THE LEGS are most often seen drawn up against the abdomen in pre-birth position. Extended legs measure shorter than you’d expect compared to arms. The knees stay slightly bent, and legs are more or less bowed.

THE FACE will appear disappoint you unless you expect to see pudgy cheeks, a broad, flat nose with a mere hint of a bridge, a receding chin, undersized lower jaw.

THE TRUNK may startle you in some normal detail: short neck; small, sloping shoulders; swollen breasts; large, rounded abdomen; umbilical stump (future navel); slander, narrow pelvis and hips.

WEIGHT unless well above the average of 7 or 8 lbs, will not prepare you for how really tiny a newborn is. Top to toe measure is anywhere between 19” to 21”

ON THE SKULL you will see or feel two most obvious soft spots or fontanelles. One above the brow; the other is close to the crown of the head in back.

THE SKIN is thin and dry. You may see veins through it. Fair skin may be rosy-red temporarily. Downy hair is not unusual.

A DEEP FLUSH spreads over the entire body if baby cries hard. Veins on head swell and throb. You will notice no tears as tear ducts do not function yet.

THE FEET look more complete than they are. X-ray would show only one real bone of the heel. Other bones are now cartilage. Skin is often loose and wrinkly.