1:22PM There’s no way to know these things, but I think the waiting game is drawing closer to conclusion. Contractions are now lasting longer and are more intense. I expect the pushing to begin fairly soon.
Status update
10:03AM Since we aren’t “supposed” to use our cell phones in the hospital, we won’t be “answering” incoming calls reliably. I will continue to keep this page updated as we progress. Current we’re 100% effaced, and the cervix is dilated to 4-5cm. That’s progress, but the epidural slowed things down a bit, which is a very normal occurence.
Nap time is over
3:45AM. Nap time for papa is over. Serious contractions have started and firm lower back massage is the order du jour. We’re up to 4 cm and contractions are regular so things are progressing well. The IV has been started and the epidural is on order.
All settled in – the wait begins
1:18AM – All is quiet in the hospital room. We’ve checked in, so we’ll be here for the duration. They’ve monitored both mommy and Junior and all is well. The contractions are still mild to moderate, but we’re 80% effaced, so we’re progressing well. Jen’s in the bathtub, soaking. I’m preparing to take a nap.
On our way to the hospital
9:30PM Contractions are down to seven-eight minutes each. Cookies for the nurses are in the oven. When the cookies are done, we hit the road and head up to the hospital.
Jen’s Water Broke
On Thursday’s exam, Jen was already dialated 2cm. That’s a very good sign, meaning her body is getting prepared for a healthy natural pregnancy. Her water just broke (7:30PM). It looks like things are progressing towards a slightly early delivery. We just packed up our hospital bags and now Jen’s trying to rest up for the big event.
Stay turned, more details to follow.
Look what I found!
Somebody had a very thoughtful and loving way to say “Happy Anniversary” this morning. đ
Jen has an outie!
Another milestone in Jen’s pregnancy has been reached. Jen’s bellybutton is now an outie!
Home Maintenance
We’ve been working away at the house a fair bit lately. Nearly all the drywalling is done and we’ve finished up all the mudding and sanding. How do you know if you’ve been working with mud for too long? We’re not sure, but we figure it’s at the point where you begin looking for holes to fill that aren’t in the wall.
We’re in the home stretch now, all the walls are finished. Nearly all of them are primed and a few are painted.
The countdown
As of today, we have 34 days to the due date for little junior. The pregnancy is going as good as could possibly be expected. Jen is carrying the little Michelin extremely well, but you can finally tell that she’s pregnant.
Until this last week, she’s been gaining a mere 1/2 lb per week. This is the babies “plumping up” period and the weight gain has accelerated. Mama has developed a bit of amnesia, something other fathers have told me is quite normal. Personally, I think it’s quite fun.
Today she had the very first contraction that she felt. As I understand, it’s quite normal to have them sporadically in the last 6-8 weeks. I can tell exactly how far along she is by her answer to the “are you ready to get him out yet?” When the discomfort level exceeds the fear of giving birth, I’ll start keeping my hospital bag packed.