3 Months (ish)

Dear Tiny,
Well, I suppose this time I'm only one week late, as opposed to 3. But I figured I had just written about you, and yada yada, excuses excuses. At least you're learning early in your life that even mommy isn't perfect.

You have just been so so much fun this month. You are oh so smiley and giggly all. the. time. My favorite times are when you are just waking up, and I go to peek in at you in your pack 'n play. When you see me, you give me this huge smile, as though you're saying, "Thanks for coming to get me, Mommy! I'm ready to play!" This is your same reaction every time Daddy walks in the door after work - if you're eating, you immediately stop and look up excitedly at the first sound of the door. We're glad you adore us as much as we adore you.

Speaking of, you've gotten infinitely more interactive this month. While you're still not particularly interested in playing with things, you love playing with people. You adore singing songs and reading books, and love dancing and flying. You've gotten a lot better at dealing with tummy time, and now will happily lift your head for minutes at a time - a big improvement from before.

This month brought the change of me returning to school full-time. Fortunately, full-time means that I'm only gone for a few hours in the mornings Monday-Thursday, and what it really means is that you have plenty of time to bond with your grandma, which she and you both love. The first week, your other grandma, or Dad's mom, was in town taking care of you, and you both had a ball. I'd come home every day to lots of giggles and smiles, and that's just continued with your other grandma. It is so fun for us to watch you get to know and love your family.

This has meant, however, that you've had to take a bottle of pumped milk on occasion. Or rather, not take it, as the case may be. Much as we've tried, you still most often flat-out refuse the bottle entirely. Instead, you just sort of lick it - I think you think it's some sort of toy. I suppose I should take it as a compliment, but buddy? It would be seriously helpful if you could take a little. I promise it's still food.
You've also gotten particularly chatty this month. When awake, you are constantly "talking" - you love telling us stories and hearing our voices as we respond. I love having these little conversations with you. You've also started drooling and putting your hands in your mouth constantly, even when you've just eaten. You'll be happy to know that you've helped me overcome my aversion to saliva.


The most exciting event of the month was your baby blessing and cradle ceremony. This was such a special day, in which your Daddy was able to give you a blessing straight from your Heavenly Father. One of the things that struck me most was that you are already a comfort to all those around you; you really do bring a calm and joyous peace with you wherever you are. This was a wonderful time when both sides of your family could come witness this blessing, and during which Mommy got to speak in church about families; it could not have been more perfect. Afterward, we all headed over to your grandparents' home for another special blessing and cradle ceremony, performed by your grandma. We were overwhelmed by all the friends and family who came; you sure are loved, little guy.


The next day, we were taking some pictures of you with all your grandparents. Almost always, people look for themselves first whenever they see a picture. However, after taking these, your grandparents all looked for you. You have a gift for helping people to look beyond themselves, and for bringing joy and love to those around you.


Tiny, it is amazing to me that three months ago, I hadn’t yet met you in person. Today, I feel like I’ve known you forever, and know that I have. I love you, little man.

love,
mama

(Pictures to come.) (Updated with pictures.)