Goddard Park

Today Cora decided to go for a nice walk with daddy and our good friend Tom at Goddard Park along Greenwich Bay.  The weather was awesome and the temperature was just right for a nap.

 Even interesting toys only held a momentary advantage over the lure of sleep.

Cora met Tom for the first time, and it was a natural match!

Smiles all around :)

3-month birthday girl!

Time flies.  It seems like Cora has simultaneously been in our lives forever, AND that she just got here.  How's that for a paradox?

Here are some photos and videos from her 3-month birthday!

Baby monkey!  Channeling her Grandma Mel.

Self-portrait with Momma

And finally, here's Cora in a beautiful dress from the Roderick family.  

Quick sidenote: I don't understand why people get so bent out of shape about dressing girls in pink and traditionally "girly" clothing.  Of course I understand the desire not to be rigid about gender stereotypes.  I also think it's important to help girls and boys ultimately embody the identity and style that best suits them.  At the same time, I don't hear people getting so upset about boys (or girls for that matter) who dress in blue.  So, the anti-pink/anti-girly mentality seems a bit misplaced.    And besides, how A*D*O*R*A*B*L*E is she? :)

Super Cora!

The Ocean State!

Before leaving the Ocean State, it was very important to us for Cora to experience the ocean.  This past Saturday, we bundled her up and took a drive down to Newport, RI.  Unfortunately, Cora was less enamored with seeing the ocean than we were.  However, at least we got a few good photos before the massive meltdown.  And, when she looks back at these as an adult someday, for all she knows, it was a perfectly splendid day :)

Sabine and Natalie

It's been a lot of fun to introduce Cora to new babies, and to witness the developmental differences.  This is Natalie, who is 10 months old.  She is a very sweet and inquisitive baby, with the awareness to be much more interested in Cora than vice versa :)  Natalie's momma, Sabine, is Elise's friend and former clinical supervisor (from both Chicago and Rhode Island!).  

Hello!

Cora loves her Aunt Meghan!

Cora's Aunt Meghan has been such a huge help to Mom, Dad, and Cora!  We will miss her so much next year, but anticipate many future visits :)

Hahaha... great imitation, Meghan :) 

Cora and Joey

There is something so cute, and funny, about watching babies interact together.  This is Cora with Joey Elias, who is just a few weeks younger than Cora.  

Not quite sure what to think...

It's OK, Joey...

Friends! :)

Sleeping!

Last night, our little Ladybug slept through the night. Today, all are happy and rested. Wheeeeeee! 

(As Poppa Mark pointed out, today is also Cora Ann's 11-week-old birthday!)

Cora and her Uncles :)

Cora was a lucky girl this week, as her Uncles Matt, Andy, and Brian all visited from Seattle.  They became well-acquainted with all of Cora's "times" - Activity Time, Eating Time, Sleeping Time, and of course, Fussy Time.

Matt wins the award for giving the best gift (his hotel room, so Elise could get her first uninterrupted night's sleep since January).  Andy wins the award for helping us catch Cora's first on-camera laugh (soooo cute, check out the video below!).  Brian wins the award for keeping Cora most entertained during A-time (with a little help from crazy caterpillar).

Enclosed are the photos and videos from our time together.  Enjoy!