For the first few weeks of her life, Gwendolyn seemed barely aware of her surroundings. Occasionally, at close range, she would look in our direction, but even then only sometimes did she seem to make real contact. Her vocalizations ranged from minor grunting to full throttle wailing, but all seemed to be in response to her own inner states--hunger, fatigue, wet and/or squishy sensations in the lower regions, etc. And they all seemed to be tending toward the negative side, or neutral at best.
All that has changed now. I'd like to say that Gwen Wren looked up one day to find her parents lovingly watching over her, attending to her every need, and, realizing how wonderfully lucky she is, she beamed a broad smile and started laughing. It was kind of like that, but not quite...
Gwen Wren was in her mechanized swing one day, in a neutral sort of mood. Then she looked up, and discovered the curved mirror mounted overhead. She started to smile.
The smile grew, and grew some more, until it blossomed into a full-scale squeal of ecstatic delight!
And now, in her motion picture debut, the Wren will show you how she discovered a curvy new world through the looking glass, and at the same time found a whole new world of happy sounds.
Too little quality time with her parents, too many distractions. Luckily, this week also brought many visitors.
The Wren loved cuddle time with Jillian.
Vivian and Ada were expert pacifier holders.
And when all the commotion became too much, there was nothing so good as Grandpa Bethel's shoulder to sleep on.
...being wheeled around the storage building by her patient Grandpa Bethel.
Gwendolyn fussed a bit in the beginning, but yet again, her miracle swaddle blanket came to the rescue (thanks Sam and Jess!). Plaintive cries soon turned into beatific sleep.
Juan took his turn at holding the Wrenlet. He looks like a pro!
Afterward, Natalia snuggled with the baby. It's great to have such good friends!
Gwen Wren was in her mechanized swing one day, in a neutral sort of mood. Then she looked up, and discovered the curved mirror mounted overhead. She started to smile.
The smile grew, and grew some more, until it blossomed into a full-scale squeal of ecstatic delight!
Her advanced baby-holding technique showed that she still has good mom-skills.
She also brought Gwendolyn a couple of really cool toys. Although Gwen didn't quite know what to make of them at first.
Then she realized, I can just fall asleep among them! Voilà, entertained.
From her paternal grandparents.
Three generations of Bethel in one kitchen!
Gwendolyn enjoyed the famous Nana hold.
David grilled us a fabulous meal.
While the Wren watched intently on.
Whether in the sling...
...or directly on the belly.
The moment was brief, and then the ignoring resumed. Neither party seemed overly affected by this event, but David and I interpreted it as the milestone it was.
Tulip was very glad to get to the water...
...and chase some sticks.
And the baby seemed to enjoy the outing too.
The morning walk is considerably delayed (what is all this waiting around for nursing and diapers?). When we finally do get going, the pace is pretty slow.
A few sniffs, but it's hard to tell why everyone is so excited.
Couch time is a little compromised, but still pretty good.
But meal cleanup with two distracted parents has gotten really good. Just wait until the baby starts on solid foods.
The first step was to choose an appropriate outfit.
And then to have a little help getting dressed.Voilà!
Toby and Theo enjoyed their last Austin margaritas.
The Wrenster had a great first dinner out--she slept the entire time!
