Eva teaches Matt how to dance

This video kills me. Matt was able to take this video unbeknownst to Eva so you can see her in truest, silliest, most energetic form. She is wearing a crazy outift of her own making and shakin' what I, her momma, gave her.

Cora's Fourth Month

While we went on a trip to CA during this month, I'll save that for a separate post and focus on life before the big trip. Cora is doing great and can roll in both directions when it pleases her to do so. I think sometimes that she forgets she has this skill (like when she's on her tummy and getting agitated because she doesn't want to be in that position anymore).

Our smiley girl had another significant (though much less exciting) milestone this past month--her first cold. Fortunately, it was very minor and the worst of it only lasted about 24 hours. Here are some pics from Cora's 4th month:


Cora and Althea


A girl and her dog.


Tummy time!

Poor Eva--she had "Roseola or some sort of Roseola type virus" according to our pediatrician. Even though her face looked awful, it didn't phase her one bit (the fever was another story).

Photo session

I giggle every time I look at this series of shots that Matt took. Thought you would enjoy them.
The setting: the papasan chair on the front porch.
The goal: to get a decent shot of both girls smiling at the same time.


Right out of the gate, we have a big smile from Cora.


Eva catches up as Cora starts to slow down.

Eva hitting her stride.

Eva's smile looking a bit forced. Cora has completely stopped using any facial muscles.

Eva: "I'm only doing this because you're making me."

"This is boring."

Eva has now completely checked out.

Ok, now are we done?

Cora's Third Month

Cora is FINALLY three months old! Some of you who don't have children or whose children are much older may not remember that the first three months of a baby's life can be kind of rough. Don't get me wrong, Cora really is a happy little baby and is pretty easy to please (more often than not), but after living with Eva and her predictable schedule for quite some time it was pretty rough having the whole thing thrown out the window and starting from scratch again. But, things are looking up! Cora is now taking pretty regular naps and is usually down for the night by 6:30.

Since we're on the topic of Cora's night sleeping, I will answer the most popular question asked of me these days.
Enquiring person: "So, is she sleeping through the night?"
Me: "Sort of. She wakes up once or twice to eat and then goes promptly back to sleep."

Why must everyone insist on asking this question? When I hear of someone who claims their baby started sleeping 12 hours a night at 8 weeks of age I don't believe them and I think they must be 1) lying or 2) drugging their children to make them sleep (or perhaps the parents sleep with OSHA rated hearing protection to drown out the wails of their children). The next person who asks me this question will start receiving phone calls in the middle of the night! Ok, done ranting. Now on to the real reason why you check out this blog...


Cora can really hold her head up now and started rolling over from her tummy to her back just a couple of days before her three month birthday.


We visited a farm! My dear friend Sarah invited us to join her for some time on her parents' farm in Marshall. We had a great time! Thanks again to Jim, Jill and Sarah.


A sweet farm kitty!

Oma returned from CA. We were all glad to have her back in WI!

Feeling inspired after her bath.

Leslie's dad and his wife came to visit us for a couple of days.

Eye on the ball...

Good hit!

Cora assumes the sleeping position.

Hanging out with Oma & Dzia-dzia at the zoo.

Two Months Down...

I can't believe Cora is two months old! She is such a nice addition to our family and is a good baby. The smiles that appeared at the end of last month have exploded into lots of smiles, coos and squeals. She is getting stronger and can really hold her head up and likes to be held in a standing position (much like her big sister did). Here are some pictures of the girls during Cora's second month:


She LOVES her baths!

Cora and Althea. Next time you see Matt, ask him about this Cabbage Patch doll.

Smiles!

Looking pensive.

A great picture of Eva and Uncle Phil.

Eva enjoying herself at the Sweet Twins' birthday party. She had a blast (we all did)!

Baby at the Terrace.

Eva loves to lay down next to Cora and insist I take their picture.

Cute baby!

Girls in Action

Here are a few of the latest movies:

Some face time with Cora--admittedly, it's a little long for just showing a beautiful baby cooing and smiling. I figure that some will appreciate it more than others. Gram & Oma--this is for you!

One of the scariest things that Eva tells me now: "I will let you know when I go potty."

Those legs are finally long enough to pedal her bike!

Fourth of July

A couple weeks late, but here are some shots from our July 4th. We had a great time at the parade in the morning and Eva became a pro at picking up candy.

Keeping a close eye on everything.

Cora enjoying the parade.

Daddy and his girls.

Eva waiting for fireworks--it wasn't successful. She claimed that they were "too loud for Eva" and then said "I want to go home." Better luck next year!

Not the best video, but here we are on our way out.