New Years Eve

Daddy put his hat on me...dont I look silly?

Ill be wearing the hat tomorrow to cheer on Penn State!

Today was a quiet new years eve.  I dont think that Ill be staying up late to ring in the new year because Im awfully tired today.  Its been rough for me today because my gums hurt soooo much!  I barely want to smile today because it hurts, even though Mommy and Daddy have been acting goofy and smiling at me all day.  Even though my gums hurt, I have been rolling a lot in the past few days.  Its so much fun when I start laying on my back and I roll myself over to my belly!!!  Ill keep up all my new tricks when the new year starts tomorrow!!!
Happy 2011!!!

Happy Holidays

Its been a whirlwind week of holidays and travel!  Now we are back at home, but so many things have happened since I last posted.  Let me think back to everything that has happened....
On Christmas Eve we had plane tickets to fly to Chicago.  The night before we left, I got to open my first ever Christmas present!  As a family, Mommy, Daddy and I all opened our presents from our family.  I got some really neat gifts from my Aunts, Uncles and Grammie and Grandpa.  Unfortunately right after we opened presents I had to go to bed so I didn't get a chance to play with any of my gifts.  I knew that the next day was going to be something big because Mommy and Daddy had been busy packing all my stuff into a bag similar to the one my stuff was packed into for Thanksgiving.  
Friday morning, Christmas Eve, I woke up for my early feeding as normal, but this time I didn't go back to bed.  Instead, I was dressed into my snowsuit and strapped into my car seat!  We drove to the airport and had to wait for a bus.  It was COLD outside and Im glad I had my suit!  Finally, the bus came and we took it to a big building where I was then taken out of my seat and it went on a conveyor belt and I couldn't see it anymore.    I liked not having my car seat though, because that meant that Mommy and Daddy could hold me and not put me down all day!!!
We walked around the airport for a little bit, but then we boarded a plane.  There were so many new things to see and hear - I was amazed!  After we got in our seats, Mommy fed me and the next thing I knew I got sleepy because there was a nice humming noise.  After a nap, the plane landed and I saw snow outside.  We had landed in Chicago!!!!

Daddy, Mommy and me in our pj's on Christmas morning! It snowed!

We took another walk through the airport and we went to the baggage claim where I saw my car seat again!  I got all snuggled into it and the next thing I knew I was in a car on my way to Mimi and Papa's house.  It wasn't long before we got to the house and we were there to stay for a few days to celebrate Christmas!!
I had a WONDERFUL Christmas! I got to finally meet Uncle Marcus and Tracie, my great grandfather and there was lots of time to cuddle with Mimi and Papa!  I had a nice room all to myself at their house where I was able to sleep pretty well - but its never like sleeping in my crib, and there were of strange noises that I wasn't accustomed to.

Papa and me with one of my gifts!

On Christmas morning there were so many gifts to open!  I was really good at helping to unwrap gifts.  I would grab a little piece of wrapping paper and tug hard and all of a sudden there was another gift!  I got lots of books and fun little toys for Christmas!  

Me taking a snooze on the couch with Mommy's old blankie

The rest of our visit at Mimi and Papa's was very relaxing.  I was cranky the day after Christmas because my gums were sore and I needed to suck my hand a lot!  My pointer finger hurt too because I accidentally chewed too hard on it.  Mommy and Daddy bought me some mittens to wear and protect my finger.  I think its getting better because its not hurting as much anymore.    
The trip back home was much like the trip to Chicago.  I behaved myself very well on the plane despite the fact that there was pressure in my ears!  I really do love airports - they are such a wonderful place to watch people!
Thank you Mimi and Papa for a great first Christmas :)

Preparations for Christmas

The past couple of days, Mommy and Daddy have been running around the house getting things ready.  I have no clue what all the commotion is about, I just carry on with my own thing most of the time. It seems that Mommy is a little bummed out today because today is the last day of just us girls at home together.  Mommy will be going back to work next week when the Christmas holiday is over.  I'm just glad that we had an extra month together! It has been so much fun!!
This morning, Miss Rebecca, our neighbor brought over a gift for me: a Herrods Christmas bear from London. Thats a long way for a gift to travel!!  How cool is that!

Lunar Eclipse

Thanks to me and clear skies over North Carolina, last night Mommy got to see the lunar eclipse.  I was having an interesting dream around 2:45AM and it woke her up.  Although I stayed sleeping, Mommy got up and saw the moon from the front window.  She said it was awesome!
Im still napping a couple of times a day, usually two short naps and one hour long nap during mid day.  Ive taken to sleeping as though Im sunbathing...maybe it will bring warm weather sooner.  I miss not being outside.  Yesterday it was warm enough that Mommy put my jacket on and we went out to get the mail and I really enjoyed it!

One Week Until Christmas!

Today I posed for some pictures in my Christmas outfit in front of the tree.  Daddy was doing funny dances to get me to smile...he's so silly sometimes!!  We tried to put me into my stocking but Im too big and it only fit up to my knees!  I had fun anyways, and my Christmas outfit is so comfy I wish I could wear it everyday!  Im getting really excited for Christmas! 

Crazy Week!

Me posing in front of the tree

There have been a lot of new things happening this week!  I've been so caught up in everything, I haven't had time to write!  On Tuesday, I got to stay in my pj's ALL DAY!  Unfortunately I had to go to the doctor again.  My intestines still weren't doing well so Mommy and Daddy took me in to see if they could find out if there was anything wrong with me.  We waited what seemed like forever at the doctor's office, but finally a doctor came in and told Mommy that she still may be eating something that my body doesn't like.  All I know is it's no fun to have blood drawn from your heel.  Daddy held on tight to me while the nurse lady pricked me then squeezed A LOT!  But, Daddy was very good at calming me and after it was all over I felt okay.  I was glad when we got to go home.  Later that day, Mommy tried to feed me this awful tasting milk that I didn't really like.  I was so hungry though, I ate it anyways.  Now, each time I eat, I get the weird tasting milk, but I guess Im starting to get used to it.  Today is Thursday and I am feeling much better, so maybe this new milk is helping me.  Its not sweet like what Im used to drinking, but it sure beats having an upset belly.  Maybe Mommy will figure out what food my body doesn't like and I can go back to my favorite milk.  It could be nuts or eggs is what I hear.  
This morning when we woke up there was snow on the ground again.  I really miss going outside.  Mommy and Daddy won't let me go out because its so cold and they don't want me to get sick.  Mommy and I did go shopping yesterday and even when we were outside I couldn't see anything because my view was blocked by a pink blanket.  The wind sounded like it was howling though.  For now Ill just have to enjoy the view out the window and enjoy being all warm inside!

All Giggles

Yesterday, Mommy found my ticklish spot under my armpits and it made me full of giggles!!  I just love it when we have tickle time!  Ive also taken to blowing spit bubbles out the sides of my mouth.  It makes little fart noises that cause Mommy and Daddy giggle like me!! I also had my first babysitter yesterday afternoon so Mommy and Daddy could go on a date.  Miss Cathy was a great babysitter and I behaved really well for her - or at least thats what I think!

Tummy Time!

Today was the first time ever that I actually enjoyed tummy time without the exercise ball!  After my bath, during naked baby time, mommy rolled me over to my tummy and I enjoyed looking at the bathroom from a different perspective!  I know its been such a long time waiting for me to finally enjoy tummy time but I finally made it.  Next milestone: crawling!

Playtime!

Its normal for me to kick off my socks when I dance!

I have finally figured out that I have hands!  When I lift up my arm, I can hold my hand in front of my face and realize when I  move it - it moves!  For the most part though, Im still sucking my hands a lot - sometimes two at a time.  When we were at the doctor over the weekend Daddy realized that I liked to dance on the paper they put over the examining table so yesterday Mommy put some trace paper on my mat so that when I kick my feet I can hear myself dance! Its soo much fun!  I could just kick dance in the mirror all day!  Thankfully Mommy is still home with me and we can spend time together.  Im glad I dont have to go outside because its really cold out there!

The Perfect Tree!

On Saturday I went out with Mommy and Daddy to find a Christmas Tree!  Right as we arrived at the first Christmas tree lot, it started to flurry!  Daddy got really excited because it was snowing as we searched for our tree!  We werent able to find the perfect tree at the first lot so we drove to another lot.  There, we were able to find the perfect tree!  It was as if it was calling out to Daddy!  After we selected the tree, a nice man bundled up the tree to prepare it for the trip home.  On the way home, it started snowing more and more!  I was glad that we made it home when we did because snow started collecting on the ground!  It was so fun looking out the window - everything was white!
Later in the day Daddy put up the tree and they decorated it as I watched.  I really like the tree with all the sparkly lights!  Its so fun to start and admire!  The house smells like the outside and its so wonderful having decorations everywhere!  I cant wait for Christmas!!!!
Earlier in the day, I went to the doctor because Im having some problems with my belly!  For some reason my body isnt able to digest dairy products properly now, so I had to make sure thats what the problem was.  Mommy is going to try not eating dairy for a while to see how things go and hopefully I will start feeling better!  When they weighed me at the doctor I weighed 11 lbs 2.5 oz!!!  Im growing!! 

Daddy and me with the tree strapped to the top of the car!! Hunting for the perfect tree makes me sleepy!

Baptism

On November 28, the same day as Daddy's 30th birthday, I was baptized at St Mary's church!  On Sunday morning, Mommy and Daddy dressed me up and we went to church.  Although I spent most of mass in the crying room, after mass I got to come out and see all of my family there for my baptism.  I had no idea what was going on so I cried most of the ceremony, but once the priest poured water over my head, I realized what was happening so I calmed down until the ceremony ended.  It was a nice ceremony.  Everybody in my family drew a cross on my forehead and we took lots of pictures to commemorate my baptism!
After the ceremony we went back to Grammie and Grandpa's house for a celebration.  There was lots of food and even a cake!  Not only did I get to see my favorite godparents, but Mimi and Papa were also there!  It was so special that everyone wanted to be there for my special day! I am truly blessed to be a part of such a wonderful family!

I got to see BOTH sets of grandparents for my BIG DAY!

My First Thanksgiving

Me with the Thomas Turkey on Thanksgiving.  He was twice the weight as me!

Its been a CRAZY week!  Mommy and Daddy packed up all my stuff and put me in my car seat for a VERY LONG TIME and we ended up in a very cold place called Pennsylvania!  We went to see Grammie and Grandpa for Thanksgiving!  I dont mind car rides so much, so I decided to just relax and go with the flow on our way there, but when we got there I got to see a lot of people!  I got to see my cousins in person for the first time, and my Aunts and Uncles.  They all held me and smiled at me - it was sooooo much fun!  I tried to behave but sometimes its hard because Im so used to Mommy and Daddy.

Me in my Thanksgiving dress with Mommy

On Thanksgiving Day I got to take my picture with the turkey which everyone got to eat except me, and later on I got dressed up in my new dress.  I didnt like it very much.  Dresses arent nearly as comfortable as my normal outfits.  All of the smells from the food made me drowsy so I took a nap during dinner, especially since all of my fussing from being in my dress wore me out!  It was a great time with all of the family and I cant wait to see what it is like next year!

I love my cousins!!!

On Friday night after Thanksgiving, Mommy and Daddy went out on a date for dinner and I got to stay home with everybody else.  They did such a good job babysitting me.  If I fussed, then someone else got to hold me.  I do like when Kaitlyn rocks me and Lauren did such a good job talking to me and smiling at me!  When it was time for bed, Grammie did such a good job giving me my bottle and putting me to bed I slept very well.  I think I did a pretty good job for my first night away from Mommy and Daddy.

Thanksgiving Family Photo

Daddy Daughter Time

Last night, Mommy went out to be with her friends for the very first time ever.  So, Daddy got me ready for bed and put me to bed all by himself.  He did a great job! There was a thunderstorm that came through and it didnt even wake me up.  I could tell there was a lot of rain and wind though because there are leaves all over the ground!  
Today Im officially 12 weeks old and I cant believe it!  I can hold my head up all on my own now and sometimes when Im feeling especially strong while sitting on someone's lap, I can push myself up with my legs!  Maybe there is soccer or running in my future!

November Rain

There are multiple reasons for my distress today:


1) I realized I have not blogged in almost 10 days!


2) Its cloudy out and rain is forecasted.


3) Mommy put me back in my sleeping bag without my pj's this morning after I got up because she said she needed to get a quick bite to eat before my bath.


4) My hands are not in my mouth (I have discovered my hands for sucking in the past few days and I LOVE THEM IN MY MOUTH!)


5) Daddy's not here.  It seemed like he was here for days but now he's not here. I think he went back to work...


We have been busy with my head exercises and having fun recently.  Im starting to learn how to sleep really well at night now too.  I got to sleep about nine and didn't wake up at all this morning until 6AM!!!  I  make my parents really proud!!  And now Mommy always feeds me sitting in the rocker in my room.  Its so comfortable and calm for my meals.  Other than that Im really looking forward to Thanksgiving!  Daddy is on the phone a lot talking about it so it must be something special!  

Daddy and me on the couch in the morning on the weekends

  

Just Like Mommy

There's a book that Mommy reads to me sometimes called Just Like Mommy.  This morning after my morning nap (which Mommy and Daddy let me wear my pjs) I had to pose for some pictures on the couch.  Apparently Mommy wanted a picture of me because she had some jammies similar to mine when she was a baby and she wanted me to be Just Like Mommy.....

My New Talent

Today I finally figured out how to grab things on my own!  Mommy would lay Mr. Lion Head in my lap and it was fun to pick him up and shake him, hug him and put his mane in my mouth!  I think I could start to get used to holding on to all sorts of things now!  It was a fun day.  Although it rained, I wasn't too grumpy, but it was very cold outside.  It was so cold I had to wear a hat when we went for a walk so I wouldn't catch cold!  Luckily I have lots of cute clothes, especially fleecy ones that will keep me warm as we head towards winter!

Happy Halloween!!!

Whew!!!  Today was a BIG day, there was so much going on.  I will sleep very well tonight!  Yesterday Mommy carved pumpkins while I watched...I didnt want to touch that nasty goo that came out of them.  Then, today we set the pumpkins out on the porch for everyone to see.  I got my bunny pumpkin though.  At least the bunny isnt scary, I think its cute!  Mommy and Daddy took LOTS of pictures of me today because its my first official holiday.  This year I dressed as a ladybug.  I didnt really like my costume very much and got cranky getting my picture taken in it, so Daddy took off my costume and put on my "Baby's First Boo" bib I got in the mail from Aunt Sandy.  I liked that a little better because we could take pictures inside on the comfort of the couch.  The reason I wanted to be inside is because I spent most of the day outside.  Why you may ask did I spend so much outside?
Today I watched Mommy and Daddy plant my tree!  A few days ago when we were picking pumpkins out a the farmers market, we spotted an oak tree.  Mommy and Daddy had been looking FOREVER for a tree to plant in the front yard.  Mommy really wanted an oak tree but they couldnt find one anywhere!  Then, all of a sudden in the calm towards the end of the day at the farmers market as we strolled around, THERE IT WAS!  MY TREE!!!  A 12' tall Nuttall Oak tree!  Daddy and Mommy didnt fight too much planting the tree although I can tell Mommy seems to know a lot about landscaping because she spends a lot of time outside trimming shrubs and planting things.  The tree is beautiful and I love it because I can see it from the window in my room.  I cant wait to watch it grow, just like me!!!  What a GREAT weekend!!!

Picking a Pumpkin

Ive noticed the past few times that I have been to the farmer's market since I got my own pumpkin, there have been more and more pumpkins.  I finally got my picture with a pumpkin when Mommy and Daddy went to buy a pumpkin to carve.  It will be so much fun to carve a pumpkin - I hope they carve a bunny into the pumpkin.  That would be really cool!  Too bad we didn't buy the pumpkin Im sitting on here...Im not sure it would fit in the car!  

Its Official...

Here Daddy hands me my letter like Publisher's Clearing House...

Im an American citizen!  Yesterday when Mommy went out to get the mail, she came back in waving a letter.  It was addressed to me!  It was my social security card!  Daddy says I cant sign it until I get a job or Im 18 years old, but I dont care!  I got my first letter in the mail!  

Big Girl Chair

I continue to practice holding my head up and Mommy keeps doing stretches with me to make my neck strong.  The physical therapist, Miss Mary, says that I can sit in the Bumpo chair for a few minutes each day to help me strengthen my core and move my head from side to side.  Daddy was working with me over the weekend, and he took a break so Mommy could take a picture of me!  

State Fair

Daddy and Me looking over the State Fair

Smelling the award winning roses!

Last night Mommy and Daddy took me to the North Carolina State Fair!  There were lots of lights, smells and people everywhere.  Sometimes there were so many people I had to keep my eyes peeled on Mommy or Daddy while driving my stroller to make sure that no one stole me away from them.  Mommy and Daddy ate their favorite steak sandwiches and we walked around for a while, but we didn't stay long.  I got tired by the end of the night, and I think Mommy and Daddy did too - there's so much to take in at a fair!

The Exercise Ball

Ever since we went to the physical therapist, Ive been spending time on the exercise ball, which I am REALLY starting to love!  I can turn my head both ways and look around or see myself in the mirror.  Its so much fun! 
Today Daddy fed me a bottle too!  Yesterday we tried and I didn't really know what to do, but Daddy was really patient with me and helped me learn how to drink from a bottle.  Its much different from when Mommy feeds me, but I think Im starting to figure out the difference between the two.  After I got done eating, Daddy kept saying he was tickled pink.  I have no idea what that means except that I know I wear a lot of pink, but he sure had a huge smile on his face! Maybe he will feed me more this week after he comes home from work.  I had a GREAT weekend!

A Smile Just for You

Over the past week I have decided that its fun to smile! I know Mommy is always smiling, so I like to smile back at her and anybody that makes me happy!  There's two occasions when I like to smile a lot - when I just get done eating (and Im not dozing off to sleep) and when Mommy or Daddy are talking to me and telling me stories. Sometimes I smile during tummy time if I don't have too much air in my belly, but I still occasionally find tummy time a pain.  Ill keep working at it because it's fun to hold my head up like a big girl!

Finally Here!

The rocking chair and ottoman finally arrived and today we went to pick it up!  Once we got home it took Daddy no time to get it assembled and ready for gliding!  Daddy has already managed to take a nap in it and I must admit, its so smooth it makes me fall right asleep.  We also went to the physical therapist today.  The physical therapist, Mary did a good job with me and showing Mommy and Daddy stretches to do at home so that my neck becomes stronger on my right side.  Apparently, one of the muscles towards the back side of the right side of my neck is a little tight which causes me to prefer to keep my head to my left. I think Mommy and Daddy will keep doing a good job with me and I will try to do my best to help them so I can get full movement in my neck and see EVERYTHING in the world around me!

Sunday Dress

Me in the dress (2010)

Today my godparents and Daddy went to church while I stayed home with Mommy.  I know they said a prayer for me since Im not allowed to go to church yet.  Even though I didnt go to church, I did wear a cute Sunday dress.  This dress is special because Mommy wore it when she was a baby.  I think I look better in it than Mommy, although Im certainly biased because Im such a cute baby!  You can decide for yourself.  Its almost time to start a new week.  Mommy and I probably have some fun things planned and Daddy says that the rocking chair for my bedroom should finally be at the store (after 16 weeks of waiting) for us to pick up!  

Mommy in the dress (1982)

Visitors!

Today my godparents, Richard and Louisa arrived for their visit to North and South Carolina!  They brought me lots of presents and are lots of fun!  I'm usually really calm when I get to meet new people - and they were no exception because they loved to hold me and talk to me.  To celebrate their arrival we all went out for dinner and I was really excited to be out celebrating.  I slept for a while, and then woke up and enjoyed looking around at all of the colorful walls at the restaurant.  It was calming to hear all the familiar voices having a good time, so I decided to behave even though I couldn't eat any of the delicious food.  Maybe next time...
I look forward to another fun day - as I fell asleep I overheard that there is a lot planned for tomorrow!

More Tummy Time

Im trying to get at least one hour of tummy time everyday.  Sometimes I have tummy time on my own, but I much prefer laying on Mommy or Daddy's chest.  They talk to me and soothe me if I get upset about being on my tummy.  Its hard holding your head up when you aren't used to it!

Here Im on Daddy's chest and Mommy thought I looked silly...

This past weekend Mommy organized all of my clothes because I keep growing and everyday I grow out of one outfit and into others.  Most of my outfits fit lengthwise, but I haven't gotten all of my baby fat yet so I don't fill out some of my clothes.  Some of my clothes make me look so much bigger than I really am!  I'll just keep eating a lot and Im sure eventually I'll start to develop some cute rolls on my arms and legs!

My First Bath!

This morning Daddy and Mommy gave me my first bath!  The water was nice and warm so I really enjoyed it.  It felt much different than the sponge baths I had been getting.  I felt more relaxed and much cleaner.  Hopefully there will be many more fun bathtime moments.  Once I can hold things in my hands I have some fun bathtoys I can play with during bathtime.  It seems like Daddy and Mommy keep wiping my right eye all the time.  Sometimes after I cry or when I wake up from a nap I have a lot of sleepy dust in it, so much that sometimes I cant even open it!  By the end of the day it seemed to have less mucus in it so I think its getting better. 
The weather this weekend is beautiful, and the windows in the house have been open letting in fresh air.  Because its cooler in the house, Daddy and Mommy dress me in clothes that I haven't worn before, but I look REALLY cute!!  Im glad its only Saturday and I still have Sunday to spend with Daddy!

Rainy Day

Here I am with Mr. Lion Head

Today it has rained ALL DAY! Mommy keeps saying how wonderful it is because we havent had rain since I was born, but I really like to look out the window at the blue sky.  I hope it comes back soon and this rain goes away.  The past couple of days, Mommy and Daddy have noticed that I am able to turn my head and follow objects in the room.  Since the doctor says I have a flat spot on my head, today Mommy worked with me to strengthen my neck.  I spent a lot of time on my tummy, which I don't like.  Another exercise we did was my head would start out on my favorite side and I would see Mr. Lion Head moving so I would have to rotate my head around so I could see him.  Im really getting good with moving my head and eyes!

No More Sponge Baths!

Yesterday, the doctor removed what was left of my umbilical chord.  Although most of it had fallen off two weeks ago, there was a little scab that remained until the doctor pulled it off.  Mommy thought it was gross watching the doctor pull it off, but it didnt hurt.  Now that its all gone, Im allowed to get big girl baths and feel what its like to be bathed in water.  Today, Mommy gave me my last sponge bath. It has gotten much cooler outside and it finally feels like fall so I got a few goosebumps while Mommy bathed me.  She was careful to wrap me up in my towel so I wouldn't catch cold.  I can't wait until my real bath this weekend!!!

The First Month

My Birth

Early on the morning of Wednesday, August 25, 2010 I was born into the world!  It was 5:09AM to be exact.  What I remember before that was all a quick blur...

The day before I was born the barometric pressure was high, it had poured in the morning and then got very hot and humid.  Mommy went to work just like any normal day.  She was busy, and I recognized all the familiar noises of her work day.  Leaving work a little late to wrap everything up (as she did everyday "just in case") she went home.  Once home, I heard her and Daddy talking about going on a trip to Target.  The previous weekend Mommy had spent hours cooking meals to prepare for the coming weeks and they needed to go purchase some tupperware to freeze the meals.  All the activity from the day and taking a trip to Target signaled that it was about time for my arrival.  I started rustling around 7 when Mommy and Daddy came home from Target.  Mommy had some trouble cooking dinner as I started causing labor pains.  The faint sound of Daddy mowing the lawn outside was also getting me riled for my arrival as well.  

Mommy and Daddy finally sat down for dinner and I remember them talking about contractions and stop watches.  Not sure why, but I know I was doing my job by preparing for my arrival.  Unfortunately it was making Mommy's back hurt.  After dinner, Mommy and Daddy relaxed and timed contractions, which were fairly close together, but not too close.  When it was finally all dark outside, Daddy decided to go to bed while Mommy and I stayed on the couch watching late night TV and dozing until about 2:30AM when Mommy finally got up and awakened Daddy.  She said the contractions were really close together and that it was time to go to the hospital.  Once Daddy did his hair and got everything into the car, we were on our way to the hospital.  Mommy was calm and collected, although I could tell from the sound of Daddy's voice that he was a little anxious, which is okay.  I was REALLY nervous too about my trip into the world and meeting my Mommy and Daddy for the first time.  

After some hangups at the hospital and Mommy yelling at people, the doctor came in and told Mommy that she was dilated all the way and it was time to break her water.  As I prepared to come out, Daddy was such a great coach for calming Mommy.  Before Mommy started pushing me out, the doctor had left the room only to never return.  It turns out that a different doctor that Mommy and Daddy had never met delivered me because their doctor had to do an emergency C-Section.  Thats okay because the doctor did a great job.  The nurse coaching Mommy, did an even better job.  In 20 short minutes of pushing, I finally got the first blast of cool air on my skin and my first feeling of Mommy cuddling with me. While Mommy held me, Daddy cut my umbilical chord.  From this point on I was now a part of this world.... all 6lbs 8oz of me.  As they weighed me and cleaned me off, Daddy watched.  When they finished I was able to feel what it was like for Daddy to hold me.  I could tell that my parents really loved me.

My new family and I spent two days in the hospital.  We had flowers delivered to us and all of the nurses liked coming into our room because it had such a nice aroma.  Several visitors came to visit me and my parents when we were in the hospital too.  For the most part in the hospital, Mommy and Daddy spent time with me, admiring my small fingers and toes, and my beautiful blue eyes on the occasion when I wanted to open them.

Life At Home

On Friday, August 27 we left the hospital.  I remember Daddy loading me into my car seat and the drive home.  It was still hot outside and Daddy drove very carefully.  When Mommy and Daddy got home, they took me on a tour of the house and showed me my new room.  It was beautiful - I even had my name on the wall.  I could tell that this would be a loving home for me to start my new life as little Cora.

On Labor Day weekend, Mimi and Papa (Gavin) came to visit.  I wasn’t even two weeks old then!  Everyone wanted to hold me take lots of pictures of me.  We took our first trip to the Farmer’s Market, but the car seat really makes me drowsy so I don’t remember a whole lot about it.  Until then, the only place I had been was the doctor’s office.  

My umbilical chord managed to stay on until Friday, September 10th.  Mommy was taking a nap when Daddy came home from work.  I needed him to change my diaper and when he went to change my diaper, he found my umbilical chord in my diaper!  I was really becoming an independent woman!

During the next couple of weeks, Mommy and Daddy did a really good job taking care of me.  At night, they put me in my crib and I really like to sleep.  It makes me feel comfortable and Im not afraid of the dark.  Mommy and Daddy thank me all the time for sleeping - I just like to sleep, and eat of course.  I spend a lot of time on my belly practicing to use my neck.  Most of the time I hear a familiar heart beat if I am laying on Mommy or Daddy’s chest so I tend to doze off to sleep.  

At my two week doctor’s visit I weighed 7lbs 10oz.  Im really growing - thanks to all the milk that Mommy feeds me.  Feeding time is nice.  Usually, Mommy feeds me and then Daddy burps me.  I like being able to spend time with both of them.  

Just before my one month birthday Grammy and Grandpa (Young) came for a weekend visit.  They loved to hold me and take pictures of me.  I wonder why people want so many pictures of me.  We took an outing to the Farmer’s Market where Grammy and Grandpa bought me my first pumpkin.  It was a small pumpkin, but I could barely get my hand over it!  During the day, Im awake much more and everyone loves looking at my cute face.  No one can seem to agree if I look more like Mommy or Daddy.  Maybe I look like both!

Possibly a couple hundred diapers, lots of gas, many hugs, tons of kisses on my soft head and a few cries later Ive made it to my first month!  Life has been wonderful!!  At my first month doctor’s visit I was still gaining weight and Im now up to 8lbs 9oz.  Although I had to have a shot at the doctor, I behaved myself and it wasn’t really all that bad.  Ill continue to wiggle my legs, practice my head lifts and air out those lungs (not too often) so I can continue to be a healthy little girl!  Now that we are all caught up Ill be sure to update much more often!!!