Jill & Pete's Baby Web Site

June 17, 2003: Hazel is 3 months old today, and we're so proud of her! Every day we see something new that makes us certain she's the smartest, strongest, prettiest baby ever.

Hazel is starting to make more pseudo-consonant sounds now. Noises like "goo" and "gah" now accompany the standard "oohhh" and "iiyyy." She's also testing her vocal range -- she makes some sounds I swear only dogs can hear. One of her favorite noises these days is a spitty noise through her lips. This seems to be particularly fun for her, though it is rather messy. She talked to us first of course, but now she also talks to her mobile and other toys, as well as the TV. Hear Hazel! Happy excited sound #1 & #2.

Hazel loves to stand, kneel and sit, with our help of course. She holds her head very steady and pushes up when we hold her. Her arm strength isn't great because we don't have her on her tummy much for push ups. Hazel is a puker and tummy time quickly turns icky. She has also started grabbing things and trying to shove them in her mouth. She is getting much better at sucking her thumb and seems to really enjoy it. That's a relief because it's a lot easier for her to get her thumb back in her mouth than her pacifier. Her rattle is one of her favorite toys now since she can grasp things. Her movements are getting smoother, and she can even touch our faces gently sometimes.

Big smile for Daddy at 12 weeks
Hazel spends half her awake time very calm and contemplative. You can tell she's sizing things up, judging how far away they are, trying to figure things out. The other half of the time she is exercising up a storm -- kicking, turning her head, waving her arms, and talking all the while.

The trip to California went very well. We had such a great time showing her off to our friends. Hazel did pretty well on the plane as long as we stayed 1 step ahead of her needs. When we got home she had all sorts of little habits she had gotten used to on the trip, but we got those ironed out again. The next big trip we're planning is down to Missouri in July for the Fennewald family reunion. We'll likely drive, so it will be another new experience for us all.

Jill is back to work and getting used to the old routine again. Pete is doing a great job as Mr. Mom. He's really getting her on a consistent routine and providing for her every need. It's so cute to hear them read a story together or play.

Don't forget to visit www.TheKochers.com to see lots of pictures and even hear some baby sounds. We hope you get to meet Hazel soon, if you haven't already!

Love,
Jill, Pete & Hazel