Happy Three-Month Birthday, Baby Girl!

I can't believe Maddie turned three months old today. She's growing into quite her own person, and her dad and I are loving every minute of it. We feel like we get to witness this cool little girl growing up and experiencing the world and what a priviledge it is.

Maddie is now wearing her 3-6 month outfits. Although the outfits with feet are nearly too small even now so we're opting for the footless variety. She must have inherited her daddy's long, narrow feet.

She's able to hold her head up fairly well now and is becoming quite the talker. In the past few days she's learned that she can make her voice louder when babbling. She can also hold herself up on her feet when we stand her up. She discovered her hands about a month ago which she's found will substitute for a pacifier if needed. Last night she tried to stick both fists into her mouth while watching the election results come in.

Maddie still loves her baths but hates getting out of the tub. She has graduated to the "big girl" baby tub (mean she doesn't have to use the newborn sling thingy) and likes to kick and splash in the water. As soon as we take her out, she has a total meltdown so baths generally only happen a couple times a week at our house right now. At first I thought she was cold so I put the space heater in the bathroom and put her towels in the dryer to warm them up ahead of time --- all of this in an attempt to stave off a meltdown. Unfortunately none of this worked so I think she simply likes the tub and doesn't want bath time to end. I have a new strategy though. I'm going to let her play in the tub until she gives me some indication that she's ready to get out. Not sure how long that will take and if it's too long, I'll have to go back to the drawing board.

Other favorites include the smiling sun on her baby gym and sleeping with mommy in the new "big bed" (OK, so I got over the "no co-sleeping" thing. We have to have a nap and if this is how it has to be done then so be it. I can't really complain. I like snuggling up with her.) She likes to be carried around in the Snugli carrier so we're looking forward to warmer weather when we can take more walks outside. We've been able to sneak a few on the few 60-75 degree days we've had but definitely need more of those.

Maddie also likes having her daddy carry her around the house at night. We thought this was just a "Maddie-Night" thing, but apparently she has different expectations of her father than she does of me. I can sit and rock her in the evenings. As soon as Matt takes over, she begins to fuss and insists that he get up and walk her around the house. We've tested this and it most definitely is a "Maddie-Daddy-Night" thing. Poor Daddy.

Maddie absolutely hates putting her arms into the sleeves of her clothing. She fusses and has had several meltdowns over this. She doesn't know why anyone would invent sleeves and thinks this is quite possibly some new baby torture mechanism (sort of like waterboarding). She also hates tummy time and the cats brushing up against her. I guess she not a fan of tickly fur.

So Happy Birthday, Maddie Beth (or Maddie Sunshine as your daddy calls you)! We can't wait to see how you grow and change in the next month.