Letters to Klara: Month Three

Dear Klara Jean,

This month is the best so far. I wonder if I'll always think that.

The one thing that has been most surprising to me is how natural all of this is. I don't ever feel overwhelmed by taking care of you--that part is easy. I don't ever want a break from you because our time together is already so limited. I really do enjoy each moment we spend together. Taking care of you and finding our daily groove seems so effortless and instinctual. It just happened. What a relief.

This month you started playing. You found your hands, and you use them to grab toys. Sometimes you grasp your hands together, and it cracks me up because it seems so dignified for a baby. You're also getting better at getting a hold of a finger or two when you want to suck, so you don't always have to stick a whole hand in your mouth.You also make noise when you smile--the starts of that giggle I'm sure we'll all covet very soon. You can roll from your tummy to your back, now, and you seem quite proud of yourself.  I guess all of this playing is wearing you out because you're sleeping like a champ--sometimes 12 hours! Thanks for that, Doodle Bop!!

You and Dad have starting having visits away from Mama. Although your visits aren't all that frequent, I selfishly hate them. I want you to bond with Dad, and he deserves some time to enjoy you, too, but it's so hard to say "Bye, Klara. I love you!" more often than I'm used to. I know it's good for you to have two parents who love you, and I'm sure this is one of many times where I'll have to let go of you when I just want to squeeze you tighter.

You are so chatty. Dr. Fry and Angie both commented on how talkative you are at your last appointment; they said, "She talks like a four-month-old!" I guess having a lot to say runs in the family :) You are the most chatty when I pull you in bed with me on the mornings when we have nowhere to be. I hope that we'll have many years of weekend mornings catching up and snuggling.

I love you, Sweet Klara. I'm so glad that I get to be your mama.

All My Love,

Mama