November 2011 This & That

Olivia and Bella making Grandma her birthday card with all my scrapbook stuff
Olivia decorating herself & Cora with pretty pink flowers

Cora in her cute little diaper

Olivia hamming it up with Cora-she LOVES hugging on her

Cora's 1st Thanksgiving-Driscoll side

For Thanksgiving this year, we went to G & G Froehlich's first on Wednesday and stayed through Friday after the Hawks game. We then drove the 7 hours back to G & G Driscoll's to spend Friday-Sunday with them. It was a busy weekend-the girls did great with all the traveling. Cora sleeps so well on trips, and Olivia watches her movies and actually sleeps on drives now, so that's a bonus. We are very thankful for our families and all they do. It's always great to get together and see the kids having fun.
The kids had pulled out Grandma's old costume wig for Cora to wear.

Cora's 4 months old!

Cora is 4 months old! She has been such an easy baby and just happy all the time. She's definitely our cuddly baby too. Olivia was very active at this age, and hasn't stopped! I'm thinking Cora will be my little snuggle bunny for quite some time. Olivia is just loving her and really looks after her. When Olivia goes up to Cora, Cora's face just lights up and she giggles and squeals at her-it's so cute :) Her laugh just lights us all up. There's not a better sound in the world. Cora has also found her hands-she sucks on her fingers all the time! I think we may be getting a thumb sucker. But it's so funny to watch her try to put her hands together as she watches them move all over. She's also starting to recognize her name and is very alert. She still takes her naps and sleeps in her carseat. Ever since she was a month old, she was sleeping better in her car seat, so that's the way it's been. She loves being snuggled in. I've tried laying her in her crib, but she's not comfortable that way. It makes it real easy for traveling though w/o having to take the pack-n-play but I'm sure real soon we're going to have to get her trained to like her crib.
I took Cora in for her 4 month well-being check and shots. She weighs 12.8 pounds and is 24.5 inches long. She's the same weight as Olivia at that age, but 3 pounds lighter. This puts her in the 25th percentile for wt & 55th for length.

Cora's 1st Thanksgiving-Froehlich Side

The kids building a tree fort with Grandpa Lee's tools

Grandma Kathee and I took Olivia, Kaden, and Chloe down to the theater to see Santa. Olivia asked for a barbie house and lots of barbies.
Cora, Jack, and Olivia watching the Hawks embarass themselves by Nebraska

Grandpa Lee with one of the nice walleye that they caught.

Olivia fingerpainting

Olivia fingerpainting in the smock my mom made me years ago. Olivia loved it!

Cora's Baptism

Cora was baptized into the Holy Spirit Church November 13th. We chose Justin & Jessica to be her Godparents and are thankful for them taking the role. Making the occasion even more special is that Cora is wearing my baptismal dress. It looked beautiful on her. We also used the afghan that Great Grandma Froehlich crocheted for Olivia when she was a baby.

Grandma Driscoll's 60th Birthday

Happy 60th Birthday Grandma Driscoll! Grandpa D did a pretty good job and threw a surprise birthday party for her at Callaway's. We used Cora's baptism as a good excuse for them to come to Sioux Falls so there was no question as to why they were making another trip. (Although by Saturday afternoon I think she started to figure it out.) The room was filled with lots of family and friends & a good time was had by all. Grandma scored with lots of wine & nice presents. I couldn't find my camera that night and haven't gotten copies of Grandma's yet so don't have any pics of the party to post. The 2 below are at Cora's baptismal celebration with the cake I made her. Happy Birthday Mom/Grandma! It was a fun weekend!

Olivia, Bella, and Anna helping Grandma blow out her candles.

Lots of catching up!

Even though it's only been a few weeks since my last post, it seems I have alot of catching up to do! The move to Sioux Falls was a long & exhausting weekend. We had a lot of good help & appreciate all those that did. We're somewhat settled in here-still have a few boxes here and there to get unpacked & things on the wall. We're really loving being here & feels like home. I knew I missed Sioux Falls but forgot just how much until now. It took a little adjusting for Olivia-she really misses her old house & "it misses me too" she would say. Not going to Lisa's also was a big adjustment, but it's getting better. We're just having a hard time still with her nap time & bed time. Not sure if it's an age thing, or just the overall adjustment from the move, but it's a struggle every day. Any suggestions from anybody?

Last weekend we celebrated my mom's 60th birthday and had a surprise party for her on Saturday. Sunday we had Cora's baptism. Pat's parents as well as my family were here to celebrate the special occasions-pictures to come. Right now Olivia is sleeping and Cora is just about too so maybe it's nap time for me too :)

Cora is holding her head up pretty good & sits in her bumbo-not sure she likes it that well yet though. Of course Big Sister has to have her turn too :)Olivia and I at the park-enjoying one of the last few nice days before the snow hits!Our beautiful Cora! She loves to watch and tries to grab at the toys hanging from her floor mat.

My Aunt Jill came for a couple days to help with the girls while I got things unpacked. Izabella spent the night with us & they made some delicious cupcakes!

Happy Halloween! We went trick or treating with Justin, Jessica, Caden, and Dan. Justin hooked up a flat bed to his four wheeler & threw some hale bays onto it & we went around his development area. It was such a nice night for the time of year. Olivia was a cute little cowgirl & loved trick or treating!Moving Day! It took a Uhaul, 3 trailers, and 7 vehicles but we made it to Sioux Falls!! What a long day!

After a couple days of unpacking, Olivia is pooped! It's rare she falls asleep on her own, but she had no problem here!Olivia and her daycare provider, Lisa. On Olivia's last day, she threw a big Halloween party for all the kids. This is one of the hardest parts about leaving New Ulm-Olivia absolutely loved Lisa & all the kids. It's going to be tough on her not going there :(

Caden's Star Wars Birthday

Caden celebrated his 6th Birthday with a Star Wars theme and being so close to Halloween had a costume party. Jessica dressed up as Princess Leia and looked great! Justin and Jes threw quite the party and had Caden's whole class over-with a few additional friends, I think there were about 25 kids there!