September

I did not realize how long it had been since I contributed to this blog until I started typing.  It seems time is passing much faster than we ever thought possible, and Cora is growing accordingly, as evidenced here...

She is officially two months old!  I can't believe she's been in our lives this long already, it really only feels like a few weeks.  We were a day or two late in taking marshmallow pictures, so I'll let Gena post about that when they're ready.  I had the privilege of taking her to her two month well-baby visit this afternoon, and she is definitely growing.  Last month she was in the 90th percentile for length, and 75th for weight, but today she is in the 95th for both categories.  We're so proud!  She now weighs 13 Lb, 9.5 oz, and is 24 inches long.

The month of September has been a busy one for our family.  As Gena mentioned in a previous post, she is back to work, and Cora is learning her way around Daycare.  The ladies who take care of her are almost as in love with her as we are, and we couldn't be happier knowing that she is in their hands every day.

The weather started cooling off down here, which means football season!  Here is Cora posing in her first LSU shirt (thank you Patty!).

Fridays at Daycare, and at the Cancer Center where I work, are favorite team days, so Cora and I decided last week to show our support for LSU's upcoming game against WVU.  We were having trouble getting a good pose from Cora, so I held her up to say cheese...here is the result.

I know, I know, that face is marvelous!  I think Cora is pretty cute in this picture too.  Football is obviously not complete in any house of mine without some Colts gear.  We have her aunt, Dr. Janna to thank for her first Colts clothing, but they just arrived today, and we have not yet had a chance to play dress up.  The Colts will be our theme this Friday...be excited.

Now that we've had Cora for two whole months, Gena and I can confidently say that we have mastered the art of parenthood, and no longer expect any surprises.  I figure from here on out will be smooth sailing, and I can't wait to cast off.  For those of you who know better, please keep us in your prayers!  I'll leave you with a video we took about 15 minutes ago.  Cora is still pretty tired from all her vaccinations this afternoon, but I think she might also be hungry...I'll let you decide whether or not I'm correct.

Chattering

::le sigh::

Its an interesting situation. I'm ready to go back to work and do experiments and interact with my labmates (who I really enjoy). I'm ready to have a normal daily routine that doesn't involve diapers 80% of the time. I'm ready to have a few hours to myself everyday. I'm really looking forward to doing some science and having high end scientific conversations that aren't about physics. 

What I'm not looking forward to is leaving Cora for a big chunk of each day. I know I'm not the only person who's had to deal with the separation anxiety and mommy guilt issues, and that makes it a little easier. That and knowing that the women at the daycare we're using are wonderful, loving people who will take the best care of her. (Seriously - the woman we talked with when I went to visit gave me a hug and promised me Cora was in good hands. All the other ladies came to look at Cora and coo over her.)

So, in order to maximize and really take advantage of these last few days, I have declared them to be "no work all play" days. I'm not doing any unnecessary chores, running no unneeded errands, and taking a break from cleaning. Instead, I'm spending lots of time cuddling and "playing" with Cora. 

As much as anyone can play with a 6 week old. 

We sat on a palate made up on the living room floor for some play time yesterday. Cora squirmed and flailed and whipped her head back and forth. She gurgled and cooed and blew bubbles. I watched and tickled and occasionally got hit by a flailing limb. 

When I pulled out my camera to take a little video, shyness apparently kicked in. The squirming slowed down. The noises all but stopped. She turned her head away. I don't believe she's old enough to either recognize the camera or be shy, but she certainly didn't want to cooperate. 

After 4 attempts I finally managed a decent video, complete with cute baby noises. 

Today we're going to the park for some sunlight (as long as it's still cool when Geoff gets back from his bike ride). Maybe we'll pack a picnic, too, if the timing is right for lunch. Then we can stroll around the little walking path and lay in the shade of the huge oak trees in the park. Not a bad way to spend part of the Labor Day weekend!

P.S. I've never uploaded video before, so please leave a comment if it doesn't work and I'll try to figure it out.