Sweet Mary Grace - 3 Months Old

My darling Mary Grace,

Where is the time going? I hardly seems like 3 months have passed since you came into our world. I know you're ready to grow and try new things, but if you could do Mommy one favor, please stay little as long as you can.

Summertime is in full swing and you've spent your days hanging out with Mommy. Our daily schedule is always full with story time, visiting friends and family, play time, and taking strolls in the evenings to unwind from the day. You, my dear, are quite the little handful and keep Mommy and Daddy on our toes. Lately we've been playing dress up and having fashion shows in an attempt for you to wear all of your outfits at least once before you outgrow them.

 {Morning outfit}

{Afternoon outfit. Look at those sweet dimples!}

 

 I must be honest, I've enjoyed this past month so much, more so than the first two months. Each day brings something new and exciting and I love seeing your little personality blossom. I am enjoying each month even more than the last as you grow into your own little person.

You still L O V E to eat and you are downing 4-6 oz. every 5 hours or so. There have been a few evenings where you drank 7 ounces- I just knew you'd have a belly ache, but you didn't! Our checkbook is happy these days since you are no longer on the Nutramigen. The pediatrician recommended trying to step you down a notch on the formula type since you've adjusted well from breastmilk to formula. We started you on Similac Gas and Fussiness, and as long as we place a few gas drops into the formula to keep it from frothing up, you do fine! I can tell you like the taste of this much better than the Nutramigen.

We started giving you rice cereal here and there when you were 1.5 months. Last week we introduced Oatmeal cereal and you love it! You can't seem to get enough of it and much prefer it over the rice. This has helped satisfy you more and you've officially started sleeping through the night {the first time you were 10.1 weeks}. For a couple of weeks it was hit and miss, but you've slept through the night for the last 5 nights. Mommy and Daddy are so grateful for the extra sleep we are getting.

Our nightime routine hasn't changed. You still get a bath between 7-7:30, and then we go straight to storytime and our evening bottle {6 oz. with cereal}. You fall right to sleep once you finish eating and are usually in your bassinet by 8:30. Lately, you've been sleeping great and usually wake between 5-6:30, take a 4 oz. bottle, and go back to sleep for a couple more hours. Your most animated in the mornings and I have no idea where you get that trait from- since Daddy and I are most definitely not morning people.

You are quite the little social butterfly and love to smile and talk to any and everyone. People are always commenting on how happy you are. You are such a happy, sweet baby. Everyone says we are lucky to have such a good baby. I'd say blessed, more than lucky. You are definitely a good baby and we are so happy to call you our daughter.

 {"Talking" with Mommy}

 You are still in size 1 diapers and can wear most of your 0-3 month attire. However, we're moving into a few 3-6 month sizes not because of your weight, but rather your length. Right now you are very long and lean. You prefer cool outfits, and would go in just a diaper if I let you. You are very hot-natrured! Needless to say, these triple digit summertime temps don't go over well with you, so we're staying indoors as much as possible {which you hate since you L O V E the outdoors}.

{Little hands and feet}

 

 

Speaking of length, the time is quickly approaching when we will have to initiate "Operation Sleep In Your Crib" because you're almost too long for your bassinet. Mommy is dreading that day, but I know it's a must. In preparation for that dreadful day, we've been letting you nap in your crib so that you can get used to sleeping in your own room.

{Watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse with Daddy}

 

You still love your swing and playmat. Daddy and I are waiting with bated breath for you to roll over. You are getting so close! You are now scooting a bit and will inch all around your playmat. The days of having you stay put where ever we place you are coming to an end, my Dear. You're now wanting much more stimuli during playtime, so Daddy and I scoured through Geoffrey's in search of toys with light, sounds, and moving parts. You're now able to sit up like a big girl in your Bumbo seat and you love just hanging out and looking around. You really have great head control these days.

 

You have officially found your thumb and your ears. You never really took a paci, and now you really don't want one since your preference is your fist/thumbs. You usually suck your right thumb and play with your left year or your burp cloth- it's so sweet! Mommy is thankful that you can self-soothe. Although, I would rather you take a paci over your thumb- I can always take the paci away when the time comes, but stopping you from sucking your thumb will be much more complicated. You're also noticing your legs much more. You will kick away and then stop and stare at your little legs in amazement!

{That thumb has magical powers to soothe you and often put you to sleep}

 

As for adventures, you traveled to the beach, had a few playdates, went on a couple of lunch dates, met your great-grandmother (Granny), celebrated your first Fourth of July, and visited with Nanny J and other friends. Getting out and about with you is much easier these days compared to the first month.

Life is simply amazing with you in it. I think about life before you and realize that it was so empty and dull at times. You bring such joy and zest to our lives. It's as if you've always been here. Mommy and Daddy love you oh-so much and are looking forward to watching you grow into a little lady!

Happy 3 Months My Darling Baby Girl!