Once your baby is home, enjoy the newest member of your family! Babies are wonderful, exciting and fascinating. Ask any new mother or father. They'll tell you how they can watch their baby for hours:

• Holding her hand

• Kissing her feet

• Smelling her newly washed hair

Make sure you take time to just hold, play with and stroke your baby. Get to know her likes and dislikes. Watch her unique personality emerge.

Parents of babies who need special care, like medications or medical equipment, often get caught up in their baby's medical care. They may forget about her—and their—emotional needs.

Delight in your baby's new accomplishments: the first smile, rolling over, crawling and more. Your baby will surprise you each and every day. He will remind you of all the love you have in your heart.

August 2009