I don't define it as being 'awake' but rather as being interested in their surroundings and interacting with people and their environment. Almost like you can see the wheels turning behind their eyes.

Both of my kids were super alert from the very beginning. They didn't miss a trick. I always had that feeling that someone was watching me constantly. My first slept very little... just cat naps through the day and up multiple times each night. I swear she was afraid to miss something by closing her eyes.

Tomorrow is always fresh, with no mistakes in it. — L.M. Montgomery