Enjoying Your Baby, from Day One to Year One

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.