3 + 8

The other day, I had Pandora on so Baby A could listen to the Raffi children's music station. Well, Schoolhouse Rock came on--Yes! The song was "Three is a magic number", and I loved the line that said, "A man and a woman had a little baby, and there were three-eee-ee in the family." It is so sweet, 'cause there are three in our family. And, on Friday, February 11, that little baby turns EIGHT MONTHS OLD! Just a short while ago, I was eight months pregnant with still another month to go. Now, Baby A has been in the outside world with us for 8 glorious months, and she has accomplished so much in that time.

To little Baby A:

(1) You have 5 teeth. Your bottom two teeth came in at 4 months, and three top teeth came in at 7 months. You've always had a beautiful smile, and you have always loved to laugh, from deep in your gut--a great belly laugh that now shows off your pearly whites.

(2) Oh how you wish you could crawl. You sit up perfectly straight; you do so well at tummy time now. You do a funny little shimmy, but you haven't gotten the hang of crawling yet. You also stand up well, barely needing to hold onto my hands. You'll be running before I know it.

(3) You are such a good sleeper. You have slept through the night since 2 months, and you love naps. You are your daddy's girl (except that you are an early to bed, early to rise kind of lady). You have now dropped your third nap, so you are awake more of the day. But you also move around now in your sleep. From back to stomach to side and from one end of the crib to the other, you are a mover!

(4) You hate to see us go. If I leave the room for a second, even to fix your lunch, many times you will fuss and shed a couple of tears. Oh you know how to get me!

(5) Those big, beautiful blue eyes are always watching. You are such an alert little girl. Everyone notices. While the other kiddies are into all the toys or crawling around at play group, you are the little observer. You take in everything, absorbing the situation. When you're ready, though, you squeal at your playmates, and they listen!

(6) You are so stinkin' cute! Your hair has finally gotten a little longer, so I can (barely) put a hairbow in it now. Your bald spot in the back is nearly gone. You generously give a smile. You clap your hands and are mastering a wave hello. You say "mama", especially if you are worried and want me nearby. You also say "dada".

(7) You're my bouncing baby girl. Playing in your bouncer is one of your favorite past times, though you'll bounce in my lap, on the couch, in your bed, anywhere. You are also fascinated with that little baby in the mirror. And your daddy always gets a good laugh when he tickles your belly.

(8) In a word, JOYFUL. You wake up happy. You go to sleep happy. You play happily all day. You are a blessing, and it is a joy to be your parents. You have stolen our hearts, and they are yours this Valentine's Day. We love you Baby A!