Natalka's First Bath (Photos)

At birth, Natalia's vernix (a cottage-cheese like substance found on baby's skin starting in the third trimester) was gently rubbed into her skin. Why? "Vernix coating on the neonatal skin protects the newborn skin and facilitates extra-uterine adaptation of skin in the first postnatal week if not washed away after birth."

We waited until Natalka was a week old to give her her first bath.

Natalia's lanugo, tiny baby fur!

Unhappy about the water.

Can you spot the photographer here?

Tia Yoli loaned us her fancy camera, so Oscar got creative.

An early favorite.

I love this photo of mama and babe, all squeaky clean.

And three weeks later, we all braved the big, intimidating bathtub, and Daddy did the honors here.

Natalka goofing around.