Birthing plans

hospitaltour.JPGJan. 22: We took a tour of Meriter’s birthing center on Sunday afternoon.  It was actually a sibling tour, so Andrew got to hold some warm blankets, learn how to make the bed move up and down, and see where the snacks were kept down the hall.  I think that at this point, we’re close enough to the baby’s arrival that he’ll remember the hospital when he comes back next time.  It’s kind of awe-inspiring to imagine him coming to the hospital to meet his new sibling.  I feel a little nervous…like it’s a blind date.  Most of me is entirely sure that he’ll adore his sister, but isn’t it a bit weird to imagine saying, “Hey Andrew, come over here and meet our new family member. She’s here for keeps!”

The best thing I learned is that Meriter has wireless internet access, so that means that I’ll get to post photos and updates after the baby is born.  With Andrew, I couldn’t send out an email until we got home, so there was a 3-day delay.  I don’t promise to send out anything hours after the birth, but it’s nice to know that I can send an update whenever I want.
Michael is my Andrew-care-taker-in-waiting for the next ten days.  After that, Bryan’s mom is coming up from Texas and staying with us to help out for two weeks.  So I feel pretty good about my Andrew-coverage for the birth and hospital stay.  You can usually stay for two days after a normal delivery, so that’s probably what we’ll do.
Here’s a link to some information for visitors to Meriter.  The Birthing Center is on the fourth, fifth, and sixth floors, and you take the North elevator to get there.
My “due date” is February 8, so I’ve probably still got some time, but the big event is coming.  And I think that’s a good thing:)