Help!

Parenting a child can be a difficult, trying experience. Meals must be prepared, the house must be cleaned, errands need to be run, and all must be done while constantly attending to the baby. It is demanding work on a new mother and father.

At least that's what I'm guessing. I wouldn't know. Our lives have been made almost unfairly easier by a constant supply of wonderful volunteer help since Max was born. Max has successfully tired out legions of volunteers, but we've still managed to recruit new ones.

Each has brought different strengths. Delia's parents provided old-school Romanian food and an endless supply of attention for Max. Delia's dad, Nelu, provided plenty of food and supplies so Grandma could concentrate on loving Max.
This photo shows Agi successfully getting Max sleepy after a bath.
After Nelu and Agi, Delia's aunt Allison came for a week. Besides giving Max lots of affection, cooking really good fusion-style food, and leading Delia through Pilates exercises, she helped Delia create an organizational system that finally allowed us to see the floor of our living room. Here she's getting Max down our steps for a walk.

Here, Allison has Max in a classic "Happiest Baby on the Block" pose. Allison took to the video immmediately and showed us how to use it more effectively - complete with better swaddles.

Then, last but certainly not least, my parents helped take care of Max, and gave us some perspective - for example, they let us know we actually could leave Max alone for a while without killing him. Mom did lots of back exercises so she was able to do this:And Dad, I noticed, was the best at bringing out Max's new gift - the ability to smile.

Again, thanks!