Clearly trying really, really hard:
She’s been flashing reflexive smiles during (supposedly) REM sleep for a while. (BTW, isn’t’ it fascinating that babies spend 80% of their total sleep time in REM sleep, while adults only spend about 20%? One theory as to why is that the primary function of REM sleep is to stimulate central nervous system development.) Now we’re getting some real responsive smiles, clearly elicited by the most ridiculously animated facial contortions we’ve been making 12-18 inches from her face (ideal distance for her still pretty terrible vision). This is the best form of encouragement for sleep-deprived moms.
anna in med school 