On this week’s episode of Sense, by Meg Faure, we revisit Julia, a mom of two, as she shares the 17 weeks of baby bliss and challenges of parenting, Aurelia. This stage is full of rapid changes, from sleep patterns to emotional connections. Meg and Julia explore key milestones and offer practical advice to help parents navigate this delightful yet complex phase. The Joy of Parenting a 17-Week-Old Julia shares how Aurelia's emerging personality makes this age particularly rewarding. Aurelia is cooing, smiling, and engaging more, reflecting her growing social and emotional development. These moments, especially Aurelia’s interactions with her older sibling, make this stage heartwarming for Julia. The Magic of "Serve and Return" Meg explains the concept of "serve and return" as a cornerstone of social-emotional development.Parents are encouraged to engage in reciprocal interactions, leaving pauses for their babies to respond. These exchanges build emotional connections and lay the foundation for lifelong communication skills. Sleep Transitions and Challenges Julia shares her experience of dropping Aurelia’s dream feed and the adjustments that followed.Meg provides strategies for managing the 17-week sleep regression, emphasizing self-soothing and avoiding dependency habits. Parents are guided to listen carefully before responding to night wakings, fostering better long-term sleep patterns. Gender, Sensory Personalities, and Parenting Differences Julia and Meg reflect on how gender, sensory personalities, and parenting styles influence children’s behaviors. They debunk stereotypes about boys and girls, highlighting the impact of innate traits and parental confidence. Meg emphasizes the importance of adapting to each child’s unique needs rather than following rigid expectations. This episode is packed with insights for parents of young babies. From understanding emotional development to managing sleep, Julia and Meg provide practical advice grounded in experience and research. Whether you're navigating a sleep regression or marveling at your baby's milestones, this podcast will leave you feeling informed and empowered. Tune in for actionable tips and heartwarming stories that celebrate the journey of parenting.