This first week with our lovely baby girl has been magical, and we're savoring it! We can't get enough of her sounds, smells (well, not all of them! ;) ) movements, and faces. There's nothing like holding her close, soaking in the love she gives and making sure she knows ours will never go away. We could not be happier!

Ari's been happy and healthy, and not very fussy at all. We know this is likely to change, but it won't change how much we adore her. We just recorded a private video message for her, like we did just before Ania went into labor. It will be nice to one day share with her our current first-hand thoughts and precious memories of her early life.

We're going to continue to put pictures in the album we shared in her birth announcement post, so if you want to get automatic updates of new photos, you might want to subscribe to the album's feed.

I never used to understand why some people seem to go crazy over new babies, but I do now. And though I have a new appreciation of the phenomenon in general, I also see now that, as many have told me, it is indeed different when it's your own.

Among so many other firsts this week, Ari had her first night in our house, doctor visit, (sponge)bath, feeding in the nursery, walk in our backyard, and she gave us her first smile. Whether involuntary muscle movement or sign of happiness and love, I can't put into words how good that felt!

Lots of people have called, visited, given gifts, brought food, written, and done other things to help and show their love and support. We really appreciate everything, and we're happy to see how warmly everyone is welcoming her to the world and to our circle of family and friends.