I don't get out much. I have a desk job, and when I'm not working, I'm home with the baby. So it was actually my husband who started getting recognized first. His new clients would hear his name and say something like, "Did you know your wife writes a column for the newspaper?"

He tells me that he's never sure what to say at that point. His natural urge to say something funny and sarcastic must be balanced with maintaining a professional atmosphere. Usually, he nods.

But the first time somebody said to me, "Hey, I read your column!" I blushed a little and said, "Really?"

It's easier for me when people meet me, hear I have a column, and then start reading it. But when someone at the dentist's office asks about my new baby when I don't even have him with me, it catches me off guard.

When I ask what people think, everyone says nice things. Of course, I wouldn't really expect anyone to tell me I'm boring to my face, but I ask anyway. Mostly, I like to hear specific reaction or suggestions.

The only thing I've heard from more than one person is: You should run a photo of your baby.

I guess it makes sense. He is the subject of 99 percent of my writing. People naturally want to know what he looks like. And far be it from me to object to bragging to the world about how cute my baby is.

The bragging will be brief. I promise. But you can't really expect that I could write so much about my son and never mention the adorableness of this baby.

My favorite feature is his skin, and it's also what other people seem to comment on the most. I never thought about baby skin one way or another before Ben was born, but now I've definitely noticed that not every baby has soft, smooth skin.

Ben also has big, bright eyes and likes to tip his head to one side when looking at people. He gives the impression that he is regarding his surroundings, contemplating things, and in a few seconds will get back with you when he has decided on his reaction. If we play our cards right, he will decide on a smile.

I am proud to declare that Ben has the cutest smile of any baby ever. Even when I've been up feeding him every two hours on a workday, a single smile reminds me why I wanted a baby. He seems to be saying, "Don't be sad, Mama. I love you."

Times-News copy editor Suzanne DeSelms can be reached at 735-3232 or sdeselms@magicvalley.com. Or, just say hi when you see her at Fred Meyer.