Cora just keeps

Getting bigger and bigger.  She now weighs a whopping 17 pounds and 12 ounces and has grown another 1/2inch in length.  Cora gives a great example of what "thriving" is and what "surviving" used to be like.  She continues to thrive in this new found love of life and gains greater strength everyday.  It so refreshing for me, as her mama, to see these continuing changes in her.

I took her to visit with a girlfriend last night, and we sat around the campfire.  I love the fact that Cora now notices everything in her surroundings and doesn't hesitate to smile when she notices something new.  She was enthralled with the campfire and bug zapper and fell in love with the attention her Auntie Lee and Auntie Donna were lavishing on her. 

To see the love that surrounds my daughter and  the total acceptance of who she is, not what she was born with, is an absolute blessing.  I know without hesitation that ALL of Cora's "Heart Aunties" will be forever in her corner, cheering her on, celebrating her victories and being there holding our hands when there are more struggles. 

The realization that Cora is now aware of these wonderful women and recognizes them and signs "auntie" when she sees them is a huge reward for those that continue on this journey with us.  Despite the fact the we all have to take turns holding her because she is now heavy enough to make arms tired, those arms continue to hold her in prayer and love.  Cora now returns those hugs with some of her own.  That in itself is a huge change in Cora.....and a much welcomed one from those that surround her.