Video trial

Hey, I was finally able to get a video up through blogger rather than youtube. Let me know if it works.
PS: No more sweeping dirt under the rug. Shucks. :)

So Long, Sweltering Heat!

We are welcoming the cooler temperatures that fall has finally brought us. Hopefully, we won't (ever) return to the high 90's that have pummeled us all summer. And, hopefully, we will have a nice long, mild fall season. We'll see.

Anyway, we enjoyed a little time at the park at the end of our street. Check out this expression of glee!
Cora likes the swing!
Cora's new sunhat...The other one got lost in Wal-mart. (Note to self: whatever becomes Cora's toy while shopping is prone to being dropped without me noticing...) She doesn't necessarily enjoy wearing hats now. It takes a little convincing on our end to get her to leave it on her head.

Cora is mobile in an unconventional way. She gets around the house however she can. But she's also starting to figure out how to use hands and knees at the same time. Here she is on all fours, rocking back and forth.
Just some more pics:

Cora and friend Liam, who is 11 months older than Cora.

Watch out, Webster!

Cora's vocabulary is increasing daily! She now often says "p" or "pa" - almost in a whisper, though. It's very cute. She also says "la" and "ma" and "da". Her little voice is so girly and adorable. It's a blast to see her making sounds and experimenting with her voice and mouth!

I've been impressed lately with what a precious stage of life this is. Each time I go to the grocery store I notice little old ladies watching Cora with an appreciation as if they were seeing their own children at this age again. Some just smile at us and keep going, and others can't resist the urge to talk with Cora or tickle her feet (which are usually bare and very tempting). Cora is hesitant to smile at strangers and usually stares at them with a perplexed look. Occassionally she flashes a smile and it is as though she's just made the little ladie's day. And my heart nearly bursts within me.

This last week Cora and I have been fighting colds. She seems to have gotten over hers much more quickly than me and thankfully hers never turned into the sore throat and coughing that I've had. But sometimes I hear her waking up from a nap and I'm just exhausted, wishing she'd sleep a little longer for my own time of peace. But she won't sleep any more so I go in and get her, praying for a little more strength. And as soon as I see her lying in her crib she smiles her biggest smile, kicks her legs with glee and looks at me like I just told her we're going to Disneyland! (ha ha ha) Suddenly I'm rejuvinated and feel so blessed to have this joyful little girl in my life!

Cora's beginning crawling stages

Apparently the video I tried to post last time didn't come through so here it is! This was taken on September 4. She's definitely on the move, though not crawling yet. Enjoy...And thanks for all the comments! Keep 'em coming, please.

Laboring on Labor Day

This weekend we went up to our friends' (Jer and Val) property in the mountains above Creed, CO. They are building a shed with living space and hope to build a log cabin in the future. We were up there with a group of 7 adults and 3 children. The four men and Val (since it's her place and she doesn't have kids to watch) worked on raising the walls and roof. Jessica, the other wife, and I tended camp with the kiddos, made meals, etc. This was the last camping trip of the year for us. We've been able to get out a bit this summer and even though it's a little extra work with a baby I'm always glad we make the effort. Click here to see pictures from our work trip...and Cora of course. Yesterday Cora learned how to say "ba" and says it all the time now. (She still blows raspberries in between the "ba"s.) She woke up this morning and laid in her crib saying "ba, ba, ba" for a few minutes! It's so very cute! Now we're working on geetting her to say "ma" and "da" - two very crucial syllables.