Happy Birthday, Little one!

Dear Eden,

Monday was your three-month birthday. I can't believe that the time has passed so quickly, and at the same time I can't remember life without you. Your smile is the most exciting, most motivating thing I've ever seen. The way you sometimes look at me sideways, out of the corner of your eye, and smirk, makes me giggle (and reminds me of your Uncle Tyler, who used to do the exact same thing).

You've grown so much. You're sitting up, when I prop you with pillows. You prop yourself up in your exersaucer, and you play for half an hour at a time! You love to sit up and stand - you're not so much into being cradled like a newborn anymore. You have learned to grasp things, and you're already an expert at getting things into your mouth. Your favorite toys, though, are your hands. You watch them, you chew away on them, you suck on them. Right now you suck your index finger and thumb together. Odd choice, but it works for you!

You're sleeping through the night (usually) and you have been for a few weeks. When we got home from our whirlwind Oklahoma/Texas visit, you were ready, and you just did it, pretty much on your own. And you usually go to sleep pretty well. You do it on your own now. It's a rare occasion when I get that super-sleepy Eden in my arms. Sometimes when I feed you late at night right before I got to bed, you sleep through it, and when you're finished eating I just hold you a few extra minutes, and stare at your peaceful face. I treasure those times.

Youre also so much fun when you're awake! You've got such a personality. You talk to us, you have this great gasp-y laugh, and when you get really excited you open your mouth really wide and squat, fists clenched at your chest, eyes smiling. You found a new best friend. You were in your exersaucer and I had my back to you. I heard you squealing with delight and talking up a storm, and I turned around to see what was so enchanting - it was the mirror. You love that baby in the mirror. We visit the baby in the bathroom when you're cranky and you're instantly all smiles.

I'm so glad you're so big and strong, and I'm so amazed at the little person you're becoming. It still blows my mind that you're here. I am not at all exaggerating when I say I love you more every single day. And I never think it's possible that I could love you more than I do now, and then I wake up in the morning and it's happened. I love our time together right now. I know it is going to be incredibly hard for me to leave you with Daddy all day in one short month when I start working. I'm going to be so jealous of the time that you two get together. But I know you'll be in good hands. He's a great dad. I knew he'd be awesome, and he really is. The two of you are best buddies, and you're going to have a great time.

I love you baby girl. Keep growing strong. I'm hiding snapshots in my heart for now, and I'm looking forward to seeing what the next stage brings.

Love,
Mommy

Little Rock Star.


P.S. When you're really tired, you snore!! (Turn up the volume to hear it).