Title: JJ's Parenting School
By: Daisyangel
Pairing: Prentiss/Reid
Rating: PG
Series: 1) In Midnights in Cups of Coffee, 2) Shut Up and Kiss Me, 3) Here Comes Peter Cotton Tail, 4) Little Moments, 5) Emily, you got some 'splainin to do, 6) You Are Beautiful, 7) Caller Number Nine
A/n: written for the PYOP Challenge over at "Chitchat on Author's Corner" My assigned pairing was JJ/Reid. My assigned scenario: Character A gives character B some advice.
Summary: JJ helps prepare Reid for the arrival of his and Emily's baby.

***

"Are you sure I can do this, JJ?" Spencer asked as he stared nervously down at the three-month-old on the couch.

"Yeah, I'm sure you can do this. Emily's due in two months and you don't have any experience with babies. My sister and brother-in-law are in town and I volunteered to babysit Conner and Caitlin for them today. When I toldd them I was inviting you over so you can get some practice they thought it was a good thing. So are you ready to change Caitlin?"

"Um, yeah, I guess," Spencer replied.

"Good then, let's begin. First you have to unsnap the onesie," JJ instructed. Nodding, Spencer did what he was told.

"Now I remove the diaper, right?" he checked.

"Yeah, that's right, pull the tabs away from the diaper then as you slide it out from underneathher lift her ankles slightly. Yeah, just like that," JJ encouraged. Spencer then reached for the baby wipes and removed one. He carefully cleaned the baby with JJ's guidance.

"Now, how in the world do I put the new diaper on?" he asked. He started to put it on backwards.

"No, like this," JJ corrected adjusting the diaper then letting him finish the job. Once it was back on he fastened the onesie and smiled down at the now dry baby.

"I did it," he said in awe.

"Yes, you did, would you like to hold her?" The genius nodded hesitantly.

"I'm afraid I'll drop her," he admitted softly.

"You won't, just support her head," JJ said placing the baby in his arms ensuring her head was in the bend of his arm. The tiny infant looked up at him and smiled.

"She smiled at me," Spencer whispered.

"That she did," JJ agreed. "It's an amazing feeling, isn't it?"

"Yes it is," the genius replied a wide smile on his face. XXXX

Just then Conner began to cry from his place in the playpen.

"I'll take her and finish getting her to sleep if you want to get him," JJ offered.

"Okay," Spencer answered carefully transfering the nearly asleep baby girl to her aunt while he walked across the room and picked up her fussing brother. He noticed he was sucking on his fingers.

"I think he's hungry. What do I do, Jayje?" he wondered.

"You see that bottle sitting on the counter?"

"Yeah, the one in the glass of water?"

"Yeah, that one, take it out and feel the bottom part of it. Does it feel warm?"

"Yeah, I think so.

"Okay, then, grab a towel and dry it off. Then come back and sit on the couch and I'll help you position him so you can feed him.

"Yes, ma'am." JJ laughed at her friends response. In a matter of moments the expectant father was settled on the couch watching in complete fascination as the small boy drank hungrily from the bottle.

"Maybe I can do this parenting thing after all," he said softly.

"I know you can, Spence," JJ encouraged.

"Is it normal to still be scared?" he checked.

"Not having been a mother I can't say for sure, but yes, I think it is. This is a giant step for you and Em. She's been lucky because several of her friends she grew up withhave babies so she's babysat. That's why she's probably a bit more comfortable with this than you are. It'll get easier, though, I know it," the media liaison told him.

"You're right," Reid replied softly as he instinctively shifted the baby boy to his shoulder and began patting his back. A proud smile crossed his face when he heard the burp. Maybe he could do this after all.

Next story in series - I Saw God Today.