Welcome Baby Cora!

Cora Aline Meliza

7/16/16

Born at 7:17pm at 7lbs 5oz and 19.5in long

I had signed up for an elective induction on July 16 because my body was just tired of being pregnant! Well, my body had other plans as I started going into the early early stages of labor before I even got to the hospital. I guess it was time!

We got to the hospital around 11am and were placed in triage. There we waited for about 5 hours for other ladies to deliver and transfer off the floor so we could get a labor room. Well finally around 4:30, we got admitted to labor and delivery. Around 5pm, they broke my water and the waiting game began. I was just up walking around the room trying to get labor to start so I could avoid having to get pitocin. I didn't feel much of anything except for 1 big contraction during that first hour, but then about 6:30ish labor kicked into high gear and didn't let up. With wonderful coaching from my nurse Kris and Dr. Fisher I was able to have a natural delivery! 

Below is a photo journal of the day we welcomed Cora to the family and of the week following her arrival home:)

 Reading books in Mama's lap, waiting for the call to go to the hospital

 Helping make breakfast

 We had some left over sparklers from 4th of July. 

We decided it would be a fun way to celebrate on the morning of sister's arrival!

 Finally landed in labor and delivery, and we had a GREAT view to boot! Too bad labor was so fast so we couldn't enjoy it longer. Our postpartum room view was blocked due to construction!

 She's here!

 Beautiful sunset on a beautiful day:)

 It took big brother a little bit to start warming up to Cora. He wasn't so sure about her in the hospital.

 We escaped the hospital at 8:30pm on 7/17/16 under the cover of night! Mama wanted to sleep in her own bed!!

 At home Jack has been growing more and more inquisitive and helpful around Cora. We're letting him set the pace and he's doing great with her.

 Our first selfie family photo! Didn't get one in the hospital because big brother was just not at ease. 

 Cora is happy to be home!

 Starting to show a little more interest:) 

 Helping Daddy carry Cora over to Mama.

Bath time!

We have so many more adventures to come. I'm certainly more busy than with just Jack, but I am going to make my best effort to keep this blog updated! Thanks for following along on our family's journey:)

Chasing After Jack

A random sampling of how Jack fills his time, and as a result, how we fill our time cleaning up after our little tornado!

 Jack in awe of Papa using a chainsaw to cut down a tree. 

 He has a thing for finding bugs and picking them up to show me them. 

Sadly, his record for keeping the poor creatures alive during his show and tell sessions is quite low.

I do try not to be too put off when he shows me these things to foster his curiosities and adventurous spirit, but why is Daddy never around to show these things too!?!

 On this day, Jack was helping Daddy with a wood working project!

 Taking a drive in the cars at the mall 

 I wasn't going to try to potty train Jack until baby sister was a couple months old. 

Then he started asking to go potty after slowly introducing potty training books. 

He asks to go all the time now and while we are FAR from being trained, he is showing great interest, telling us on occasion he needs to go before he goes and basically potty training himself. 

Someday we'll get serious about it, but for now, we're fostering and rewarding his interest!!!

 Playing the drums with some sticks he found outside. 

 I love it when he climbs into bed with Mama in the morning and we cuddle and watch Elmo.

 Bailey is becoming more patient out of necessity. Clearly.

I LOVE *love* LOVE that Steve taught Jack to pick me flowers. 

I get so many random little blossoms at random times. 

It makes my heart so happy and Jack is always SO excited to give them to me!

HAPPY 4th OF JULY!!!!

 Our little pyromaniac loved the sparklers we got him for the 4th of July. 

No fear.

Trying to blow it out :)

Hope you are having a great summer! We're creating fun close to home as we wait for baby sister to make her arrival! Mama is hoping for sooner instead of later!!