3 Months: And God Gave Them Rest

                       Dear Baby Bear,

Does Nora look like her cousin in Seattle?

You’re getting better at sleeping for longer stretches at night (Mommy and Daddy can usually get an uninterrupted six hours), although getting you to finally go to sleep is still a challenge. You definitely adopted your parents’ bad habit of staying up late!

This month you found your hands. You fold one on top of the other as if praying… or scheming! And you recently started to place your hands on your knees and put your feet together too.

Grandma Dori came to visit. You named her "Onya"!

You love to suck on your fists, or our arms, thumbs, necks, faces or even lips! You even left a mark on Mama’s shoulder from sucking so hard! Ironically, the one thing you don’t like is your pacifier.

Nora with her oldest friend, Azariah

Nora and Azariah finally focus on each other

You’ve started to make hard “G” sounds  and “N” sounds, and you continue to name your stuffed animals. You recently named your sleepy sheep “Helga” and your pig “Earl.” You also deemed your Grandma Dori to be “Onya.”

We went to the NY Botanical Gardens

Grandma Dori, aka "Onya," thought Nora was the loveliest flower of them all

We had so much fun with Grandma!

You still love to look at your butterflies above your crib, but you’ve also come to love the musical mobile—a gift from your friend Zach.

Nora and her city

You love to giggle and then break out into a big, hearty laugh. You especially love to be on your changing table and often that’s where we get to enjoy your belly laughs and smiles. Your eyes light up with your gummy smile.

Here comes the belly laugh...

There it is!

Sleeping Bear. She still loves this bouncy chair

You have started to reach for objects, primarily with your right hand, so we’ve had to rethink our theory about you being left-handed.

Nora and Azariah now chatting with each other

Your biggest physical achievement has been rolling over from your back onto your side. You can almost rollover, if it weren’t for those adorable and chubby little haunches!

You’ve started to wrap your arm around our necks and shoulders when we hold you, as if you’re hugging us back. This just melts us!

We love it when you let out a sweet, high pitched sigh, “Hoooo,” and you still grunt, often with a sly, side smile.  We’ve also noticed a second dimple.

Nora reaching for toys

"Wait Azariah, make 'em work for a smile."

"Come on buddy!"

On the very day you turned three months, you went to the doctor with your first sore throat. Although you’re a nice, healthy 13 lbs. 12 oz, you just haven’t been yourself. We hope that with lots of rest, and a bit of children’s Tylenol, you’ll feel better soon.  (Update: Nora did, indeed, recover quickly.)

Nora as Hummel doll

"I love the beach!"

Nora trying to roll onto tummy

Sweetest Bear

We must now travel with the bouncy chair

You love it when Mommy and Daddy “talk” along with you by getting way up close to your mouth and mimicking your sounds.  It’s really fun for you (and for us) to all yell at the same time!

We love you: Little Bear, Baby Bear, Baby Bird, Norita, Mejita, Poquita Tortugita (and all combinations thereof), Little Bug, Bug Bear, Small Bear, Little Girl, Girl Child, our little Emmanuela.

Love,

             Mama and Dada

Morning chat with Nora (we have to hide the camera because she knows we're up to something)


Nora reaching for toy


Up close with Nora

2 Months

Dear Nora,

Dear, sweet, late-night child. This month saw a lot of changes for you. 

Class of 2011 at Zach Zakhari's 1st Bday

You learned to focus on our faces, and you watch us as we walk around the living room from your little bouncy chair.  

Thanks for the leg warmers Auntie Mish!

Your bouncy chair, with vibrating feature, is a godsend from your uncle and aunty Knutzen in NJ.  Sometimes you only want to fall asleep sitting in that chair.
  

1st time visiting The Knutzens

At EJ's with Uncle Mike

You smile at us and even laugh on occasion. You make the sweetest sounds that melt out hearts--particularly little words like, "hahrhaar." 

You love to be on the changing table and you love to be in the bathtub, although you don't like getting out. 

We think you might have said your first word. You let out a sweet, "khaarrll" and we asked... Nora, who is Carl?  Since you didn't elaborate, we gave the name to your stuffed animal bunny as an interim measure, until we learn more.  

Nora with Carl the Bunny

Nora with buddy Joseph, born one week apart

You also made it to 12lbs, 2 ounces, and rolled from tummy time position to your back 3 times in row!  Your shots were very painful for you, and you made mommy tear up at the doctor's office.  

Notice the band-aids on poor Nora's legs

You had fun celebrating your 2 month old birthday at your buddy Azariah's house, and you even got to ride the tram to Roosevelt Island.

Nora with Azariah, born one day apart

You also made a quick visit to Bloomingdale's, and Sotheby's.  

You are soothed and enchanted by your butterfly moblie that hovers over your crib. 



You favor your left side and we suspect you might be left-handed.

You have difficulty going to sleep at night and Daddy still has to bounce you and sing, "Amazing Grace" to calm you down, but once asleep you have been sleeping for stretches of 4-6 hours more often.

In West Village for Auntie Sylvia's Bday

We have decided that we like this two month stage, even if it is a sleep challenge. Your personality is starting to emerge and we love that you want to join to sing or chat with us.

Thanks for the polka dot onesie Auntie Emma!

We look forward to growing with you, Little Bear. 
We're going to sleep now.
Love,

Daddy and Mama