The Best

Last night Cora wasn't fully ready to fall asleep for the night. She was whimpering and unhappy so I went into her room with her milk and we read a few stories. Once she was content with finishing her milk, she pulled on my shirt, gave me her milk and wrapped her tiny little chubby arms around me and gave me the absolute biggest snuggley hug I have ever felt. It. melted. my. heart. This is the first time this has ever happened.

Tears welled up in my eyes and I sat there, arms wrapped around my sweet baby girl knowing this is the BEST place in the world. We are so blessed.

I will never forget that feeling and I hope there are endless hugs to come from our sweet little girl. The best!

Incredibly hard, and that's an understatement

I wish I had a more exciting title, but right now nothing is very exciting.

This past week has been something that I hope no one has to encounter, let alone KNOW of someone who has to go through what we have been going through.

Joel's uncle, aunt, cousin and cousins daughter were all murdered in last weeks killing spree. I'm still sick by even typing that.

The past two days of visitations have been exhausting, unimaginable and something I hope to never have to attend again. The family has been so blessed by the out pour of family and friends who have shown their support in so many ways. From prayers, cards, meals, flowers, and donations it has all been comforting knowing so many people have been touched by four loving and ridiculously funny Heeren family members.

The funeral is tomorrow. We said our goodbyes tonight. I hope and pray that I don't EVER have to stand next to my 11 year old daughter and explain to her how to say goodbye to her best friend, whom she will someday see again...however we pray that that won't be any time soon, Lord.

Always say I love you to those you care for, kiss your kids/husbands/wives all the time, live each day to the fullest. Life is just way too short...especially at the age of 12.

We love you Uncle "Frank", Aunt Becky, Jenny and Kamrie. We love you.

Great Friends, Great Night

Last Friday we ventured out to the beach for the first time this year. Jon and Ash came along and it was a fabulous night even if it was a bit chilly! Cora did great, especially since we were eating dinner at her normal bedtime! Love our friends and our nights out as a family!

365 Days Old

Last Saturday we were thrilled to celebrate Cora Isabel's first birthday! It was an absolute gorgeous day and we were so blessed to have everyone over to help celebrate our little loves special day!

Cora is such a stinker right now. She is walking, already whining and is very independent! I may already feel bad for any young guy that wants to date our daughter. She is going to be STUBBORN and strong willed! On the other hand, she is so good about (starting) sharing, signing "more" and "all done", trying every type of food we put in front of her, and is all done with bottles (expect for the night time one). We love her to pieces and wouldn't change one single second of our life. It is so amazing to see the world through Cora's eyes and we are so excited to continue this journey for the next 38,023,849,024 days! :)

 Happy Birthday, Cora!

 Blueberry Pancakes for Breakfast!

 Her First baby doll from Mama and Dada!

 Someone fell asleep for the first 30 minutes of her own party!

 Excuse me, party girl is ready now!

 Must not take after her mother, she didn't love the cake and brownies!

 It's tiring opening presents!!

 We love you Cora!

FIVE

that's how many steps Cora took today all by herself! She is going to be walking in no time or at least we hope!

One more MONTH...

...until our sweet little girl is ONE YEAR old! That's right, next month we will have a one year old...where has the time gone? Cora has grown so much this past month. She is talking, talking, talking (well, really not talking but babbling a ton!). She still says mama, dada, nana and lots of words that she knows we just can't understand just yet. She can point to your ears, nose and mouth but little stinker has no interest in finding her own ears, nose and mouth. She is laughing with you and at you so much more...it just melts my heart. She loves to be chased around and laughs as she is crawling her little heart out! She has taken a step or two but really doesn't have much interest in walking alone.



 Cora loves playing outside. As soon as you say, lets go outside and get the mail, lets go outside and play, lets go for a walk, she knows exactly what you are saying and with her chubby cheeky smile we go outside and have a blast!

 Cora loves food - but it has to be on her own time. If she isn't hungry, then she just won't eat and will throw all her food off of her tray! She absolutely loves food with flavor! Spaghetti, mac n cheese, grilled cheese, pizza, chicken, all fruits and veggies and of course the Gerber crunchies - her FAVORITE!!

 This month we started swim lessons. We thought we would introduce Cora to water now since summer is hopefully right around the corner, but it is Michigan so who knows when summer is going to be here! At first she was a little shy and scared and now we can't pull her out of the pool. Cora has mastered the inchworm in the pool and it is adorable! I can already see Joel and I sitting on the sidelines of her high school swim meet.

 Aunt Megan, Aunt Jillian, Uncle Matt and Grandpa all participated in the Riverbank Run. Unfortunately the weather wasn't the greatest so Cora sported her team shirt indoors at the after party (aka: brunch with family).

 A lot of people have asked - can you really believe she is going to be ONE?? Yes I can, but am I having just a slight hard time that yes, she is going to be one...maybe just a little :) I can also say that we have been so truly blessed with this little lady and I'm really looking forward to seeing her personality continue to grow!!

No Name Post

Who wins...the egg or the 10 month old...

 The 10 month old...

 So excited about her jackets - she loves loves to put on coats, such a silly little lady!

 Helping Papa heal after having surgery!

 Loving the wind chimes with Nana!