Adan's Big Brother/Big Sister class

A couple weeks ago, Adan, Daron and I went to a Big Brother/Big Sister class offered by the hospital. We were told to bring a picture of Adan as a baby, a doll and a blanket, and then they provided a little play bottle, a couple tiny little newborn diapers, and then just a fun little activity book. The class for kids ages 3-10 who are expecting a new brother or sister.

So, class started off with each child showing their baby picture. Then the instructors would ask them some questions such as whether they were having a brother, a sister, or if it was a surprise. Adan went first, and while he was pretty quiet, he did answer all her questions with some help from us. Then after the introductions were all done, they showed a video that he seemed to really watch intently. It was aimed at small kids and talked about why babies cry, what they eat, etc.

After the video they got into the hands on part. They showed the kids how to diaper a baby and then let them try it out with the diapers they provided and the doll we brought. Adan actually did pretty well, and he felt so proud of himself. Next they showed them how they can safely hold a baby and how to hold the bottle. They showed them how to swaddle the baby, and then talked about how babies can't eat the same foods they eat and why they shouldn't ever give the baby any of their own food. Lastly, they talked about toys and how to know if it was safe for the baby to play with. It was so cute to see him take it all so seriously. She would ask something like, "Can the baby eat pizza?", and he would shake his head and say "no" very earnestly. Since class, he really likes to talk about the things we learn. He tells me that they baby won't be able to talk, but that she'll cry. And he likes to tell me that she'll only be able to drink "baby milk" and not "kid's milk", which are how he refers to breastmilk and his regular milk. I think it will be great for him to feel involved in this whole process.

After all the classroom stuff was done, they took us up to tour the family suites where we'll stay in the hospital after the baby is delivered. The kids were allowed to each take a turn pushing the buttons on the hospital bed. Here we are in a room full of people, and Adan thought it would really be a good idea if I hopped into the bed when he took his turn. I did manage to talk him out of that one! However, I have a feeling that I will be taking some up and down rides in the bed when we're staying there for real. Overall, it was a really fun time for us, and I just can't wait until Adan gets to finally meet his new little sister.