Shortly after welcoming baby number two last week, Carrie Underwood posted pictures of the family of four celebrating their newest member, Jacob Bryan. And according to a body language expert, there's a lot that can be learned from the photos.
The first sweet snapshot shows the country star's husband, Mike Fisher, holding his new baby boy, and his expression is indicative of a proud parent, says Susan Constantine, human behavioral expert and author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Reading Body Language.
"The slight raise of the eyebrow says 'Look what I did,'" Susan says. "People flash their eyebrows when they're emphasizing something."
As the hockey player penned in an emotional post following Jacob's birth, the last few years have been challenging. Carrie recently revealed she suffered three miscarriages prior to getting pregnant with Jacob, so the "miracle baby," as they're calling him, is certainly something worth emphasizing.
The couple's second child, Jacob, joins big brother Isaiah Michael, and as Susan notes, it's clear from the photos that Mike's an experienced father.
"The fact that he's holding the baby so close to him—I mean he's got the swaddle down very well," she explains. "Sometimes dads seem awkward with newborns but he looks relaxed and at ease. The way he's embracing his baby, there's a deep sense of love there and he's comfortable being a dad. There's a lack of facial tension, and it's like he's done this a number of times before."
In the second shot, Susan says Carrie is more than comfortable: She's in bliss.
"When you look at her facial expression, she has the after-baby glow, and it's so pure and innocent," Susan explains. "There's this sense of serenity about her facial expression and she has a slight curvature in her smile. No tension—she is completely in bliss."
Jacob's position is important, too, as Susan says holding a child to your chest conveys heartfelt emotion.
The picture also provides a rare look at Carrie with no makeup, and many fans commented on the singer's natural beauty.
"She feels very comfortable—she doesn't have to placate to the camera which I think is awesome," Susan says. "You don't see her making sure she has mascara or lip gloss on. She's in raw, mommy mode and is totally enveloped in her baby."
Before his baby brother arrived, Isaiah was a bit nervous about sharing his mom's attention. Carrie told People that the 3-year-old suggested "Daddy could have that baby" so he could keep Carrie to himself. But now that Jacob is here, Susan senses a strong connection between the siblings.
"The fact that he's holding his brother with both hands says he's trying to make sure he's super careful," Susan explains. "But the way he's looking at the baby in the eyes shows just absolute wonderment and awe."
Meanwhile, "Dad is really proud of that with his smile and head turned down," she continues. "And the fact that he's got his hand on his son's shoulder, it's a sign of connectedness—even with the new baby he's letting his son know that he's just as important."
Isaiah needn't worry. Susan says it's obvious from other photos—specifically one in which Carrie holds him on her hip and gazes into his eyes—that the little boy's parents are attentive and loving.
"He feels very secure with her because he's not really holding on," she says. "She's got a really good grip on him and he's not going anywhere."
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