Making Room for Baby

Some years ago I told my daughter-in-law Claui that if they ever did have a baby, I would do day care. And now it looks as if it will come to pass in a few months. The little girl is due in May and Claui will have some maternity leave but sooner or later, I'll be designated baby sitter.

John and I have signed up for an evening class at the hospital for infant caregivers  -- it's been almost forty years since I took care of a baby and I know things have changed -- sleeping face up or face down? Baby powder, yes or no? Asafoetida bag around the neck? (Just kidding.)

I know that paregoric is no longer used to calm a fractious baby --  when my first was born it was issued at the hospital as part of a care package for new mothers and I have to say it worked quite well and seems to have had no lingering after effects on Ethan.

But I look forward to becoming up-to-date in child care. 

Meanwhile, I've been making room in one of my dresser drawers for a whole slew of infant clothes and products that Claui brought up for me to have on hand. Onesies and diapers and bibs and butt paste, oh my!

I can hardly wait!

What's in a Name?

So, of course, now that we know the Expected One is a girl, we're asking Justin and Claui what names they have in mind. 

They aren't exactly saying but they are open to suggestions -- from family and friends and all of you.

Some things to bear in mind -- the baby's last name will be Skemp (my married name; Lane is my maiden name) -- and since they've had a tradition of naming new calves after flowers, Justin's kinda opposed to flower names for his daughter. 

 So make a suggestion, should you feel so inspired -- the more the merrier.

(The girls in the pictures are two nieces and one great-niece -- I have two more nieces and two more great nieces, but they live far away in upstate NY, alas.)

Good News for These Times

Claui's blood work is back and everything looks good. And now we know the baby's gender.

I'm excited. Having raised two boys, this will be something a little different. I'm looking forward to participating in the raising of a little girl who will grow up to be a strong woman like her mother -- rather than a Disney princess. 

There will, however, probably be some pink and some ruffles here and there. Maybe a tutu to wear over her overalls.

The Best News Ever!

No, nothing about the book -- far better! Justin and Claui are having a baby!  Claui is 12 weeks along and said baby is the size of a passion fruit (how appropriate) --which is to say, not quite 3 inches long.

They gave us the news a month ago but asked us to wait till the 3 month milestone before going public.  Claui came by yesterday with pictures after her appointment  -- the profile of the face was clear in one and little hands in another. But nothing to indicate boy or girl.

For years I've enjoyed my nieces and nephews, along with my blog friends' grandchildren. And am so looking forward to this new little someone in the holler. . .  in the family . . . in our hearts!