Because we are new to our future jobs as Mom and Dad, I decided it would be a great idea for us to take advantage of almost all of the classes offered at our local hospital. Ed was thrilled, right? Since I do have an amazing husband, he was on-board and we're both happy to have peace of mind.
First, birthing class. Not only did we learn about the stages of labor and practice breathing as well as have some awkward moments assuming the positions in a room full of strangers, this is the place where I got my legitimate pregnant lady street cred from my husband. Ed has been very supportive, but after he learned that my body was not only growing a baby, but actually generated new parts such as a placenta and would have a serious job of getting her out, I was home free! Lots of visual aids too, most of them scary, but this one was a favorite. Ed shines in situations like this and observed that according to the picture, I've been in orange Phase 3 since April. This made me laugh and brought me down to Phase 1. :)
We also completed parenting classes where we learned bathing, diapering, pooping and CPR. If I had a picture of the swaddled 1985 Kool Aid color haired Cabbage Patch doll that we brought to use, I'd post that for entertainment. As proof that our age is becoming a norm for having first-time babies, we were one of 3 couples in class with the same one... Thankfully we were out shamed by the couple that resorted to bringing a giant stuffed monkey...a comforting sign that couples without kids do not have a surplus of life-sized baby dolls around the house.
So we are feeling set and even more ready to go. I have a feeling that in just about 3 weeks, we'll learn what every other parent already knows, that we have a lot more to learn but will somehow figure it all out!
