Dear Zealand,
You turned three months old a few days ago. The turning of this month turned out to be quite a milestone for you developmentally. Suddenly your neck was stronger, the belly laughs were more frequent, you could grab the toys on your playmat, and you would coo back and forth with us in all kinds of new ways. And, these are just the tangible changes. Less tangible are subtle shifts like the new depth to your expressions and the peeking out of your personality which tickles us to no end.
Lately you smile almost every time your father and I look at you. You smile and then shyly (or so it seems to us) look the other way and then back again for more. We feel so blessed with all of these smiles all day long. Sometimes too I catch you watching something or someone that amuses you and a smile will cross your face.
This month you took your first big road trip to San Diego to meet the other half of your family. The weather was warm and we stopped every three hours for an hour to cool off and nurse. We were amazed at how easy the drive seemed. You slept for most of the trip.
We stayed in Ramona with your Grandpa Richard who snuck around with his camera catching you as you sat on laps and watched the ceiling fan with rapt attention. He read stories to you and gave your parents boxes of blood oranges from his orange grove. You met your beautiful Aunties, Auntie Annika and Auntie Karen, who could not get enough of your cuteness. They both spent lots of time reading to you and soothing your cries. Uncle Keith also held you and noticed the different shades of blue in your eyes. You met your wonder cousin Mason for the first time who is six months older than you and scoots around the room performing all kinds of baby acrobats. He reached for your arm and hand many times and was curious as to who you are.
At Grandma Mary's house you had your first swim in her warm jacuzzi. You cooed and kicked your legs with utter delight. Grandma Mary read you stories, bounced you on her trampoline, and rocked you on her swing.
The rest of the month was spent in your hometown, San Francisco. Your mommy and daddy take you on many walks throughout their neighborhood - to the post office, library, and to the market on Haight street. Now that your neck is strong you are really able to take everything in on these walks. You chew on the edge of the sling that we carry you in and you stare out at everything until you become sleepy and lay your head on our chests. This month we also brought you to a french cafe down the street while we had pastries and coffee. Just the other night you came out with us for a beer with two friends who met us down the street. You sat in your car seat flirting with the waitress and chewing on your blanket.
Bathtime is still a nice time for you. Lately we have been using your bath seat and pouring water on to your belly and body. You lay here perfectly relaxed as if you were in a spa as a paying customer. We now have a new evening ritual where after bath we lie you down on a blanket naked and give you an infant massage. We play nature music (ocean waves, frogs chirping, etc) and allow you to just be. You suck on your fingers and roll from side to side testing out the way your body feels in different positions. This time together feels really special as all of the distractions of the day are blocked out. After this we read to you a few stories and off to bed.
Zealand, your mommy and daddy are falling more and more in love with you every day. You are a sweet, silly baby who charms us silly. You are very present and people who meet you always comment on (well first they comment on the impressive size of your cheeks) how alert and aware you seem for such a little guy. When you were born your hands were open and you would wave your fingers back and forth rhythmically like a conductor. You never were one for clenching your fists as described in books on infant behavior. I hope you continue to experience life with fists unclenched and a silly, loving sense of the world around you.
We love you Zealand. Thank you for all the joy you have already brought to our lives.
Love,
Momma
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