It's high time we start a journal to keep track of wonderful you. You are the best and brightest part of my life and I can't bare to think I may lose track of all I feel about you and all that you are doing if I don't start writing it down. Already I am sad that I haven't captured your first three months but hopefully the lack of documentation ends here. The goal is for the people who love you most to update your little life story as it develops and have something fun to look back on and remember. I can't imagine you will ever be any bigger than you are (part of me doesn't want to) but then again, three months ago it never occurred to me that you would be holding your head up by yourself or starting to laugh!
Right now you are taking a nap in your cradle by our bed in the mortuary apartment. Scratch that- I just checked on you and the nap is no longer. Maybe if I leave you alone a bit you'll ease back into that great and dreamy state of sleep I so long for... probably not though. You are a very light sleeper and only take little cat naps {unless I put you in grandma Cindy's swing... I'm still mad about that}. Plus, you have a rough time getting yourself back to sleep. That's probably my fault for not being able to teach you to sleep on your own. You never cry. You just make little grunts until I pop on over. Once you see my head peeking above the cradle you deliver a HUGE grin and you're off for the day- there's no getting you to sleep after that.
A few qualities we have noticed already about you:
- You smile on cue. We can get you to smile whenever and to whoever we want. It's so endearing. You are such a happy baby. You have never cried once without a reason and so far I have always known that reason so we are making a happy go of baby-dom. I think all the other mommies are just a bit jealous of you (as they should be) because you never stop smiling. Even if you are crying (which is hardly ever), I can always get you to smile in the middle of it. My dad says you look nothing like me until you smile and then your smile lights up and fills your entire face. It's so true. Your smile brightens the room and is a HUGE people magnet. Complete strangers can't keep from aweing over you and last week in San Diego a Chinese couple even asked to have their picture taken with you!
- Your little birdie sounds are terrific. When you are hungry at night you open your mouth like a little birdie and make cute little "uh,uh,uh" sounds until I feed you. It's so funny. You don't even cry. That may be because I have never had to make you wait too long for a meal. Other sounds you make include fake coughs for an hour after you wake up in the morning and really spirited grunts. I love your sounds! You have only started to use your voice to sigh and sing. It is the most beautiful sound to my ears.
- You are the most alert baby we have ever met. All of your doctors and nurses were impressed with your alertness even minutes after you were born and your attentiveness hasn't ended. You love to be in the middle of a crowd or in a place where you can watch people. Your big dark eyes take everything in and you look as though you either recognize everyone and can't figure out why they don't already know you or you're trying to analyze the great mysteries of the social world. You have always been able to focus well and are so present. You are completely aware of everyone around you. It's cool.
- You absolutely love music. Mom and I swear you have perfect pitch already because at 1 month old you could repeat a note after we sang it. You also stop everything you're doing or thinking when a good tune hits your ears. I know most babies love music but you've got something else altogether. I joined the choir at church just because you absolutely love to sit on my lap and listen to choir practice. Your favorite part to hear is soprano and you are fascinated with Darcy Trumble's voice. You can spot it out of the crowd and focus on her with intent when she is singing. At only a few days and weeks old we discovered you loved Claire de Lune because when it played you stopped moving and listened until it was over. You didn't do that with any other song. Now you really love slow, soft country. Your favorite songs to hear in the day are American Honey and Free. You also laugh when I sing my best possible rendition of the Indiana Jones theme.
Today I asked you how on earth I got the cutest baby on the planet. You just gave me this duh look like you wanted to say, "Come on mom, we've know each other for centuries. Get a clue. We're best buddies and I've only been waiting to be with you again for 30 years." I can't believe I get to keep you forever. I love it! I love you so much so much so much it hurts! I've already got it bad and I've only had you 3 months! Annie, you are my heart. My entire heart.
Because there should always be pictures:
Last night I had to bundle you up to go and get my phone (I left it in the car).
This was the debut of your new bunny hat!
You also love the sling as long as I keep moving.
TODAY: I pulled your arms so you could sit up. You were trying to use your tummy muscles for the first time today to sit up. It was a big thrill for you when I propped you on a pillow and then pulled your arms so you were sitting up. You seriously think I am the most fun thing ever. You laugh at me no matter what I do or say and I'm your favorite person on the planet. Please stay this way forever. I could not handle it if you didn't think I was the coolest person ever now that I know what it feels like that you do.
