3 Months!?! "Dear Emma"

Emma -

Hi Baby Girl.  Happy 3 month birthday.  It's a little ridiculous that we (meaning any parent of an infant) celebrates each individual month and counts by weeks.  I stopped counting weeks, well, weeks ago.  If I were to count weeks you'd be....*runs to look at a calendar* 15 weeks old!  Somehow 3 months seems so much "older" than 15 weeks (probably because weeks is a "smaller measurement" than months).  Enough of momma's rabbit trails.  Back to this 3 month birthday of yours...  You are getting so big.  By comparison to most babies your age you're still on the small-ish side.  You're only in the 25th percentile (up from the 10th percentile!), but you're catching up fast.  Girls always love to hear they're "small", so we won't rush your growth.  You're quite chunky already with the most adorable chubby cheeks -- yes, we love to kiss them -- and rolls on your arms and legs.  Daddy weighed you a few days ago and you were right around 12.6 lbs.  Don't worry, we'll keep your weight on the down low.  It's something to be celebrated now, but there will come a time when you will question your body image and instantly develop a love/hate relationship with the scale.  We all do.

You are currently fast asleep against my chest.  We just bought this nifty little carrier called a Moby wrap.  I'm quite positive that had I of known it was just a really long piece of thick cotton material I could have created it myself, but, alas, I didn't realize this until it was already purchased and in our hands.  It has been a life saver.  We've only used it 4-5 times.  I've learned that you must already be mostly content before attempting it, otherwise, you are not going to like it and very quickly demand a new position.  Right now is one of those times that you like it.  You haven't napped in the last 3 hours which is out of the ordinary for you.  Then again, at this age, nothing is out of the ordinary.  Your schedule (ha!) is more of a *finger crossed she sticks to a routine today* kind of thing.  You are so incredibly alert, following motion, noticing bright colors, listening to music, and your favorite thing - smiling at daddy. 

 Unfortunately I've returned to work during the day so our time during the week is limited to just a few hours before your bed time.  I've deemed that 30-45 minute span of time just after I get off work as "Mommy and Emma Time."  Usually you want to nurse, which I'm always happy to oblige, and we will cuddle up in bed.  Most of the time you will nap.  I rub your head, hold you close, and occasionally fall asleep with you.  Today you weren't in the mood to nap.  I blame it on some tummy issues that have been going on (pesky immature digestive system!).  Instead, you were curled next to me, your fist immediately up to your mouth.  You've discovered your hands and oh, are you impressed with them.  You love to taste them, sometimes just a thumb or fingers, sometimes just a knuckle or two, and sometimes you are determined to get not just one fist but both fists in your mouth at one time!  After you got a little taste of your hands you looked up at me with those big blue eyes of yours.  I always smile back, hoping you'll see the love that runs deep through the glow in my eyes.  Sometimes you smile back, other times you get distracted and look away at whatever "new and impressive" thing that has caught your eye.  Today you talked to me.  You told me "stories" as I call them.  I like to think you were talking to me about your day.  Your voice is heavenly.  Your words are just a series of coo's, ah's, and multiple-pitched sighs, but it is the most beautiful sound your daddy and I have ever heard!  You don't do it all the time, but you do it daily.  When you do talk you'll do it for minutes on end.  I have no clue what you were actually saying to me today, but you said it with a smile.  Whatever it was, you seemed happy, and I can tell you, I was thrilled to be the one you chose to talk to.  My heart melted for sure.

This month has been a rough one.  You got an ear infection, your 2 month shots, and then the transition of me going back to work.  You've been fussier than usual, but we're almost certain it's mostly chalked up to your age.  Apparently your digestive systems changes around this time, therefore, you my dear, make noises that come from your bum that no little girl should ever make!  And whoever said that breastfed babies don't have smelly poops needs to have their "smell" sense checked.  Girl friend, you could easily wipe out a village with some of your diapers.  Don't worry, we still love you, stinky butt and all.  Blame it on your daddy -- you most definitely get that from him!  LoL.

I just can't believe how big you are getting, Junebug!  I know, I probably say this in every blog entry or journal entry on each month's birthday.  It's true, and always will be.  You will always be my "baby"...but I promise to treat you as the child you are at each appropriate age.  (Remind me of this promise when your 25).

I love you, darling, with all that I am.  Our lives are so much more complete with you here and we look forward to each new day with you.

Happy 3 months, Emma June!

Love always,

Mommy