You will only appreciate this post if you are very closely related to me...

I realize that this post is the definition of picture overkill, and I promise it's only because our immediate families don't live nearby! I want them to see each of Cora's expressions.

Here is the very girly swing my friend lent us. I love it but Cora only has a 5 minute tolerance for it.

 A good friend of mine brought over some sugar cookie dough and icing, making cookie making this holiday season a cinch! I thought is was such a thoughtful gift, and the boys had a blast doing it.

 Nick as a pirate, with a hat that Brad made him.

 sleepy girl

 I think Chase is mostly adjusted now and is a very sweet older brother.

 My parents gave the boys this trampoline for Christmas. Even though we soooo don't have room for it, WE LOVE IT! Chase has always been a jumper and is even moreso now. He falls into bed exhausted at the end of the day and I love that he and Nick are getting some much needed exercise even when it's freezing outside.

We went to our local library's 'Polar Express' activity again this year with our neighbors and best friends. Here's Nick and Max riding the polar express to see Santa.

 My friend Jessica and her youngest, Owen

 Cora and I ventured out to church today to hear Brad speak and the primary sing. I couldn't help but take a million pictures of her in her cute dress, shrug, and darling bow that my cousin Chelsea made and sent. Love it!

 Love this smile, love this happy girl!

 

Nick has been very into crafts and art lately and sometimes gets obsessed with wanting to make specific items. While I am more likely to say "I don't know how to make that" and hope it will be dropped, Brad will figure out a way to make it happen. Here is Nick's treasure chest, lock/latch included--

 and his carriage, with wheels that spin and everything--

We didn't get Christmas cards out this year, but wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

Christmas Smiles...

It's our year to go to Utah for Christmas. Perhaps I should have thought of that when I planned a November baby. We're staying here this year, making it 4 years since I've been in UT for Christmas. I heard "I'll Be Home for Christmas" on the radio yesterday and had to change the channel because it made me all teary. It doesn't help that Tim and Katie's baby girl will be born soon and I won't get to meet her until she's months old. It's a good thing OH isn't too far of a drive and that I love Brad's family, or I might be teary from now until the spring when I get to go home again. Had enough of my pity party? Okay, I'll move on...

My mom made gingerbread cookies with Nick before she left, a tradition we always did growing up.

 Nick has had as much fun with the boxes that my parents gifts came in as he has with the gifts themselves. He made these two into a sled

 Then the next night it was a boat (he's wearing shorts, I promise).

 My amazing friend Jessica made gingerbread houses and invited the boys and I over to decorate them--

And here's Cora. I can't believe she's a month old! The first month of life goes by so much faster than the last month of pregnancy! Here are some things I want to remember:
-She's starting to smile more and more and I've been killing myself trying to catch it on camera!
- She weighs 9 lbs 15 oz and is 23 inches long
- She's already too long for her 0-3 month pjs! I had to break out the 3-6 month clothes already!
-She's starting to sleep a bit better (5 hours straight last night, but as luck would have it, Chase was up sick while she slept!)
-She still loves to be swaddled
-She loves her binky but can't keep it in her mouth for more than 30 seconds
-She hates her swing (soooo glad I borrowed instead of bought one)
-She has a sensitive tummy just like her brothers did and spits up a lot (list of foods I can't eat includes garlic, onion, cucumbers, and chocolate)
-When her tummy doesn't hurt she's very happy
-She goes down for her naps easily, onlly fussing for a minute or two if at all

Here are some photos of the last 2 days--

I love this little lady. All I want to do is hold her all day long, and let's be honest, I do! My house is a mess and I'm not often dressed before noon, but it seems I've finally realized how fast this newborn stage goes, and I don't want to miss a second of it. Happy first month of life, Cora girl!