The Return of Tiny-Might

After little missy ripped the tray off of her bumbo and shoved it in her mouth, I realized that it is not a good idea to turn my back on her while she is in the chair. Point proven today. As I mashed up some sweet potatoes (Yea, me for making my own baby food!), Tiny-Might launched herself out of the bumbo. I am probably a terrible mom for not stopping her, but I found myself incredibly curious to see if she could actually get out of it. The answer is yes, she most definitely can. She landed in a pile of bibs on the counter. She was quite pleased until she realized that she could not change her position from the face plant. At that point she squealed for help. (I assure you that had she been in any danger of hurting herself, I would have jumped in to stop her.) Her size is actually becoming quite problematic for me as she is able to do much more than she should be able to! Her philosophy is "why sit when it is just as easy to stand!" And, "why stand idly by when I can attempt to walk!" Aye, chihuahua! Did we completely pass over the happily sitting and playing with toys phase?! Thankfully, the bumbo issue has been solved by shoving a blanket in the seat behind her. But, I feel certain that it will not be long before that solution becomes one more notch in her tiny belt!

Christmas with Yia Yia and Dado

For our first Christmas as a family of three, we got to celebrate at our house. Yia Yia and Dado came down on Christmas Eve after spending the days prior in Tennessee with Uncle Josh, Aunt Amy and little Dawson. As I was playing hostess, I was in charge of the meal. I'll admit it; I took the easy way out! No turkey this year. Instead, we ate yummy spiral sliced ham and some easy side dishes. Maybe next time I'll be brave enough to attempt a turkey.

Christmas Eve(ning) was a lot of fun. Dado discovered that Cora loves her some bluegrass music. He is quite convinced that she will be very musical. (Many thanks to Uncle Josh and Aunt Amy for the drum! She loves it!) Then, she got all decked out in her Christmas jammies. She looks like she belongs in The Night Before Christmas. How very appropriate!

Cora had fun opening her presents. She was really happy about the toys and books, but was most enthralled with the shiny wrapping paper and bows.

We were excited when Cora showed interest in the books. I mean, she is highly advanced! Here she is trying to cram all that knowledge into her head.

Overall, a very nice Christmas!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Happy Half-Birthday!

Happy Half-Birthday, baby girl! I can't believe you have been in the world out here with us for six months. You amaze me at how you grow and change every day. I love you dearly!!


P.S. I'm really sorry you have to get your six month shots on Christmas Eve!

Cora's Stocking

I finally got around to making Cora's stocking. I would have felt terribly guilty not getting it finished in time for her first Christmas especially since Penny has one of her own! Here are our stockings hung and ready for Santa.

I was holding Cora as I took the picture, and she was very interested in the camera. She grabbed for it as I snapped the pictures. And, here is what happened. . . I love it! It looks like she's taking a picture of herself.

All I Want is Freedom!

I think Penny is getting tired of solitary confinement! She's taking as much freedom as she can get . . . with her nose. Don't really know how she managed to wedge her nose in that small square. I guess she just needed to smell the outside world! She goes in front of the parole board on Tuesday, but we feel pretty confident that she will be given time off for good behavior!

First Buggy Ride

At school on Tuesday, Mrs. Terri called me out of my classroom telling me she needed to show me something. Immediately, I assumed something was wrong. But, when I got to the door of my classroom, this is what I saw. My church has these fun red "Bye-Bye Buggies" that are used to take the kids on rides. Cora was always just a wee bit too small until now. She was so excited to be in the buggy with the "big kids." She beamed and beamed when she saw me. She was so proud of herself! (Is it just me or does her head look giant in this picture? Must be her big brains!!)

Yes, It Does Say Sucker on My Forehead!

Do you know that they basically have a WebMD for pets? It's extremely dangerous for me to go there. I was convinced that Penny had the deadly leptospirosis despite being current on her vaccines! Thank you to Dr. Womack for assuaging my fears. Today, I continued to do research on slipped discs in dachshunds. It is an extremely common ailment, so there was much cyber information to sort through. Most sites agreed that vitamin C and glucosamine can help to heal and prevent slipped discs. So, off Cora and I went to PetCo in search of supplements for Penny-dog. Cora was in a particularly good mood, and smiled and cooed at everyone who happened to glance at her. She was particularly thrilled with the Santa that we ran into in our vitamin quest. Turns out they had a little area set up to take pictures with Santa. (Oh, if only Penny could have been there!!!)

"Would you like to have a picture of her with Santa?" the man asked.

"Sure!" I said. This would prevent me from having to make a special trip to the mall.

"Okay, we're taking pictures for $8.95 with $5 going to the Elgin Humane Society. Is that okay?"

D'oh! In the few seconds I had to respond, I could not come up with a reason to say no that wouldn't make me look like a heel. I realize that "No, thank you" is a reasonable way to respond, but I have a history of not being able to say no. Just ask John how our power company got switched or how we ended up supporting the Texas State Troopers Association. Basically, I am now forbidden from answering the phone or the door! Since John wasn't around to intervene, here is the picture with Santa.

No, it was not my wish to be in the picture! When I handed Cora to Santa, she let out a scream to wake the dead. Never mind that this is the same Santa that she was cooing at not five minutes ago. I encouraged the man to just take the picture of her crying. I mean, there are tons of parents out there with screaming children in the first picture of Santa. However, Santa had the brilliant idea to have me hold her and then sit on his lap. Umm, okay?!? In the reasonable amount of time I had to respond, I could not come up with a graceful way to say no. Hmm. . .I'm beginning to see a pattern here. Maybe I should have "No, thank you" printed on a card that I can just flash at people instead of having to use words. Or maybe it would just be easier to tattoo "Sucker" to my forehead. . .or does it say that already?!

Please Don't Tell Me It Comes in Threes!

You already know that this week has been eventful for Cora. I am happy to report that Cora is doing well. No more fever, just an awful sounding cough. Thankfully, the cough does not seem to bother Cora that much.

Being fever free and on the upswing, Cora and I decided to do dinner with a friend. I left Penny in the house because I knew it was going to get cold outside. When we got home, Penny was on the back of the couch as she often is when left at home alone. Normally, Penny will jump down off the couch to shower whomever comes home with kisses. Last night, however, she seemed really reluctant to jump down off the couch. When she did get down, she was in an almost cowering posture. I called John and he figured it was probably nothing to worry about. So, I went about getting Cora ready for bed. 45 minutes later when Penny was still acting odd, I tried to pick her up and she yelped with pain. I put her on the bed and her whole body just shook and shook. This is when panic set in. John looked up the number for an emergency vet clinic, and after talking with the vet tech, Penny, Cora and I set off to get her checked out. Penny had all her vital signs checked and everything was stable. The vet couldn't give me a definite diagnosis without more testing (translation: more $$$ from me), but she suspected a slipped disc. She gave us some pain pills and let us go home. When we got home (at 1:00 in the morning!), I did a little internet research, and I feel confident that a slipped disc is the mystery ailment. Unfortunately for Penny, the treatment consists of pain pills and solitary confinement in her crate for 2 weeks. She only gets out to eat and to go to the bathroom. I am already seeing improvement in her, so I'm really hopeful for a full recovery. I just hope that she can endure the confinement. So, don't tell me these things come in threes. . .I'm the only healthy one left!

I Love Cora's Pediatrician!

So many people have been asking me about Cora's pediatrician lately. New moms are looking for a doctor; "old" moms are wanting to change doctors. Let me just tell you that I love Dr. Mitchell. It is worth the 15 mile drive to her office as she is housed by our church, and we are most certainly not! Naturally, her office was closed when we had our minor emergency the other night. But, fortunately, the after hours clinic was only a few miles away from us and, more importantly, was open at that time. Cora got checked out, thoroughly annoyed, and sent home. The after hours doctor, who was actually quite lovely - no matter what Cora thinks, assured us that it was likely nothing and as long as the symptoms didn't get worse, she should be well in a few days. I have been carefully monitoring her fever for the past 48 hours, and she is definitely on the upswing (despite the sound of her cough!!)

Anyway, while we are at home convalescing, the phone rings, and it is none other than Dr. Mitchell checking up on poor baby. Our doctor who didn't even see her is calling to make sure she is getting better! Two days in a row she has called to check up on poor baby. Perhaps all pediatricians do this; I really don't know as this is my first time. But, I really am thankful that she cares enough to take a few minutes to check on my sweet baby. So, to those of you out there who are looking for a pediatrician, I would be glad to share mine!

Second Cold

There are times where I wish I could suck my words right back into my mouth. "Cora's been remarkably healthy!" I said so confidently and proud. I remember that Dr. Mitchell told us we should expect to have one cold a month. Well, after three months, Cora only experienced one cold. I think we are making up for that now. Cora was fussy after her nap and was very congested. We broke out the aspirator and went about our business. But, when I had to (practically) force-feed her dinner, I decided to take her temperature. According to my thermometer, her temp was 103.4 - are you kidding me?!? So, we immediately got an appointment at the after-hours clinic. (Sidenote: Cora seems to be maintaining her ounce a day weight gain. She has doubled her birth weight as of today.) To continue the trend that nothing at the doctor is easy for Cora, she had to have a strep test, a flu test, and her ears irrigated. Poor baby got herself so worked up that she threw up about half a dozen times. When it was all said and done, Cora had water coming out of her ears, tears out of her eyes, snot out of her nose, and vomit out of her mouth. She gave that doctor the evil eye! Fortunately, the strep and flu tests were negative. The ears showed no sign of infection, so it looks like it's just some sort of run of the mill virus. I just now fed her and medicated her. I hope she sleeps well through the night. Hopefully, she'll start feeling better tomorrow.

Christmas Photos

When John was in 7th grade, his school had a silent auction. I'm sure there were all kinds of wonderful treasures up for auction, and John most certainly found something he had to have. What was it? A small wooden sleigh. Even to this day, he is not quite sure why he wanted it, but he has dutifully kept (stored) it for the past 20 years. Finally, this sleigh has fulfilled its destiny. . . Christmas photos! This evening, we dressed Cora up in her lovely Christmas dress that Mema made. Decked her out in the shoes and bows from Yia Yia. And, placed her in the beloved sleigh. Here are a few of the "rejected" pictures. You'll just have to wait to see the chosen one!

Tiny-might Strikes Again

I think those 9 ounces Cora gained must have been pure muscle! After her breakfast, I put her in her bumbo seat so I could do some things around the kitchen. The seat has a tray that snaps in place. I can never get it locked in place, but I thought I had it well secured. I put some toys on the tray and went about my business. When my back was turned, I heard what sounded like the tray hitting the counter. When I whipped around (in a panic), this is what I saw:

To borrow from the Incredible Hulk, "Don’t make me hungry, you wouldn’t like me when I’m hungry!"

4 Month Appointment - The Final Installment

Praise God! Our prayers have been answered. I am so relieved that this saga is over for now! We are finally in double digits. . . 10 pounds, 3 ounces! Cora gained 9 ounces in the past 10 days!! That almost doubled the weight she gained in the 3 months prior! She gained an inch in height as well as some millimeters around her head. She remains off the charts as far as height and weight. But, she is squarely in the 10th percentile as far as head circumference. She's our little pumpkin head! All the bloodwork and cultures came back negative/normal/unremarkable. Thank you to everyone who has prayed for Cora. We go back to the doctor for our regular 6 month appointment on the 24th. As long has she continues to gain a few ounces each week, we are in the clear.

4 Month Appointment - Part 137

Tomorrow is our next 4 month appointment. (This drama is dragging out longer than The Lord of the Rings trilogy. : ) Wish us luck. All the blood tests have come back normal so far. The next step, should she still be failing to gain wait, will be to start visiting specialists. Today as I was feeding Cora her cereal and squash (yuck!), I was thinking about our appointment and trying to fathom what God's plan is for this situation. It just doesn't seem to make sense, but who am I to try to comprehend God's infinite wisdom and perfect will. So, I began to think of all the things in this situation that I am thankful for. Here goes:

1. I am thankful that God loves Cora even more than I do. His love for her is unfathomable.
2. I am thankful that God has blessed me with this beautiful baby.
3. I am thankful that there are so many people around us lifting us up in prayer.
4. I am thankful each and every time someone tells me about how they went through the same thing with their own child.
5. I am thankful that I live in a place where I have access to great doctors and great healthcare.
6. I am thankful that I have insurance to cover the costs of the tests and doctor visits.
7. I am thankful that my child is not a picky eater like her mom. (See previous paragraph about cereal and squash!)
8. I am thankful that there are people who are willing and able to give babies shots/draw blood/and all the other things that are difficult to even do to adults.
9. I am thankful for each and every smile, coo, laugh, giggle, roll, reach, touch, sit, stand, hug, and kiss from sweet Cora.

I know that there are so many more things that I need to add to this list. So, no matter if there is good news or bad tomorrow, I am thankful for these things and so much more. All whom I have spoken with have all but guaranteed that it is likely nothing, and I tend to feel that way, too. I'm sure most of my anxiety about the situation comes from being a new mom. I'll let you know how our appointment goes..

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

A gift from Mema and P-pa:

I wonder what Penny will do to avenge the humiliation!?!

Thanks-Christmas

Since we celebrated Thanksgiving with my parents, we will likely not see them at Christmas time. That can only mean one thing. . .Thanks-Christmas!! There are two very wonderful things about this (besides being with family, of course!):

1. Opening presents!!
2. Half of my Christmas shopping is done!!
   

On Saturday morning, we celebrated Christmas with my parents, my brother and his family, and my grandparents. My niece, Hannah, is at the age where she is starting to get into Christmas. In fact, my parents gave her the special job of present guard. She was to make sure no one got into the presents early. She took her job very seriously, and none of the presents were compromised until the right time! Then, she got the job of Santa's helper and passed out all the presents. Here she is doing her important job.

Cora must have been very good this year because she got many of the things she asked for. Her list included a bumbo seat and an umbrella stroller. (A very sophisticated list for a baby, I might say!) She also got an adorable outfit made by Mema. It will be perfect to have around Christmas time because it is red and white. It will go great with the little red and white shoes that her Aunt Celeste got her.

Hannah was also a very good little girl. Santa, or maybe Mema and P-Pa, got her some musical instruments. She spent the rest of the day playing her piano. Here she is bonding with Uncle John. Was that dulcet tones of Beethoven's 9th Symphony? Perhaps Moonlight Sonata? More like Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. . .but, still, beautiful music! They make quite the musical pair!

Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving was pretty eventful for us. Besides Cora's doctor appointments, we celebrated Thanksgiving twice and watched a turkey of a football game!

This has been a particularly busy time for John at work, and he was unable to take the Friday off after Thanksgiving. Since we visited my family this year, we stayed in town until Friday night and then trekked to San Angelo. We spent Thanksgiving Day with some friends from church. We had a yummy meal of fried turkey and all the trimmings with the Hatleys and Pavesis. When the tryptophan set in, Cora and I took an afternoon nap while John watched the Cowboys play.

That night, we went over to our friends, the Hastings' to watch the Texas A & M game. It was not very pleasant for the men watching the game, but I had fun talking with the other ladies there. Cora had a good time when she borrowed Benjamin's racecar activity center. She is all decked out in her Texas A & M gear even though it didn't seem to help the outcome of the game at all!

Friday after John got off work, we left for my parents in San Angelo to celebrate Thanksgiving again. It was nice to have so many opportunities to eat turkey and for Cora to have so many opportunities to wear her Thanksgiving outfit. . . and legwarmers!! (She may hate me for it later, but for now, I dress her as I like!!)

P.S. Sweet potatoes are a big hit with little miss Cora. Tomorrow we try squash. . .

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. . .