Nine Months Already?

Time has gone much faster with Cora here for the past 9 months, then the entire pregnancy. I know I say it all the time and will continue to say it, but time is just flying by!

Cora is crawling, loves finger foods, is a babbling machine, climbing monster, and is trying so hard to walk. Really, walking already...it's like yesterday WE were walking back and forth in our living room trying to console our colicky baby. Tissue, please?

With the weather hopefully getting nicer, we are really looking forward to spending a lot of time outside. We've taken advantage of some of the few beautiful days with walks, leaf nibbling, and dirty taste testing. It's what being a baby and nice weather is all about, although I hope she doesn't start growing a tree in her tummy :)

I look forward to each and everyday and seeing what new things Cora finds. She definitely is a thinker and I love watching her little mind wrap around how something works. This is a trait of Joel and she is so blessed to have been given that. Having a daddy with a Chemical Engineering degree, it might look like she may be following his footsteps (yes, I know she is only 9 months old but a momma can dream!).

And the good and truly thankful news, Joel accepted a new job with 5/3rd bank!! He will start as a Personal Retail Banker and will be an exceptional addition to their team. We are so proud of him!

God is good!

BLOG!

As much as I love reading everyone else's blog, I sure am a slacker when it comes to posting my own posts :)

I guess it doesn't help that we've been sick for the third time this winter! Cora and I keep passing the same cold back and forth, we really need this warmer weather that the forecasters keep predicting! I do have to say though, Cora may be sick but she still is her silly self! She loves giving herself kisses in the mirror, creating funny faces that we loves to laugh at, and screams just to make sure people know she IS the center of attention.

We may have some super exciting news too..although, I can't jump the gun just yet. And no...I'm not with child!! :)

Eight Months Young!

Eight months people, Cora is eight months old!! As we were driving to church this evening, I said to Joel that it's crazy that we have an eight month old. She's almost as old as the number of months I actually carried her in  my belly! Everyday is just more and more fun as she is learning to scoot, talk/babble, fascination with books, feeding herself, napping longer and even pulling herself on anything and anyone. This month Cora decided to surprise us all with her cute little army crawl/butt scoot. I wouldn't be shocked if she was crawling in the next week or so. She's so quick as she lifts and kicks and pulls her little arms towards something that she wants. She's also showing a side of stubbornness/frustration. When she wants something, she wants it now! She doesn't take after her mother at all...(ughm, excuse me while I clear my throat), it's probably why she says Mama now...we are too much a like!



 I am excited to start giving her "people" food as she seems to be losing interest in baby food. She has a new trick that she tries to touch each and every spoonful of food you offer her. We had some extremely messy meals, but that's what being a baby is all about! Messes!!

While we had some nice sunny days, we tried to get out for a bit and enjoy the last inches of snow...hopefully the last of the snow! we are all ready for some warmer weather!

Learning what snow is all about, thanks to Daddy!

Who needs flowers on Valentines Day, Cora just loves cards.

Purdy little lady, you will never know how much Mama and Dada love you! You melt our heart!!

Taking baths are so much fun, now that you are out of the baby bathtub!

Being a little naughty and learning the word NO. If we say no, you look at us and smile, oh so cute but can last for only so long :)

One of the many silly faces, you love to make us laugh!

When you are playing, you usually choose to read a book over all of the piles of toys on the floor. Your future teachers will love to hear this, right Auntie Ash!

We love you miss!

sickies

Last week Cora and I were battling the same thing...a nasty cold! It was the first time Cora has been sick and let me tell you...it was horrible for her and her parents!! We felt awful that we couldn't do anything to help her. Her little nose constantly running, a cough that wouldn't settle down and a fever for a few days. There should be a clause in the parenting handbook that says that mommies and babies can't be sick at the same time. NOT fun! Luckily, we are both feeling better. Now the warmer weather can start anytime so that we can open our windows and air out these germs!!

 This pretty much sums up our entire week!

 Poor little lady could only breathe through her mouth...her nose was too stuffy!

Dedication to the Lord!

This past weekend, Cora was dedicated at Ada Bible Church. We were surrounded by many loved ones, it was so incredibly special. There were a total of 18 children who were dedicated and listening to all the screams and giggles throughout the service made me smile and thank God for his creations!

Joel's parents held a luncheon after the service and it was wonderful! Cora is extremely blessed and we are as well as she has filled our hearts with so much love! We love you Cora Isabel!

Seven Month Beauty

Cora is just that...a seven month beauty with two new teeth and a huge smile! She's a stinker when it comes to eating and barely likes any veggies and of course loves all fruit. She's trying to scoot, but so far she's been pretty content on her tummy or back or just sitting up. She just started to show her excitement towards something with tensing up her whole body and letting out a little noise with a huge smile on her face. priceless! Love, love, love this little girl!

Trying Puffs, not her new teeth :)

Her excited look!

Mum Mums!

Two Teeth!

Six Blessed Months

Wow. That's about all I can say right now...wow, six months have passed since our lives were changed when we welcomed Cora Isabel into the world. It has been such an amazing journal thus far and it's so true that if you blink, your little one will be all grown up before you know it! I can honestly say that that little phrase makes me sick to my stomach because I'm now witnessing this growth firsthand. I knew this was going to happen and there is nothing I can do about it, but I'm going to hold Cora tighter, giggle with her more and kiss her chubby cheeks 100 times a day before she one day she doesn't think Mommy is cool anymore!

Stats at 6 months:
18lb 2oz (98%, weight of an 8 month old)

27 7/8in (off the charts, height of a 10month old)

head: 90%! (thank you Heeren genes)

Blurry but OH SO CUTE!

Best Buddy, Evan

Christmas Tree Hunting, 2010

She eats oatmeal in the morning and has started eating veggies and a little rice in the afternoon. She is also now only breastfeeding in the evening and formula during the day. She's a happy girl and LOVES her feedings!


Christmas Eve 2010

Great Grandma Stolk

Peek-a-bo0!

She's a stinker though when it comes to rolling. She CAN roll, it's a matter of when she actually WANTS to do it...on her own time. She would rather stand or go from laying on her back to pulling herself up with our help than sitting or rolling. She is one strong willed little girl!

Cora Isabel - you are one amazing little lady and to say that we crazy in love you is an understatement! We are blessed that God has chosen us to be your parents and thank Him every day for YOU!