Well, it finally happened; Hayden smiled! I believe the first time that he did it on purpose was on his 6 week birthday (Sept. 24). We were on our trip to Yellowstone.

The next day in Jackson, WY, I captured a smile on camera for the first time (Dad was inside checking into the lovely Super 8 motel and I had just finished feeding him in the car. Perhaps he knew the irony of having such superb lodging, or maybe it was the fresh mountain air...but, nevertheless he smiled while I talked to him). Here is the photo.

Parents are so right when they say that having your child smile at you for the first time changes everything. It lets you know that they are ok. A gummy grin from your baby makes everything right with the world (even when it happens before 5am). Everyone needs reassurance that they are doing the right thing, especially a new parent. So, this new phase is so gratifying. He smiles at Cameron and I so often now. It doesn't take much for his to let one sneak out. We only have to resort to pomp and circumstance on rare occasions when we are really desperate to see his face light up and to hear the slightest little giggle. I look forward to hearing those giggles get much louder as time marches on. -- mam