Dear Luke, 3 months

Dear Luker,

Let's just start off this letter by saying I do not want to accept that you are 3 months old already.  It's no lie when everyone tells you this time goes by fast.  You have grown so much in these 3 months! You went from 6.9 lbs at birth to now almost 12.5 lbs!  Your chunky thighs and kissable chubby cheeks are one of my favorite things about you.  Yesterday I went through your dresser and pulled out all the infant clothes that no longer fit you.  I looked at each little onesie and sleeper outfit and could not believe those were once too big for you.  You are no longer an "infant" you graduated to "baby".

(Luke at 1 week old)

I do believe you are the most adorable 3-month-old baby ever! Of course that is a completely unbiased statement.  You have learned a lot of new tricks this past month. You can laugh, coo, smile, and sometimes entertain yourself for like- 15 whole minutes!  We found this out when placing you in your crib and turning on your mobile- it's so cute how you stare at it with such wonder.  Ceiling fans are also one of your favorite things to stare at.  You have learned to suck on your hands to help sooth yourself which leads me to believe you will be a thumb sucker. You grab at your feet, but haven't quite mastered getting a hold of them yet.  You can bat at your toys and at times grab hold of them.   Something else new that started this month is drooling and blowing bubbles- you do this a lot!  Which makes for many out-fit changes during the day.  It's so fun to watch you do all of these things because that lets us know you are developing!

You are on a 4 hour eating schedule now which frees us up to explore lots more places.  You have been to Atlanta and Nashville this last month and earned an A+ in car riding.  I really feel like I am starting to get the hang of this mommy thing- which is a relief!  We can do all kinds of fun things together now like; take morning walks (when it's not 100 degrees outside), housework in the Baby Bjorn (now you can face forward in it), trips to the store and church.  You love being outside and we can see your little brain working as you take in all the new sights, sounds, and smells.  You are unbelievably strong as evidence by you standing up completely on your own with-out any support from us except to help you balance.  You also show us your strength by how long you can hold your head up.  It's adorable when you do this because we can really see the shape of your sweet cheeks.  Another exciting milestone has been your sleeping patterns.  Sometimes you get up 1-2 times during the night and sometimes you'll sleep straight through *smile*. You are even beginning to show us some personality.  We have seen you mad, content, scared, happy, determined, and just plain sweet.

I love how you grip my arm or shirt so tightly when I pick you up and how you always find the nook of my neck when you are tired.  I love it when you hear your daddy's voice and turn your head from side to side to try and find him.   I love the noises you make when you are falling asleep and when you are eating.  As you can see Luke, you are a complete joy to us and give us some great entertainment!

You are an incredible gift from the Lord and you know what?  You are His.  He entrusted us to parent you but, you are His.  I will keep reminding myself and you of this when you are old enough to understand.  It is so reassuring and freeing to know that truth Luke.  My prayer for you is that you would come to know God's great love for you at an early age, that you would desire to walk closely with Him, and that you would be able to experience the full-life that Jesus offers.  You are my precious gift Luke and I am always yours.

Hugs and kisses,
Mama