Getting ready to be a Big Brother and Big Sister

Today was get excited about the new baby day! Each of the kids has things that they like about the new baby, but we wanted to take a day early in the summer dedicated to learning about what having a new baby really means for them! After having pancakes for breakfast, they got to dress whatever doll or stuffed animal they wanted in Baby Reece's new clothes, then we took them to a Sibling Prep Class 

(I would highly recommend this to anyone bringing a new baby into a family with kids. They covered a lot of topics that I just wouldn't have thought to bring up for kids).

• They did a tour of this hospital's labor and delivery, so the kids could see what the room baby will be born in may look like. They got to see all around, and how this hospital makes mommy and baby comfortable. 
• They read books about being an older sibling
• They learned how to change, diaper, swaddle, and bathe a baby
• They learned the rules about holding a new baby
• They learned how babies eat
• They learned the importance of being clean and washing your hands before going around the baby. The kids really liked this part. One because they got to look at germs with a black light, and because it was decided that making sure other people wash their hands before they touched the baby could be their job.
• They also watched a video about how important it is for them to be a big helper is, and learned different ways that they can help. 

At the end they were awarded a Certificate of Becoming A Great Big Brother / Sister, and given a free frozen yogurt coupon...which they wanted to use right away ;)

Then we went to lunch, and shopping for them to buy their baby brother whatever gift they wanted! Kade picked a toy football that he wants to teach his brother to play with. Jenna picked a sunshade for the car that has different decorations she can change for her brother to look at while we are driving. 

On the way home we stopped for a snow cone... Kade had his 3rd snow cone this weekend, and says he wishes I would stay pregnant forever lol 

Next they had a snack (cantaloupe balls and lemonade) and made Baby Brother a personalized onesie while we talked about what they were like when they were babies! I made a collage of each of them when they were babies. We talked about how cute they were, and what they liked when they were small :) They are trying to guess what their baby is going to look like. 

Kade's onesie says "Too Much Awesome", and has a sunshine & waves. On the back it says "brother's are cool"!

 Jenna's onesie says "My Sister Loves Me", and has a park on the bottom. On the back it says "I love big sis"! 

Then we had dinner, and talked about how they will feel lots of different feelings when baby is born. We told them it is ok to feel happy, sad, mad, and even jealous... They promised they will tell us if they need more time with us or are feeling left out. Right now they both say they are super excited which makes my heart so incredibly happy! Kade likes that the baby can hear him now, and that he will get to teach his brother things. Jenna likes that the baby will love them more than anyone, and look up to her! 

They are finishing their night off with a bike ride, so mommy can rest in a quiet house for a little bit. It was definitely a long day for this pregnant mama, but a perfect one indeed!