Morning Glory

Madison seems to be doing really well at daycare. Her "teachers" say she is a very happy baby and enjoys watching the other babies.

We've gotten into a pretty good routine. I get up with Madison every morning around 5 and get her ready for daycare. She then eats and sits in the swing in the bathroom while I get ready for work. Most mornings she falls asleep in her swing. She doesn't wake up when I put her in her car seat and carry her out to the car. It's so crazy, though, because she wakes up almost every morning when we are getting of the exit for daycare. And then she's just sooo happy...smiling and squealing.

Part of me still wishes that she could be home every day. And, of course, that I could be home with her. However, I do know that she is going to learn so much by going to daycare. I also know that it will be great for her to interact with other children.

Madison has been sleeping great. She sleeps about 7-8 hours every night...Friday night she slept 10.5. I love that she is all smiles when she wakes up. She's still our morning glory.

Madison's new favorite things are sucking on her hands, putting her hands together, and moving her hands and legs in a running motion when she lays on her back.

Madison's 3 Month Portraits

The Cuteness!

Daycare - Day 1

This morning I left my baby with strangers....strangers that are certified to take care of her. Nevertheless, to me, and to her, they are strangers.

My love for Madison has a fierceness that surprises me. And that's why giving her to someone else for the whole day can just seem so wrong.

I want to control and protect and defend and teach and love her. And keep her to myself. But. To raise her well, I must raise her to leave me. Isn't that what being a parent is all about? Encouraging your children...teaching them to be self-sufficient, independent, and successful...enabling them to find their own happiness in this world. There are many times during Madison's life that I know my duty as a mother will be to show her that it is okay to leave me...to leave the nest that Matt and I have created for her. Today. Her first day of kindergarten. College. Her wedding day. As much as I want to shield her from the world forever, I know that, little by little, throughout the years, I will have to let her go. I'm not exactly sure how to do this, but, somehow, leaving her at daycare this morning feels like a part of that lesson.

And for me, letting go a little takes a humility I don't have much of and willingness to admit that maybe, just maybe it's okay for her to be away from us for awhile. But don't you think for one minute that I'm not going to smother her with hugs and kisses every evening.

And I have one more thing to add: dear, dear daycare, please know that when I send to you my darling daughter, that I am sending you a part of my own soul. I thank you for wanting to help me raise her and I pray that she will be a gift to you while she is there.

3 Months

Dear Madison,

3 months...wow! Where does the time go?

You've found your hands and your feet. There was a time when you only sucked on your little hands when you were hungry or needed comfort, but now you could enjoy them all day long. Oh, and those tiny feet! I never would have dreamed little feet could be so fascinating, but, then again, I never imagined I'd sit for minutes upon minutes and just watch you ponder at them.

Your big sweet smile is contagious! You smile a lot now when you are talked to, but Mommy and Daddy are still convinced that you save your best smiles for us! You've also perfected "the pout". It melts my heart when you stick out that bottom lip. You are so adorable!

You are quite the "talker". We love hearing all of your little (and sometimes big) noises. You are usually the most talkative when you lay on your changing table. You love to lay there and see the light come through the blinds. You're also becoming very fond of your play mat. It's cute to see you get so excited looking up at all of your little toys. You kick your little legs and wave your arms! You've also started doing this when you see Mommy or Daddy. It makes us feel so special.

You're also becoming a lot more independent. You've been laying in your pack and play for all of your naps. You've also been spending more time entertaining yourself in your swing, looking at your mobile in your crib, or playing in your bouncy seat or on your play mat. I have to admit that there are so many times that I just want to hold you while you are sleeping. I usually make myself lay you down because I know that is what's best for you...but sometimes I just cuddle you anyway and let you wake up in my arms.

It seems like you are growing and changing almost daily. And we are just enjoying every single second with you!

7

= the number of consecutive hours Madison slept last night

She did wake up a few times, but she went right back to sleep. I am just soooo proud of her!!!!