to think it's high time my 7-week-old smiled at me?

[BEAUTlFUL]

I give and I give and what do I get? A handful of lopsided gummy grins that make my heart leap... only to be immediately followed by a huge burp. Or adorable little smiles when he seems to be gazing straight at me -- then his eyes roll back and I realise he's actually fast asleep (dreaming of Better Mothers).

I've doted on him for almost two months and I do think a smile is overdue now, frankly. Is there anyway of encouraging him to smile at me? I'd love to know I was doing something right.

It will happen ... eventually!
dd2 was such a serious litle thing for agees and ages, but suddenly she started smiling and giggling. It was worth the wait.

What did it for DD was me lying face down over the edge of our big foot stool (head over edge) and her in her bouncy chair underneath and me singing etc. I stayed there for hours everyday. Some of them have an odd sence of humour

He sounds absolutely adorable and very contented with his lot if the burping and sleeping are any indication! You're obviously doing a fab job. The smiling will come in the next few weeks, especially when he realises he's just the cleverest baby for doing so.

My 11 week old dd was a right bloody misery till about 9 weeks. Now she smiles for England...even at MIL. It will happen very soon.

Oh, you lovely girls, thanks.

One of my friends said, "A baby will practise its smiles on people who don't matter" (like Dads ) "before finally giving its Mum its best smile a bit later." Which sounded like very sweet, well-meaning bollocks.

I love the idea of hanging over him, singing. Hopefully the sight of my massive post-pregnancy face looming over him like a collapsing parachute won't scare him into a panic-nap.

Really, the wait is worth it. dd1 was an early smiler, and they were beautiful smiles, but just that, smiles.

dd2 was later to smile, and in fact, its actually huge beaming grins now, with a really deep 'hahaha' laugh.

I want beaming grins!!! Argh, dammit. Today I thought he was on the brink of it -- in the bath he looked so twinkly-eyed and cheerful. I was gurning over him like a madwoman, hoping he'd get the hint...

Nothing. Not even a fart this time.

He's playing so hard to get!