CHEESE!!!

We finally caught some smiles on camera! She is so beautiful!

What a Busy Weekend!

We visited with grandparents and other family members this weekend. On Saturday, we went to a reunion of the Paschal family at Aunt Margie's cabin. Lots of good food and good fellowship. Cora met family members that she had never met before (even Thurman the donkey!). I've included a few pictures. It was wonderful to see so many people that I have not seen in a while. We missed Granny not being there in body- but we know that she was there in spirit. Such a happy gathering of family is truly a legacy that she leaves behind.

On Sunday, Cora and I attended a party to honor Lola and Jack, daughter and son of Sarah and Jeff Smith. Sarah and I met in kindergarten 25 years ago as well as Laurie Fisher who came with her daughter Emily. Who knew that three girls that met in kindergarten in 1983 would be introducing our children to each other in 2008?! We had a great time. It was wonderful to catch up. We talked about another "mini reunion" in the spring. It will be interesting to see how much the children have grown then. I can't wait! I'll send out more details when we get closer to the time.

Before going to the twins' party, we visited with Grandma Mar Mar. She loves any chance to see Miss Cora. She got a special treat when our little one flashed her several smiles. Of course she took many pictures to document the occasion. We capped off our night by going to a birthday supper for Granddaddy Irv. They also saw some teeth (well, you know what I mean). Mr. Irving was great at making her smile.

We had a great weekend. Busy, but well worth it.

I am also including a picture of our Little Mountaineer. Misty and Daniel got this t-shirt for Cora in Boone a few weeks ago. They got Laurel the same one. We wanted to take their pictures together wearing them but they are growing so fast! I don't think we will have a chance before they grow out of them. Misty and I think it would be so great if our girls end up going to ASU together like we did.

What do you mean I can't swim in the pond with the big kids?

Linda Rushin gave Cora this suit and shades and said that she would not be able to swim this summer but I needed to take a picture in them. She was right. How cute!We went to visit Mama 'n 'em (Linda's phrase) over the weekend and Aunt Kay invited everyone for a swim. So she suited up and came on over! Thanks Linda!

I couldn't resist...

I took this picture a few nights (mornings- 3:30am) ago. She had to change her pj's during the night and I decided to just put this shirt on her. This is the shirt she wore in the hospital. If you saw her then, know how huge it was on her! The sleves covered her hands, her shoulders were both coming out of the neck hole and it covered part of her diaper. When I took this picture, the bottom of the shirt kept coming up over her belly and her hands were sticking out like they are supposed to! I can't believe how fast she is growing. As easy as it is to complain about waking up during the night, I cherish every moment we share. Some times those early mornings are the best. She is so sweet! Enjoy the picture. It is one of my favorites.

My First Trip To The 'ville

There was a family gathering in Cora's honor on Saturday. So many family members came to see her! We had a great day.

Those Grandparents can't get enough of Little Miss Cora!

Cora loves Grandma's front porch. Here is a picture of her with Uncle Tom H.

2 weeks!

We've made it two weeks (+ 2 days)! We are so fortunate to have such a good girl. She happy and beautiful. She also makes sure we don't waste too much of our nights sleeping. She is really looking out for what's best for us :). I can already tell that she is getting bigger. This was confirmed last night when I put her in the PJ's that she wore the 1st night at home-they are not too big any more... and by her Grandpa Irving this morning when he stopped by on his way home from Raleigh. I can't believe she is growing so fast.


We've had lots of visitors this week including some of my "teacher friends" , Great Uncle Roger and Great Aunt Betsy (GABby), Grandma Mar Mar (or whatever she will be called), Great Aunt Ann, Misty, Will and new cousin Laurel-Ann. I have included pictures of some of our visitors.

I have also included rocking chair pictures . My aunties gave me a wonderful (priceless) glider rocker. I have decided to take a picture of Cora in the chair every month for the first year. Hopefully I will continue after that and take a picture on her birthday every year. I will post the monthly pictures here so everyone can see how she is growing.

Finally, I have posted a couple of pictures from our first professional photo shoot (at the top of this post). Cora was not excited about the process and she let us know it. Even so, she did take some great pictures. Enjoy!

A Week of Firsts

First Time Parents

First Time Grandparents

First Car Ride

Daddy's First Diaper Change

First Sleep in "My New Crib" :)

First Trip to the Pediatrician

First Bath at Home

First Stroll