Dear Parker (Three Month)

Dear Parker,

Greetings, sweet one! You are 3 months old today! We have had a very exciting month (which explains my lack of blogging). You had your first trip on the airplane! You were such a trooper. Mommy did not fare quite as well as you did with the 9 hour delay we enjoyed at LAX. Although traveling with a 10 week old did have its challenges (such as 3 trips to the lovely airport bathroom for some pretty messy diaper changes), you were a good traveling buddy. We spent 8 days in Nashville making lots of visits. You got to meet your Mammaw! She was so excited to meet you and could not stop holding you. She claimed that she didn't mind at all when you cried. I told her if that was the case, she was welcome to take over the 3 am shift. Just teasing - I don't mind hanging out with my boy, even if I am tuckered out. We stayed at Grandma's and she did her best to make you feel at home - even buying a bassinet, bathtub and bouncy seat. I think she did a little too good of a job on the bouncy seat purchase. You LOVED the new aquarium bouncy seat and turned up your nose at your sad little Hoppy Frog bouncer once you returned home. So, of course, I had to purchase the exact same model that Grandma did. I guess we know who calls the shots around here. Also in Nashville, you met your Great Aunt Bo, Great Aunt Margaret and Cousin Leah. You also made lots of new friends with Mommy's friends' babies. You were quite the social butterfly. At the tail end of our trip, you, Grandma and I drove down to Atlanta to introduce you to even more of Mommy's friends. You were a perfect gentleman and a very good house guest (I thought). Grandma and Mammaw were sure sad to see you go. Hopefully we can get back for another visit soon.

One of the most exciting developments this month is your new found neck control! I credit Daddy and you for all your diligent efforts with tummy time. To show off your neck control, you now enjoy being propped up so that you can look around. One of my favorite times with you is when you are propped up on the Boppy in your crib while I hang out in your room and put up your clothes (thanks to Grandma and her shopping compulsion, this is a never-ending task). You are just as content as you can be (still working on getting that thumb - you're getting closer every day). I think we make quite a companionable pair.

When not sitting up, you enjoy lying down and doing what your Dad and I call, "The Dini Dance". The Dini Dance involves you squealing while throwing one arm up in the air, then the other (much like a conductor but much, much faster) while kicking your legs frantically. You also like to ride your pretend bicycle. I am very thankful that at least one of us is getting much needed exercise.

Another exciting first this month was your first laugh. Sadly, I am unable to coerce it out of you on a regular basis quite yet, even when I try my best tricks (peek a boo, tickle monster, raspberries). I can only guess you have a very discerning sense of humor. Hopefully, soon I will learn what tickles your funny bone so I can enjoy that delightful little chuckle more often. You have also gained more control of your hands and open and close them often, especially while eating. Daddy thinks you look like you are playing the saxophone. I just think you look cute. You are such an inquisitive fellow, I think you are using your hands as another way to explore this crazy world. While definitely even more alert than before, you are also an even better sleeper. One memorable night in Nashville, you slept for 10 hours straight! I am hoping for a repeat performance any day now. Given your frequent bright-eyed look and the comments we get whenever we go out ("He's so alert!"), I'm not sure that's going to happen. There's just too much to see and do! We can't wait to experience all of it with you. We love you so.

Love, Mommy