready, and sometimes you go back to sleep until it's time to go at 7:00.  You take two or three naps a day, usually two good ones.  Your afternoon nap is your long one, and will last 1 1/2 - 2 hours!

You've had some growth and sleeping changes that have made your middle of the night pattern really vary this  month.  You were sleeping through the night, with one binky fix, for most of the month.  Just over a week ago, we stopped swaddling you and you're also teething (we think), so you've been a bit more restless.  There has only been a couple of times that I had to feed you to get you back to sleep, though.  You now sleep on your belly!  You have no idea the anxiety this has caused me. However, since you roll over on your own, there is no stopping you (hence the no swaddling).  You don't really let me hold you in my arms anymore, while you sleep.  The last time you did was during a nap on Labor Day weekend.

-You feed every 3-5 hours.  If you're with me, you like to eat every three hours, but if you're at day care you usually go four or five.  You just started taking 5 ounces at each feeding after a recent growth spurt.  During the work week, I feed you in the morning, you take two-three bottles during the day, and I feed you twice before bedtime.  You also started rice cereal!  As I mentioned above, tonight was the first night you ate more than a swallow or two.  But, you're getting used to it.

-You're still jibber-jabbering away.  You like to talk to me all of the way to day care or grandma care.  Your biggest form of communication is grunting.  You grunt all of the time - it's hilarious.  The grunting might be aimed at us, if you want to stand or play, or at your toys, when you're trying to figure out how to make them do what you want.  Lately, you've been "pointing" at your mouth and telling us all about how your gums hurt.  You love kisses, and that's the closest I can get you to laughing.  You get very excited and make the cutest sounds.  Your motor skills are certainly improving.  You take your binky out and put it back in, you grab at toys and pull them to your mouth.  In your exersaucer you swivel around and play with all of the toys and buttons.  You roll over constantly (from back to belly), push up better than ever, and use those legs to move positions.

-This month you've started to play in your exersaucer all of the time.  You still like your activity mat, but this is definitely preferred.  That's because your favorite activity is still standing.  It's all you want to do.  You especially enjoy your daddy.  It's a healthy obsession of yours to watch his every move and give him the biggest gummy grin, when he looks at you, talks to you, or plays with you.

-This month your dislikes are nothing in particular.  You just know, when you're not in the mood for something and so do we :).

-Toys and games haven't changed much.  You still enjoy them, and you've grown more and more fond of your lamby (snuggy blanket).

All parents tell the expectant or new mom how it goes by so quickly.  This is the first month I find myself thinking all of the time, "I can't believe how big she is/that she's already..."  It is exciting because it's what is meant to be.  I try to remind myself of that, if I ever get sad about how quickly time is passing.  Your daddy and I love you, Cora, with all of our hearts.

Happy Game Day

Our pretty, little Aggie.

"I have to stand through the whole game?"

And, just because it's so cute...

Yoda says, "Serve you milk they will."

Gig 'em Aggies!

WHOOP!!

Back to School

I once had a pair of corduroy shoes. They were teal; they made me feel like The Corduroy Bear.




I got them at the infamous back to school shopping trip, the year I would be entering second grade. My mom was a teacher, so the back to school shopping trip always took place a few weeks before school was going to begin, and the rule was that I couldn't spend the last of my summer days ruining my new stuff. It was off limits until that first day. I would get my shoes out of their box and check them out with growing anticipation leading up to that time. They are one article that over twenty years later, I can actually remember waiting to wear.




I was the kid that would anxiously await those types of things, and the first day of school - whether to meet my new teachers, wear my new clothes, or see my old friends - was always exciting. As a teacher, the first day of school is still something to anticipate. I will make my first impression, meet my new students, and start fresh once again. I think the waiting, the lead up to a new year still comes with that old feeling of waiting to wear my new corduroy shoes.




So, here's to The Corduroy Bear, back to school shopping trips, and making the most of a new school year! Maybe you can pretend it's a start to a fresh year for you too!

Can you believe it? Cora is 4 Months Old!

Yesterday, Cora turned four months old.  She had an exciting day, where we ran some errands and got some work accomplished.  Poor baby!  We did snuggle and play together, too, though.  Today, she had her four month check up, with her doctor.  We love Dr. Murphy, and I was waiting to have her stats from this appointment to post all her details from the past month.

Cora, my sweet, precious baby girl, we love you so much.  In fact, my heart actually aches multiple times a day with the emotion I feel for you.  You are such an adorable, happy baby.  We know we are lucky that you only fuss, when something is actually wrong.  You have a serious face - there is no denying that.  You smile all of the time, but you also just intently take things in and study people, rooms, and objects.  You bring me infinite joy and happiness in everything that you do.  Your daddy and I watch you like a hawk while you're awake, talk about you and look at pictures of you while you sleep, and wake up feeling extremely blessed with you each day.

It is so amazing to watch your personality grow and change, as you get older.  You can discern between people you know and strangers, now.  I have to admit that I sort of love, when you follow me around with your eyes no matter who else is holding or talking to you.  It's something special to have your attention.  I know you'll continue to grow so quickly, so I take those moments and tuck them away to always remember.  Sadly, you've already grown out of the "cuddle all of the time" phase, but you definitely will lay your head on my shoulder and hold on tight, when you're tired or upset.  You started rolling from your back to your belly.  At first, you would just go onto your side, but just this week it's started being all of the way over.  And, you get very mad at that point because you do not like being on your belly.  And, since you don't like being on your belly, I've done a poor job of making you do tummy time, so then you're just stuck.  That really makes you mad.

This month marks the end of our summer together.  I start work this coming week.  You and I are lucky that your grandmothers will be watching you part of the time, and that your daycare is a really amazing one.  But, I cannot help the anxiety I feel at not having every moment we want together.  Cora, I worry that you'll think I've left you, that your little baby self will feel something missing and wonder what that is.  When I think about it logically, instead of emotionally, though, I am excited for you.  You are going to experience the love of our mothers - something your daddy and I know first-hand is beyond replaceable.  That will be very special for you and for them.  You will also learn and experience things at daycare that will help you develop.  I know from watching you learn myself, that you will delight in these new experiences.  You are adaptable and lovable, and I can't wait to continue to watch these changes in you.

Four Month Stats:

Weight:  12lbs 14oz (fortieth percentile)
Height:  24 1/2 in (sixtieth percentile)
Head:  15 3/4 (fiftieth percentile)
Diapers: size 2
Clothes: growing out of your 0-3mo and starting to fit into 3-6mo

All About You:

Hair: you are a balding brunette :)
Eyes: blue

-Your sleeping pattern is to go to sleep between 7:30-8:00 pm.  You wake up about 4:30 to feed, and sleep until 7:00 or 8:00 am.  Then, you're ready to play.  If you go to bed later than 8:00, you'll usually sleep unitl 5:00 or 6:00 am and you'll want to stay up.   You might think the logical thing to do would be to put you to bed later, but you get so sleepy by 7 every night.  (It doesn't bother me one bit to get up with you, anyway.)  Sometimes we have to get creative to help you make it past those witching hours.  A new technique is to get you naked and let you play on a towel until bath time.  You love it - it's hilarious.  You take two or three naps during the day, usually an hour or so after each daytime feeding.

-You still feed every three hours.  But, this month you did change in your habit.  You will eat "lighter" meals during the day.  All of the sudden, you will be smiling and talking instead of eating - looking up at me like, "I'm sustained, let's play!"  When you take bottles without me, it's still four ounces.  You gained enough weight this month that we had to up your Prevacid dosage to help keep your reflux in check.

-As far as your sounds and movements, you've just completely excelled in everything you learned last month.  You continue to tell us all sorts of things with coos and jibber-jabber.  You've also taken to constantly grunting in pleasure and frustration.  You respond in a conversational way, and love to respond to songs and stories.  You are rolling from your back to your belly (as mentioned above), and you cannot - I repeat, cannot - get enough standing time in.  You literally yell at your daddy each evening, "Let me stand here and look at you!"  Of course, it's adorable to see your itty bitty self trying to look so big.  You have begun to grab objects with a purpose.  Sometimes you take your binky out with your hand instead of spitting it out, now.  You'll even try to put it back in, but that doesn't really work out, yet.  Oh, and your all-time favorite new movement is eating your hands.  That's one of your go-to activities.

-This month you especially enjoy laying on blankets, beds, and your activity mat where you're free to move all around.  You are still a binky baby, who loves your pacifier when you're sleepy or upset.  You still can't get enough one on one time with people.  You have started to enjoy your toys and new objects.  You like your bouncer more because of this.  You like to be able to see what's going on, to watch us cook or do things.  You always want to be able to see us.   You love being with the people who love you.

-This month you don't really enjoy being left alone.  I can't leave you on your activity mat in one room and fold laundry in the other anymore.  You still detest tummy time.

-Toys and games are more and more fun each day for you.   I think your first laugh might come from me popping out from behind my hands, peekaboo!  But, we shall see.  You also enjoy grabbing your jingly toys and rattles.  Toys with noises are a favorite.  Books and music are so constant that they're a comfort and bring you true joy.

We are overwhelmed with how wonderful it is to be your parents.  Lucky is not a strong enough word for how we feel to have you as our daughter.  At four months, we are getting glimpses of who you are going to become, and you bring us unlimited laughs, awes, and love.  We love you, Cora Kaye!!

Finished with month four...on to month five!