Three Months

Dear Danali-

Today you turn 3 months old. One short year ago, I could only dream of holding a baby as precious as you and now, here you are. I love your smile most of all- it is contagious. Nomatter how sad or frustrated I feel, when I see you smile, I have to smile myself. You have grown up so much already. From a small, vulnerable newborn who seemed to scream every time you woke up and realized you were no longer in the womb to an alert, curious, very large (10 lbs at 4 weeks and 12 lbs 13oz and 24 inches at 8 weeks) ; ) young infant.

You are grabbing things now- my hair (you've been doing that for awhile), my necklaces, blankets, and toys we hang in front of you. You rolled over once but it might have been by accident. You still wake up 2-3 times each night usually but you go back to sleep quickly. You are outgrowing your bassinet but your papi and I don't really want to put you to bed in a big crib in your room yet...especially if you're still waking up every couple hours.

We love you SO much! You spend some days with your Grammy Peggy while she's looking for a new job and some days with your Abuelita Amalia. They both shower you with love. And when we get home your papi and I hold you and kiss you constantly. In fact, in those rare moments no one is looking at you, you put up quite a fuss to get attention again.

You love going outside and looking at the trees- you have always loved this. Your abuelita told me today you were desesperada por agarrar las hojas de las plantas. You are quite unpredictable- sometimes so cheerful and content and sometimes so grumpy and we don't know why. And you often change your mood like the weather in Washington- from one moment to the other you can be completely different.

Now, when we put you on your tummy you hold your head up and look around. I love the way you look in this position but haven't captured a picture yet. You are getting so strong!

I really love picking you up when you are sleeping in your carseat and you are so tired your legs stay all curled up when you stretch just a little as I take you out. I can't wait for your hugs and cuddles as you get older. In the meantime, I love nursing you and rocking you to sleep.

You make all kinds of noises now and sometimes you won't stop talking and gurgling and squealing. We love to try to see what will make you make all those funny noises. My favorite is when you get really excited about something and your big blue eyes get huge and your legs start kicking really fast and you squeal as loud as you can!

You are absolutely beautiful, with very long eyelashes. The Martinez family says you have your grandpa and my eyes. Many people say you have your dad's round face and you definitely have taken after him with your long legs. You are white as can be and we wonder if you'll stay that way... your hair is coming in slowly- I can't wait until it's long enough to put in pigtails.

Happy 3 months outside the womb, my precious little girl. You have blessed our lives in more ways than we ever could have imagined. Through countless sleepless nights and dirty diapers, we would do it all a thousand times to have you- you are beyond worth it! All our love- we can't wait for all the ways you will impress and surprise us!