Some of Cora's Firsts

Cora has been super busy growing, learning new things, going to new places, and meeting new people. We have so much to share - especially pictures - so here's a quick look at our lives recently.

Cora was only 3 days old when she visited her first National Wildlife Refuge! It was our first day home from the hospital and Cora had a follow-up doctor's appointment. On our way home we stopped by Rappahannock River Valley NWR (Dustin's office) to introduce Cora to Joe before he headed off to Massachusettes. Joe's wife Julia was also there helping Joe pack his office so we got to see both of them!

Cora also got to meet several other RRVNWR staff and we took advantage of the photo op. She's a blue goose fan already!

Well, she may not remember the visit at all, partially because she slept through it, but this will not be her only Refuge visit!

During her first weekend at home Cora also got to meet her Daddy's wakeboarding pal and her only uncle (so far). Uncle Foco could practically fit Cora in one hand - and she's not a tiny baby!


Grandmama is recovering well from her knee surgery and she and Atdaddy have visited a couple of times.


While the weather was much cooler last week, we took Cora to the beach in the evenings a couple of different times. We even put her in her bathing suit for the occasion, but I managed to convince Dustin it's still too early to toss her off the dock just yet.



We're just having a blast with our precious little one. She's sleeping well at night, eating like a Packett, and all in all is just the sweetest little thing!

Meet the Martins!

During our first weekend at home with Cora, Dustin's dad and sister were able to come up from North Carolina to meet her. Cora loves her Grandpa and Aunt Kelli and is very excited that they're coming back with Nana this weekend to celebrate the fourth!
Love at first sight...

And second sight...

Grandpa just can't keep his eyes off of Cora, but who can blame him??

It was really special to have the Martins here because it was Father's Day weekend so we got to celebrate with both of our fathers - and we took the opportunity to get some great Martin family photos!
The whole gang

Proud new Daddy and Grandpa with their precious little Cora

Nana and Grandpa

Aunt Kelli and Cora

Our new family

Dustin had a really special first Father's Day with his sweet baby girl.

Update for Nana

I have so many pictures to post and stories to tell about Cora's early days, but I promised to keep Nana (and others) updated with pictures of Cora in between visits. So the other posts will have to wait so that I can show what Cora's been up to - and how she's changed - in the past day or two! I'll get to the other posts soon!
Cora had her first (very brief) trip to the beach. We didn't stay long because it has been sooo hot, but she loved the golf cart ride there and back.


Last night after Cora's bath we had a fun time with her hair. Here's what we came up with:


And then Cora got to bond with Jaxon. Don't worry - this stunt was performed in the presence of professionals.

Those were the highlights of Cora's weekend! We're hoping that some cooler temperatures will roll in later this week and we'll be able to spend time outside without melting.

Nothing like coming home...

After a short (but plenty long enough!) stay at the hospital, Cora and I were both cleared to go home on Thursday. I can't speak for Cora, but Dustin and I were so glad to hear that we were getting out. So we dressed Cora in the same dress that I wore home from the hospital, loaded her in her car seat, packed the truck, and hit the road.
Get me outta here!

Cora LOVED riding in her Daddy's new truck and promptly fell asleep and woke up only at red stoplights.

When we got our new bundle home, Kota and Jaxon were so excited to meet their baby. Kota greeted Dustin and Cora at the door...

and Jaxon hasn't gone far from her at all.


Showing off the dress...

But best of all, going home meant meeting Papa for the first time! Dad had a work trip to D.C. so unfortunately he missed the marathon wait at the hospital. But he got home shortly after we did and Cora met her Papa.


We love having Cora home with us!!

Hangin' Out

The day after Cora's arrival we were at the hospital getting to know our little girl and visiting with family. We also got some pretty precious pictures of Cora Wren. You'll notice that there was never a lack of loving arms in which Cora could rest.
She has a very solid foundation...







Look at how long I am!

Cora is born!

A week ago today, Dustin and I experienced the most amazing thing of our lives when we welcomed our precious baby girl into the world. We were scheduled to get to the hospital at 3:30 in the afternoon to spend the night and be induced the following morning. On Monday night, though, I started having contractions and on Tuesday morning the doctor's office told us to come on in. So we went in and were given the choice of heading over to labor and delivery or going to the mall to walk around some. Not being a fan of getting back into the vehicle, I opted to head on to L&D. They broke my water mid-morning and gave me pitocin mid-afternoon. Let me just say that blue raspberry popsicles might be my favorite thing ever.


My labor coach and best friend - so thankful for my wonderful husband!


Both grandmas-to-be and my sisters were also there pouring out love and support.


Then suddenly, after just 15 short hours, Cora Wren was born. She was born at 10:42 p.m., weighed 8 lbs 6.2 oz, and came with a full head of dark hair! We were immediately in love!




Just the sweetest thing!


After a little bit of time being completely adored by Daddy and me, Cora got to meet the rest of the family anxiously awaiting her arrival.
Nana

Grammie

Aunt Megan

Aunt Jennie

By far, Cora's favorite place to be is in her Daddy's arms. I have a feeling that will never change...

We love having her here with us!

Baby Showers Continued...

Dustin and I went to North Carolina this past weekend to visit our family there. It was so good to see them and really take time to relax! Gary wouldn't let me lift a finger! I loved it :) And, while visiting we also got to celebrate a couple of things. First, we celebrated Dustin's birthday. Somebody in North Carolina loves you if you get a Ketchie Creek cake! Yum!



And we got to spend time with Grandmommy and Granddaddy.

Then, the spoiling continued. Gary and Kathy hosted a beautiful shower and we were so amazed at all of the family and friends who came to celebrate our little girl with us!

Here are some of Cora's cousins and friends that she'll be so excited to see in North Carolina!



And then the gifts. Oh, the gifts! We are so thankful for everything - the nursery is literally brimming with sweet baby things.


I can't wait to use this adorable diaper bag from Aunt Kelli!

We had an amazing weekend and look forward to getting back down to NC - and next time we'll have Cora in tow!