Dear Cora,

To those you you who read our blog, please feel free to read on. It is "written" to Cora but I intentionally included it in the blog to make sure it was included in what has become our family record book. I just ask that you remember our family in your prayers as we get through this tough time. We thank you so much. -Mandi

My Sweet Cora,
I have been lying in bed wide awake thinking about how much you mean to your daddy and me. You are smart, thoughtful, beautiful, kind, witty, and so many other adjectives that it would take forever to list them all. We love you so so so much.
Yesterday (9-21-2010) we got some pretty terrible news. We found out that the baby brother or sister in mommy's tummy was not going to be born. We know that he or she was in there because we were so blessed to already have heard a heartbeat. Unfortunately, this little one was too sick to grow in my tummy and meet us. God decided to go ahead and take him or her to Heaven. While we are so sad right now, we find peace in knowing that this baby and our first baby have each other to run around and play with. And I am sure they will always be watching over you!
Another reason that I am a little sad is because I know that you would have been an amazing big sister. I watch you around other babies and even your dolls. You are so gentle and sweet. I would have been so proud for you to be looked up to by a sibling.
But in my grief, I have to believe that there is a plan for all of us that we just can't begin to predict. Maybe one day this will help you understand why you were an only child like both of your parents. And I pray that you never have to lose a heartbeat of your own one day.
Hopefully it is okay with you that I am posting this letter on your blog. This has become a journal about your life. I've written more than I ever dreamed I would in the spring of 2008! While sometimes I write the least when you are doing the most, and I could not possibly include everything, I try to mention the big stuff. This is a sad one but it is something that we are going through as a family. You are even doing your part to make things better. When your daddy brought you home from school yesterday, you crawled into the bed beside me and said, "you don't feel good?" When I replied that indeed, I didn't feel too good, you gave me a hug and snuggled with me for a few minutes. There is nothing in the world that could have helped more than that. Then after a perfectly acceptable 2 year old wait time, you very seriously informed me that you wanted some oatmeal. Your timing is perfect.
As I said before, you are wonderful beyond words. We could not have asked for a more perfect daughter. Your daddy and I are in complete awe of you. God picked the most beautiful flower, inside and out, and gave her to us. We are so proud to have you in our lives. We love you.
Hugs and kisses,
Mommy

Just Pics

I begged her to put down the juice box... You see where that got me.

Although I am not posting quite as much, I am still snapping pictures like I'm the paparazi. Here are a few of my favorites. These show everything from Cora playing in the yard to showing off her pigtails. She is growing so fast. The other day I was admiring the picture that I carry around with me all of the time. It was taken in front of our fireplace at our other house. I realized that it was taken nearly a year ago. We pass this "pig" on the way to and from Cora's school every day. One afternoon I decided to pull in and snap a few pictures. I think it was a hit. :) We'll pretend that she didn't almost pull piggie's nose off.

Speaking of piggies... Look at those cute ones on Cora's head! This was our first atempt at wearing real ribbons. Surprise! They lasted all day! Ms. Mary said that one came untied in the afternoon but other than that they held!
This was taken on the morning of Cora's last day with the one year old class. *sniff, sniff*

Cora loves to build "houses" using a quilt between our chair and ottoman.

One of our favorite places to eat... McCall's Barbecue and Seafood in Goldsboro. Great buffet- this is where we first learned that Cora likes crowder peas, who knew?! We stop every time we are going to or from the beach. It is almost exactly half way between Atlantic Beach and home.

T-shirt + belt = t-shirt dress, right?

Those beads and the way she is holding that pocketbook reminds me of my grandmother! Too funny!

Our girl showing off her pink nails and eating a "pezel". She is not too skilled with the consonant blends just yet.