Thursday, April 10, 2008

The Big Day - an hour by hour update (or however often I can)

The following is for family and friends to follow the progress of our baby's birth. I will try to post regularly. Neither of us got much sleep last night - I worked in my studio until about 1:30 am, getting all the last-minute projects out so I could take a week off. On to today:

5:50 am - We arrived at the hospital and Em was in pretty vigorous labor - it appears the inducing won't be necessary.

7:30 am - I am bedside with the laptop and Em is comfortable now, with the pain medication they put in her IV. "Hee heee heeeee whoooooo." Ah, the breathing exercises. She's doing great and it won't be long until Sparky is here. She is in and out of a nap. She is positive she wants the epidural - and I can't blame her a bit. I am the back rubber and hand holder. She is my hero.

8:15 am - They will use a little of the drug used for induction, to see if we can pick up the pace a little.

9:30 am - Em's pain level is pretty high, so they started her epidural. They are going to break her water in just a few minutes. I was given my free meal tickets. (Haha! "Free!" Not hardly) Slowly, her pain is subsiding. Sparky can only be a few more hours away at this point! (he said, fool heartedly) Also they are putting in a catheter - I am pretty jealous. I wish I could pee at will. (I mean voluntarily) More later.

10:30 am - Whoa! Dilated to five, water broke on its own, Em is very comfortable. The nurse estimated early afternoon for arrival, and just made a guess of 7.12 to 8.0 lbs. They're pretty good at this stuff. We'll see. I'm really hungry but lunch isn't for another hour. Maybe I'll get a candy bar or something. See how I'm worried about me? I'm a selfish bastard...

11:45 am - Yes, I know you're wondering - I ate. Had a pizza and some oreos. So anyway, to the point... Emily is now dilated to 9. This is going really, really smoothly. Within the hour we will be pushing. I have the video camera set up to record the whole thing (from behind Em) and am all ready to play coach. I might not get a chance to check in again pre-Sparky, but if not I'll post a picture or two afterward.

11 comments:

Paula said...

I told you that would happen....except I had a feeling that her water was going to break in the middle of the night!!

I'm so happy for the two of you!

You keep us updated on the birth, I'll keep you updated on the weather!

By the way, what do you want from #1?

Blogarita said...

I, too wondered if she'd go into labor on her own over night.

I'll be glued to my computer, waiting for updates.

Chris Johnson said...

I am sooo excited!!1

Bluepaintred said...

This is so exciting. What are the chances sparky will arrive in the next two hours? I have to go out at 11 LOL

I can't wait for a new family picture - this time - the three of you!

Blogarita said...

Who's Will? And why do you want to pee at him?

Beth said...

Looks like I'm not gonna win.... By the way, the play by play is awesome! Good Luck!

Mindy said...

Sitting on the edge of my seat....uh I mean I'm working dilligently...ok so really I'm waiting for new blog updates. Go Em!

rosemary said...

Waiting....I'll keep your site up until....Please tell Em/Violet Happy Birthday, Welcome to Sparky and the best of times for you Dave. with love, rosemary
a blogger friend of Violets.

Dr. Mike said...

Go, Em!! Go, Em!! Love the play by play.. I hope by now you're relaxing, smoking a cigar, and Sparky is enjoying a (uhh, glass?) of milk...

Dr. Mike said...

Clarification on last post:

I meant "cigar for you, Dave... Relaxing to you, Em... and well-- Sparky still gets the milk!"

Crystal said...

yayayayayay!!!!!

you're gonna be a daddy!

again!