3 months

I can hardly believe that my baby girl is three months old!  You are growing up so fast.  I'll admit that it has been the best, but hardest three months.  You do something everyday that melts my heart.  I am not looking forward to going back to work because I won't be able to spend my days with you.  I know that Mrs. Amber is going to love on you so much and she will take such good care of you.  I will have something to look forward to each day when I get off work.  I'll will hurry to get you so I can get time with my little girl.  So, what are you up to these days?

• You are starting to giggle and it cracks me up.
• You love to play in your play gym.  You will lay there for a good thirty minutes and just look at yourself in the mirror and hit the the toys.
• You love to watch TV.  I hope that it is just the colors and movement, because I won't want you to love the TV.
• You have started to hold my hand that holds your bottle.
• You are sleeping like a champ.  Some nights you don't make a sound and if you make a sound I just have to check to see if your paci is in your mouth. 
• You had your first Christmas.
• You are wearing 0-3 months clothes.
• You finally are wearing size 1 diapers.
• You are drinking 6 oz. every 4 hours except at night.
• You must like to sleep, because you can take some serious naps.
• You have to know that is going on at all times.  You like to be walked at night and you must face out.  I had to get a carrier because you were starting to kill my arms.
•  We weighed you at home and you were 11.5 pounds the week of Christmas.
• You made your first trip Mobile and Auburn.
• Your had your first Christmas!
  
  

  

  
  

  

   

Christmas

We had a low key Christmas.  Cora Jane of course didn't know what was going on so it was time for us to spend with family.  I want to ensure that Cora Jane knows the true meaning of Christmas which is the birth of Jesus.  I know she probably didn't understand what I was saying, but I told her about the meaning of Christmas.  I also read her the story from her children's bible.  I'm also starting with the three gifts tradition.  She got three gifts, plus her stocking.  I want her to know that it is better to give than to receive. 

Our Christmas card for 2011.

Cora Jane's first picture with Santa on a Gator.

Our first Christmas.  (Daddy was at work.)





After church Christmas morning she was so tired.  She took a nap while we ate lunch.

Christmas Flash Mob | Ron Edmondson

All I can say is WOW!!!
Christmas Flash Mob Ron Edmondson

Busy Week

We had a very busy week!  I finally got our Christmas tree decorated and our Burlee on the door.  That's as much Christmas decorating that is going to happen at the Sisco house this year.  I've got a little girl to tend to these days and she of course takes priority.  The true meaning of Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Jesus anyway.  I'm not even feeling like wrapping presents so Santa might leave all the gifts under the tree Christmas Eve.  On Wednesday Cora Jane made her first trip to Auburn.  I have been trying to make it down to see my friends and let them love on Cora Jane.  I hate that I didn't take any pictures.  She was a good baby considering that we left at 8:00 and didn't get home until almost 5.  She had the meltdown when we were about 20 miles from the exit on the interstate.  She fortunately sleep really well that night.  We had a relaxing day on Thursday and then a Mommy and Me Christmas party Friday night.  Cora Jane was the youngest, but it was still fun to see the other three kiddos playing.  We missed Jenny and Flynn though.  We are praying that he will get well so he can join us.  One day Cora Jane will be right there with them.  We did a painting activity which made for an interesting adventure with a 2.5 month old.  We were making Christmas trees with the kids hand prints.  We had to use Cora Jane's foot, but it turned out so cute!  Thanks Mrs. Tasha for such a fun time!  It was good for this mommy to have girl time with adults.  Then on Saturday night we headed out to the Bambergs for our annual Christmas party.  The ride up was not that much fun, because Donny had to stop twice to look for his Dirty Santa gift and every time the car stopped moving she was so fussy.  At the second L0we's I jumped in the drivers seat and rode around the parking lot.  I was so worried they were going to call the police on me, but I eventually just parked the car and got her out because we weren't going fast enough for her.  Once we got to Brad and Jami's she did so good.  I fed her and she got some loving from Jami and Camille.  Savannah Catherine is going to be such a good big sister (Camille is expecting another little girl any day now.)  Savannah Catherine helped me take care of Cora Jane all evening.  She has the sweetest heart!  The funniest part of the night was Donny's Dirty Santa gift.  It was in such a pretty package...a penguin Snugg!e.  It is always so good to see everyone. Jami host some great parties!  I hate that we only do it once a year.  We made it to church for the second Sunday in a row.  I of course was so nervous.  Because we were out so late last night Cora Jane slept almost to 8:00 this morning, which put our schedule off by two hours.  (I was going to let that baby SLEEP and so did mommy and daddy.)  I had to wake her up to go to church and she wants to know what's going on so I had to stand up most of the service.  She did fall asleep, but it was time to eat at noon and she let us know.  I left right as the pastor was finishing the message to go feed her.  We made it to eat Mexican for lunch.  She didn't like being in the car seat so I got her out.  She was so good while I ate my lunch.  She is one alert baby and wants to see what is going on around her. 

We hope that you have a blessed week!

*I've got to get better at taking pictures of our adventures!

Cora Jane's tiny footprints!

Savannah Catherine taking care of Cora Jane.

Donny and his Snugg!e reading Us Weekly magazine.

Most Popular Question

So the most popular question after you have a baby is...
"Is she sleeping through the night?"

Well, it depends on what your definition of sleeping through the night is.  I've not really known how to answer this question.  Yes, my baby does sleep well so I'm NOT complaining.  But my definition of sleeping through the night is not having to get up to get her back to sleep.  We are not getting up to feed in the middle of the night, but she does stir.  We are getting up at least one time either at 11:45ish or 2:30ish to get back to sleep with the paci.  THEN comes the 4:00 hour.  She stirs in the 4:00 hour and it is sometimes difficult to get her to settle enough to make it to our wake time at 6:00.  It's such a difficult time to wake because of her reflux I don't want to overfeed her because it makes the spit up worse.  I'm tired, but I can usually limp her along until 6.  We usually have one good night and then a rough night.  But I'm praying for a restful night in the months to come.  Last night when she was crying at 11:45 I literally was in a fog because I had been sleeping so hard.  I feel so guilty for wanting to have sleep because I know there are couples who want a child so badly.  They would give anything for sleepless nights because they would have the child that they have prayed for.

2 Months

WOW! It is hard to believe that two months has passed since my little love bug came into this world.  Cora Jane you are growing up so fast. So, what are you up to these days?

• You are starting to smile back at us.  It just melts my heart to see that smile on your face.
• You are still wearing newborn diapers.  I tried to put a size one on you and it swallowed you.
• You have gotten really long.  I'm having trouble finding clothes for you.  You are still wearing some newborn outfits, but I had to go get you some warm clothes.  They are 0-3 months and are a bit big on you but I've got to keep you warm.
• You really enjoy watching yourself in your mirror on your play gym.  You will lay there for awhile and watch yourself.
• Your eyelashes are so long!
• I read to you almost everyday.  I hope you enjoy reading at an early age.
• You are sleeping really well most nights.  We get up about 1ish for a bottle.  But you are taking after your Pop and I think you want to be an early riser.  You seem to stir around 5ish.  I'm praying that you will stay asleep at least till 6.
• You are eating like a champ.  You eat 5 oz. every four hours.
• You are taking 3 naps a day.  Your longest is in the morning, one after lunch, and then you take a catnap at 5.
•  You like to "fly like a bird."  If you get fussy I can lay you on my arm and fly you around the house and you calm down.
• You lost all your hair in the top of your head, but it is finally coming back.  You have peach fuzz there now.  You look so cute in your hair  bows.

2 month stats:

Date: 11-30-11

Weight: 9 pounds 9 ounces

Height: 21.5 inches

Head circumference: 14.75 inches

 You got your first shots and you did great.  You cried until mommy got you and I got you your bottle.  You slept that afternoon, but seemed happy that evening.  Dr. Andy said you were doing great.  He put you on your tummy and he thinks you will be rolling over before long.  You were squirming and pushing off with your feet. Awww...growing up so fast!

Asleep in daddy's lap.

Ruby watching out for Cora Jane.

Cora Jane watching herself in the mirror.

Too cute!

Our first Thanksgiving as a family of three.





Mommy and Daddy love you to the moon and back!

War Eagle!!

Cora Jane is ready to cheer for our Auburn Tigers!  It is Iron Bowl day and we can't wait to see our Tigers play.

WAR EAGLE!!!!!
(Excuse the spit up!)



Almost Wordless Wednesday

She is sitting with mommy.

She sleeps!

We are working on tummy time.

She is wearing her first hairbow.

Thankful For

November 30: I'm thankful for my salvation! 
November 29: I'm thankful for the time that I'm getting to take of work to spend time with my little girl.
November 28: I'm thankful for being able to make it to church yesterday.
November 27: I'm thankful for Tammy and Billy.
November 26: I'm thankful for a good nights sleep last night. 
November 25: I'm thankful for my mom who cooked a wonderful Thanksgiving meal.  I was actually able to enjoy it.
November 24: I'm thankful for Ollie Smith.  He is angel and because of him I know that my daddy is in Heaven!
November 23: I'm thankful for Mrs. Anita and Mr. Lee and the entire Cofer family.  They take care of my mom and love all of us like family. 
November 22: I'm thankful that weather didn't get bad today.  I'm very scared of bad weather.
November 21: I'm thankful for time to get out of the house for an hour or two. 
November 20: I'm thankful for sleep.  Although I have it in small doses I'm thankful that my baby girl does sleep well at night and takes naps.
November 19: I'm thankful that I got to see my brother and his girlfriend today.
November 18: I'm thankful for words of encouragement.
November 17: I'm thankful for forgiveness.
November 16: I'm thankful rainy days.  My sweet husband was able to stay home and we cleaned the house.  Therefore I'm SO THANKFUL for a clean house. (Minus the floors being vacuumed--broke vacuum cleaner.)
November 15: I'm thankful for modern medicine and a doctors.  We love Dr. Andy!
November 14: I'm thankful that my husband watched Cora Jane so I could make a quick trip to the store and to get dinner for a break last night.
November 13: I'm thankful for my cozy bed.  I don't get much sleep in it these days, but I'm thankful the hours I do get to sleep in it.
November 12: I'm thankful for friends that are always there for me.
November 11: I'm thankful for fall.  I enjoy looking at God's beautiful creation.
November 10: I'm thankful for all of those who are and have served our country.  Also, I'm thankful for their families who are away from their loved ones sometimes for a short or long period of time and for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. 
November 9: I'm thankful for my job.  Even though I'm at home right now I'm thankful that I was able to take off to spend time with my little girl.  I love my new job as the media specialist and I work with awesome people.
November 8: I'm thankful for my brother.  I love him so much and I'm so thankful that we are close.  We've been through a lot and I couldn't be more proud of him.
November 7: I'm thankful for my mom who loves me and will do whatever I need to help out.
November 6: I'm thankful that the Good Lord loves me and sent His only Son to die on a cross so that I can spend eternity in Heaven.
November 5: I'm thankful for a night out with the girls.  We had fun and lots of laughter.
November 4: I'm thankful for my warm, cozy house. 
November 3: I'm thankful that the Good Lord hears and answers my prayers!
November 2: I'm thankful for a husband who is my best friend and a great daddy to our little girl.
November 1: I'm thankful for a healthy baby girl.

1 Month

Sweet Cora Jane, my pumpkin pie, you are 1 month old today.  You are growing up way to fast.  I love spending everyday with you.  The one thing that melts my heart right now is watching you sleep in my arms right before I put you down at night.  You look so peaceful.  You've been doing so good when we go out.  We went to dinner with the Bambergs and you were perfect while we were at the restaurant and on the way home.  Daddy and I love you so much.  I can already tell you are going to have your daddy wrapped around your little finger.

We went to the doctor Monday and you are finally gaining weight like you are suppose to.  You weighed 7 pounds and 3 ounces.  You are getting breast milk and formula, because mommy doesn't have enough milk to feed you.  You are drinking 5 to 6 ounces every feeding.  You are only waking up one time at night.  You are still wearing newborn clothes and diapers.  Before I know it you will be wearing 12 month clothes. 

They Want a Little Sister

The Bambergs came to visit us and see Cora Jane for the first time.  Ty and Tate are two of my favorite little boys.  They were so sweet!  Ty was singing songs to Cora Jane.  Tate wanted to hold her.  Ty even asked us if Cora Jane new how to give high five.  We explained to him that she didn't know how to do that yet, but he was trying to tell her.  He was melting my heart.  The boys and Jami want a little girl.  We gave Brad a hard time about wanting to try for a little girl. 

We don't get to spend enough time with the Bambergs but when we do we always have a great time.  We actually went to eat dinner with the on the 29th at Ch!li's in Trussville.  Ty wanted to sit by Mrs. Shannon.  He and I had a good time chatting, working on his place mat activity sheet, and he showed me games on his mom's iPhone.  Tate kept asking his mom to sing the broom song with him.  It was so nice to get out of the house and spend time with friends.  I'll admit I was very nervous taking Cora Jane out for that long, but she did great.  We made it home without her having a meltdown. 

Tate and Ty holding Cora Jane.

Brad, don't you want to try for a little girl?

Jami getting some baby time.  Aren't those boys the cutest kids ever?

Ty sitting in Cora Jane's car seat.

Tate loved holding Cora Jane.

I Miss My Daddy!

On October 24th two years ago I lost the first man I ever loved.  It was the hardest day of my life.  I miss him so much.  Now that Cora Jane is here it breaks my heart that he will not get to spoil his granddaughter.  I can rest assure that my daddy is rejoicing in Heaven with the Good Lord. 

See ya later dad!  I love you!

Happy "Birth" Day Cora Jane

Donny and I went had a weekly appointment on September 26th with Dr. A.  I was 4 cm dilated and 90% effaced.  Dr. A asked when we wanted to have our sweet little girl.  I wasn't a fan of being induced because I didn't want to be in labor for a long period of time, but Dr. A didn't believe that it would take me long since I had already made that much progress.  I really wanted Dr. A to deliver Cora Jane so that was another determining factor.  Dr. A would have induced the next day, but I wanted to see if we went on our on.  So, we scheduled the induction for Cora Jane's original due date, Thursday September 29th.  For the next two days I was just waiting for contractions to start or for my water to break since we had schedule an induction.  Tuesday night we had a Alfa meeting in Centerville and it was weird telling everyone that Cora Jane would make her appearance on Thursday if not sooner.  People still couldn't believe that I was 39 weeks.  Tuesday night was the last night that Donny and I spent the night as just the two of us because he had to work on Wednesday.  Wednesday night I went by Fireh0use Subs to get dinner for the station and myself.  I spent an hour or so at the station then headed home to try to get some sleep.  I was bit nervous Wednesday night worrying that I would go into labor and then the anxiety of knowing I was going to meet my little girl the next day.  I did mange to get into bed early and watched a little TV.  We had to be at the hospital at 6 AM.  I slept well that night, but woke up about 3:30.  I finally just got up and got ready.  I had to get the last few things in the suitcase.  I left our house around 5:10 to pick up Donny at work.   We stopped at McD0nald's so he could get some breakfast.  I was jealous because I hadn't had anything since dinner the night before. 
We got to the hospital a little before 6.  We went straight to Labor and Delivery, signed in, and they took us to room 6.  They quickly got started on paperwork and getting my IV started.  The first nurse tried to get the IV started just about killed me.  I don't do well with needles to begin with, but she didn't get it the first go round.  You could tell the paramedic was coming out in Donny.  Whenever someone has a hard time sticking me he always wants to do it.  Luckily the nurse only tried once and went to get someone else.  While we were waiting on a nurse to start my IV Dr. A. came in to check on us early.  He broke my water, told the nurse to start the Pitocin, and told her I could get the epidural when I was ready.  Dr. A prayed with us.  An older lady came in to start my IV and I asked her if she was the pro at getting an IV started.  She did a great job.  My nurse, Amy, got there shortly.  She asked if we minded if a nursing student was with her for the day.  Of course we didn't mind at all.  My blood pressure was a little crazy (it stayed that way the entire time.)  It didn't take long for the Pitocin to kick in.  I started feeling contractions in my back.  They were pretty brutal.  I let the contractions go on for about an hour and then I asked Amy how long I had to wait to get the epidural and she let me know real quick that I could get it whenever I was ready.  I tried to let Donny hold my hand while I was having contractions so I could pinch him or something.  He didn't like that idea.  Amy got the ball rolling on getting the epidural.  I'll give all those women who have given birth naturally a lot of credit.  The doctor that came into give me the epidural was hilarious.  He looked at my back and said that I was going to be a lot easier than the 300 pound woman he just did.  He was cracking jokes the entire time.  He talked me through the entire process.  It wasn't bad at all.  Donny was disappointed that he couldn't stay in the room while they gave it to me, but it was hospital policy.  Once I got the epidural I was feeling really good.  Amy would ask me if I felt anything.  She explained how the process of delivering would work.  I was lucky enough to feel pressure when I was having contractions so once we were ready to start pushing I would know when to push.  From about 9 to a little before 10 I was able to get a little nap.  Around 11 we were ready to start pushing.  Donny had one leg and the nursing student had the other.  Amy was coaching me through each contraction.  It was a slow process.  Dr. A kept checking on us.  Donny and Dr. A talk cows every time we see him so he made several cows comments throughout our labor and delivery.  When Amy called him to come to the room for delivery he said something about cow tipping.  Once Dr. A got to the room I didn't have to push too much longer.  At one point Dr. A asked me if I wanted to feel her head.  I reached down and it was there.  At 1:15 pm Cora Jane made her grand appearance.  As soon as she was delivered they put her on my chest and it was the greatest feeling to know that Donny and I had created this miracle and that she was safely brought into the world.  Donny got to cut the cord.  They let me hold her for a few seconds and then they checked her out.  Donny went over to watch as Dr. A finished up with me.  Once they had checked Cora Jane out they put in back on my chest and Dr. A prayed with the three of us again.  (Having your doctor pray with you (twice) was such a special time that we will treasure forever.)  Donny was sending out messages to let everyone know that she was here and we were doing well.  We stayed in Labor and Delivery for about hour and then they took us upstairs to our room.  We were in room 214.  Donny let us get settled in before he let the family come in.  The sweet nurse gave Cora Jane a bath and swaddled her.  We had to send his mom for some food.  We were starving!!!!  We had lots of visitors that night (family.)  We did get a little sleep that night, but not much. 
Friday morning Donny helped me get a shower.  We knew we were going to have a lot of visitors that day so we tried to get sleep when we could.  Bro. Hal came first and of course had funny stories.  He prayed with us and of course made me tear up.  My friend Julie brought us donuts and spent some time with us.  My aunt came by that afternoon.  That evening my sweet friends Amy with Sarah Kayte, Jenny with Flynn, and Rena came to visit.  It was so sweet to see Sarah Kayte and Flynn with Cora Jane.  We had family the rest of the evening.  Friday night we didn't much sleep at all.  Cora Jane was hungry and cried most of the night.  By Saturday morning I was ready to come home.  The sweet nurse got us out as quickly as possible.  Once we got home we tried to sleep a little.  We missed some of the Auburn game, but we were sleep deprived. 

We are so thankful for the Good Lord allowing us to be parents of Cora Jane.  She is a gift and we strive to be the best parents we can be.  We pray that we will seek His guidance as we begin the journey of parenthood.

Cora Jane
6 lbs. 14 oz
21 inches long
Born 1:15 p.m. on September 29th 2011

Our wonderful nurse Amy.

A proud daddy!

Cora Jane with Uncle Cody.

Danielle holding Cora Jane.

Amy now has baby fever after holding Cora Jane.

 



Sarah Kayte loved holding the baby.