Sibling Class

Seton Southwest, the fabulous hospital where Jessica was born and where JAM4 will be born, offers a free sibling class the last Wednesday of every month, so last week we took Jessica. The majority of the class was held in the waiting area on the second floor. There were a total of seven kids, with Jessica probably being the youngest, but one other little girl was fairly close to her in age. The oldest was probably about six years old.

They spread a blanket on the floor picnic style and started off with the kids getting a snack while listening to story. Jessica didn’t really pay attention to the story, but she enjoyed the snack, sucking down the juice as soon as she got it.

Jessica Enjoying the Snack

Then a pillowcase was passed around and each child got to pull something out of the pillowcase that the nurses and other hospital staff use with the babies. They were then asked what they thought the item was used for. Jessica pulled out the hair brush and she knew just what to do with it.

Jessica Brushing Daddy's Hair

Then all the kids got to practice diapering the doll/stuffed animal they brought with them. Jessica did receive a little help from Daddy, but even so she knew just what to do. The newborn diapers they passed out work much better than the size 4 diaper that kitty normally wears when Jessica is in a diapering animal mood.

Jessica Diapering Kitty

Swaddling was then discussed and again they got to practice on their dolls/stuffed animals.

Jessica Swaddling Kitty

Cutie Pie

After that, they got to color a big sister/brother coloring page while the nurse talked to the adults. I think the little boy next to Jessica influenced her, because she has never laid down to color before.

Jessica Coloring

Finally, we toured outside the nursery and in a maternity room so the kids could see where the baby and Mommy would be.

I’m still not completely sure she understands that she will have a little sibling soon. Yesterday, I asked her if she wanted a little brother or a little sister. She said “sister.” Although I’m not sure if that is because she wants a sister or we’ve talked a lot about her being a big sister and have never really mentioned the word brother before. The two big sister books we read to her both don’t mention the sex of the baby. Either way, I have a feeling she is going to enjoy “helping” diaper and swaddle the baby.

Ten days until Jessica is two years old and six weeks until JAM4’s due date.