11 months

I can't believe that in one short month you are going to be a year old.  This year has flown by and I have loved watching you grow, learn, and explore.  This past month has been very busy.  Momma had to go back to work the second week of August, which was much harder than when I went back in January.  I hated that we wouldn't get to spend each day together, but I had something to look forward to every afternoon and weekends.  So, this is what you have been up to the past month...

• You have started giving us books to read to you.  Brown Bear is still your favorite right now although you love That's not my Fairy.
• You have really been in to putting objects inside of containers.
• You have been eating different combinations of baby food.
• You sit with your legs crossed a lot and I have to say it is adorable!
• You got to spend almost two whole weeks at Mrs. Amber's before your friends came.  You were being spoiled by the Brown girls.
• You have become quite attached to you blanket.  You love on it all the time.
• You will let go and stand up for a few seconds.
• You have started to "walk" on your knees.
• You give momma a workout while changing your diapers.  You are a squirm worm!
• You love for the water to run over you or splash in the bath tub.
• You refuse to hold your cup.
• When daddy is getting you ready for bath time he pulls you across the bed and you love it.
• You must be a pretty hard sleeper because you slept through a horrible thunderstorm one night.
• You can be quite a ham at times!
• You love Pippo at our favorite mexican restaurant.
• Church wears you out.  You typically sleep three hours when we get home.
• You still love your paci!
• Some mornings you decide you aren't ready to get out of the bed so you crawl up and down your bed.
• You throw your pacis out of your bed all the time.  You always seem to keep one in the bed with you.  We have to conduct a search hunt before you get back in bed.
• Daddy let you sit on the lawn mower while he bounced the seat.
• You like to play with your hair brush while getting ready for bedtime.  You have the motion of brushing your hair.
• You went to Sarah Kayte's birthday party.  You weren't to sure about bouncing, but you had fun watching everyone else bounce.  I found out that you do not like the slide.  Mrs. Vicki gave you your first piece of cake.
• You got your third tooth.  It's your first tooth on top.
• You had a fever virus and missed three days with Mrs. Amber.
• You still take three naps most days.
• You are down to drinking two "cups" of formula a day.
• You eat breakfast the best.
• You are in size 4 diapers.
• You are wearing 12 month clothes.
• You weighed 21.6 pounds when we went to the doctor on August 28th.

10 months

My sweet Cora Jane I can't believe that our first summer is coming to a close.  You have been so much fun and I know that I'm going to miss you so much when momma has to go back to work.  We have had an eventful month of July.  So, here is what you've been up to...

• You have the sweet laugh that melts my heart every time I hear it.
• I broke your heart when I was very stern with you about not biting.  You cried for 10 straight minutes.
• I have a feeling that you might be defiant at times.  You try to undo your diaper while getting ready for bedtime and I pop your hand.  You just laugh!
• We celebrated the fourth of July at home with Wade and Robin.
• I had a bad momma moment.  You flipped off the changing pad.  Thankful you weren't hurt, but I was very upset.
• You have been spoiled by your Mimi and the Cofers'.
• The biggest thing was that you got tubes!  You did great after we got you home.
• We have made several trips to the library.
• You attended your first birthday party.  It was Ty's birthday.  You did so good and had plenty to watch that kept you entertained at the bowling alley.
• Momma had surgery and couldn't take care of you for a couple of days.  You missed your momma!
• You sometimes talk for almost an hour before you go to sleep at night.
• You do so good when we make our weekly grocery store trips.
• You got lots of new books this month from our book exchange.
• Our car overheated and we had to hang out in Burger K!ng until the Cofers' could come get our car after we got lost in the parking deck at St. Vincent's. You were so tired, but you hung in there with me.
• We celebrated Uncle Cody's birthday at Outb@ck and Mimi's birthday at Ll0yd's.
• You hair has grown a lot.
• You have been into exploring.  You have played in rice, in water, and with a lightbox.
• I had to put you in 12 month pajamas this month and it was a sad moment for me.
• You are knocking on 12 month clothes door.
• You outgrew size 3 diapers this month.
• You still take three naps a day.
• You're still not a fan of formula.  You drink three "cups" of formula on a good day.
• You weighed 19 pounds when you got your tubes.

*Not a quality picture!
This was how you were kicked back (notice her leg) while we were in search of our car at St. V!ncent's parking deck.  You got a lot of laughs.  It wasn't bothering you a bit that we got off the elevator numerous times.

A Busy Week In July

We had an extremely busy week and it revolved around doctor's appointments (three for me plus physical therapy and surgery for Cora Jane.) Monday I had to meet with the surgeon about having my gallbladder removed. I was able to get that scheduled and while I was there I went ahead and did my pre-admission testing, which made for a long afternoon. Mrs. Anita had Cora Jane and I got her home just time for her late afternoon nap.

Tuesday I had my physical therapy early and then it off to the eye doctor. Physical therapy was brutal and I had a rough week with pain. After PT I went to get my annual eye exam. Now, I still can't see with a darn without my contacts or glasses, but I'm thankful that for one year my eyes hadn't changed. I decided to get new glasses so I can take a break from my contacts every once in a while. Cora Jane was at Donny's parents house for the day, so I was kind of lost without her. I stopped by to see my mom, went to lunch with friends, went to TRC to cut out letters, and to the grocery store. I picked Cora Jane up at 3:30 and I was so glad to have her home with me.

Wednesday we had a very early start. We had to have Cora Jane at the hospital at 5:00 to get her tubes. She was so confused as to why in the world I would wake her up two hours before she ever thought about waking up. I was a strong mommy. The waiting in the small room was working me up, but about the time I was getting very anxious they came to give Cora Jane her medicine. Thankfully they make it a quick process of taking her away. But I must say that watching her once she got the medicine to calm her was hilarious. She was moving in slow motion and her eyes were so heavy. She hasn't had much to do with her daddy lately, but she was loving on him. It was so sweet. We weren't in the waiting room but about 20 minutes (if that) before they came to get us. The doctor said she did great and give us instructions. Once they got her to recovery we were able to go back. They warned us that she wouldn't be happy and that was a huge understatement. I calmed her as much as I could and we left. We got her to the car and I fed her breakfast. She seemed better, but was so tired. She was asleep by the time we were pulling out of the parking deck. We got home shortly after eight and she slept for three hours. Mommy and daddy took naps too! She was fine after she got up. We are hoping that the tubes will help her out.

Before medicine!

After medicine!

She was feeling good!

Hanging out with mommy.  (That mess is the clothes I was trying to fold.)

Cora Jane got to tag along with me to the gastro doctor on Thursday. She was a trooper thanks to puffs. We got home and played before her nap then it was off to the Cofers' for dinner. It was one of my favorite meals which included fired okra, squash, peas, cornbread, and grilled sausage!

Trying to capture a picture with her and her hairbow...a chore a must say!

The headband only lasted about 30 seconds.

The girl loves to hang out in the kitchen.  She got under the chair and out again all by herself.

Relaxing on the couch with mommy.

Thankfully Friday was a low key day, which meant I didn't put on make-up. Cora Jane took really good naps. We did get out of the house to go pick up my glasses, made a stop by to see my mom (so she could show Cora Jane off), then a visit to the library.

I mixed her breakfast oatmeal with bluesberries and she LOVED it.

Cora Jane giving her daddy some lovin'.

On Saturday we made a trip to Trussv!lle for Ty's sixth birthday party. We haven't seen the Bambergs' in quite some time so, it was so good to see them. I can't believe that Ty is going to start school this year. I remember going to see them after he was born, which was the summer Donny and I started dating. I digress...Cora Jane did great at the party, but she slept good on the way home.

Celebrating the birthday boy!

Sweet girl sleeping good on the way home.  She partied too hard.

I read her this book for the first time and it made me tear up.  So sweet!

 Sunday was a mommy/daughter day because daddy was at work. We went to church and then came home to take a nap. Yep, I took one while she slept. We had an early dinner at Zaps then spent some time at my mom's house. Mom's church had there annual ice cream social so we went there and enjoyed the fellowship. 


I love that smile!

She really liked seeing herself on the screen.

The expression on her face is ADORABLE!



UPDATE: My Health

I have failed to update my friends on my health issues, but here is the long and short of how I'm doing. I have been going to physical therapy (PT) since the beginning of June for my pelvic pain. Yes, I know you are wondering what in the world PT is going to do for pelvic pain, but I have been amazed at the results. I go once a week and most of it is very painful, but you know the saying "no pain, no gain." Well that's my philosophy! PT in combination with my medicines my pain level has decreased tremendously. I can go days and and feel "normal." I'm so thankful for those days. Dr. Chi!d's told me that I would get the most results from PT and he was right. I'm not sure how long I will have to continue, but I'm committed to going as long as it takes. As far as my weight loss...well there still is no definite answer. I have been to see an endocrinologist and he is confident that my thyroid has nothing to do with my issues. His prescription was to eat more milkshakes. We did find out that my gallbladder is functioning at 78%, but that I still have gallstones. My appetite is much better, but I think that has to do with the medicines I'm taking, which Dr. Chi!d's said would be a good side effect for me. I still get nausea and there are days that I still can't eat a lot. And there are some days that I just don't feel good with my tummy. I had a really bad day one week and I decided that I was going to ask my beloved Dr. Snyd*er. He was so glad that I had gained 1.2 pounds, but I didn't have the heart to tell him that I had linen pants and flip-flops on last time and was wearing jeans and clogs that day. But anyway, he strongly suggested me going ahead and getting my gallbladder removed. He said he isn't sure that my gallbladder is the problem, but we won't know until it is out. He said gallstones can cause major issues and that he didn't want me to put it off and then end up pregnant. He said pregnancy and gallstones are not a good combination. He said we will come back to the drawing board if things don't improve. So, I met with the surgeon today and have scheduled surgery for next week. I've got so much anxiety about it, but I've got to get out of the way. So, that's were we are at this point. Please say a prayer as I prepare for surgery next week. (My goal is to gt this house CLEANED in hopes of keeping me busy and not worry about surgery.)

Exploring

I've got to get better of posting pictures throughout the month instead of all at one time with Cora Jane's monthly post.  So here's my attempt...
 

I'm all for Cora Jane exploring and trying to get those creative juices flowing.  I'm not a huge fan of lots of toys that ring, ding, and sing.  Thanks to P!interest I've been able to create a lot of activities and toys with stuff from home or the dollar store.  I read several blogs that I get a lot of ideas from.  Here are a few pictures from some of our explorations...

Playing with colored rice!

This is colored ice cubes in water.



Playing with a light box.



She enjoyed playing in the flour.

Bucket head

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9 months

• You had you last day with Mrs. Amber for the summer.
• You have started going to the book basket and pulling everything out one piece at a time.  It keeps you entertained for the longest time.
• You can be entertained with the smallest of things like the phone book, Tupperware, balloons filled with flour.
• You are learning the meaning of "no" because we are constantly having to tell you no.
• Nonna and Poppy kept you for mommy to go to an appointment.  They are going to have you so spoiled.
• You give the best kisses--open mouth and all!
• You went to the pool for the first time at Mr. Danny's and Mrs. Lacey's house.  You loved the water.  You kicked and splashed in the water the whole time.
• You ate your first Popsicle.  You were mad when there wasn't any left.
• You clap all the time, especially when you eat your puffs.
• You went for your first ride on the farm.  You loved looking out the window and watching the cattle.  We have been several times.
• I decided to try your formula in your sippy cup and you took it great.  We've been strictly sippy cups for a while now.
• You love to play in the sink in the bathroom with water in it.  I tried to let you play in the kitchen sink and you didn't like it.  I guess you like to see yourself in the mirror.  We make the biggest mess, but it is so worth it.
• Your second tooth broke through. 
• You had two ear infections this month therefore we are getting tubes next month.  I hope you start to feel much better after that.
• You played in the rice bucket and loved it.  You like the way it feels in your hands.  You also like to put rice in your mouth although I try to keep you from putting it in your mouth.
• We celebrated your daddy's first Father's Day!
• Even though it's been hot you love to stroll.  We've been to the park and you like the swing also.
• You do so well when we have to go shopping which makes those trips so much easier.
• We experienced our first weekend with a sick little girl.  You were pitiful and it broke my heart.  I knew you were sick because you didn't sleep and you wanted mommy to hold you.  Mommy got lots of snuggle time which I loved, but I would rather you feel good than to get my snuggle time because you are sick.  You ended up with your second ear infection for the month.  You didn't start to feel better until about Wednesday.
• You babble all the time.  You love for mommy and daddy to talk back to you.  Your favorite time to do this is in the car.
• We read books all the time.
• You love to play peek-a-boo with your bucket on your head.
• You rarely spit up anymore, which is great.  If you do spit up it is usually from overeating.
• You are a crawling machine.  You love to race down the hallway.
• You are a great sleeper.  You are still taking three naps a day. 
• You are in 9 month clothes.
• You were size 3 diapers.
• You drink about 18 ounces of formula a day.
• You drink diluted grape juice.
• You eat cereal and fruit for breakfast and then you have two snacks during the day.  You eat veggies for dinner with your formula.  You are a great eater!
• You love your puffs!

9 month stats:

Weight: 19.9 pounds

Height: 29 1/3 inches

Head circumference: 17 3/4 inches

Drinking your juice while laying down.

Playing with water in the sink.

Riding in the truck on the farm.

Eating yogurt!

You can make a mess, but mommy is starting early and we clean up before leaving or taking a nap.

You loving on daddy!

You love your pacis.

You hovered over the air vents at the Cofers'.

Playing with homemade playdoh.

You sit on your legs all the time.

You didn't feel good so I sat in the driveway so you could sleep.

Playing in a box!

We love your smile!