Today’s baby activity is another one more for the parents.

You think you’re going to remember all the details, new mama. You swear when a thought crosses your brain during that 4 a.m. feeding that you don’t need to write it down. But new mama (and dad!), you are tired mama (and dad!), so I will spare you the guesswork: Yes, you need to write it down.

By which I mean anything and everything, but in particular, questions for the baby’s pediatrician.

With Travis, I always went in to check-ups armed with a list of items to ask, but – needless to say – this time I find myself more frazzled. I did myself (and Veronika!) a favor by starting a list. Tack it some place you can access it easily, like up on the fridge, and add to it the moment a thought, question, or concern crosses your mind.

No question is too big or too small. Even veteran parents will have questions, since every baby is different.

Jot down the questions as they come to you, not later. You will not remember. And then don’t forget to pack the list when you head to your child’s next appointment!

Guilty as charged – I spend a lot of time either holding Veronika in the crook of my arm, or lying her some place where she is secure – the bassinet, a bouncy seat – and perhaps not quite enough time letting her move freely.

But even the littlest babies need to get moving, since this is how they’ll strengthen those tiny muscles! Today I made it a point to let Veronika get kicking and wiggling.

So they aren’t hindered by slippery fabric, this activity is best done in a warm room in just a diaper (although I added a onesie since the living room was a little cold).

It was great to watch her kick her legs high, and scoot around as much as she could!

She seemed to love the freedom to move. This activity is definitely one we’ll add to her daily agenda, as we settle into longer wake stretches here.

Here’s an adorable way to bond with your little one, as early as when he or she is a few weeks old! Babies are drawn to grown-up faces, and will instinctively copy the expressions you make. (Note: this is the reverse of copying your infant, a game Veronika and I played a few days ago!)

This time, find a quiet moment when you have an alert and quiet newborn’s attention, and stick out your tongue for a few seconds, about 10 to 20 seconds apart. Pretty soon, they should try to copy you!

Veronika definitely was paying attention from the start; I could practically see the little wheels in her brain turning.

Trying out a few expressions. Hmm, not quite right.

Getting there, the mouth is open. But where is that tongue?

There it is!

Big siblings will get a kick out of this game, too, since normally sticking out a tongue is considered rude. Travis couldn’t believe I was encouraging the action, and loved sticking his tongue out at lil sis.

Years ago, I remember watching a friend carry his infant in what seemed a precarious position, tucked upon one arm, and thinking I’d never be comfortable enough with a newborn to replicate the move. But turns out Veronika really enjoys this little variation on being carried, and chances are as a parent you’ll have fun switching up your baby’s view!

Lie your baby on their tummy/side on your arm, with their head cradled protectively in your hand.

You can see why the position is likened to a leopard on a tree branch!

It’s a fun way to walk around the house and give your newborn a waist-high view.

Because the position puts some pressure on the tummy, it’s also good for when Veronika is feeling some discomfort after nursing. So give it a try! Take a walk around the house like this as today’s activity, and you’ll both feel like you’ve tried something novel.

What’s your favorite way to carry your baby? Please share in the comments!

Here’s a cute riff on the black and white pictures that I’ve been showing Veronika from books – draw your own smiley face in sharp black and white contrast!

Babies love faces, and respond so automatically to human images at this age. All you need is a piece of white paper and a black marker – don’t worry, your newborn won’t critique your art skills! I drew Veronika these silly faces with hair and big smiles.

As well as a more simple smiley face.

I also added a checkerboard pattern, bulls-eye, and diagonal lines to pieces of white paper.

These paper drawings had an advantage over books since I could tape them around her bassinet and leave them thus without worrying about a book toppling and bumping her on the head!

Massage is a fantastic way to bond with your newborn, and also helps him or her in tangible ways – you’ll stretch out little legs and arms that are used to being curled up, alleviate any dry skin conditions with the oil, and provide warmth and comfort.

This morning, I placed Veronika on a soft blanket on the floor between my legs, wearing only a diaper. Be sure to use an edible vegetable oil, or a specifically formulated baby oil for this purpose.

Starting at the shoulders, rub down the arms and out to the fingers.

Repeat on the legs, rubbing from the hips down to the toes.

You can also gently massage baby’s belly, and turn her over and rub the back.

It’s fun to sing, too, to the tune of a familiar nursery rhyme. As I rubbed her feet for example, I sang, “We’re rubbing Veronika’s feet, we’re rubbing Veronika’s feet, hi ho the derio, we’re rubbing Veronika’s feet.”