I’ve heard in passing that the first 4 weeks of parenthood are the hardest (or maybe the hardest of the first year). Now that I have the “wisdom” of that extra week, I think I understand what that means. The last week Clare started to become engaged and interested in us and the world around her. While the cuddles and closeness of those first newborn months are precious, the interactions she and I are now having are absolutely wonderful. I feel like we’re in the beginning stages of that 2-way relationship. Pretty much the only 2-way communication we had for the first month was her crying – I would talk to her, play with her, cuddle on her, etc. and she would cry back. My reward was when she was contented. It was great, but now getting smiles and eye contact is better. When I walk up to her bassinet and she smiles at me my heart melts. I think I’d used that term before, but I didn’t really understand what it meant. Now I do. Yesterday at the mall she was fussing in her stroller, but when I looked down and talked to her she focused on me and stopped fussing. Seriously – I can make my baby happy by stopping and talking to her! She likes me! I know it sounds a little silly to write, but in person it’s the best thing. Like I said, it’s the beginning of our parent-child relationship and it’s wonderful. I’m beginning to think this whole “going back to work” thing is going to be rough… I love seeing her everyday and watching her discover new things.

The back row is all of the boys ( from left: Grayson, Jake, Teo and Peter) while the front row is the girls (Libby, Clare, and Attilie). The four boys were born first and the three girls were born last. Our little Clare is the second youngest and the lightest.

Close up on Clare. She’s ‘straightjacketed’ because she was fussing and J wanted to show off a swaddle technique he uses when it’s to warm for a full swaddle.