one year old

Cora is really very funny.

She enjoys pulling my hair, biting everything in site, flushing the toilet, reading books and turning the pages, and taking things out of containers and throwing them back in (like laundry from a basket or toys out of a bin or stuff in the dresser drawers).

I made that little basket for her linking letters. She likes it.

She pretty much likes any food. Well, except mashed potatoes. What kid doesn't like mashed potatoes? Maybe she just likes to squish it OUT between her teeth and lips. Who knows. But she for sure likes ice cream.

She is 21.5 lbs, and 29.5 inches long. That puts her at about 60% for everything.

She is a good sleeper at night (and a so-so napper). I love peeking in on her while she sleeps. She often looks like she is holding a yoga pose with her bum in the air.

She says 'mama' and 'dada' and a few others every once in a while, but she mainly chooses to have a deep growl instead of words. (video on left)

She likes to laugh. So much that she has this little fake laugh that gets me to laugh that gets her to real laugh and me to laugh more.....you get the point. (video on right)

Monday, July 27

I woke up this morning almost as excited as I was waking up to my water breaking exactly one year ago today. Cora is ONE!!! Have I really had her by my side for an entire year? In some ways it feels like it has flown by, but in others I can't even remember what it was like before we had her in our little family. I love this little girl. She is such a crack up.

Today is extra special for me. Not only is it the day that Cora was born, but it was the day that I really became a mother. Sounds lame, but so much happened for me on that day, that I can't help but reflect on the day and how it has changed me for the better. Just as the labor and delivery had it's unexpected challenges, this past year with Cora has had it's unexpected challenges. Things that I thought would be easy, were in fact a lot harder than I thought. And fortunately, some things that I thought would be difficult proved to be easily manageable. Motherhood has been a relatively natural thing for me. Even though I've had my less than perfect moments, we have survived and we're better for it. I look forward to helping Cora learn and grow just as I am learning and growing right along with her.

crawling is for babies

weekend jaunt

We took a pit stop at a 7 11 on 7/11 so we were able to cash in on the free slurpies and icecream. yum.

The 3 hr drive to dc was worth it just to see mel and ern. ryan hasn't seen any of his family members for almost a year. cora was happy all weekend as long as she had a cracker in hand.

We walked all over town and saw lot of sites. I was in shock at how clean it was everywhere.

short but sweet. don't worry, we'll be back.

today

today was a great day. it was one of those days where nothing spectacular happened. in fact, we didn't do much of anything. but it was a great day. it was one of those that made me remember why i love being a mother. cora and i played hard, went for a stroll, napped exceptionally well, and spent a little of the afternoon at the library. she was happy. i was happy. (ryan was at school so i can't vouch for his happiness.) to top it all off, dinner was relatively calm. cora didn't drop all of her food on the floor and she sat through the entire meal without any major screaming. after dinner ryan said, "i'm stuffed to the brim." that is a huge accomplishment to fill him up especially since we just had tuna sandwiches and spinach quesadillas. i love these days. simple and happy.

at library

Dear Megan

So dont make fun... this is a poem that I wrote for Megan about the last five years. Enjoy all of you. As for you Megan... I love you and hope we can share many more anniversaries together.



These past 5 years have sure flown by
They would’ve had no meaning without by my side.
Laughing, loving, praying and crying together,
Reminds me of our commitment to make it through the stormiest of weather.


Year one probably contained our biggest struggle
Adjusting to life, each other and how to snuggle.
You took care of me, after my jaw surgery
I helped you face your early morning issues with a lot of tissues.
But all in all, we learned and grew close
And I think that is what matters most.


Year two seemed as if it wore a disguise
Before I knew it, it had whizzed past my eyes.
I was still in college, working and getting the privilege of more responsibility
And you graduated Magna Cum Laude with your 4-year degree.


Year three we didn’t have much to worry about
It was the summer of pies and I still didn’t become very stout.
We made some memories floating down the river
Often eating sticks of laffy-taffy and watching you and your Dad shiver.


Year four was probably the most anticipated
With a 6-year degree in hand, I wondered if I had procrastinated.
For nearly 10 months you carried our precious cargo
Then one-day we decided on the name Cora instead of Margo.


Year five has now come and gone
I am still convinced that yes, our relationship is continually growing, firm and strong.
We were blessed with the arrival our beautiful daughter Cora
And I think now as I did then, that I would like more… uh?
And although Philly has been awfully tough
You’ve succeeded in making your arms nice and buff (and avoiding crime dog McGruff)


Well, I’m not going to lie, who knows what else God has in store for us
But believe me when I say “everything will be okay if we but trust.”
I love you Mugsy, little miss muffett, my sweet voice and meggy baby
One thing is for sure—you make my heart go crazy.


The time we’ve spent together has been short and memorable
But perhaps, the person I’ve seen you become is the most commendable.
I am excited to grow old with you now and for eternity
Maybe somewhere between now and then we can enjoy some serenity.
Anyway, I hope you know I love you my sweet
Especially after you the tens of thousands of times you make me rub your feet.

numero cinco

Happy 5 years to us. I really can't believe it's our fifth anniversary tomorrow..partially because I thought it was our sixth, but five years is quite a substantial amount of time.

This past year of marriage was full of lots of challenges with the birth of a new baby, a move across the country away from our friends and families, a switch to no income, and the first year of graduate school. I am happy to say that we are stronger than ever and still very much in love.

So Ryan, here is my love letter to you: I love you because you let me take my half of the bed out of the middle. I love you because you don't mind if your sandwich has a bite taken out of it. I love you because you do the sweetest and funniest things in the kitchen. I love you because you make me crack up everyday. I love you because you kill roaches. I love you because you willingly fix all of my flat tires. I love you because you don't mind spending 'our time' helping me with the laundry or cleaning bathrooms or giving me foot massages or dealing with my ridiculous thoughts and ideas. I love you because you always put forth your best effort in everything that you do. I love you because you are a great father. I love you because you inspire me to be a better person. I love you because you are you.

awesome audience

While we were taking a break in the shade at the beach, Cora made some new friends. A group of grandma's and grandpa's were giving her so much attention. This video is kinda boring, but turn up the volume. This went on for like 20 minutes. They were awesome.

Baking DO or DONT

Hey everyone... this is Ryan. I thought I would relay a short story for you all... so here it goes. Dont mind the horrible grammar and just read.

So this morning Megan had the craving for some snickerdoodles and so while she was trying to put Cora to sleep I began the task at hand. Well, by the time Megan came back I had just finished making the batter and Megan asked if I had followed the recipe. Well, I told her "of course" and then I tried the batter which tasted fine just a little light or frostingesque (good word huh?). Megan asked me if was sure I didnt forget anything and I gave the same response. Although this time around I looked at the recipe and said, "yeah I added everything even the 1 1/2 cups of shortening." Megan said, "what?!?!" Yeah well.... it turns out it was only supposed to be 1/2 cup. Whoops...... so bad thing is I cant read and ironically I am going to be helping people how to see and even in some cases read... good thing is... we tripled the recipe and now we have cookies for life so if you want some come on over.

they call it the shore, i call it the beach

yea!!!! we went to the beach. i already want to go back.

Cora loved the everything. She totally took off lots of times crawling fast towards the ocean because she loved it so much.