Eline at three months

• Smiles more and responds to us with wiggles and a growing variety of coos
• Can roll onto her side and is working very hard to roll from back to stomach
• Tolerates tummy time pretty well
• Sucks her thumb but gets frustrated with not being able to keep it in her mouth for very long
• Sleeps at least 6 hours at night
• Takes 4 – 4 1/2 oz. of mixed formula/breast milk six times a day and generally leaks much less than she had been
• Hates wet or dirty diapers (I have to remember to check her diaper when she gets fussy, since that was never something Corin minded!)
• Weighs about 11 lb. and is just over 22 in. long
• Is getting better at holding her head up but is still a little wobbly
• Can grip small, light toys for short periods
• Continues to be a generally happy, content and easy-going baby

Telling us all about it

It’s hard to talk about what Lina has brought to our lives without wading deep into sap. But truly, she is a joy. Down syndrome is certainly a part of who Lina is, but it no longer feels as if it defines our reality or determines how we view our girl. When strangers admire my baby, I feel pure pride. Jon and I both find we sometimes forget there is anything different about Lina. Sure, we continue to be confronted with the fact that her muscles are not as strong as many babies, and as a result, her smiles are harder-won. I might feel the occasional stab when I hear parents bragging about their babies’ new accomplishments. But Down syndrome is taking its rightful place as just another small part of our family’s story and of who Lina is. It feels good.