Adam, Andy’s younger cousin from Pennsylvania, and his girlfriend stayed with us for the past week. Unfortunately for them this was the rainiest week Florida has had in a long time. They  went to the beach every day, refusing to give up, and spent most of their time huddled under the beach umbrella trying to stay dry. The best part of the week was that after 8 years of dating Adam popped the big question. They are official engaged.  We spent most of our time eating or playing some sort of game together. I’m not sure if there is anything much more entertaining than watching Adam and Tenille play catch-phrase on the same team. We loved having them with us and we were sad to see them go. We have also been able to spend some time out at the Jim & Tawnya’s lake over the past two weekends and there is a picture below with Mary Cate and Cora getting to know each other. They’re already such good friends!

Recently Cora has started smiling, my first official smile from her was on mother’s day. She loves when we talk to her and make silly faces at her. She has even started grunting a little when she’s really happy and I think she’s trying to laugh already. She has been a little fussier than normal and we weren’t sure why until yesterday. Yesterday we saw a tiny white spot on her bottom gum and sure enough it is the beginnings of a tooth. We are hoping that just because it broke the skin doesn’t mean it is any rush to push through. Poor girl, babies don’t usually have to deal with that until somewhere around 6 months. I hope that it just stays a tiny white spot for a while. Cora is still a great eater and has continued to be a good sleeper. The best part about this stage is the ear-to-ear grins that take over her face and seems to stop the whole world.  I can’t believe Cora will be 7 weeks on Tuesday. As sad as I am the the time is flying by I can also start to see how everyone says that each stage will be my favorite stage.

Andy outdid himself yet again by giving me a wonderful first Mother’s day. First, he suprised me by having the most beautiful pink roses delivered to the house on Friday afternoon. Then he let me sleep in Sunday morning by giving Cora her 7 am feeding and he stayed home from church. He woke me up with a breakfast in bed, homemade crapes with fresh strawberries and blueberries, and a really sweet card. He then sent me on my way for a pedicure, I love those, and even took me out to dinner Sunday night.  One of the most memorable parts of the day was when Cora looked up at me as I was holding her and  intentionally smiled ear-to-ear. She has been smiling more and more, but until yesterday I wasn’t positive that it was genuine, I keep suspecting that it was really gas.

I love this motherhood thing, it is amazing!  I love when she takes a good nap, but I can’t wait for her to wake up so I can pick her up. I love the way she stays in a tight little ball when you pick her up. I love when she squeaks. I love listening to her breath when she’s on my shoulder.  I love how looking at her instantly reminds me of how big and good our God really is.

The Mustains and the Wells together again! We spent Saturday evening at Island Park with Chris, Bridgit, and Mary Cate. Lots of good laughs just like the good ole days!

Our little new born is turning into a little baby with fuller checks, a rounder tummy and some serious hair loss (we hear this is normal.) Today she is four weeks old, how crazy! I can’t believe how quickly it has gone. She is so precious and I love every  minute with her. Happy 1 month Cora!