Carrots - Yum!

As part of our let's fatten up Cora regime, we were instructed to start baby foods. We were told to start with yellow or orange vegetables followed by fruits and, finally, green vegetables. I thought this was perfect since Thanksgiving is the time of colorful veggies. So, I got an armful of step one organic carrots and sweet potatoes at the store. Let me just say that so far, Cora is not a picky eater. She loved the carrots! She loved them so much that she didn't even make any kind of face when she first tasted them. No grimace, no inquisitive stare, she simply waved her arms and whined for more. We'll try sweet potatoes on Friday. Hopefully, she will not suddenly become picky before then! Perhaps after we finish off the ones I bought, I will feel resourceful enough to try my hand at making my own baby food. Considering the exact ingredients of the organic step one carrots are carrots and water, it doesn't seem that hard. Plus, considering those same ingredients, it just seems more cost-effective to do it myself. Let's just see if this lofty idea of mine actually comes to fruition!

4 Month Appointment - AARRGGHH!

This little fish tale just keeps getting bigger. . . Dr. Mitchell left a message for us today at 10:15 telling us she wanted to discuss Cora's lab work with me. It's never a good sign when they don't just come out and say anything. When I called her back, she told me that one of the blood tests indicated high potassium and low carbon dioxide. This can be a sign of a serious kidney issue. Yeesh! So, she wanted me to come in ASAP and have more (!) blood drawn. Yippee! Cora and I high-tail it to the clinic so we can get the results back today. Luckily, the phlebotomist from yesterday is at the pediatrician's office today. Out come the tourniquet and needles. I'm trying to stay calm for Cora, but it's hard especially knowing how she's going to react. It was worse today because Cora was all coos and giggles until she got stuck with the needle. She had such a tragic look on her face after that. And, I was the one that had to hold her writhing body down. Thankfully today she found a good vein. It only took a few minutes to get the blood needed. (Now Cora has 6 needle holes in her body - at least one on every appendage - my sweet, little pin cushion!) But, because nothing in this situation is ever easy, we had to stick around for 20 minutes to make sure the blood did not hemolyze. I am so thankful that we had a successful draw today. We were free to go. . .and wait for the results. About an hour later, Dr. Mitchell called to say that this test came back fine. (Praises to God!!!) She suspects that since we had such a hard time drawing blood yesterday, that particular blood test was skewed. We have another appointment a week from Friday. If Cora has not gained several ounces by then, we go to a specialist. More to come. . .

4 Month Appointment - The Sequel

Well, this little series of events is turning into a saga of epic proportions. Today we went back to the doctor to be weighed. As you will recall, at her last appointment Cora had only gained 4 ounces in the two months between the appointments. This month, little missy put on a whopping 1 ounce. . . The doctor was slightly (!) concerned. The mommy was slightly (!) hysterical. Cora was jolly until the doctor ordered a panel of lab work.

So, the phlebotomist comes in with her tray of needles, syringes, gauze and bandages and asks which tests the doctor ordered. It can not be good if the professional doesn't know what tests for which she is drawing blood, no? All I know is that the doctor is going to be checking liver functions, etc. But, not being a medical professional, how the heck should I know the names of the tests?!? And, now I'm expected to trust this person to stick my baby!?! The phlebotomist leaves to find out what she is supposed to do and does not come back. Eventually the nurse tracks her down and sends her back in with a list of seven (!) tests. Does my baby even have enough blood for 7 tests?? Even the professional is skeptical. Nevertheless, she brings out one of those lovely rubber tourniquets and wraps it around sweet baby's arm. No good veins there. Next, she tries the foot. No such luck there either. She decides she will need a tiny needle and leaves us to retrieve one. Then, she and the nurse attempt to draw blood from a vein I can't even see. They were able to get about 1/2 a drop. So, they send me off to another clinic down the street.

This clinic happens to be in a family practice. The people in the waiting room are all adults and all sick. When we walk in, Cora happens to be fussing her tiny little head off. I'm sure they were all thrilled. Thankfully, it was only a few minute wait for us. Unfortunately, this phlebotomist did not seem much more hopeful about getting the blood needed for all of the tests. Nevertheless, we begin the vein search all over again. To make this incredibly long story (a little) shorter. After 45 minutes of pricking my poor baby, she was able to get enough blood for all but one of the tests. Here is a picture of what Cora looked like when she was finished.

I took these pictures with my phone, so the quality is not great. She has four bandages on her feet and one on her wrist. The nurse was very gracious and allowed me to stay in the room and nurse Cora to get her calmed down. And, she made sure that I did not leave without my very own fecal collection kit. . .just what I always wanted!! We should get the lab work back in a few days. . .

4 Month Appointment - Part 2

Our appointment is today. I'm nervous, but I'm pretty sure she's put on weight. Her diaper seems to fit a little more snugly. It's hard to tell if the clothes are getting tighter because we are wearing cool weather clothes now. More to come. . .

Johnny Jump-Up

Does anyone remember the Johnny Jump-Up from when we were kids? The best way I can think to describe it is as a child's bungee seat. You attach a large clamp to your door casing. The seat hangs from stretchy straps attached to the clamp. You slide your child in and the joy of random jumping is discovered. I know they took them off the marked for a while. . .something about safety issues. . .gee, you think?! Apparently, you can now buy the original version again. Let me know if any of you out there try it on your precious one!?!

So, all that being said, the "new school" version of it has the bungee cords attached to a metal frame such as that of a baby swing. It also has little gadgets and gizmos to entertain baby - as if jumping were not enough!! It is like a swing/exersaucer hybrid. Some friends are letting us borrow one for Cora. (Random, unsolicited advice: Before you buy some fabulous looking something that you are sure will keep your child highly entertained, borrow it. You never know if your child will actually like/use what you bought.) Cora actually seems to like it. We have to kind of wedge her in a bit on account of her, shall we say, petite stature? She has not mastered jumping in it, but she will grab for the beads and things. I want to see how she will react when she figures out she can bounce in it. Here is a picture of play-time.
I think she's actually supposed to sit a bit higher in the chair, but she is a wee little thing! I'll be sure to get video of when she starts jumping.

Rolling

Last night Cora rolled from her back to her stomach for the first time. She was laying in her play gym on her back talking and trying to get as many fingers in her mouth as possible. Suddenly, she just decided to roll on over. And, poof, there she was staring up at me in that half push-up position. Will she be one of those babies who first moves around by rolling? I guess we shall soon see!

Teething?

This week has been a little wacky for Cora. She's been more fussy than normal - they actually had to page me after about a half an hour to come get her at church on Sunday. The drool is non-stop. She's had some runny stools. (Drools and stools - who knew I'd be keeping track of that?!?) And, she keeps licking her bottom gum. I keep handing her teething toys, and she goes to town on them when she can get the cumbersome toys in her mouth. She's had the little tooth buds on her bottom gum for quite some time. But, her gums don't seem swollen or irritated at this point. Hmm. . . I'm thinking teeth will make nursing more interesting! I'll keep you posted on her status. . .

Walking

No, not Cora. . . But, she did rather enjoy John's and my evening walk. We used the baby carrier instead of the stroller, and she had a great time staring at everything as we walked by. She also enjoyed licking the top of the carrier. Not sure what that's about, but if it keeps her happy, then lick away, little one!

The Big Game

Yesterday, Cora went to her first tailgate and football game. Some of our friends, the Hatleys, are part of a group that runs a big tailgate sponsored by the business school and now, the cheerleading squad. They have a neat old trailer that they have "Baylorized" with green and gold paint and much Bear paraphernalia. It's a bit rustic on the inside, but Lucky, as it's named, really sets he mood to get excited about Baylor sports. (Become a friend of Lucky, the Baylor Trailer on facebook.)

We got to the tailgate at about 11:30. At this point in the day, it is about 39 degrees outside and a little over 3 hours until the game starts. What were we thinking coming to a game with a 4 month old?! Thank you to Lucky for providing some much needed shelter from the wind. We bundled her up pretty good in what was as close to Baylor colors as we could find. Cora did not mind the tailgate, but she did not particularly enjoy the noise of the game. I spent the first half walking the concourse and shopping in the ridiculously over-priced spirit shop. (I did accomplish my mission of getting Baylor gear for Cora, though!) Cora fell asleep during the half-time show, and I got to watch the "Nationally famous fightin' Texas Aggie band." (It was actually the only thing I cared about seeing.) Then, there was more walking of the concourse. When it was over (Go BEARS!!), they allowed the fans onto the field. Cora got to put her potentially 5th generation Baylor woman feet down on the football field. I think she loved it! We were pretty cold and wind-swept at this point, but Cora was in a pretty good mood. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to take her out on the field. (The headless entity behind me is the Hatley's oldest son Samuel.) John was a really good sport. Here we are. . . One (mostly) happy family!

LIttle Turkeys

Today was the Thanksgiving Feast at school. Johnna's and my class looked so cute in the show. We have some real performers! To mark the occasion, Johnna bought the babies matching onesies. Little Anna, Tyler and Cora all sported cute orange onesies that said "Little Turkey." Don't you just love Anna's leg warmers?! I think Cora needs some to go with her little denim skirt!They were all holding hands when I tried to take this picture. Cora and Tyler kind of let go, but I know they still love each other the most. Look at the way he looks at her. . .Don't know why Cora looks so freaked out. . . surely it has nothing to do with all the match-making and marriage talk!?! After such a fun day at school, of course, she was just tuckered out. She passed out in the baby bjorn after lunch

Tiny-might

Mrs. Brenda coined a new nickname for baby girl, "Tiny-might." As she says, "She's tiny, but she's strong." Cora seems determined to prove herself worthy of the moniker. When she grabs on to my fingers, she doesn't just want to pull up into a sitting position, but insists on standing. Then, she lifts her feet and tries to walk. . . I know it's just a reflex, but it looks really strange when it is such a tiny little body doing it. This evening, she was using those amazing abs to support herself while sitting. She didn't last long - inevitably, she fell forward. But, she is definitely trying to hold herself up. What really startled me was when she saw me come in to the room. She seemed like she fell forward, but she was pushing with her legs and looking at me like she wanted to crawl toward me. I think if she had a little more arm strength, she would have crawled. Yikes! Soon I guess I will no longer be able to park her in the boppy on the bed while I take a shower!

In a Bit of a Rut

I realize my posting has been rare as of late. It seems that we have come to a bit of a lull in the exciting developments. I am happy to report that Cora is now an expert in rolling from her tummy to her back. Almost every morning and after every nap time, I go in to her nursery to find her on her back talking and/or sucking on her fingers. However, she gets annoyed when we put her on her tummy and pull out the camera to film it. I could take a picture of her on her back, but what would that prove?! For now you will just have to take my word that she is an excellent roller.

Cora is also loving cereal. She is getting to where she will open her mouth to allow me to put the spoon in. Before, she was mostly sucking it off of the edge of the spoon. We're still working on the extrusion reflex. . .getting the cereal from the front of the mouth to the back. (Bet you didn't know there was a fancy term for moving food in your mouth!) I think we may be starting baby foods after Cora's next doctor visit. Can you believe she is old enough for baby foods?!

I should have some more exciting information later in the week. Saturday is, after all, Cora's first football game(Baylor vs. Texas A&M), and as it may be, there is a 100% chance that one of her parents will be unhappy afterwards!

New Computer!

This is my first post on my new computer. John got me a laptop to help with my new job. And, he's connected me somehow to our main computer, so I have access to all of our documents and pictures wirelessly. I'm sure that is probably not as amazing as I think it is, but I love that I am sitting in the living room right now and can browse photos on the other computer. This photo is actually not my new computer, but I just love the intensity with which Cora is staring at the screen. She even has her fingers (and toes) in the home position! I think she's a budding writer. Yea!! Good times!

She's Found Her Voice

Yesterday, Cora started talking. Obviously, she's not using words, but she's started using her voice for more than just laughing and crying. This afternoon we went through our normal naptime ritual, and I put her to bed. When I turned on the monitor, I could hear her already. Immediately, I'm wondering why she always cries and resists her nap whenever I decide to take a nap, too. However, when I turned on the video feed, it turned out that she was just a-talking away. John thinks that she was trying to call to us. She would talk, and then, if no one responded, she would get louder. It's like she's saying, "HEY! I will not be ignored!"

One Fierce Watchdog

According to Wikipedia, "Dachshunds are playful, fun dogs known for their propensity to chase small animals, birds, and tennis balls with great determination and ferocity. . .They have a particularly loud bark, making dachshunds good watchdogs. . .Their temperament and body language give the impression that they do not know or care about their relatively small size." Criminals, beware! Penny is watching you!

Halloween

Oh, the things we do for kids! Yesterday, we had Harvest Day at the preschool. My co-teacher, Johnna, had her costume already, and I'm not one to be outdone! Here we are with our kiddos. (This is why God did not make me blonde! May I just say hats off - no pun intended! - to those of you out there who choose to wear wigs on a regular basis. That thing just about drove me nuts!) Cora dressed up as a cat. Mema got her some stockings to go with the kitty cat onesie, but they were a little big on mon petite bébé. Johnna had a cute little tu-tu on baby Anna. And, yes, those are leg-warmers!! William is Ossmus (Optimus) Prime, of course! In spite of the itchy wig and highly unflattering dress, it was actually a lot of fun!

Cora's Lovey

I recently read that starting at 3 months, babies can begin to grow sentimental attachments to objects. So, now whenever Cora is upset, I get her bunny lovey and rub Cora's face and arms with it while I soothe her. I think she's starting to associate it with comfort. I handed it to her today so that I could get dressed. She had a great time talking to it and tasting it. Check it out.Penny wanted to get in on the action, too. She's actually becoming very obedient about not licking the baby. It's going to be so much fun when they can play together.

Success!

I've mentioned before how I desperately hope that Cora will learn to suck her fingers. I think we have success! (Although, this presents a small problem when we are trying to eat cereal!)Incidentally, her eyes appear to be turning green!

There Was One in the Bed. . .

And the little one said, "Roll over!" And, that's what she did. This afternoon she woke up in the middle of her nap. I have been letting her fuss for a few minutes because she is starting to be able to put herself back to sleep. The whole while she is fussing, I'm listening on the baby monitor. Suddenly, I hear golden silence. I turn on the video feed expecting to see my baby sleeping, but instead, I see 2 bright eyes staring at me! It was actually a little unnerving - like she was watching me, too! Turns out she was simply looking at the green light on the camera. But, the point is that suddenly, she's on her back happily sucking on her fingers and watching the pretty light. I was very tempted to run into her room and spank her for growing up too fast! I managed to rein in my emotions, though, at least for the moment. This week, rolling over; next week, college!

Cereal, an Interesting Paradox

We are well into our first week of this exciting culinary adventure. And, let me tell you, it has been an adventure! Little Miss Cora can be quite contrary when it comes to eating cereal. It took a few days for me to figure out how she wanted it done. (I learned from my father's anecdote about force-feeding my brother peas that it is best to work with them rather than against them!) I have learned that Cora must be fully nursed before any attempts at cereal can be made. I have also discovered how the spoon must be placed in her mouth for maximum ingestion. I think she now may be eating more than she ends up wearing - I call that success!

When we were given the green-light to start cereal, Dr. Mitchell gave us the option of beginning with rice or barley. She cautioned us, though. Rice tends to constipate, while barley has a laxative effect. Umm, okay. . . what do I do with those fun little tidbits?! Thankfully, the issue of which one to start with was solved by the store only having rice cereal. Surely Cora will be fine. . . Let's just say that after 2 days of no bowel movements and sweet baby whimpering (technically, screaming and crying), I decided to give barley a try. As much as rice constipates, barley does the opposite. WOW! I'm amazed the diaper was able to contain it all! It seems like you should alternate them. Would that counteract the effects? Anyway, we're in a good rhythm now, so we should see the weight start adding on. I'll keep you posted.