Black Butte 2016!

We did it again!

Family trip to Black Butte Ranch 

We packed in SO much fun throughout the week and made lots of fun memories!

On our way over to Black Butte, we made a stop in Culver so Granny and Poopa could meet Cora.

And so Poopa could give Jack some "pain pills." 

Papa hanging out with the Grandkids

On our way out to hunt for golf balls along the golf course

Having some pool time with Mama!

Grammy getting her Cora snuggles in

We got to go to the fire department and enjoy a little kids event they put on. 

Jack got to put out a "fire!"

Helping Papa make waffles for breakfast 

Hanging out by Paulina Springs and playing in the creek for a while

My boys chewing on some grass

Jack was a natural when we took him for a horseback ride. He looked like an old pro!

Bye bye Black Butte...

 ....Thanks for all the fun!

August

The weeks are flying by.

Between feeding Cora and trying to keep Jack busy and having fun, we go to bed pretty tired and get up not QUITE rested enough. 

But life is FULL.

Here is our latest glimpse into life :)

Cora making use of her bassinet made by Aunt Kathy!

 We got a load of wood chips delivered (on one of the hottest days of the summer, yuck)

Jack didn't want Daddy to have to do all the work, so he made sure to get out there to help spread them in the yard.

 Trying to get in some Mommy and Jack time at Multnomah Days. 

Here we are doing a little arts and crafts together,

 and we made sure to get a little snack time and rest in too!

 Cora had to get an ultrasound of her hip. Her pediatrician thought one of her hips felt loose. Unfortunately, the results were inconclusive and we go back again soon to get another scan.

Jack is such. a. boy.

I do a lot of laundry.

Cora had her first play date with her friend Violet. 

The girls didn't chat much but their mama's sure did!!!

Brave! (or stupid?) Beach Trip

Well, Cora took her first vacation on Monday. Our destination was Manzanita, and it was just Mama and the kids for the day meeting up with Grammy, GG Faye, Aunties Kathy and Suellen and Auntie Lisa and cousins Brayden and Hannah. It's a tradition that we go each year and I wasn't going to go since Cora is so new... but then I couldn't bear to miss out. 

Not knowing if I was being a brave new mom of two, or just stupid, we headed down the road and said multiple prayers for a safe, fast and GOOD trip!

We did make great time and surprised everyone at the beach that we had actually showed up! 

I wasn't certain I was going to make the trek until that morning, so I hadn't shared that we were even considering it. 

 We arrived early-ish in the morning so we spent some time at the house playing in the morning...

 ...and enjoying the beautiful view and weather. 

Once it warmed up and the rest of the troops arrived, we were off to the beach!

 The three amigos

Les soeurs

(Best sister who ran to the rescue when Jack face planted in the ocean)

 He was having SO much fun running around and laughing and playing!

 Doing my best to keep the sand from pelting Cora's face and sun from scorching her skin

 After the face plant in the ocean and getting all wet, combined with the wind blowing sand everywhere we had to call it quits after only a short time on the beach. 

Very sad. 

We did our best to extend the stay with a towel to block the assault of sand...

 ...but alas, we lost the battle and chose to trek back to the house with our fussy bunch. 

 Playing in the water table was much more fun, and we still had a pretty good view

  4 generations!

Cora, Christine, Missy, Faye

 I guess we can throw Jack in there with the girls too!

This was Jack at the end of the day.

Have fun much buddy?

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:)