Brandrea

Dear Cora,

We have been so blessed to enjoy another month of life with you!  You have become more interested in what is going on around you, so alert, and so much more interactive this month.  There has been lots of family time, some special firsts, and all kinds of exploring done!

You took your second trip (first big one!) this month to our family’s cabin.  It was a loooong drive to Wisconsin, but you handled it the best you could.  It was hard for you to sleep in the car seat for long stretches, so Mommy or Daddy sat with you and held your hands to help you feel cuddled and relaxed.  One first that happened on the way up there was your first bottle of formula!  Feeding you while on the road proved difficult and trying to make that work with nursing was extra hard.  Daddy finally convinced Mommy to get some formula for the sake everyone’s sanity.  You ate some of it well, and it kept you satisfied for quite a while.  Maybe not a big deal to you, but a big one to mommy.  You’ve happily continued nursing since then, and mommy doesn’t stress out quite as much when leaving you at home with only a small amount of pumped milk.

(Moving on, as this really isn’t a counseling session for mom.)

You got to some really fun things at the cabin!  First (feet & legs) dip into the lake, first time to wear a swimsuit, and first pontoon boat ride.  You enjoyed getting to socialize with Granny, Great Aunt Debby, Great Uncle Neil, and cousin Jeremy.  We saw some other family and friends as well and they enjoyed you very much!  You spent lots of time blowing bubbles, cooing and smiling at whoever took the time to stop and visit with you.  You love being outside, and we got some great outside time in (when it wasn’t raining, swarming with mosquitos, or too sunny).  Sometimes that meant putting you in a box, but you didn’t mind too much!

Despite worries that a trip might confuse you and your schedule, you actually started sleeping through the night the week we were in the North Woods!  This was very exciting!  You wake up around 7:30 am to eat, and then eat at 2.5-3 hour stretches after that, for a total of 8 feedings in a day.  Your last feeding is around 11:30 pm.  After eating, you are staying awake for much longer.  It has been very fun to spend this time with you.  During this play time, we’ll “talk,” or read books, listen to music, or you’ll hang out in the bumpo and watch me bake or cook dinner.  You also spend lots of time on your play mat right now, looking at dangling toys or your mirror.  You found my reflection in the mirror the other day and smiled SO big.  You like to grab one toy that dangles down low, and if you pull on it just right, it will play some music.  You are still figuring out that connection, though!  I know soon you won’t keep yourself on that mat for very long, so I’m enjoying the time that you do!

When you aren’t playing with the toys on your mat, you like to pull whatever material is closest to you.  Your outfit, a burp rag, a blanket.  Anything.  After you grab it, it goes straight to your mouth!  You suck on your fingers and sometimes just your thumb (making the loudest sucking noise!) almost constantly.  You can guide the pacifier to your mouth with a little bit of help.  In a surprising move, you rolled from your tummy to your back the other day.  We missed you doing it and have tried several times to make it reoccur.  You’ve decided to take your sweet time, however, and usually just faceplant on whatever surface you’ve been laid on a contentedly lick it.  Or you fuss because you want to be on your back!

Daddy’s favorite part of the month was baby dedication Sunday at church. Much of your extended family came to support you as we dedicated your life to God. Granny, Great Grandma Brumley, all your grandparents, and your aunts and uncles were there for you. Pastor Sam even made a comment in front of church about the big beautiful flower you were wearing on your headband great aunt Carol made for you. My prayers were for you all day long, as I marveled over God’s gift of your life to me and your mother.

Most nights before we go to bed, the three of us snuggle in bed together.  You are often very chatty and love to coo, squeal, and blow raspberries back at us.  Your big grins and giggles make the nights seem not so late and are the perfect way to end our days.

It has been such a fun and memorable month.  The days are going by so quickly, and we are learning a lot about taking care of you and being the best parents we can with the help of God’s grace.  You bring us so much joy, Cora Beth!

Love,

Mama and Daddy