Tonight we visited the "Family Maternity Center" at Evergreen Hospital in Kirkland, where Nora's little brother will be born. Walking through the hallways, I saw the relieved faces of new mothers and furrowed brows of nervous fathers holding their day-old infants. The anxious families in the lounge feigning interest in some inane TV sitcom, the gowns, the nurses' stations, the shrink-wrapped club sandwiches, all of it brought back memories of the nine long days we spent in the hospital when Nora was born. April and I are both hoping that our hospital stay this time will be much shorter and less dramatic.
In true Seattle fashion, fathers are encouraged to come equipped with sleeping bags. They say it's because they don't provide linens on the guest beds, but I'm sure it's really just an excuse for the dads to add some outdoor adventure flavor to their childbirth experience.
The big day is not far off. Nora has been helping us set up the little man's room. She has graciously agreed to share some of the toys and books that she has outgrown. She was even able to feel him kick tonight while April was reading her bedtime story. Nana and Papa gave her a doll for her birthday that she has been dutifully taking care of and putting to bed at night. Unlike Nora, the doll is able to consistently sleep through the night in her own bed.
Nora is also grappling with understanding family relationships. She thought it was pretty funny when we told her that Auntie Pea was mommy's sister, and Uncle Eric was daddy's brother. But when Nana and Papa came to visit, and she found out that Nana was daddy's mommy, things got a bit confusing.
1 comment:
Sounds like a very caring Hospital. We are also wishing for everything to go very smoothly for all of you.
Of course you made us smile with Nora's confusion on how her Daddy's Mommy is her Nana. She'll figure it all out before we know it.
the pictures are precious. Not surprised Nora is getting the nurturing thing down really well.
Post a Comment