3 Month Michael

Michael is 3 months old already! I call him my angel baby because he is just the most sweet, cuddly, chunky, mild-tempered, patient, happy, smily little thing I've ever seen.

Michael doesn't cry. Honestly, he's been poked in the eye a couple of times, had his soft skin broken by his nails that seem to grow like weeds (healthy boy!), been hungry and tired, warm and stinky, yet the only things that ever really bring that child to crying are extremes in either being hungry, tired or stinky. He doesn't wail though! He just kind of begins wimpering, starts sucking on his fits making the most adorable little smacking sounds in the process, and starts kicking his legs and moving his head side to side. But he only rarely gets very upset. Usually it means he has a bubble, and when he has a bubble it's party time for Darin and I! It's one of our favorite things to do, trying to get gas out of that kid, cause it's so dang easy! And when it starts coming, it's loud and proud. I suppose that's information only a mother would love.

Michael is laughing. I like to smother him with kisses right under his chin or in the midsection area, and I can feel him tighten up then burst into a couple small chuckles. Positively adorable.

This kid is HEALTHY. He nurses, and I calculated he gets around 4 ounces every 2 1/2 to 3 hours. He's got around 5 or so rolls rippling down the belly, and those thighs! I've got handfuls of 'em. His double chin is as jolly as ever, and I've already clipped his finger nails 2 or 3 times. Perhaps that's why he is such a wonderful sleeper.

Michael isn't particular when it comes to naps. He could fall asleep while running errands, in the shopping cart, on the couch, in his carrier, pretty much anywhere there is decent air circulation and relative quiet.

Michael sings. I've tried catching it on film, but I haven't quite got the feel captured, so I'll explain. I often sing to him because it gets him smiling right off the bat. Then as I'm going along he'll start cooing and moving his mouth making those adorable little baby sounds and continue singing along in this way until I finish. How I cherish those times!  He has always had a remarkable attention span, following me with his eyes all around the room and especially when I'm playing with him.

Unlike Jakob, Michael shows interest in toys. I put him in his baby bouncer and he'll kick and swing his arms frantically trying to grab those dangley colors. I think I have a playful little chatter-box on my hands!

I predict Michael will be an affectionate child. He loves being held and sits quite contently when I am holding him. But my most favorite thing of all is the way he rests his hands whenever I'm nursing him. Unlike his usually tight fist, Michael's hands will open up and relax when I'm feeding him and he'll rest it on my hand or arm or wherever is most convenient. But he does it in such a sweet, almost affectionate way, it gives me the impression he's trying to communicate a tender feeling when doing so. At least I will forever think of it that way.

One quick memory. Yesterday, Darin and Jakob were playing around near the couch Michael was propped up on. At one point, Jakob threw something that somehow managed to hit Michael square in the eye. It must have hurt because, uncharacteristically, Michael let out a wail. You should have seen the look on Jakob's face. I have never seen a more sorry look on a child's face in my life. His mouth was completely drawn down and his bottom lip was puckered and quivering. His eyes were wide and his brow drawn up in absolute concern and sadness. He did all he could, heaving and sputtering, to keep the lump in his throat from surfacing.

I thought to myself, wow. I am so grateful. Heavenly Father blessed me with a truly compassionate child. I honestly think he was concerned for Michael not for himself. He obviously was looking at Darin and I to see our reaction to what was done, but he would look at Michael with true remorse, and it just nearly broke my heart. I told him it was alright, to go give his brother a kiss. But as long as Michael was crying, Jake was just on the brink of it.

What a wonderful example Jakob will provide my sweet little Michael. How I just adore these two little angels I get to call mine. How I try to savor and cherish every moment spent with them. I know how fleeting these years are, and I loathe the day I'll find myself surrounded by nice things, perhaps some saved money, and all kinds of free time. What a full heart my simple living provides me. So much joy in so small a space! I don't blog often enough, but I can't seem to justify spending one moment away from my little family.

I thank my God, life could not be better for me.