Happy 3 Month Birthday!

Dear Luke,

At 3 months old:

You weigh 15.5 pounds and fit into some 6-9 month clothes.

You sneeze in pairs, often twice, sometimes four times. :)

You love to "talk" (gurgle, coo, move your mouth).

You have frequent diaper blowouts. :(

You have started drooling.

You are consistently sleeping until 8 in the morning.

You have come out of every type of swaddle... blanket, velcro, and even the woombie with the zipper!

You can hold your head up with ease during tummy time.

You like to hold your hands as if you're praying.

You have quite the double chin. :)

You're my little buddy and I love you!

Love,
Mommy

Your First Trip to the Beach

Dear Luke,

We ventured to the beach on Friday to kick off the long Memorial Day weekend.  You did great!  You took a little nap on the beach and we took turns holding you.  You didn't like your baby banz sunglasses, but you didn't mind the sunhat.  It's fun to make family memories like this. :)

Love,
Mommy

Mothers Day and Baby Dedication

Dear Luke,

You are taking your afternoon nap and just sneezed.  I hope that didn't wake you up, but we will see...  I've been trying to figure out your nap schedule since Dr. Kyle said I should put you down before you show the typical signs - yawning, rubbing your eyes, getting fussy, etc.  We've got your eating schedule down to a science (8am, 10:30am, 1:30pm, 4:30pm, 7pm, 10pm) and you used to stay awake for 30 minutes after each feeding.  Now that you're older (almost 3 months!), I know you don't need quite as much sleep.

A couple of weeks ago we celebrated my first Mothers Day on the same day as your Baby Dedication.  It was so special to have both occasions on the same day.  All 4 of your grandparents got to be there, too!  Daddy and I pray often for you - for your salvation at a young age and that Jesus will be Lord of your life.  We also pray frequently for wisdom in being your parents.  I know you're only 3 months old, but I am so glad I can pray to God for wisdom in figuring out your sleep schedule, just like I will ask for wisdom when it's time to decide where you will go to school and when you start liking girls...  He will lead us each step of the way.

It was a very special first Mothers Day and Daddy did a good job on your behalf with my gift.  I got 2 cards (one from you and one from Daddy :) and a beautiful canvas of one of your newborn pictures.

Luke, I LOVE being your mom. :)

Love,
Mommy

P.S. The sneeze did wake you up, but you have been content to just wiggle around in your crib for awhile!

Your Shots

Dear Luke,

This past week you got your first set of vaccinations at Dr. Kyle's office.  You handled it very well.  You screamed when you got the shots, but quickly calmed down once I picked you up.  I had Baby Tylenol at home in case you had a fever, but you seemed to be acting normal when we got home.  When you got up from your nap though, you were very unhappy.  You didn't seem to have a fever, so I figured you must have been in pain.  Because of where the shots were on your legs, I thought it might hurt for me to hold you.  I decided to try the Bjorn while we waited for the Tylenol to kick in and that sure calmed you down.  Your little bandaids were so cute. :)  I'm glad I was able to help you feel better (along with the medicine!)

Love,
Mommy

Happy 2 Month Birthday!

Dear Luke,

At 2 months old:

You are 13 pounds, 11 ounces, and 24.25 inches long (85th percentile!).

You love to smile, coo, move your mouth as if to talk, and interact with us.

You show your excitement when I lay down next to you by kicking your legs, waving your arms, and "talking."

You usually don't cry anymore during your baths, but actually look pretty relaxed.  You now get baths every other night (unless you have a particularly "dirty" day), instead of every third night.

You rarely cry while getting your diaper changed and are usually happy with the interaction and view of the ceiling fan from the changing pad.

You no longer stay asleep in your carseat after a walk or drive in the car. :(

You are ok with being alone at times.  Sometimes you lay in your crib awake and don't cry.  Of course I interact with you as much as possible during your wake times, but sometimes I need to work on something else and I'm glad you are independent enough to entertain yourself at times.

You are a stellar sleeper!

You have broken out of several swaddles (including the velcro), and they are awfully tight!

You no longer seem to prefer your right side over the left, but are much more balanced.  (We worked with you on this by intentionally turning your head, doing "exercises," changing your direction in the crib, etc., and it apparently worked.)

We love you and are so thankful for your little life!

Love,
Mommy