Third Month Newsletter

My Dearest Gabriel,

Three whole months have gone by already! You are such a big, handsome young man if I do say so myself. We are so grateful for your health and your good disposition.
This month has brought many firsts: the first real tears, first real social smiles, first real conversational coos, first real flirting attempts (mainly with cousin Tara, Aunt Ellen, and Nana), first Christmas (!), first real efforts at playing, first nights of longer stretches of sleep, first tries with rice cereal, and the first separation from Daddy.
Your biggest discovery this month has been your hands. One day, with startled wonder, you discovered that there was this appendage that appeared before your face and had wiggling digits attached. How bloody marvelous! As of late, it is all I can do to get the bottle in your mouth as you quickly begin grabbing at it and feeling it with your little hands. You now will hold some toys and try to bring them to your mouth. There is a whole wide world out there my son, waiting for you to explore it (or gum it into submission).
This month brought lots of quality time with family. While Daddy was gone on his trip with Uncle Dicky, Aunt Ellen, Cousin Tara, and Grandpa came by frequently. It warms the cockles of Mommy's heart to know that you have loving family around you. And, as if that wasn't enough, they are great at sitting with you--they give Mommy the chance to get a few things done here and there.
Your Daddy and I marvel at you daily. You are such a good boy and we feel blessed beyond belief. You have brought us so much joy that we have decided to try for a sibling for you soon. I long to hear you laughing and playing with a brother or sister (and griping and complaining about them too). I want you to have the kind of sibling bond that I have with your Aunt Ellen, something I cherish more and more every day. Life is too short not to drink it up with loved ones.
I like to think of this time as the teenage part of your infancy--you're not a wee one anymore and you're not quite mobile either. Every day you get stronger, hold your head up longer, and grow more generous with your heart-melting smiles. There isn't much your Daddy and I wouldn't do for you--we both long to give you the world and to keep you safe and whole.
Just tonight Daddy and I stood over your crib while you slept and we thanked God for your abundant presence. I can't tell you how long your nursery stood while Mommy and Daddy waited for you to blossom in our lives. You are loved beyond words and will forever be cherished.
Thank you for the best three months of my life.

With Love,
Mommy

P.S. Gabe's picks for this month:
Graco Bouncer--totally rocks, my absolute fave
Mickey Mouse--great bedtime conversationalist
Bumbo--not crazy about it, may be a bit too rotund for it
Evenflo Triumph Car Seat--much better than the infant seat
Fisher Price Porch Swing--yay, some outside fun
Tiny Love Gym--still love it
Fisher Price Aquarium Swing--still rocks my world
Bedtime--must fight sleep, might miss something
Bath time--okay, tolerable
My hands--absolutely fabulous, what a wonderful invention
Froo-Froo outfits--oh please mother, must you humiliate me
Photo sessions--not sure about these bright lights flashing
Aunt Ellen--totally a winner, sounds like Mom, makes superb funny noises
Cousin Tara--a real looker, love the smooches she gives
Nana--love to talk to her, she knows a lot about babies
Grandpa--quiet type, good rocking chair company
Daddy--so glad he is back, he's my hero, my talking buddy
Mommy--love how her eyes light up when she sees me