3 months

To celebrate Britta's three month birthday we took a trip out to the Pumpkin Patch. The day was just perfect for taking a little drive and spending some time outside. Temperatures were in the 70s with sunny clear skies. Leaves are falling here like crazy now, and even though we don't get as many pretty colors as the Midwest, it is still a beautiful season.

We stopped at McAllister's to fuel up before heading out of town. I just can't get enough of their salads. Why do salads taste so much better when someone else makes them?? Britta took a bottle while we were there, and of course received many compliments about her hair and her precious little face. She does so well out and about. I think she must be an easy baby, because I have heard from others that they worry about taking their little ones out in case of accidents or crying or....other what ifs.... I don't ever feel worried about that sort of thing with Britta. I probably shouldn't even say that since she's only three months old and there is time for all this to change, but so far she is SUCH a good baby, and I will celebrate that!

Once we all finished our lunches we headed over to the Pumpkin Patch. It was the most organized Pumpkin Patch I've ever been to. There were pavilions for birthday parties, yard games like bags, twister with the colored dots spray painted on the lawn, mini tractors for the kids to pedal and ride, wagon rides, tire swings, food, and of course many varieties of pumpkins. We tried to take some pictures of Britta on a pumpkin, but she was very resistant of the idea. She did not want to bend her legs to sit on it. It was so funny.

She finally did relax, and we were able snap a few quick shots.

Although Britta is a GOOD and EASY baby, she does live up to her moody muffin nickname. She channeled that side of her personality when I tried taking a picture with her on a bench.

When we got back home Matt and Tessa worked outside to pull down some of the weeds and vines growing on some of the trees in the front yard. Matt would love to have a more manicured lawn where I on the other hand do not prioritize the visual appeal of our yard... He spends quite a bit of time working on it, and although he denies that he enjoys it I think part of him does!

Inside, Britta and I had a little photo shoot to document her 3 month birthday! She really has grown, and although it may not be as quickly as the doctor would like to see, I think she is doing fantastic!

She has little rolls on her thighs now, and her double chin makes an appearance once in a while too.

As Britta grows out of the newborn stage, and she becomes more active there are a few things I'd like to remember:

*You make the sweetest little noises when you eat. "Eh... eh... eh..., ah... ah.., ..uh"

*We almost made it three months with breastfeeding, and then you took to the bottle and formula like a champ! Everything you do comes so easily for you. You're a natural! I knew breastfeeding was coming to an end, and tried really hard to cherish the last few times. Spending that time with just you in the rocking chair was special.

* You love to suck suck suck. Right now as a type at my laptop you are laying on your tummy sucking your thumb as you sleep. You've mastered sucking your thumb now, and it can find your little mouth pretty quickly these days. For a little while you preferred your pacifier since your thumb was so little it kept missing your mouth or falling out.

* Speaking of sucking your thumb, I always know you are tired when the thumb on your right hand goes in your mouth and your left fist grabs and holds onto the hair on the back of your head at the same time.

*Lately when we lay you down on your back you roll right to your side or tummy. This of course worries both Daddy and me. We've read too much and probably worry too much.

* The little pats you give on my back is one of the best feelings in the world. It feels like you are hugging me as I hold you up against my shoulder.

* You've begun to (help) hold your bottle. The first time you did this really made me realize you're getting big!

* You're smiling more and more all the time. Mornings seem to be your favorite, and the look I get from you as I pick you up from out of your crib, or when I change your diaper is the BEST! That gummy grin of yours starts my day off perfectly. I look forward to waking up each morning because I know I get to cuddle with you.

* Rides in your stroller are so much fun. You have been staying awake longer and really seem to enjoy going outside. Your eyes get big as you look around at the trees, and you seem to listen so closely when you hear the leaves falling, or a dog barking. I can tell you are soaking in everything you see and hear!

I am so proud to be your mom Britta! I love watching you grow!