A Little Flashback

Can you tell how much I love having a little girl?! This is Cora with her best friend Anna before Easter. Anna's talented momma, Johnna, made the bunny onesies and taught me how to make the tutus. I just love the outfit and my little girly-girl!

Gerber's Revenue Will Be Taking a Big Hit

I really want to stop buying baby food. I really want to stop making baby food. Now that Cora has about 47 teeth and loves to feed herself, I'm trying to let her eat what we are eating. So far, she's not a particularly picky eater. But, nevertheless, I felt it best to ease her in to "real food." I found this recipe:
I whipped it up.
We all ate.

Success!

The Dreaded. . .

I love being a mom! Since I was a wee child, I've looked forward to motherhood. Thoughts of dirty diapers and screaming babies never bothered me. There was only one thing that I always dreaded about motherhood, and it happened today. . . My baby puked. Uugghh!! Even typing the word makes my stomach churn a little. I'm really glad that John got the brunt of it. He was with her when it happened. I just had the privilege of sharing in the clean-up. I would like to give a little shout-out to OxyClean. Due to the unfortunate combination of this stomach virus and the berries I mixed with her oatmeal this morning, I got to test whether or not OxyClean lives up to the commercials. (It does. . .thank you, Billy Mays!) So far, we've only had the one episode with the puking (uugghh!!), but she's been running fever and just generally upset all day. She's down now, hopefully for the night. And, hopefully, tomorrow will be a better day!

She's a RamBelle!

Cora has ties to several universities. She has the most ties to the Big 12 conference, but also has some significant ones in the Big 10, not to mention the Lone Star Conference. Here is Cora supporting her favorite Lone Star university, Angelo State. Go Rams!

We put on our most giant bow when we got dressed today because black shorts and a t-shirt were a little too gender neutral. (Thanks Aunt Celeste for letting us use Hannah's lovely bow!) I think this prevented us from getting many compliments on my sweet little boy!

My Little Buddy Barrett

So, y'all, I have another favor/prayer request to put out there. My buddy Barrett from preschool is having open-heart surgery next week. He's been under quarantine for almost two weeks now in order to keep him germ-free for his surgery. (God bless his mom, Maranatha!) Please pray that he will continue to be healthy and well for his surgery. Also, pray that God's hands will completely surround every detail from the doctors'/nurses' hands to the financial aspects to the day to day living while they are in Houston for the surgery. Click here to go to his blog or find the link on my sidebar. Your prayers are so special and meaningful to them. We know that through these prayers a mighty work can be done by God's hand!

Mommy's Little Helper

Now that Cora is so mobile, she will not tolerate being stuck in her exersaucer for long. This presents a problem when I am in the kitchen cooking. She cannot be trusted to sit quietly and watch tv. . . so NOT like her mother! But, like MY mother did, I have a plan to keep her occupied when I'm in the kitchen. . . her very own kitchen tools. I gave her her own spoon, spatula, whisk, bowl and basket. Then, one of my friends gave us some large letters for the fridge. So, she cruises around and plays with her toys while I cook dinner.

Oh, and also the dishwasher and oven are quite amusing to her. She likes to tap on her reflection and talk to it. But rest assured, I would NEVER resort to feeding her crackers and puffs on the kitchen floor to keep her quiet and content. Nope, not me!

The Post With No Discernible Point

John and I are members of what I like to refer to as the cheap-o gym. (This being the perfect gym for us since we have been exactly 0 times in the past year.) I guess a better way to describe it would be the utilitarian gym - no pool, no fitness classes, no complimentary towel, just workout equipment and a water fountain. When I joined the gym, they were giving away one free personal training session to all new members. I think they must ascribe to the military philosophy of "let's tear you down in order to build you back up" because I left that session feeling oh so proud of my fabulous physique. The trainer suggested that I come back twice a week at $50 bucks a pop. Because I have a problem just saying no, I left and promised to "talk it over" with my husband and "examine our budget." But, the whole time I was thinking how I chose a gym in which I only pay $19.95 A MONTH to work out and this poor muscle-head thinks I'll shell out $100 A WEEK in order to become some sort of tiny greek goddess (ha ha!!). You will be pleased to know that I was able to effectively say no to the personal training, but not before he suggested that I cut eating out, eating in, medical care, water, air and any other "fat" from my budget in order to be able to participate in these sessions.

So, yesterday evening, I got an invite from Johnna and Katherine to go to the pool at what I like to call the fancy gym - you know one that is not part of a strip mall. This gym even has a grill. . .no not a charcoal grill. This gym has an actual grill restaurant. . .don't worry, I made that mistake, too! The plan was to take our little ones to the pool and have a bite to eat. This meant I had to get the ball rolling on Lauren and Josette's birthday cake that I had planned to make today. This morning when I was icing the cake, I discovered that 1 measly can of icing did not cover a cake to my satisfaction. Cora and I were immediately off to the big box store to get that 1 can of icing. So, two cute dresses for Cora, a dvd, and $35 later, we had our can of icing. The cake looks delish, by the way. It has taken much willpower not to pull a Healthcliff Huxtable and replace the middle of the cake with wadded up paper towels and icing so that I can sneak a snack. May I also say that I'm enjoying my retro (literally - it was my mom's) tupperware cake saver - avocado colored with the yellow flower.

Cora did enjoy the pool by the way. (Perhaps that was where I was going with this post?!) It was a little cold, but she crawled and splashed around. Plus, she finally got to wear her cute little swimsuit. Here are some pictures of the bathing beauty.

I'm so excited because we've started getting compliments on our chunky thighs. . .well, I haven't been getting compliments. . .I guess meaty thighs aren't as cute on a 30 year old. . .sigh. . .but, everyone seems to think that Cora is starting to fill out which is always music to my ears.

To sum up:

John + Melissa = Cheap

Meaty Thighs + Cora = Major Cuteness

Meaty Thighs + Melissa = (insert horror movie scream here)

Yellow Cake + Chocolate Frosting = YUM!

Fimmin'

Yia Yia and Dado had a special surprise for Cora at our last visit - a swimming pool. I didn't bring her swimsuit with us, so we decided to get back to our my redneck roots and let her swim in just a diaper.
Dado bought her some squirter toys that she had fun tasting. (Speaking of redneck, who is that sitting on that bucket in the middle of the plastic pool?!)
But, she really seemed to enjoy playing with the plastic that they came in much more. (Isn't that the way it always is?!)

Penny was not too keen on being near the pool. I'm guessing it reminded her of the dreaded B-A-T-H. But, John managed to get this little shot of sweetness.

Soon, we'll be going to the big pool in our neighborhood. We'll probably wear our swimsuit for that. Don't wanna get a reputation or anything!

Mobility is Highly Overrated, Part 2

Cora crawls like a 3-legged cat. Sometimes she just scoots with one leg on that precious little toushee. She does not let the awkwardness of it all keep her out of mischief! (Don't get me wrong, I love her ingenuity. Plus, on the practical side, I can see how clean my floors are by examining the booty of her clothing at the end of the day!) Anyway, yesterday she found my purse. Much joyful exploration ensued.

Kayleigh

Y'all, little Kayleigh went home to heaven last night. Please pray for her family.

It's Like Volunteering For Torture. . .

. . .if torture were voluntary. . . and could be done in the convenience of your own home. . .and promised to make you look good in your swimsuit. . .sigh. . .

(This post was actually supposed to be completed on May 6th, but I had to give up typing due to EVERY MUSCLE IN MY BODY WAS SCREAMING IN AGONY!)

So, I started the 30 Day Shred last week. If you haven't heard of this tool of torment, it is one of Jillian Michaels' workout videos. I will admit that I wasn't too worried when I started this whole adventure. I mean, it's a 20 minute workout. How hard can it be?

Y'all, it's hard!!

It probably didn't help that I did the first workout barefoot because I forgot to put my tennis shoes on. (Obviously, I am quite the athlete!) But, immediately after the workout, my body was sore. (For your frame of reference, it usually takes me 2 days to get sore.) By the third day, I was moaning any time I had to move any muscle. Fortunately, Jillian is there for me to cheer me on. Some sage nuggets from the mistress of torture:

• That knot in your stomach is just the fear trying to leave your body.


• The weight starts getting uncomfortable, those are the ones that count the most.


• I know it's hard; I get it!


• This is going to replace hours of phoning it in at the gym


• If you think you're gonna die. . .


• I hear you screaming; I want you panting, grunting.
  

And to help you visualize this whole process, here I am during the push-up portion of the workout.

(Oh, believe me. I felt just as uncomfortable in that position as you do looking at it!)

Cora in a Nutshell

I think the following pictures sum Cora up pretty well.

"Get in my belly!"As for why she's sitting with just a diaper on, more on that to come!

And on a Totally Random Note

Remember all the wildlife, we have witnessed as of late in our neighborhood? On the way to preschool on Tuesday, I saw a dead MOUNTAIN LION. . . I would have stopped to take a picture, but in my mind, this mountain lion was only playing dead in order to trap some unsuspecting idiot (me) with a camera and eat said idiot (me) for breakfast. (Yes, the world I created in my head is A-MAZING!) Plus, it's probably really weird to take pictures of roadkill. You know, just guessing, and all.

Praise God!

Yesterday I took Cora back to the doctor for her regular weight check. As I walked in without any trepidation, completely confident and nervously checked in at the desk, I took notice of the large box of face masks. The sign graciously asked that anyone who coughs take one and apply to the facial area. People, that is just like watching someone yawn! As soon as I saw that sign, my throat began to tickle. OY, it took all of my (minimally available) willpower not to cough and thereby be relegated to the sick waiting room. Thankfully, not a cough escaped my lips, and we got to wait in the well waiting room with the cheerful happy face on the door. So far, so good!

Soon enough the nurse called for us, and before Cora could say "mamamamamamamamama," she was naked on the scale. Praise be to God, for little missy checked in at a whopping 15 lbs, 6 oz! (Okay, "whopping" is a relative term, but for Tiny-might, 10 lbs in 10 months is pretty darn good!) Perhaps it was the several crackers and the sippy cup of water that she snacked on right before our appointment, but regardless, we are in the clear until her 1 year appointment. Yea!

Mobility is Highly Overrated!

Thank goodness Penny's food bowl was empty!

First Fiesta Dress

Esto me es en mi primer vestido de Fiesta de San Antonio. Mi abuela la compró para mí. ¿Piensa usted que soy hermoso?
Cora is bilingual! (Just like her mom!)
Penny is a bit of a camera hog. When she saw me get out the camera, she decided she had to be in the pictures. I kept trying to push her out of the way, but she just kept running back beside Cora and sitting posing for the camera. Poor John! He is surrounded by divas!

Cause and Effect

Cora, this is a lesson in cause and effect:

The Cause:

The Effect:

Cora's new joy in life is climbing. She discovered Penny's pillow on the hearth (much to my dismay!) a little while ago. Then, she spent the next few minutes trying to figure out how to get on top of it. So, like any mom of the year candidate, I got out my camera because I knew this could only possibly end in giggles, smiles and high-fives all around. Actually, little missy did quite a good job climbing up onto Penny's pillow. The problem came when she did a little victory booty bounce and took a nose dive into the really soft and kid-friendly unforgiving wood floor. It's a bit hard to see in the picture, but Tiny-might got a souvenir from her trip. . .a nice black and blue bruise on her forehead.

Cora, what did we learn?!

I Spoke Too Soon

Okay, I thought it was hard getting 2 children to look at the camera and smile. . . Here is Cora's class picture from preschool.
Cora looks positively disgruntled that she didn't get to sit with the other kids. Other than the teachers', there is not a single smile in the bunch! Bless their little hearts!

New Blog Button

You may notice a new button on the side of my blog stating Pray for Kayleigh. I normally would not post a prayer button for someone that I do not know personally. With just my one little toe dipped into the big, wide blogging world, I have become so overwhelmed with the number of families who are not able to bring home a happy, healthy baby due to infertility, illness, injury or other reasons. This blog in particular really jumped out at me for two reasons. First, my very first baby doll was named Kayleigh. I always thought I would have a little girl with that name. Second, Kayleigh was born June 23rd which is the day my water broke before I delivered Cora. Unfortunately, where I got to take home a tiny, yet perfectly healthy baby a few days later, Kayleigh Anne was born 3 months premature and has lived in the NICU her whole life. The prognosis is very bleak for her, but the family is hoping to bring her home to live out her final days. If you feel so inclined, please visit the blog and pray for her family during this time. I know they would appreciate your prayers as they continue this journey that no parent wants to take.

First Family Photos

(I hope you appreciate the alliterative effect of the title - you know who you are!!)

Last month, my side of the family got together at my brother's house in Houston to get some family portraits done on account of they are moving to Alaska next month. (Could that be a longer sentence?! Seriously!!) So, I made a cute dress for Cora, and shopped until I found John and me outfits to match. Yesterday, the lovely finished products arrived in my mailbox. Here we are in all our bluebonnet sitting glory. ***Small disclaimer: I took a picture of the pictures which is probably all kinds of illegal. I couldn't use the flash without having all of the paranormal experts of the world flocking to my blog to discuss the mysterious orb that appeared floating beside Cora. All that to say the pictures are not actually blurry in person.***

I had no idea how difficult it would be to get a shot of a 9 month old and a 3 year old looking into the camera and smiling in addition to the 6 adults! I picked the bottom shot because I thought all the adults looked lovely. . .despite the fact that I have my hand up Cora's dress - nice! - and she is looking down while playing with a pink and orange cow.

Here is a little snippet of what went on behind the scenes to try to coax good pictures out of the little girls.
I am jumping up and down and snapping while calling out Cora's name. John is working the dog puppet that barks when you open his mouth. Yes, we were the crazies in the public park! But, I must say that the process worked because we had over 200 photos to look at. And, it was near impossible not to just order them all. So, when it was time for school portraits the following week, I thought I would not feel the need to buy any. But, geez, they were just too darn cute, too! (Is it just me, or do we have a pretty, stinkin' cute kid?!) So, to those of you who have commented on the amount of pictures in our house of Penny vs. Cora, and you know who you are (ha ha!!), consider the problem remedied!