In Labor

9:20 a.m.
We arrived at the hospital at 6:00 this morning. As soon as we arrived in labor and delivery, the nurse said, "Room 2". Apparently, we look like expecting parents. :) Pitocin was started around 6:30 and has been increased every 20-30 minutes. I was still 2 centimeters when I arrived. I can feel the contractions but there is not any pain. The doctor said she would probably come around lunch to break my water. So, we wait...

2:20 p.m.
The doctor came around 1:30 and broke my water. Before then, my contractions managed to become regular (every 2 minutes or so), but I still had no pain with them. Now, about an hour since my water broke, I am feeling some pain with the contractions. They are still tolerable though. I was dilated to 3 centimeters when the doctor checked me. I am told things will accelerate now. We still wait...

41 Weeks - Still Counting

We are still waiting on Samuel to arrive. My checkup Friday was good. My weight and blood pressure are still great - my total weight gain now is 23 pounds. The non-stress test was non-stressful (at least for me). The baby's heart rate was terrific, but I had no contractions during the monitoring. The nurse 'buzzed' my belly a couple of times and the baby's heart rate jumped up and then came back down as expected. The best news is, I had dilated 2 centimeters. I will not be surprised if it's more than that now.

Since I am overdue, the doctor scheduled me for an induction Tuesday morning. If I make it to Tuesday, I will be 10 days past my date. While I definitely want to start labor on my own, I am thankful to know that at least by Tuesday, our baby will be here!

I've had a few somewhat painful contractions since Friday, but still nothing regular. I do notice contractions more frequently now, but I do not consider myself in labor yet since the contractions are not very strong or consistent. (Maybe my typing this will get me going!)

I suppose my next post will be announcing the arrival of our little one. I can hardly wait!

Pictures

We had some portraits made this week. I thought I'd include a few here that are my favorites. These were taken either Thursday (5/24) or yesterday (5/26), so basically right at 40 weeks. Also, here are a couple of pictures of our nursery: