Growling Girl

Yes, she growls. Hysterical.

Crazy Cora

She is a little pink fireball in more ways than I probably know...
She got a kick out of putting on these glasses.

 

Who knew you could ride tandem on such a little bike? I think she's ready for speed.

 

Our sweet little girl is a dare devil. Yesterday she decided to get off the couch via the armrest (which of course is higher than the seat cushions). Problem being, she went head first. That explains the raspberry on and below her nose. Then today I walked back into the boys room to find her standing on the guard rail of the toddler bed (you know the part that keeps the toddler from falling out of the bed), unfortunately I didn't get to her before she assumed skydiving position and fell face first off the bed, nailing her eye on the toys near the bookshelf on her way down. Too much excitement for me...I'm now looking for grey hairs and am pretty sure I know who is responsible.

 

 

But really who can resist this sweet little face...I can't imagine life without her. Her two little diving exploits gave me pause to be grateful for her life...the spunk, the sweetness, the joy it is to call her our own. These little people are a blessing from the Lord and I am grateful for moments that put that back in perspective.

Walking

She's off, and she's quick! She loves to climb on anything and everything...and play in the toilet...she does both more than I'd like to admit.

Halloween hub-bub

Living in a community setting like we do with other families in the same boat makes for a great place to go trick or treating! The kids had a blast dressing up (which for us is a daily activity). Gabe made his own costume...and while I'm sure you've already figured it out, he was a "spotted bug." I'm gonna say he loved telling people what he was...though I would have grown tired of trying to explain. Drew was a cowboy, complete with a horse on a stick...which slowed down the process of walking up and down stairs to visit each apartment. Ian was Dash from the Incredibles, though he insisted I carry him up and down the stairs...which was anything but fast, Dash. Cora was a tiger, content to sit in her stroller and people watch--I mean, really is there a better day for people watching? We ended the evening by heading to a bonfire for a friend's birthday. On the way home Gabe complained of his stomach hurting. When I asked why, he told me he thought he ate too many marshmallows. I asked how many he had. His response, "I think 8 or 9." Ugh. He didn't ask for any candy that night.

 

 

 

Cora's belated 1 year pics

It's hard to believe our baby is almost 14 months...and yet it is still seemingly impossible to get everything done around here in a timely fashion. We continue to enjoy her immensely. I realized not so long ago that this is the first time I've had a child this age and not been pregnant with the next and miserably sick. I'm liking the change! We swap babysitting with some friends each week and it was my week to watch their kiddos. Their 4 month old was up for a bit while I was there. While I enjoyed holding him, I thought, "wow, I really enjoyed having little babies, but I don't miss it." I am grateful for each season and find that enjoying my kids where they are leaves me feeling little regret when I turn around and find them in a new stage.

 

 

 

 

Cora's journey to 1

First month

5 months

8 months

1 year

Hard to believe our little girl has passed the one year mark...we have enjoyed each bit of it.

Birthday cupcakes

Though at first unsure of this little pink cake...

 

she ate ever last bit...

 

and managed to change her hairstyle in the process...who knew frosting is as good as gel?

 

Happy Birthday baby girl.

 

Cora's 1st Birthday

It was hysterical to see the look of sheer delight on her face when she pulled off the paper and saw her first baby doll in the box. You see in the progression that she totally fell apart when Andy took the doll away to free it from the box...and then the look of utter delight returns as she holds onto that doll as tight as possible (she has brothers ya know).

Awww, how sweet

Drew still loves to hold Cora, though I can't say she's as fond of being held as he is of holding her. At any rate, I couldn't resist this sweet picture.

 

Comical

So at Gabe's ever so fun birthday party, I catch a glimpse of these two...looking as though there isn't a thing in the world that could make them happy. I watched them for the next few minutes and caught this progression...

 

 

 

Gabe's journey to 6

newborn

1 year

Gabe's journey to 6

2 years

3 years

4 years

5 years

6 years

Gabe's 6th Birthday

Decorating lion & pig cupcake, freeze tag and a waterballoon toss...that's what birthdays are all about...at least when you're 6.

 

 

 

 

Cora's 11 month pics

Just to stay with the theme of late posting...here are Cora's 11 month pics.

 

 

 

Bubby and Papa Leo visit

Bubby and Papa Leo came to visit in August for a couple of days. The boys talked them into playing Uno for hours on end, swam at the hotel pool, and generally wore them out. It was terrific and everyone enjoyed it!