Something to talk about

5am - I woke up from the contractions. Just as every time before, I wondered if this was the start to something to talk about. The real deal. I grabbed Darren's touch bedside and began timing the contractions.

Kirsten and I always discussed trying to go back to sleep, and I knew my body would tell me when it was time, so I tried. But, even though I had only gotten about 4 hours of sleep, my mind was too anxious, thinking about this being IT. I timed them for about an hour and a half, mostly lying down. They were 7-8 minutes apart, and a little closer together when I was up, just like with Reece. I wasn't sure whether to call Kirsten, but she had always said she wanted to know if something was going on, even early on.

6:30am - I called her with the info. She was on her early morning run w/ Jeanie, so a little breathy. ; ) She said she'd finish up, come on over, we'd spend some time together, and maybe get some breakfast. I was excited, but also nervously hopeful that this was it. Having the timer helped, because when you use the clock instead, sometimes you get lost in the numbers...and I think you err on the side of being closer together. At least 7 min apart for that long was something...and something is productive even if it wasn't IT today.7:45am - Kirsten arrives. With a house up and full of those watching this pot, we decided for a distraction - breakfast. In this last trimester Sausage Egg McMuffins were a breakfast I craved. So we left the McDonald's for McDonald's in order to help will on another McDonald.

We sat there chomping and chatting (Duh, I was doing the chomping. I think she was just sipping coffee.), and checking out my contractions. There weren't many people there, but I did feel watched, especially when contracting. The contractions were regular, about every 5 minutes or so, but only 30-60 seconds apart. I kept thinking that although this seemed like something, it was nothing compared to what was to come.

8:58am - Got back to the house and updated my facebook status: In early labor. Walking w/ Kir and staying mobile. Should be A WHILE before we're hospital bound. Don't call us, we'll call you. ; ) (and I'll update when we leave for the hospital)

9:05am - Opted for a walk around the 'hood. Mom joined and was just so glad to be with us. I was glad too. The morning was nice...walking amongst the morning dew and trees was a wonderful distraction if there is such a thing with two people following a big pregnant lady around. But, it was two of my favorite people. Kirsten was again in charge of the contractions and it was nice to NOT focus on those numbers.

9:51am - Returned home from the walk. The contractions were erratic according to Kirsten, about every 6 minutes lasting 45 seconds. Hmmm, I thought.

Little Ms. Must-talk-about-everything-and-think-about-everything wanted to chat about how long labor will last and about what phase we were in. (Yes, that is me.) I would have thought we'd be on our way to the hospital by now, but the contractions weren't agreeing just yet.

After we got home, I sat. Sitting for me always means 1 thing...contractions space out...and they did. They became 8-10 minutes at best. Hmmmm, again. I got on the birth ball and leaned back into Kirsten for a little back massage.

During one of the contractions, it was quiet as I concentrated on relaxing and breathing through it. My eyes were closed, but I felt a hand on me, and then a head. I assumed it was mom, and opened my eyes to see my little boy, quietly loving on his momma. I cried, and am pretty sure there were a few other teary eyes in the joint. It was a simple, beautiful gesture from his tender sweet heart...a moment that I will never forget.There were a few rambunctious ones mixed in as well. After a bit, Darren took Reece to Home Depot for an errand. We decided to head out again before they got back.

11am - Wrote on facebook - Still in early labor. Headed to mall walking w/ kir and mom. soooo happy to be here. ♥

11:35am - We walked mostly inside Macy's because I felt too conspicuous in the mall. I was having to concentrate a lot more through the contractions and didn't want to deal w/ a bunch of people looking at me. When a contraction came on, I quickly found a dressing room or corner to hunker down for a minute. Then, on we went again.

Ate at Corner Bakery. I think I got a BLT, but mostly picked at it. I remember sitting next to Kir with Mom across. I could see my reflection in the mirror in the distance. In between the contractions, I saw a woman calm, peaceful, pregnant, blessed to be here. It was me! I again felt overwhelmed by this gift, as I have so many days before this one. And now, it was nearly time to welcome this precious miracle of a life into this world. This little moment was so still...just mine, this baby, and God's.After 'lunch' we roamed the open mall a bit more.
12:30pm - Kirsten updated facebook: Loving the looks from passersby at northpark. this is normal labor folks!

The contractions got a bit stronger and closer together. Harder to be in public, we decided to head home to labor more comfortably and less conspicuously, and get ready for hospital, which seemed like what was coming soon. We made it to the double doors out when a pretty decent one hit. Kir was doing a hip squeeze on me as I leaned over. Mom and Kir said that a lady walking into the mall looked at us in horror!

We walked pretty quickly to the car, just trying to avoid a mid parking lot scene. However, I wasn't really looking forward to the car ride home. Labor + car = UNCOMFORTABLE!

2:30ish - Back home and laboring. Reece was napping. Nascar and some other clatter was on the the tv. I promptly requested none...not very politely as I recall. : ) Kirsten was timing and massaging behind me. Mom and Darren were encouraging, and probably feeling a little anxious. After all, these were getting pretty good (which means PAINFUL!!!) and pretty close together. I bet they were thinking it was time to go, and they sure weren't far off.

Wasn't much longer before we were at 5-1-1. Time, FINALLY I felt, to call Dr. H. I felt certain I called the doctor earlier than this in labor with Reece. But these were nice contractions (as Kir would called this) with a true 5-1-1...some were even closer together.

Left a message for the answering service and awaited the return call. That part felt like an hour, which was probably 15 minutes or less. : )

Dr H called. I told him about the 5-1-1 and about our day. He said, "Well, it sounds like it's time to come in and join the birthday party!" He was already at the hospital. I think I said, "REALLY?" in excitement. Finally, it was time!

3:43pm - Updated facebook, "loading up and baylor bound", and then shut down the computer. Being past due and laboring all day, you'd think everything for the hospital would be well organized and ready to go. Instead, things were in different places and felt like a mad dash to load the car.

Car got packed (thanks to big D), we waited for a contraction to pass, and I jumped into the running car. It was scary thinking about laboring in the car. I decided that sitting in the front seat would be too incredibly painful. Both car seats were in the back, yet I managed to wedge myself and my big fat belly back there. I hunkered down as far as I could, holding onto Reece's seat for balance.

Mom stayed behind with Reece. I could see the excitement, anxiousness, worry, and a little sadness all over her sweet face. I know she wished she could be right there with me.

Looking back on the car ride, it was hilarious. I was moaning and groaning, and YELLING at Darren over and over that he was going too fast and we were going to have a wreck. As I peered out of the side window, everything seemed to be FLYING by. It felt like a scene from a The Fast and the Furious.

(Later when we rode home from the hospital with new baby in tow, D said, "THIS is about how fast we were going." Not only was he not speeding, it was S-L-O-W!)

Although there was little traffic on the roads, I remember a road block or construction that altered our route. ARGH! D handled it well, but I was worried about how much longer it would take.

I think I only had to endure 3 contractions in the car before we got there. Kir was waiting when we drove up. I bet she laughed pretty hard inside when she saw how I was wedged in the back. It was a little difficult to 'unwedge' as well. ; )

Had another contraction in the hallway before I even got to the L&D doors. Then, as we get up to the desk, me hunched over, holding my belly, and scowling (but smiling too as I remembered the last time I was at that desk, I was a photographer. This time I was the momma about to give birth!), they asked what we were there for. Seriously, people?

I was thinking that I might show them RIGHT HERE if they don't get me a room soon.They did. At 4:25pm, I got a room and nurse Meg, and getting checked was next...