Enjoying Your Baby, from Day One to Year One

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By the time your child plows into her first birthday cake, you'll be an expert at making her laugh. From the first days at home to the brink of toddlerhood, here are tips for finding fun at each step along the way.

The first year of parenting can seem like a marathon of body and mind. Your arms become toned without stepping into a gym. Changing diapers, coordinating naps, and sitting down for feedings can gulp up an entire day. Each month launches new developments, with all their joys and uncertainties. Some days it seems you don't even have time to sit on the floor and relax with your baby.

As the weeks went on with my son, Noah, many stages I thought would last forever just glided by. I found that the more frazzled I felt, the more he and I benefited from my dropping everything and playing with him, even if I returned to doing laundry ten minutes later. Here's a guide to enjoying what you have while it's right in front of you.

Months 0 to 2: Getting to Know You

At six or eight weeks, just when you're feeling bone-tired and your baby has hit a wall of fussiness, she starts to smile. Suddenly you're doing everything you can to coax out another grin. Until then, try these ways to enjoy your newborn.

• Memorize every feature of your baby's face while she lies in her crib.
  
  
• Watch her fall asleep on your chest. You may think she'll always be a lump, but this stage really doesn't last long.
  
  
• Dance with your baby to music and decide which songs are her favorites.
  
  
• Walk everywhere with a front carrier and marvel at the droop of her neck when she falls asleep.
  
  
• Join a mothers' group, where you'll get support and notice your baby's individuality.
  
  
• While she's eating, feel free to muse upon your dreams or read poetry aloud—she won't stir at this point, unlike later when the slightest noise will distract her.