First Day of School

What a difference a year makes . . . 2011

and 2012:

Connor in his new car seat - courtesy of the Babies R Us Trade-In Event

Eggs and Electronics

Cora had eggs for the first time today. So far so good! I have an egg allergy so I am always worried.

After eggs and bacon on a rainy morning, this is how I found them


Connor on the LeapPad, Cora on Colin's phone and Colin on his new iPad . . .

And yes Cora has figured out how to climb on the couch. Wonderful.

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Party Rock!

Connor had a Rockin' Dance party for his 4th Birthday celebration. We decided to have it at Hoover Country Club to avoid massive clean up - but lugging all the gifts and decorations out to the car wasn't easy - so I'm not sure which I prefer - parties at home or out and about. Regardless, I would say the party was a success. It went off without too many problems - really the only problem was the playlist I made for the party wouldn't play in the order I wanted it to play -- control freak "out" -- The kids didn't care --

The Birthday Boy and the "dance stage"

The Cake - Publix did a great job!

Connor and his Nina!

Joshua and Daniel made the party - all the way from Virginia!

Dancing/ Inflatable Microphone "fighting"

The "Candy Walk" - walk and dance until the music stops

Connor and Zayna. Zayna brought Connor a snow globe all the way from Egypt. He loved it! Too bad he dropped it on the way to the car. Boys!

Evelyn and Connor. Evelyn lives on our street and her baby sister Mary turned 1 today!

Connor and Sweet Julia. Julia had some great party game ideas that the kids loved! Jumping over the Limbo pole was one of them!

The babies - Joshua and Cora We also did the Limbo and Pin the Microphone on Connor. I was in charge of those activities so I don't have the photos - but I'll post them when the photographers (hmmm dad and cathy) share!

Cool Cora

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First Hair Cut

I know most people in the South wait at least until the first birthday to get a baby's hair cut. Some of my friends waited years! Cora, poor girl, needs a hair cut. Look at those bangs! And she will only wear a bow if you distract her enough to forget it is in her hair. Then, when she sees herself in the mirror (a favorite activity) she remembers and promptly takes it out. I am sure one day she will wear them - but until then we needed a better plan. BEFORE

She didn't LOVE the haircut experience - but she sat for the 3 minutes required . . .

DURING

AND AFTER The bangs look really short but they aren't she is leaning her head back and I gave up trying to get a good close up, at least for today.

Cora's First Birthday!

August 1st is finally here! Cora is 1 today! We started the festivities in Myrtle Beach with an early birthday. Cora loved the cupcake. This past Sunday we had a little birthday party for Cora at my mom's house. Cora's first present was this staple.

The Pottery Barn Anywhere Chair. A tradition started with Connor by Caitlin and my mom and continued with all the babies in between. Cora has had Connor's chair in her room for awhile. She really has had no interest in the chair so far. As soon as she saw the Cora chair - she climbed right in. Love.

As a side note, the giant, beautiful bow was created by Kathy one of Nina's sitters. She is so talented and wonderful. She placed the bow on my mom's mailbox - leading to phone calls inquiring if there was a new granddaughter! Ha!

After everyone arrived, Cora got to try her cake. Catherine gave her the perfect bib to go with her smocked outfit from her Aunt Ethlyn and NJ. Guess who didn't eat one bite of the cake. I know - the girl who eats anything and everything. Not one bite. She wanted grapes and cheese. She had fun though.

This is a long video but I promised I would post it. Happy Birthday to Cora! At the doctor today Cora shot up the charts. Literally. She is 20 pounds, 9 ounces and 30 inches long. That is 50% for weight and 75% for height. For comparison (because you have to) Connor at 1 year. He was a little bigger - but not by much. Cora is drinking out of a sippy cup all the time. It is a soft sippy but all the bottles are gone (and have been since before Myrtle Beach). I switched her from formula to milk yesterday. So far so good! Cora can say: Uh Oh!, Dada, Mama, YeaYea, Biper (aka Diaper) BaBa and likes to click her tongue on the roof of her mouth. She is not walking alone. She is pushing her new princess push toy like a MAD WOMAN (VIDEO)and is standing alone. Only a few more days - she did take a half step (but I tricked her into it). She is happy pretty much unless she is tired or hungry. Then watch out!

Standard Monthly Photo . . .

How much difference a year makes. Guess Connor got his wish he made 1 year ago today: "Maybe we will change her hair to blonde!" Happy Birthday!

Babies and Burgers

Nothing says Olympics like babies and burgers. Haha. Well, I have always said that having a baby just before or during the Olympics is pure genius. Connor was born the same week as the opening ceremonies in China and when he was up all night, the Olympics were on. Perfect. No infomercials necessary. Cora was a year early for these Olympics but now she will get to enjoy them too! Honestly, the Winter Olympics just aren't the same as the Summer Games. I'm biased since I like it 100 degrees all.the.time. My cousin Matt and his wife welcomed a new baby Julianna this week. So lucky to have an Olympics baby! Congrats

Isn't she so gorgeous! So to celebrate the Olympics and Opening Ceremonies. The kids got this deliciousness. Not sure that this says "health, wellness, athletics" but it is so good!

I'm waiting on Colin to get home from a late meeting with Cocina. Mexican food is the perfect way to celebrate my favorite few weeks!