Babies to the Max: Three Months

Dear Sarah,

I love the subtle shift that is occurring as you become more "Sarah" instead of just "Bay-bay", although it doesn't change what we call you! We can see that you are developing more personality with distinct likes (mirrors, fans, nose massage) and dislikes (getting dressed, remaining still). Your face lights up with beautiful smiles on a regular basis and you dissolve into giggles when you are tickled and gently prodded.

The past month has contained many oohs and aahhs over your cuteness. Mimi's friends hosted a Sip and See shower so your grandmother could show you off. You were a bit shy at first, but eventually warmed to the glow of compliments. Everyone, including the dentist, store clerks, and Auntie Beckers and Mama Nell, marvel over your perfect skin and rosy lips, and proclaim you to be a paragon of perfection. Since Mommy and Daddy also contribute by constantly calling you "pretty girl", I am concerned we are going to end up with a very vain little person.

Alas, your attempts to swallow your fist have been unsuccessful, but you continue to try to find your thumb to suck. You suck the pacifier so hard that it makes lines on your face. The transition to your crib went very smoothly and you sleep there for naps and during the night. Sometimes we know you are ready to sleep because you cry ferociously before conking out. Other times, you simply close your eyes while we are involved with other activities and are suddenly asleep. If needed, Daddy is the ultimate Sleep Doctor and always able to lull you to dreamland.

At night, Max helps give you a bath and picks out a few stories to read together. He insists on kissing you goodnight and turning on your fan. The swaddler has been cast as your enemy and you constantly try to escape. As soon as release occurs, you kick fiercely and wave your hands in victory! I promise we will stop using it when you promise to stop knocking your pacifier out during the middle of the night. You are asleep by 8 and I still wake you for the dream feed at 10. A sick visit to the doctor informed us that you are only 11 1/2 pounds, so we will keep this feeding for a little longer.