Day at the Park

Today was the last full day that my family was here visiting. A very active 5 year old and 3 year old don't do so well cooped up in a small apartment all day, so we decided to hit up the local park while it was still cool outside (below 95 degrees). There are several nice parks in our town, and one not very far from our place. We had a fun couple of hours until the sun came out in full force.

We played.

We slid.

We sat in the shade.

We found a nice shady spot and decided to take some family pictures.  Mom was put on camera duty for the group photos.  Half of the pictures, Geoff and I look horrible because Mom was only focusing on cute Cora!  Still, several pictures turned out great; here are our favorite shots from the day.  

Finally, our favorite of the family portraits, which Geoff cropped for our new header:

We've had a great time having family in town to visit, whether they stayed or were just passing through. It's sad to see them go, since we don't get to see our family nearly often enough. But I suppose that's one of the reasons we were so keen to start this blog - so you could all see Cora progress from a sleepy newborn to a screaming or smiley baby, to whatever she becomes in the future.

introductions part 2

Here are some more pictures of Cora being introduced to her family.  This is Gena's cousin, Aimee...

and here she is with Aimee's daughter Ali, followed by her nephew, Damien, playing with her tiny feet.

introductions

A few family members were able to make it down to visit this week, and we are having a great time introducing them to our new addition.  First my mother, Paula, was here for an entire week.  She was more than excited to meet her first granddaughter, and was a huge help while she was here.  Gena and I got a little spoiled having her cook and clean for us all week long!  We did let her hold Cora a few times though, so she was happy.  We realized a little too late that we didn't get any pictures of just her and Cora, a mistake we'll have to remedy during her next visit, but here she is with one member of the next visiting crew.

As you probably guessed, the second crew included Gena's mother Leta, our niece and nephew Ella and Weston, and our sister-in-law, Stephanie.  Here are Weston and Ella posing with their first cousin, and Stephanie with her first niece.  

Here is Leta adoring her fourth (and favorite we're sure) grandchild.  

Tomorrow we're hitting up the park, so hopefully we'll get an actual picture of GG&Co that is worth posting, so stay tuned for our first family portrait!  I'll leave you with one of our current favorites, hope you enjoy!  Believe it or not, the bracelet she is wearing was handmade by her Grandad, Matt...it has her name, a heart and a cross, and Cora loves to chew on the strings!

PS - Congratulations Cindy and Jake on your latest family addition, we wish you the best of luck with your 3rd beautiful child!

happy birth day Cora

She's here!  

Cora Gail Nichols was born on Monday, July 26, at 5:36 pm.  She weighed 8 Lb, 3 oz, and was 20" long.  Gena and Cora are in perfect health, and I am completely exhausted, I had a long day yesterday!  We labored for just under 12 hours, and Gena was amazing the entire time.  Here she is, introducing herself to Cora for the first time.  

We've spent the last 24 hours trying to sleep, taking pictures, and loving having a new baby to take care of.  Here is a collage of some of our favorite pictures.  Let me know via e-mail if you want to be able to print any of these, and I'll make it happen.  

Thank you all for the thoughts and well wishes over the past few days, we really appreciate your love and support.  We're heading home tomorrow, and can't wait to start life as the Shiny New Nichols!

what a journey

Well folks, the time is almost here.  We are scheduled to go to the hospital Sunday night, and induce early Monday morning.  We're still hoping for a surprise labor before then, but nonetheless very excited!  Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers, and look out for my next post, as it will include pictures of Cora!


Let me leave you with this collage of a few of my favorite maternity pictures.  The ultrasound was taken at 17 weeks, and the quilt in the middle photo was made for Cora by Gena herself!  You can see more photos of it by clicking here.  

Top left: 18 weeks
Middle: 33 weeks
Top right: 37 weeks
Bottom left: 41 weeks