At three months old...

You are such a determined child. You don't like feeling your own limitations it seems. I read in a baby book that some babies are called 'active babies', and they tend not to be happy until they are mobile. I can see an element of that in you. You struggle so hard to sit up, even though your neck muscles aren't really strong enough to hold your head up for very long. You can't stand to be swaddled or confined in any way, especially in your car seat. We've expereienced several "meltdowns" because you couldn't stand be strapped down in that seat.

Your intelligence is so evident; you concentrate very intently on everything around you, whether that be other people or toys or just your surroundings. You are such an alert baby, and you love to smile and coo at everyone who stops to talk to you. You love the live music in church, though it often puts you to sleep. I hope you will be a musician someday. That is something that has brought your daddy and I so much joy and fulfillment, I want you to be a part of it too. Its amazing watching you try to talk as you coo and make other sweet sounds and work so hard at imitating the way our mouth moves when we talk to you. I can't wait to hear what's going on in that little head of yours.

I love you!

Joyful

Pretty Kitty 4
Originally uploaded by Girlcloud.

You amaze me more everyday. You have learned to do so many things in such a short amount of time. You hold your head up better everyday and you've started reaching out at objects around you. You've begun to explore the concept of play, and I can't wait for that to develop even more. You sleep through the night (most nights) and in the mornings, after your morning feeding, you and I snuggle together on the couch for a little extra shut-eye. Its a special time for just the two of us to enjoy a sweet closeness before the routine of the day begins.

I love the way you try to imitate my facial expressions. Your smile could melt anyone's heart - it is so full of unfettered joy and innocence. You show happiness with your whole body: eyes, mouth, arms, legs...its like a spasm of glee. I wish I could keep that aspect of your personality untouched forever. It is the carefree happiness of an infant who knows nothing of responsibilities, worries, fear, or doubt.

You are so accepting of everyone you meet; greeting perfect strangers with dazzling smiles that say 'I'm so happy to see you, whoever you are.' Would that we were all so welcoming to those around us we don't know. I'm sure there will come a time when I will want you to look at strangers with suspicion, but the fact that you don't now speaks to me as to how I should take people upon first meeting: assume everyone is a potential friend.