Babysitting 101

A few weeks ago I made another call to the lactation consultant with a couple of general questions. During our call she mentioned that she was going to call me. She asked if Konrad was a "pretty laid back baby." I told her I liked to think so, but he's the only baby I've had so my reference point may be weak. Apparently the hospital teaches a babysitting class to young'ens (around age 12) and she was curious if K would be interested in being part of the class. Never one to shy away from opportunities to show him off, I said "absolutely."

So today was the big day. We went to the hospital around 11:30 am and ended up walking through a group of what had to be 75 kids. Wow! K and I found our classroom (the same one where Joel and I spent 5 Mondays in late January/early February learning about giving birth and the sex life of the couple who sat four seats down from us) and took our seat. Next thing you know about 25 kids come in, plop down all around us and begin to ohh and ahh over little K. He loved it! He was smiling and giggling the whole time (which was nice for me because the last little baby they couldn't get to stop crying.) Ultimately he spent 35 minutes being passed from one twelve year old's lap to the next (not unlike the forceps we passed around during the birthing class, but the kids were way more interested than Joel and I ever were.) Once the passing was done the teacher demonstrated how to change Konrad's diaper (which was interesting since we never learned that in any of our classes or at the hospital.) Then the kids "graduated."

Afterwards I was approached by woman from the hospital's marketing department. She asked if she could use Konrad's pics online or in advertising campaigns for future classes. Of course! Bring on the spotlight. This little boy loves it.

As a side note, all the attention definitely wore him out. When we were done I put him in his sling before we left and he was asleep before we even made it to the car (which is a very short trip in our small town hospital.) I hope they invite us back again soon.

While I didn't get pics of the event (I thought it might weird out the parents of the kids), here is a picture from today post-nap. What you might not be able to see is what I believe is the beginnings of a rash on his cheeks. Everyday he is showing more and more signs of teething; even Tammy at the babysitting class commented. We haven't felt anything yet, but will keep you posted.