WHERE DOES THE TIME GO? THE FIRST MONTHS OF A BABY'S LIFE ARE CRUCIAL

It has been the longest nine months in history. You didn't think the time would ever come, but now you're holding this tiny bundle in your arms. You're about to embark on a marvelous journey, but wait -- where's the instruction book? How do you know when to feed him? What do you do if he won't stop crying?

There's advice from friends and relatives, but most first-time moms want something a little more solid.

Luckily, there's a wealth of information available. Obstetricians usually suggest that new mothers begin to think about a pediatrician midway through the pregnancy. Mothers are able to meet the baby's new doctor, discuss concerns and submit the family's medical history. All of this gives doctors a head start on caring for new babies.

Most bookstores carry selections on prenatal care as well as advice on caring for the newest member of the family from birth to the time they leave for college, but not all babies are going to develop at the same rate. They're individuals, just like adults. They have their own personalities, their own likes and dislikes, and they're usually pretty quick to vocalize them. There isn't necessarily any need for alarm just because a baby isn't following a book.

"I've read all the books and I compare notes with other first-time moms," said Courtney Kern, the proud mother of 4-month-old Gracie. "You've got to remember to just use the books as a guide."

Pediatricians, the county health department and the Internet offer guidelines on average development during a baby's first year. The first month is an adjustment period for both the new parents and the baby. Walking the floor with a crying baby and sleepily stumbling out of bed for 2 a.m. feedings can become routine.

"I got lucky," said Tammy Gray, whose almost 10-month-old son, Logan, started sleeping the whole night very early.

By the time babies reach two months of age, those smiles may not be caused by gas as everyone says. By this age, social traits are already starting to develop. Babies begin to recognize voices and show facial responses to sounds. Motor skills are beginning to develop, allowing the baby to reach for objects or actually hold on to them for a few moments.

Hearing and sight are nearing maturity by the time babies reach three months. They turn their heads at sounds. During the fourth and fifth months, babies' strength begins to develop, allowing for periods of sitting upright unsupported.

By the sixth month, babies begin to crawl, and parents face new challenges. Objects must be to higher ground to keep them away from little hands and mouths. Playtime becomes more enjoyable, and baby's demands for attention may become stronger.

"Although it's worth every minute," said Kern. "We had no idea a baby would be so time consuming. You picture a baby being that cute little thing just sitting there and that just doesn't happen."

Somewhere around the seventh month, parents begin to float on air. Baby has uttered those precious words "da-da" or "ma-ma." Noise-making toys seem to become the favorite and giving hugs and kisses is a must.

By the ninth month, babies begin to "cruise." By pulling up to the sofa or other piece of furniture and holding on, getting from point A to point B isn't as much of a challenge as it once was. And just think of all the new things this view has to offer. It's time to put those precious collectibles behind closed doors.

"I think I can't wait until he begins to walk," said Gray of her son. "Then I think, what will I do?"

The most important word babies learn during the 10th month is "no," typically used when offered strained peas or beets.

By the 11th and 12th months, babies are off and running, typically with their mothers trailing close behind.

Playtime takes on new meanings. The box is usually more fun than what's inside. Pots and pans make wonderful toys and the cabinet is the perfect hiding spot for half-eaten cookies.

Everyone out there has advice to offer, but Kern, like most new mothers, says she gets most of her advice from her mother. For those questions that "grandma" just can't answer, contact pediatricians or other medical professionals.

PROTECTING YOUR BABY

Keeping babies healthy is vitally important to their growth and development. Recommended childhood immunizations begin at two months of age with DTP, HIB and IPV vaccinations. DTP protects against the bacterial diseases diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis; HIB protects against hemophilus influenza type B which causes meningitis and epiglottis and IPV protects against the viral infection polio. Another round of these immunizations are repeated at four months of age.

At six months baby should receive another DTP and HIB booster along with hepatitis B shot number one. This vaccine protects against the virus that can cause liver damage and should be followed by another injection two month later and a third six months later.