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December 13, 2007
In Training
We have signed up for a class to learn all about the process of bringing a child into this world. The class will be in early February, for eight consecutive hours, at the Chestertown hospital. Apparently, we will learn all sorts of useful things, which is good, because my current level of knowledge about how to bring a child into this world is very low. This much I can say: I was reading in our Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy the other day and saw the checklist of things to bring to the delivery room. I was extremely heartened to see that, along with some of the more obvious items for the expectant mother, the book suggested that one bring "snacks for your birthing partner." That's me! Snacks FOR ME. I felt very included, especially since some of the other pregnancy books we've read seem to take the attitude that the father will not care about the baby and might actually hate it. In all seriousness, these books have long sections about how the mother will have to try very hard to make the father take an interest in the child and to expect disappointment when it comes to the father's participation in the child's nurturing. Perhaps the members of my sex are more disappointing than I realize. Perhaps such incentives as "snacks for your birthing partner" are needed to make us feel invested in this whole child-rearing thing.
The child birthing classes are still a ways off, but we did have a bit of parent training last night. Those of you who have been reading this blog for a while will remember Tanker, Iggy's boyfriend from across the street.
Tanker and Iggy get along incredibly well and seem to share some secret affinity that makes their relationship truly unique.
Tanker, unfortunately, has been out of commission for the better part of a year recovering from a hip replacement surgery, probably the result of an injury sustained on this snowy romp.
He has recently recovered, however, and so the relationship has begun anew. And it has thrived! So much so that a few nights ago, Tanker's mom sheepishly asked us if Iggy might come over for a sleepover. In spite of my paternal concern (is she too young for this sort of thing? is Tanker a gentleman?), I acquiesced, and yesterday at 4:30, Ann came to fetch my Iggy away. Not fifteen minutes later we received an email indicating that Tanker and Iggy were having a heck of a good time, and just fifteen minutes ago I saw them walking by outside the window, side by side on a brisk morning walk.
It is strange not having her lying beside me, but I realize that part of my duty as her adopted father figure is preparing her for the world and knowing when the time has come to let go.
I am certain that I will be among the most enlightened (and, armed with my snacks, probably the best fed) father-to-be in those classes in February. I will do my very best not to gloat.
Posted by bogenamp at December 13, 2007 12:30 PM