Emma is 3 Months Already!

Our little Emma has been charming us for 3 months already!  I remember the learning curve with Lucy got dramatically better when she was 6 weeks, and then again at 3 months.  It seems no different with Emma.  But this time, the learning curve has become easier because I think Lucy is finally adjusted to being a big sister.  Emma continues to be a good little sleeper and although the below pictures mostly show otherwise, she is starting to stay awake for longer periods of time.

Emma went to the zoo for the first time this past month and seemed to take it all in quite calmly even though it was super hot that day.  Here she is below riding the train with the rest of her family.

Since Lucy was a baby, I have been in the market for a cute play mat.  I had one for Lucy but ended up returning it because it seemed too busy and I was worried she would develop focusing issues if I let her play on that crazy mat for too long.  This past month I finally found a play mat that I thought was simple, cute and still had enough activities on it to keep a baby's short attention span.  Ironically, when it is tummy time, Lucy generally joins in and the entire play mat gym shakes, rattles, wiggles and creates an environment of over stimulation for Emma.  It is rather hilarious though to watch Lucy on the mat with Emma - I liken it to a bear in a china shop.  Here Emma is below, seemingly fixated on a toy above her but the reality is she has her eye on Lucy for self defense.

Emma loves to suck vigorously on her fists and even wakes herself up because the sucking sound is so loud it startles her.  That bump on her head in the below picture is a mosquito bite.  Never have I been so mad at a little bug, as when they bite my sweet baby.

Emma is very vocal.  She "ooohs" and "aaahs" to whoever will listen, and even talks herself to sleep.  She is also starting to laugh and will smile at whoever will make eye contact with her.  Every child is definitely different and the things that worked to calm Lucy down are different from what works for Emma.  Sometimes I have to pause and remind myself of the tricks that work for Emma, instead of just going on autopilot from my experience with Lucy.  For instance, Emma will stop crying sometimes if you set her down and make eye contact with her, whereas Lucy would stop crying if you stopped making eye contact with her and picked her up.  There were times when Lucy would ONLY sleep in a moving vehicle - whether a stroller or a car - and Emma seems to be unable to sleep in either.  This is unfortunate, as it makes for stressful car rides and short walks.  We love her just the same though and life is good when I get to check on and kiss two babies on earth and blow one kiss up to heaven before I go to bed at night.  Below is an adorable picture of Emma being cuddled by a close family friend of ours.

And something the sisters do share - kissable, chubby cheeks!