It’s funny how things can change from one child to the next. I still remember so clearly – even though it was over three years ago – giving Hayley her first sponge bath. George and I did it together, clearing the dining room table, laying down one adult towel to put her on, setting out a baby towel for afterwards, and we had a basin of warm water, a couple of washcloths, some baby soap, and nerves galore. We were so careful and slow and nervous, bathing that little tiny baby and it was exhausting.

Today I was alone with Bree, and while changing her, she peed. Usually I see it happen and can “catch” it with the towel or blanket she’s lying on, but this time I was in the process of reaching for the new diaper and only noticed when it was too late. It turned out she had gotten it all up her back, so I decided to bathe her. In comparison to Hayley, I took Bree into the bathroom, laid her on a blanket on the counter, ran a washcloth under a stream of warm water, and quickly wiped her down from head to toe. Then I bundled her in a towel with one hand while supporting her with the other, dried her off, and diapered and dressed her. Altogether, it probably took five minutes, if that much.

I guess the second time around, you just don’t get as worked up or nervous.