You are three months old! In the short little time you've been a part of our family, you've brought more joy and smiles than you can imagine. Having you as our son has strengthened and made us closer as a family. I just told daddy the other day that we made it through what some would say is the hardest time in having a new baby. Those first days and weeks were somewhat overwhelming because we were just meeting and getting to know you and adjust to a new normal; however it didn't take long to settle in and figure things out. We've added you into our routine and activities with little effort, and I'm so thankful that you're relaxed and such a calm baby. I know that all babies are different, but I was just shocked when we hit 3 and then 4 weeks and you never got fussy in the evenings like your sister did at that age. I just kept waiting for it to happen and it never did! You're so easy to love with your dimpled grin, squishy cheeks, bright eyes, and soft skin. You have an infectious personality that is so fun to observe. I'm amazed with what you put up with around here...and always with a smile on your face. You don't seem to mind the hundreds of kisses you get every day, being "held" by sissy, having to sometimes wait to be fed, or even wearing the same outfit two days in a row. (That's how we roll around here!)
I love our mornings together. Usually Gwendolyn is still sleeping so we tip toe downstairs and you put on a smile and coo show like no other. You love attention and being talked to and your face will just light up with joy. I'm not exaggerating when I say that you smile with your entire face...eyebrow raised, nose wrinkled, with the biggest grin. Every once in awhile you slow blink at me like you know how cute you are. I can't get enough of it. Sometimes you get so into it you even shrug your little baby shoulders. Your sister and I love making you smile and she always adds "and Sissy too!" when I say, "can you give me a smiiiiile?!"
You have pretty consistent awake and sleeping times. If it's been an hour or hour and a half since you last slept then you usually start rubbing your eyes or getting a little fussy. If we're out and about, then I'll just put you in your car seat and with a few minutes of jiggling or walking around with you in the stroller, you'll be out. If we're at home, I typically put you down in your rock-n-play swaddled as tight as I can get you with a sound machine on. Sometime you put yourself down just fine while other times you require a few minutes of rocking (while you're in the rock-n-play.) If that doesn't work but I know you're tired, I'll pick you up and with some good bouncing and patting, you almost always have a burp. Once that is fixed, you're good to go and fall asleep quickly. You go to bed around 9 or 9:30 most nights and are usually up for the day anywhere between 7 and 8. Our nights are still a bit random. Some nights you'll go a good 5 or 6 hours before waking up the first time, but I'd say the majority of nights you are going about 4 hours. And then every 2 hours after that. I'm suspecting it'd be longer if I reswaddled and put you back in your rock-n-play, but who knows. I know our "days" of middle of the night snuggling are soon coming to an end because you're just getting too big. I'll missed the wrapped burrito. No plans of moving you out of our room anytime soon. It's worked out quite nicely really.
Some nights I will nurse you, pat you to sleep on my chest, and hold you for an hour or so. It's just so relaxing and a good excuse not to work before bed. You love to nestle your face into my neck and - in some incredible baby/mother way - will relax when I put my cheek on your forehead. I'd say we're pretty tight.
One would think you nursed constantly, but you really don't. You still only nurse for about 10 minutes, if that, and usually only on one side. Then you're good to go for another couple of hours! You have great self control too and won't eat if you're not hungry. You definitely take after your daddy in that area because you certainly didn't get that trait from your mama! And the bottle is improving...you took 5 oz on Tuesday!
You're just starting to get into your play mat and looking and batting at toys. You're also pretty content to hang out in your pink (sorry!) Bumpo and look around. This comes in very handy while I'm getting myself and sissy ready in the mornings. You love a good change of scenery too so sometimes it's enough to just move you from our bed to sissy's crib and you'll kick and be happy for awhile. And by "awhile" I mean like (maybe) 5 minutes. I've learned to get a lot done in 5 minutes! You're definitely getting more active!
Gwendolyn adores you. She hasn't really shown any signs of jealousy since you came home, which has been such a blessing. She'll be playing and then randomly come over and give you a hug and a kiss and then go off again. I hope and pray the two of you are good friends as you grow up together. So far, so good and my heart melts every single time.
You. Sucking your thumb. Ador.able.
People continue to comment on and ask where your "dark" skin comes from. (I'm shocked they assume it's not from me. Ha.) Your daddy was brown as a berry when he was little so it's no surprise. You were definitely "tan" when you were first born, but I feel like it's lightened up a bit.
You are one ticklish boy! Daddy caught the first glimpses of laughing last weekend. He must have the special touch, because I've tried the same tickling technique and your just stare at me.
Speaking of staring....you make the best eye contact.
Bath time is so much fun! You kick and splash and find it quite relaxing.
Conrad...I love you so much. We all do. You are a perfect fit for this family, and have done nothing but bless us with your presence. I still look at you in awe and can't get over the fact that I have a daughter and a son. We think you're so great that daddy said he wants 10 of you! And there are few things in life that bring me greater joy than seeing you with your sister. There are so many things I'm looking forward to in being your mommy. The best has yet to come, if that's even possible...
Praying for you continually and loving you unconditionally. Always.
Love,
Mommy
Then...
and three months later...
Awwww! He's so smiley! And who doesn't want roly poly thighs when they are 30??? Come on now, it just means that you live life a little better :)
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