As we approach week 34 tomorrow -- that's 6 weeks until the big due date for those of you not familiar with the 40-week gestation period (which was me, 34 weeks ago) -- Craig and I are realizing just how much we have to learn before we have a little life we're responsible for. We finished our first of four classes last night. This one was on "Caring for baby." I think a more appropriate title would've been "See how clueless you really are" or maybe "Oh, the joys of having a boy."
During the first two-hour session, Craig and I failed every test. When the teacher asked if babies like baths, Craig very emphatically raised his hand to show just how smart this new uncle was since his niece Hagen LOVES them. Well, Hagen must be the only baby because, according to the instructor, babies do NOT enjoy baths after all. Strike one. The second big failure of the night was when she passed around a basin of bath products and told us to take what we think we needed. Ok, first of all, we weren't really giving anyone or anything a bath. And by the way she phrased the instructions, we thought it was a trick -- do we REALLY need all of these bath products? Surely a baby's beauty regime is less complicated than my father-in-law's. (sorry, Sam) So to show that we were on to this game, Craig and I passed on everything. We didn't need the brush (our doll didn't have hair), and I knew talc powder was a no-no, but I'm not sure why we overlooked the body wash and lotion. I guess we thought a spit bath would be sufficient since all our doll did was sleep all day. Sure enough, we failed again. And finally, the third big mistake of the night was knowing the appropriate time to undress the doll during bath time. Boy did I get my hand slapped as I took off the doll's onesie and diaper before it was time. What was I thinking? The fake water was at the right fake temperature and the fake baby was anxious to fake get a bath. I was so flustered trying to get the stupid onesie back on that I don't even hear why I was wrong undressing him early.
But while we had our share of failures, we also learned a number of things that we'll have the joy of experiencing for real in the months ahead:
1. First and foremost, don't take a little boy's diaper off until everything is good and ready ... and in the down position.
2. Buy stock in washclothes -- you need three for every bath! (who knew the little boy part got its own little washcloth to itself?)
3. Memorize the 5 S's of having the happiest baby on the block (swaddle, side/stomach, swing, shush and suck). When those fail to calm a crying baby, call the grandparents to take over.
4. If it's red, crusty, higher than normal, discolored or worse than usual, call the doctor.
For some reason, they passed us. And we're advancing to the "childbirth prep" class for two full Saturdays later this month. We haven't quite figured out why we'll spend 12 hours learning about labor/delivery and had only 4 hours of lessons on the things that we'll be dealing with for the baby's entire childhood, but I'm sure we'll need every minute.
7 comments:
Here's the real truth: you'll figure it all out. First few days might be a bit of a learning curve getting to know your baby but you'll ultimately be the experts. Some babies like baths, most don't. Some like to swing, some don't. You'll figure it out. You will be fantastic parents!
Shannon's got the right idea! In a few short days or weeks, you will be the expert on your baby. (Plus, the instructor won't be there to criticize.)
During my infant care class, I failed the diaper the baby doll test. Thankfully, I am getting a lot of practice every day, and you will, too. We were way too hard on ourselves in the beginning, but learned the only thing you can do when the baby poops in the bath tub is laugh. You two are going to be fantastic parents.
And every baby is different! Maybe your boy will never pee in the bathtub (or maybe you'll never notice it!). Screw the class....you'll learn more on the job!
Dookie in the pool!
Craig from all the years spent at the Sanborn pool, you should be experienced in finding surprises in the pool.
The call was "Everybody out of the pool".
These little episodes will bring the biggest LAUGHS! We know,we have dozens of laughs to share about your brother and you.
The best of life to come? New experiences, new love and of course much FUN!
I like Becky's suggestion. Living in the frozen tundra, we always put a warm wash cloth over Alejandro's belly while he's in the bath tub. So for all we know, he may be peeing every time and we just don't see it.
You will be fantastic parents! Maternal/Paternal instinct is a wonderful thing.
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