Violet - 3 months

Weight - approx 13 pounds 8 ounces

Dear Violet,

The last month has been so much fun. You really are turning into your own little personality and beginning to interact with the environment around you. Now we can see why they classify you as a newborn until three months and an infant after that. We feel like each week you change and learn so much, which is why we've organized what you've been up to by week.

9 Weeks
This week you had your 2 month check up and first set of shots at the doctor. This is the second doctor at the practice who has told us you are "perfect". I have to admit I am very impressed by you little girl. Not only did you recover super quick from the pain but by the time we got home you were all smiles and coos. You happily sat in your swing and talked to yourself for the longest I've heard yet! Dad was definitely not happy to have to help in the process of giving you the shots and we both got a little teary eyed to see and especially hear you in pain. But you did everything right to make it easy on us.

You have also started blowing spit bubbles. It was pretty cute at the beginning but now that you are getting better and better at it we've had to start putting bibs on you. Otherwise the front of your shirt gets too wet! Along with the spit bubbles you also started eating your hands. It was very funny to watch you try to stuff your fists into your mouth all at once but this also didn't help with the drool situation. Lastly, I finally figured out how to get you to nap in your car seat. We've still been going to the Fourth Trimester mother's group on Thursdays and this week I figured out that if I swaddled you and placed you in your car seat you would take a nap so I could enjoy lunch with the mommies.

10 Weeks
Your interest in your hands really took off this week. There were multiple times when I would catch you just staring at them as you moved them about in front of your nose. It was like you were actually seeing them for the first time. You also noticed that there is a mobile on your swing and started to inspect the teddy bear and stars that hang above you. This week your hands started to grab things which lead you to reach for and touch the toys on your exer-saucer. Because of your increased interest in your hands we decided to start swaddling you with your arms out. It felt like you were spending your sleeping times trying to break out of your swaddle. Thankfully we have a video monitor and are able to watch the variety of positions you put your arms into as you sleep in the early evening although I'm still not convinced that this is helping you sleep any better.

11 Weeks
This week you just seemed to be moving - your hands, your legs, and your head. With all the staring at your hands and practice of shoving them in your mouth you found your thumb to suck on. There was a day this week when you didn't even want your pacifier because you were so interested in your thumb. Since then you seem to get a little annoyed that your thumb isn't as big as your pacifier and that it falls out of your mouth as you start to fall asleep. For now it appears that you are still interested in using both, your preference depends on the time and the situation.

Your legs are also getting stronger and more active. Not only do you kick the toys that hang above you on your play mat but you also now move around a little bit in your crib. And you are rocking tummy time like a pro. I no longer have to prop you up on your arms, you can hold your head and your chest up as you look around at everything. I also noticed you will track us with your head and your eyes as we move around the room. On April 28th we heard your very first giggle. It was such a sweet sound and we can't wait to hear more of it. I only wish I was able to record it when it happened.

This week we also had some really beautiful weather. Your Dad and I decided to have a picnic outside on the grass. When you woke up from your nap you joined us and really enjoyed staring at the flags waving in the wind. At one point we put you on your tummy and with the help of the hill you rolled over to your back. I won't officially call this rolling until you can do it without gravity's assistance but practice never hurts.

12 Weeks
This week you really impressed us . On May 6th you gave us one of your longest sleep stretches yet, from 7pm-1am and then again from 1-6am. It was amazing. I also witnessed you hold your pacifier by the duck's beak and move it from your side all the way up and into your mouth. I'm pretty sure you didn't know what you were doing but it worked. Now if only you could do that trick more often! Lastly we noticed that you were starting to develop cradle cap. Thankfully your long hair disguises it well and there doesn't seem to be any on your increasingly larger bald spot in the back.

All in all the last month was a month of discovery. I also think you are starting to recognize your dad and I. We're looking forward to watching you continue you explore your environment with your hands. I am so grateful that breastfeeding is still going well and you continue to grow as a healthy happy little girl. We love your smile and the little noises you make during the day but do you think you could laugh a little more often? We would both love that. Can't wait to see what you discover in the next month!

Love,
Your Mom and Dad