Jerry learns how to diaper a baby

Hi gang,

last night we took another class at the hospital called " Newborn and Infant Care "

It went over what to expect when the baby is born - what he may look like ( purple ), what happens in the hospital so that it's not a surprise, and what to inform the doctor about when we get to the hospital.

We also learned how to diaper a baby, as you can see - Jerry is now a PRO! That was one of the cutest things I've ever seen in my life. Jerry diapering a baby doll.

Then we learned how to swaddle the baby

And how to give a newborn a sponge bath which sounds easy but all the little details really help to hear and see the instructor show us.

We learned what things to buy for at home care for the newborn that we might not already know about, and what questions to ask a pediatrician when we start to interview them to find the one we want to take our baby to, and to find one now.

It was a jam packed class of info. We both really enjoyed it. The instructor was warm and helpful and I really liked her. Much more then the other instructors we've had so far there. There are about 12 other couples in the class most of them having boy babies in Feb. Only 2 were having girls.

Our baby was moving all around during the class. I think the sound of the instructors voice was making him happy.
Last night after the class Pretty girl was sitting on my lap and I was rubbing her chin softly and slowly while singing her "you are my sunshine" and then making up new words to the same tune until it put her to sleep. Jerry was sitting next to me and said " you are going to be such a good mama ". I didn't really realize he was paying attention to what I was doing with my cat.
I don't know if you know this - - - but I love my cat. ADORE her. I can't imagine how much more I can love a being, but I hear that when you have a baby it's like nothing you've ever felt in your life. I loved that Jerry said that. It was so touching.
I think we all know that he is going to make a great papa. I tell him often, but all who know him can see it in him pretty easily.

uh oh...

here's another one to completely confuse the issue.

I like this one too because it still has the funky design but it's a softer palate.

***

On another note - yesterday we took an infant CPR class at the hospital. WOW. We learned a TON. I'm so glad they offer it. It's not a certification class. It's an orientation class. They said that everything we once learned in CPR is now obsolete. So I'm glad to know what the rules are and we got to practice on little plastic CPR babies. over and over and over.
We learned what to do if they choke on something - and if they stop breathing. Both are different techniques that can be intimidating at first. But with this class I feel much better. They said that anyone watching, babysitting or caring for our child should be updated on the new techniques - so that means you! Gotta get you enrolled in a class too.

After that we took a tour of the hospital - nursery, labor rooms, with about 5 other couples - all who are going to have their babies in Feb. It was nice to get a feel of where we will need to go, what the rooms look like and what to expect at the hospital. They showed us the 2 babies that were in the nursery. One was a boy that was 7 pounds with a full head of black hair and was so cute we were all oooing and "ahh"ing at him. Next to him was a 5 pound little girl. Adorable. Both were looking around and noticing us. The facial expressions were killing all of us.

They only have 4 delivery rooms. And they just don't get filled up. Most people go to the larger hospitals. So the care is very personal which we are both happy about. The place is decorated like a victorian house - or Jerry comments that it looks like bad midwestern decorating. Think Lavender floral wallpaper. I wondered if I could sneak in with a can of paint, but I have a feeling once I'm in labor the last thing I'm going to think about is how they should re-do the walls.

The waiting room is TINY - it has one sofa and 2 sofa chairs and a tv and that's all folks. Because of the size of the hospital that's really all they need - but they encouraged us to not call family until I'm actually further along in labor so people aren't standing in the hallway for hours. I guess since my family doesn't live near by it will take them a while to get there anyhow.

We learned about visiting hours as well. The scoop is that Jerry and I will be with the baby for the first hour after delivery alone with the baby. Jerry will come out and let family know that the baby is fine - and will go back in for another 30 minutes or so. Then we will let family and friends in.

They had lots of great suggestions for visiting hours that we will let family and friends know as we get closer to the due date.
During our break we headed down to town to grab some food and walked around the main street. Boy is it CUTE there. Lots of very cute shops along a street that reminds me of grand street in Escondido but with more modern shops and some old time shops. One shop is all about sugar free cookies, candy, icecream etc. Looks like a bunch of really good restaurants in the area.
Since our hospital is so small it doesn't really have great cafeteria hours so we might be calling for take out! Jerry found his all time favorite taco down the road from the hospital so I have a feeling I know where he will be going to get us food!

All in all it was a very nice tour and glad we had the CPR class as well.

Today we are staying in - I still feel under the weather - so I'm sipping ginger tea - making brown basmati rice - just finished an apple. Jerry is off buying a few groceries at the store a mile down the road - so we can make a few things today to deal with a wobbly tummy. It's cold outside - overcast - and says rain in the forecast. So I'm ok with staying in. I need to return the new coat I got in the mail that fits perfectly now but I know it won't in a month so I have to exchange it for one size up. My usual winter coat just doesn't button closed anymore with this belly. Plus it's so old it looks like I got it out of a garbage can. Nice eh?

It's also time for new shoes that slip on instead of lacing. I just can't deal with bending over myself to reach my feet right now.

So as soon as I'm feeling better I'll be heading to get a few staples in my wardrobe to help with the growing belly.

Glad we have cable and tivo. Movies galore today!