Cora's one year stats & birthday.

We did Cora's 1 year photos and cake smash while my parents were visiting at the end of August. So on Cora's birthday we had to do something to celebrate on her big day. We did mini cupcakes, a couple presents, and some balloons. It was the perfect amount of fuss for a one year old, and her older sisters.



Here she is checking out Grandma Kat's quilt! It was a big hit! :)



Cora also had her 1 year check up & vaccinations last Monday. She is now 19lbs and 30.5 inches. Still my littlest little of the pack. Roxy was 21lbs & 31.5in, June was 20lbs 10oz & 30.5in, and Lincoln was a chunk at 30lbs 4oz & 33in. Cora did awesome with the shots and only cried for a moment until I picked her up. As for side effects, she suffered a fever that afternoon & the next morning. But otherwise didn't seem to have the swelling at the injection sites like the other kiddos did from their 1 year shots.

Today, you turn one

Today, beautiful Cora, you turn one. It is hard to believe that it was one whole year ago, today, that I was holding you in my arms for the first time. And yet, it feels like you have been a part of our family forever. This past year has flown by & you have grown and changed so much. Packed into your little tiny body is quite a personality. You are a little bit spunky, a little bit sweet, and a little bit cuddly, with an independent streak a mile wide. You are a joy to have in our family. You have added so much love and happiness with your presence. Your sisters alternate between adoring you and being confounded by you, and you just continue on, doing your own thing the whole time. They call you "my baby" and are very possessive of you, and you love the attention that they give you (most of the time).

I am proud to say that we successfully went one whole year breastfeeding! We did it!!! After the first couple of days in the hospital where we figured out the basics, I never really had any doubts that we could do it. We stuck to our guns & after a few months the pain went away and it became our special bonding time, just you and me. I think that we both sincerely enjoy it now, and we will miss it when it is gone. At this point I have no plans of weaning you & you are not showing any interest in letting it go. So we will continue on for awhile longer. My goal was making it until your first birthday, now anything more is just gravy. :)

You are a beautiful girl inside and out. I have loving having you in our family, enjoyed watching you grow from newborn to baby to toddler, and am looking forward to seeing you continue to grow and thrive. You are our precious baby, our pretty Bella. <3





Most babies love cakes, but Cora was afraid is was going to get her. She kept circling around and around, never really getting close despite our encouragement and even giving her a taste of the frosting off of the cake. Oh well, it still made for some cute, (but not as messy as we hoped for) pictures. My silly Bellarina!

Again, I am Behind

Now that Cora is turning 1 in less than a week, I figure I better post her 11 month info & pictures.

Cora continues to be a little sweetheart. She is opinionated and gets into it with her siblings when they don't give her what she wants or what she thinks she deserves. She has been going through rough patches of sleep lately. Not sure if it is due to a growth spurt, teething, development growth, or fighting illnesses...probably some combination of all of these.

She just started walking at the end of July/beginning of August, and she is LOVING her new found freedom. She falls a lot still but somehow manages to continue to get into everything. She is also dancing to music, and mimicing sounds and facial expressions. It is pretty fun to play copycat games with her.

Busy as a Bee

I have been so busy lately, sorry it has been so long since the last update. My parents came to visit for almost two weeks at the end of August.

My trip up Mt. Lemmon with Grandma & Grandpa, Roxy & Cora:



Andy, Lincoln & June's trip Jeeping on the same day (this is a pic Andy took of his friend jumpig into the swimming hole):




Grandpa reading to his grand-daughters. <3

Cora Is A Walker!

Cora has been practicing her steps for about 2 weeks now, going as far as about 5-6 feet before falling.

Well yesterday she woke up & just decided that she as going to walk everywhere. Within one day she was able to navigate around & over items, stop & start, turn, pick things up all while standing & walking. She looks like she has been walking for a month or more!

It is amazing what these babies are capable of when they really put their minds to it!

A New Favorite!

Actually, I can't decide which one I like better, so you can see them both!!





Isn't she gorgeous?? :)

The Power of Photoshop

My new toy for my photography business is Photoshop Elements 11. I am in love.

Behold! The power of photoshop!
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