These are the days.

 

 These are the days, 

that you'll remember

Never before and never since, I promise

 

  

will the whole world

 be warm as this

 and as you feel it,

 you'll know it's true

that you

are blessed

and lucky

It's true, 

 

 that you are touched by something 

that will grow and bloom, in you.

These are the days.

These are the days

you might fill with laughter until' you break

These days you might feel a shaft of light 

 

 across your face.

When you do, you'll know how it was meant to be.

These are the days.

You are blessed and lucky.

Lyrics by 10,000 Maniacs
Photo credit to my wonderfully talented friend, Lanie Draper

Oliviaisms

It's so hard to believe that you are almost three.  Now when people ask how old you are, my response has shifted from "two and a half" to "almost three".  It cannot be possible, can it?

If I could bottle up your sweetness, your kindness and even your orneriness, I would (well, most of the orneriness).  It's not just the big milestones, but the little things too - that no matter how hard I try to slow down life, they get smaller and smaller in the rear-view mirror.  I look back at pictures from just six or seven months ago when Madden was born, and cannot believe how much you've changed and grown.   And I look back at when you were just six or seven months old and it feels like forever ago.

And so in an attempt to document and remember all of the things that make this age so fun, (one of my favorites, I might add), here are all of the things happening right now that make you, you.  All of the things, I don't want to ever forget.  And so, when you're sixteen, I will look back at this, your olivia-isms from when you were just "almost three" and laugh, and smile and remember, it's all about perspective.

You are guaranteed in the 95th+ percentile for height and weight.  When people ask how old you are, they rarely believe you are "just two"... or "two-and a half" because you are so tall and slowly losing that baby fat because you are always on the go.  Literally.  I swear you run or speed walk, with a little bob in your step, everywhere.  You are a girl on a mission.

Your favorite foods include spaghetti, milk, deli meat, carrots (with ranch), pizza, green beans, jello, chicken nuggets, yogurt with strawberries and crunchies (granola), fruit and cheese.  Yes, hands down, cheese is your absolute favorite.  String cheese, sliced cheese, shredded cheese, you're not partial to any one type and if you had it your way, would live on cheese alone. 

You are quite the negotiator.  For example, "Olivia, in 2 minutes we're going up to take a bath."  To which you respond, "Mom, how about 5 minutes?"  Or "Olivia, you can do one more puzzle before we eat dinner" to which you will respond "Mom, how about 2?"  Or "Olivia, it's time to turn out the light for bed."  to which you also respond "how about one more book."  Whenever I say "one more time", you always respond with "two more times?"

You are also quite the problem solver, which goes hand-in-hand with your negotiation skills.  And you know how to solve a problem and get what you want.  Case in point.  "Olivia, I'm going to change Madden's diaper and then I'll play with you."  Instead, you suggest, "Mom, Daddy change Madden's diaper and you play now."  Or if I give an order of which we'll do things, if you don't like the order of events, you're happy to suggest an alternate plan.  And you always end the suggestion with "Ok, Mom? Ok."  Or "It's a deal."  Just the other night, as I was cooking dinner, you went to the pantry.  You got out your stool and scoped out the snacks hidden on the second shelf.  You then emerge from the pantry with a bag of M&M's.  "Mom, me have M&M before dinner?"  You asked me, to which I promptly responded with "If you eat your dinner, and make a happy plate, you can have an M&M after dinner."  After a quick pause, you put your hand up and respond with "Here's the deal.  Me have M&M before dinner, then make happy plate, then have M&M after dinner.  Ok, Mom? Ok."  Oh Geesh.  But just for the record, despite your stellar attempt to negotiate over M&M's, Mom still won. #iammorestubbornthanyou

You are a typical two, going on three-year old.  You have your share of meltdowns and tantrums.  It seems though that this comes and goes in phases.  We talk a lot about getting to do "big girl" things when you follow directions and act like a "big-girl".  It is always amazing to me how much you actually comprehend.  Days after we may have one of the talks about "big girls" following directions you'll remember what it was that we talked about and reference it back to me.  And what we've found works the best when you get worked up about something not going your way, is to calmly ask you to take a deep breathe.  And then once you calm down, you can usually be reasoned with or have your attention diverted to something else.  But every once in awhile this tactic will backfire.  Because when you can tell that I'm upset with you for not following directions, occasionally you'll tell me to take a deep breathe.  #pointwelltaken

You are independent.  You insist on doing lots of things by yourself.  "Me do it" is a frequent phrase you use.  You like to pick out your clothes the night before for the next day - including your shoes you are very particular about your shoes.  You also like shirts with pockets and even after crossing over the potty-training hump almost 7 months ago, still get really excited about picking out your panties for the next day, and even more excited when you find out that you have a stack of clean laundry from what Mama has washed and dried.  I suppose it's the little things.

You are Madden's biggest fan.  You adore him and love him to pieces.  Watching your friendship and relationship develop has been better than I could have ever imagined.  You are also a big helper when it comes to helping me with Madden.  Whether it's grabbing a diaper, handing me some wipes, or picking up Madden's toys that he has dropped, you are right there to help.  Madden thinks you are the funniest, and you are always making him smile or giggle.  He also repeats lots of sounds you make and your favorite game to play with him is "Madden say..." followed by various sounds, including dadadada, mamamama, gigigigi, papapapapa, and all the other names you know.  Madden does his best to keep up and can usually get dadada and mamama but after those, he's just laughing with you.  You also do your best to keep Madden away from your toys and out of your things.  While you very much love and adore him, you're also brother and sister and your relationship wouldn't be complete without the "Mama, Madden is in my way.  Madden is playing with my toys.  Madden is talking too loud.  Madden's toys are too loud."  Ah, yes, the joys of having a little brother.  Sister, it is only beginning.

 You are so smart.  I am amazed at how much you know.  Letters, numbers to forty, colors and shapes, it's all in a day's work.  You can spell your own name and are working on writing it.  O-L-V-and the two I's are pretty legible, but the A can still use a little work.  You know your Mama's name and your Daddy's name and although Schamberger is a mouthful, you know you're name is "O-liyia Shhhhambudder."  And you live in Kansas City.  And your birthday is in "Nobember", and you'll be three.  You love to read, especially with Daddy at bedtime.  You've memorized several books that Daddy has made routine - including the ABC Dr. Seuss book, Go Dog Go and Number Munch.  For someone that was a late bloomer in the vocab department, you've really come so far.  Phrases like "that's dangerous, Mama.  Me do it, not Mama's" (referring to scaling up the stairs, two at a time.)  And "that lady exercising, Mama?" (referring to anyone we see walking/running outside) And "decorations" (referring to the recent pumpkins and fall decor that is set out throughout the house, which is off-limits for touching and/or playing with).  You'll also started to recognize what words start with what letters, I'm seriously amazed and impressed with you.  I love that you ask lots of questions and are wanting to learn and take in everything around you.

You're favorite color, depending on the day, is pink or purple.  And you're obsessed with Disney princesses and go back and forth between Anna/Elsa and Ariel as your favorites, and Minnie Mouse comes in a close third.

You are nurturing and compassionate.  You like to take care of your babies, including baby Madden.  You are also concerned about other people, if they are happy or sad and "what's wrong" if a baby or another child is upset.  You often ask "Mama, you happy?"  To which I respond, "Yes, I am happy."  And then you prompt, "are you really, really, really, really happy".  And as a matter of fact my dear Olivia, "yes, I am really happy".  You make me smile and laugh and make me really happy.  You are my sunshine and have made my life and my heart fuller and happier than I ever thought possible.  So yes, I am "so, so, so, so, so happy" (as you often times put it).

It's the little things really that I'm afraid I'll forget.  The way you put your hands on your hips when you're getting bossy or negotiating with me or Daddy.  The way you lean up against the wall and cross your leg/knee over the other while you are waiting.  The way you get so excited over the carwash, and insist, every Sunday after the grocery store, we clean Mama's car because it's "really, really, really dirty."  The way you love Target and Target popcorn and look for any excuse to go...out of Kleenex, let's go to Target...out of soap, let's go to Target...out of baggies, let's go to Target.  #likemotherlikedaughter.  The way you get the giggles and can not stop laughing and giggling and how everything becomes so funny and how your giggle makes me laugh too.  The way you are so determined (and sometimes stubborn) about finishing something and doing it right - especially when it comes to puzzles.  The way you describe situations and repeat the same word to add lots of emphasis to the story... (so, so, so, so, happy; long, long, long, long, long ways; really, really, really, really fast).  The way you get so excited to see Gigi and Papa and if you are still awake when they get here, you squeal with delight when you see them pull in the drive.  The way you insist on giving Madden bedtime hugs and kisses and when he accidentally grabs your hair, you think he's attempting to give a hug and in the sweetest voice possible you say "don't grab my hair silly boy."  The way you swing your arms when you walk, like a girl on a mission.  The way you remember everything - even something I told you weeks ago, you never forget.

When you were just a baby, I bought you a book called "If I Could Keep You Little."  It's about a little girl and how bittersweet it is that she is growing up and getting to experience all of these wonderful things.  Luckily, you don't really like the book - because I can't really make it through the darn thing without choking up.  But it's true.  One one hand, I wish I could keep you little - my sweet little, almost 3 year old.  But I know, that would keep you from growing into the beautiful, sweet person you are meant to be.  And so, on days that are trying and hard, filled with whining and tantrums, making it difficult to enjoy the moment, I try to remember that life goes by so quickly and our babies grow up too fast - and really, it's all about perspective.  I also try and take a dose of my own advice and take a deep breathe.  And the advice from someone older and much wiser, I'm reminded, this stage is as easy as it's going to get.  Don't forget that when she's five and then when she's fifteen.  I'm sure I'll be wishing back for almost 3-year-old meltdowns.

Not a day goes by sweet girl that Daddy and I aren't amazed by your abilities, awed by your kindness and blessed to call you ours.  Cheers to you and all of things about you that make you who you are.  You are going to move mountains and change the world and we can't wait to watch it happen.  But just remember, we are in no rush to get there.  After all, life is really more about the ride than the destination.

Eight Months

Eight months old.  Seriously, it's so hard to believe how fast you are growing.  I mean, in just four months, you'll be one.  It doesn't seem possible.



While we don't have your official stats, you are growing like a weed and getting heavy.  At just eight months old, you're already in 12-18 month clothes and even those aren't going to make it but maybe another month or two.  Obviously, well fed and not picky about your food, just as long as you get enough.  We have been working on Cheerios, puffs and yougurt melts to perfect that pincher grasp.  However, I've caught you shoving handfuls of Cheerios in your mouth, but I'm not sure if that's because you're especially hungry, or still working on the one-at-a-time concept.

You are also officially mobile.  You skipped the army crawling and went straight to the real deal on your hands and knees.  Although you did get mixed up in a yoga position that looked very similar to downward-facing dog.  You are still wobbly on your hands and knees, but now you know if you see something that's out of reach, you can get it.  I've warned Olivia, but she still hasn't quite learned to keep her toys, especially those she doesn't want in your mouth, off the floor.  She'll learn though.  Soon enough.

You also got two more teeth this month.  Total teeth count is four teeth on the bottom, and two on the top that should be coming through any day.  The top ones seems to be giving you fits though, so hopefully they are through very soon.

You're still a huge fan of your jumper and we also brought up from the basement storage, Olivia's old walker.  #sorryitispink  You love to push around in the walker, but sometimes get mixed up and start jumping in it, thinking it is some bounce, but it doesn't.  And you still jump anyway and then laugh and laugh about it.

You have turned into quite the Mama's boy and I have no complaints about that.  I know someday (probably sooner than I even realize) I won't be nearly as cool to you (or Olivia) as I am today.  So I am soaking in every last ounce of coolness.  You've been known to cry when Mama hands you over to someone else and leaves the room.  Or, if I set you down and walk into another room to grab something, you tear up.  It melts my heart every single time.  I rush back in and you stop crying.

You are still sleeping well and prefer to sleep on your side.  Once we get you asleep, we can usually count on 9-10 hours of solid sleeping.  Your naps seem to be hit or miss these days, but usually you do a long morning or long afternoon nap with a shorter stint on the flip side.  You also still love a good cat nap (15-20 minutes) right around dinner time.  Frankly I think you just like to snuggle up since I usually put you in the Baby Bjorn to be able to multi-task while you sleep, I can cook.  And since you weigh so much these days, I'm counting this as a workout too.

Olivia is still over the moon with you.  And you are becoming quite fond of her as well.  No one can make you laugh and smile the way she does.  Watching your bond develop and grow has been the best.  Always remember no matter how mad she makes you, how much she hogs the bathroom or how many times she changes her shoes before you both can get out the door to school, she's your sister.  You're on the same team.  Schambergers stick together.

You are still our happy, go-lucky baby.  It is so very bittersweet watching you grow from a newborn baby, sleeping all of the time, to a big boy, still my baby though, with your own sweet, happy personality.  Daddy and I are so lucky to call you ours and blessed you have made us a family of four eight months ago.

 

Six, Going on Seven Months

Twenty-six days past your six month birthday.  Five days more until seven months.  You are growing faster than I can keep up.  And with all of the growing, comes new milestones, changes, and bigger clothes.

You weighed in at the doctor just a few weeks ago at 19lbs, 1 ounce and 26 inches long...which is 2 whole pounds heavier than your sister at the exact same age and 13 ounces heavier than your mama when I was just 6 months old.  And I thought I was the chunkiest babe ever.  #youwin.  I suppose I shouldn't be all that surprised - you have quite the appetite these days.  In addition to more than 30 ounces of milk you drink each day, you also get rice cereal, and baby food.  Over the last month, we've introduced veggies - green beans, peas, carrots, sweet potatoes and squash.  I also attempted to make spinach for you, but, it's definitely not your favorite.

Just a few days after you turned six months, your bottom two teeth finally poked through.  After all that drool...and drool ... and drool.  But relatively speaking, you weren't all too fussy during the whole process.  You are spoiling us.

You have mastered rolling both directions and love to sit up and play with your toys - which all get shoved into your mouth (including all of Olivia's toys that come within your reach).  Your favorite is her Elsa doll and well, you can imagine how well that goes over when she finds you drooling all over her.  #letitgo.  #literally.  And just like Olivia at this age, you also love the Sophie giraffe.  But more than the giraffe, you love, love, love to jump.  A friend gave us their Johnny Jumper and it has been hands down, your absolute favorite thing.  Ever.  Daddy took you out of it one day and you cried.  You weren't done jumping.  He put you back in and you smiled, laughed and hopped for another twenty minutes.  Olivia is also a fan of the jumper, mainly because she thought she could push you (like a swing) ... luckily we put a stop to that very quickly.  You sure are a good sport though.

Speaking of Olivia, you two are quite the pair.  Often times, when she is talking, I'll look at you and you'll be studying her intently.  And then she notices you watching her and says something to you, and you smile, and laugh and then she laughs.  It is the best.  She also can be quite the helper.  She has been given the task of picking out your diaper after bath, washing your back and turning on the fan.  She loves you to pieces.   I often catch her saying phrases to you that she must hear me say ... like when you're upset she'll say "it's ok big guy.  I'm right here."  or "do you want me to hold you?"  She definitely is your biggest fan.


You have also become quite the "talker".  Babbling and smacking your lips.  I almost got you to say "ma-ma-ma" before bath the other night.  And yes, I admit, we've been practicing "ma-ma" a bit more than "da-da-da".  You've got lots to say ... I suppose that's in an effort to keep up with your sister.
 

On the sleeping front, we ditched the swaddle.  Finally.  I was dragging my feet because you were sleeping so, so good with it.  But you had almost outgrown it and rather than buying a bigger size, we finally grew up the nerve and just did without it.  Like I should have known, you transitioned nearly perfectly to sleeping without it.  You're still going down around 8 or 8:30 and sleeping until about 6 or 6:30.  Sometimes you have trouble going to sleep initially, but usually after more bouncing and rocking, you are lights out until the morning.

You are still our happy, go-lucky, go with the flow, baby.  You are charming and sweet.  I was just commenting to Daddy tonight how it's hard to imagine what life was like when it was just Olivia and Daddy and me.  You are such a blessing.  You are what was always meant to be and each day with you is better than the one before.  Not every day is easy or perfect.  Some are long and rough and the hours are never enough.  You are a reminder to live in the moment, be thankful for what we have and enjoy the little things - for that is what is truly important.

 

Month Five, Baby Madden

You are five months.

You are so close to getting your first tooth, I think.  At least that's what I'm contributing all of the drool too ... It is a lot of drool.  Like at least two or three bibs soaked a day.

You are sleeping wonderfully still; about ten hours straight.

We started rice cereal this month.  At first you were hesitant, not sure of the texture or taste.  Frankly, I don't blame you, but it has grown on you and now you try and grab the spoon and feed yourself.  Just wait until we move to veggies and fruit.  It will rock your world :)

You still love your bumbo seat and your exersaucer and of course, we've been doing lots of tummy time to strengthen those muscles that will soon help you sit up without hunching over.  And you've almost conquered rolling from back to tummy - lots of back arching, squirming and leg kicking.  It's quite the show.  We've also been spending some time at the neighborhood pool.   

You love to lay in the floatie and just float.

You don't get worked up or upset about much of anything.  Cool, calm and relaxed.  You go with the flow.

And let's talk about those smiles.  About how you smile all the time.  And laugh and giggle and sometimes you get so excited that you squeal.  It's the most adorable thing ever.

I've been back at work now for two months.  And while mornings are hectic and sometimes chaotic, five o'clock is always my favorite.  We have established a routine that this type-A mama insists we stick to, the majority of the time.  You are still taking a short little cat-nap right before dinner, usually in the baby sling so mama can multi-task and get dinner cooked while you snooze.  And then after we eat, we get to play, outside preferably, if Olivia has any opinion in the matter.  Around 7:30ish, we start baths, followed by books, which Olivia prefers to read in your room and she insists on holding you for at least three or four pages, and after that, she raises her hands and demands "Mama, take Madden.  He's heavy."

And while we don't have your exact measurements this month, I'm certain your growing.  Most of your 3-6 month clothes are getting tight and likely will not last much past August.

You also love your thumb.  You are not nearly as dependent on your passie as your sister.  I'm still not sure if the thumb/finger/fist chewing is a result of the impending tooth or if you just prefer your thumb over the passie.

Your sister is still quite obsessed with you and even though she is in your business most of the time, you've become very fond of her too.  Daddy and I love watching the bond between you develop and grow.  You love to sit in your bumbo chair and watch her play.  She insists on "feeding" you anything and everything she's cooking in the kitchen.  Coffee, with and without creamer.  Cake, and yes, she requires you to blow out the candle before you eat a bite.  Muffins.  Cheese.  Apple Juice.  Luckily, you're a good sport and try everything she cooks and don't complain.  You also think your sister is funny, which she is.  She sings to you and reads to you and in true big sis fashion, bosses you around.  I've warned her that some day the tables will turn on her, so she better learn to run fast.  Very, very fast.

On the way to church one morning, Olivia was trying to watch her movies and you were babbling and carrying on.  Olivia then asked you to please be quiet --- to which you responded by only babbling louder.  After another, more stern attempt to get you to be quiet, she pulled the ultimate big sister move and tattled on you.  "Mom, Daddy, Madden won't be quiet.  Me can't hear movie."  Daddy and I just smiled.  And so it has begun.

You are a happy and healthy, growing little guy.  I couldn't have imagined it would be this great - the last five months have been the best.  I swear this is my favorite month, and Daddy reminds me I say that every month.  But it's true.  Being a Mama can be exhausting and stressful and some days are just rough.  But more than that, it's rewarding and fulfilling and nothing makes my heart happier at the end of every day.

Baby Madden, Four Months

It's impossible to believe your already four months old.  I mean really, time is just flying by.

Your smiley and happy personality continues to blossom and it is contagious.  You can warm up a room with a flash of your gummy grin and make any bad day easily forgettable. You go in spurts of talking and cooing, and leave little room for anyone, including your sister to get a word in.  You laugh and giggle and sometimes, try to laugh so hard that no sound really comes out.  Simply put, you make life happier and better, and I didn't even think that was possible.  You have brought so much joy to our life, we are so blessed that you are ours.

You weighed in at the doctor this month at 15 pounds, 3 ounces and 25" long.  You've finally crawled up into the 50th percentile for weight and still top the charts at almost the 80th percentile for height.  From what I can remember, I feel like you are smaller than your sister when she was the same age - turns out though, you are about a dozen ounces heavier and and almost 2 inches longer than her.  #bigboysrule

Although you are big, she is still bigger and faster.  This won't be the case forever, but until then though, you're stuck having tea parties with her other babies, listening to her sing her favorite songs (I'm sure you've gotten Wheels on the Bus, Let it Go and Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star memorized already), watching her show off all of her favorite new tricks, and letting her hug, kiss, tug and pull on you and your arms, legs and passie.  You are such a good sport.  Ironically though, one day she was close to your face and as luck would have it, you were swinging your arms and caught her hair.  I guess you'd call that a dose of her own medicine.  She wasn't a fan, and immediately tattled on you.  Oh boy, I can see what life could be like in another three or four years.  Regardless of the hair pulling incident, she is still your biggest fan.  I catch you watching her intently as she plays around you, laughing at her when she's telling you something funny (or even not so funny), and smiling at her just because.  I love watching your brother - sister bond develop.  Always remember to be nice to each other - you're always going to be on the same team.  #teamschamberger

You are still sleeping and eating wonderfully.  Typically still sleeping from 8:00 or 8:30PM until about 6:00 or 6:30AM.  Occasionally, you'll wake up around 5:00 or 5:30 AM, but I'm definitely not complaining.  You are eating about 20 ounces in a bottle at daycare during the day and we just introduced rice cereal into your meal plan.  At first, you weren't a fan and perfected the "bitter-cereal-face", but just after a few nights, you're already starting to get the hang of the spoon and may have actually gotten more in your mouth than your bib finally.  You are drooling a lot.  I'm wondering if there are teeth in your near future.  So far though, just a lot of drool and bubbles and more drool. #getthisboyabib

You've mastered rolling over from your tummy to your back; and can get about half way back over to your tummy, but not quite all the way yet.  We're doing lots of tummy time to build those neck and core muscles and as you get stronger, you're starting to prefer sitting up in your exersaucer or bumbo chair as opposed to laying down.

Everyone says you look like your daddy.  I don't know though ... I think you may be more handsome even than he is.  Your hair is steadily growing and getting lighter.  You still don't have much though, but it's definitely more than your baldy sister had at this age.  #growhairgrow

Some of your favorites this month include Sophie the giraffe, your hands, grabbing your feet (although you haven't figured out how to get your toes into your mouth ... yet), taking a bath and making lots of splashes, flying above Daddy's head, riding on Daddy's shoulders, and watching your sister.  We've also started reading books with Olivia before bedtime.  She likes to read in the chair in your room, and luckily, me, you and her can all fit.  Olivia has made the ottoman Daddy's official seat.


You had your first airplane ride and trip to Atlanta this month to visit the Schambergers.  You (and your sister) did so awesome on the plane and really, traveling all together.  It was so fun to see the Schambergers and spend time with them.  Before you know it, you will be running around with them, playing ball and being ornery.

It's hard to imagine what life was like before you.  You are the perfect fit into our family.  You and Olivia are a constant reminder that life is good.  We are blessed.  And although raising two munchkins is no easy task, it is totally worth it and the most rewarding experience.  We are truly blessed indeed.

3 Months

Another month gone.  Another month older.

But even at just three months young, you've developed quite the personality.

You are smiley and happy.  A lot.  It is the best.

Daddy also got your first giggles out.  Juggling your socks before bath time.  Your giggles are the best too.

You are content and go-with-the-flow.  You rarely cry.    

You sleep wonderfully.  Once we get you asleep, you sleep 8-10 hours straight.  Sometimes you are a bit feisty and don't want to fall asleep, but once you've gotten all your gas out (burps and toots included), you are content to close your eyes.  You also take really good naps most of the time.

You've also discovered your hands and your fingers.  I frequently hear you trying to figure out how to suck your thumb, and when you can't get just your thumb, your whole fist will do.  

This past month, you've been spending lots of time in your exersaucer (with blankets around you for support) and your bumbo.  We've also been trying to get in lots of tummy time, but unlike Olivia, you don't seem to fight it as much and are just as content to lay on your tummy and when you get tired of lifting your head, you simply turn it, lay it down, and try and find your fist to put in your mouth.  

The biggest change this month was just 5 days shy of being 3 months, mama went back to work.  It was almost just as rough the second time around as it was the first.  Luckily, you get to go to the same daycare as Olivia and I know you are in such good hands.  But still, leaving you the first day was not easy.  Olivia on the other hand, was so excited and so proud to take you with her to Julie's.  Just a handful of days in at daycare, and I can tell you are adjusting so well.  Twelve weeks at home together was not nearly long enough.  And while a part of me was eager to get back to work, a big part of me misses you and Olivia every second of  every single monday through friday.  I know though, as hard as some moments are, this is what is best for our family.  And I know it's possible to be a successful, career driven, family loving, mama who is devoted to both her kids and her career.  It's not always easy, the mornings are early and the nights are sometimes very late, but it's worth it.  Without a doubt, you and your sister are the best part about five o'clock.   

Now that you are drinking from bottles regularly at daycare, we've discovered you've got quite the appetite.  Something that I may have underestimated originally :)  However, this may explain why it seems like you've gotten incredibly longer, and put on some ounces.  While we don't go to the doctor until your 4-month check-up, I'd say it's safe to assume you are getting plenty to eat!

Olivia is still obsessed with you.  She is asking to hold you more and more.  Because she's attempted several times to share her food with you, I've told her that you can't eat ... (fill in the blank with Goldfish, real milk, juice, pretzels, cheese, fruit snacks) until you get lots of teeth.  Now I have caught her checking to see if you have teeth.  Sorry about that.  She loves to read to you and sing to you.  Her favorite songs for you are "E-I-E-I-O" (Old McDonald) and "Happy Birthday to Madden."  At the end she instructs you to "blow our your candles"... and then insists on doing it for you.  I have a feeling you're going to be getting lots of help, instruction and direction from your sister (she might be just a bit bossy, as older sisters tend to be).  But I'm not too worried ... I know one day you'll be big enough and fast enough, maybe if you're lucky, even faster than she, to keep up.  

Three months has gone by so incredibly fast.  So fast, in fact, it's a bit blurry.  One thing is certain, you continue to remind us every single day just how lucky we are.  You are a perfect fit into our family.  And while some days are long, stressful and chaotic, others are calm, structured and things actually go as planned.  We try and go with the flow, take the stressful with the calm and make lots of memories that we'll remember and cherish along the way.