Thursday, December 22, 2011

Month Three


 Dear Ela,

You and I have so many wonderful times together. We talk, and sing, and exchange lots of wet, slobbery kisses (most of the slobber is on your end). When we're playing, you seem SO BIG to me. You have observant eyes and an expressive face, and your personality just shines through. And then when I see someone else holding you, I realize that you're actually still a tiny baby.

At your 3 month check-up you weighed in at a robust 10 pounds, 5 ounces. Though that may seem on the small side, you have 2 very well-formed chins and chubby thighs, so we're not worried about you. You are quite strong, and can stand up by yourself if someone holds your hands. You've also become very good at holding your head up.



This month we starting attending music classes and mom/baby groups. So far you're just hanging out on my lap, but you seem to enjoy all the interaction. The other moms often comment on how alert you are, and how expressive your face is. I love popping you into the Moby wrap and walking over to mom's group (stopping along the way to get coffee). The other babies all arrive in their car seats, but you're a Moby girl.



We took our first trip to the Children's Museum this month. Mostly we just watched the other kids play, although you did hang out on a lilly pad in the infant area. We've already made plans to ask your grandmas for a museum membership for your first birthday. You're going to love playing in the bubble room, with the dress-up dance shoes/clothes, and with the build-your-own rocketships.



We celebrated Thanksgiving at Grandma Anne and Papa John's house. You slept in the Moby through the meal, but seemed to enjoy yourself.

You've really discovered your hands this month. You take great pleasure in chomping on one hand (or both) -- sometimes even putting a whole fist into your mouth. It's clear that you can see your toys better, and will even spot me or your Dad from all the way across the room.



If I had to choose, I would say that my favorite thing to do with you is to sing. You like to make little high-pitched squeals, and we have a lovely time conversing together. Your favorite "official" song is "The Sound of Music," although we have plenty of made-up songs, too. There's a "trip" song that we sing to you every time we put you in your car seat. Although you hate going in the car, the song almost always makes you smile.

This was also the month when you got your first cold. It was just a congested nose and a mild cough, but it was tough. We sat with you in the bathroom next to the steamy shower, ran the humidifier constantly, and sucked out your little nose (which you hated, of course). It just killed me to hear you cough, and it began to dawn on me that this is just the first of many illnesses we're going to weather together.

Bit by bit you're becoming more independent. Without having to force you, your Dad and I are discovering that you can gradually spend more time in your bouncy chair or swing. You still prefer to be held or worn, but you're able to entertain yourself for bits and pieces of the day.



It is such a joy to watch you explore and interact with the world around you. I couldn't ask for a better snuggling companion.

Love,
Momma

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