The epidural is in (Laura was a total champ about it, in spite of the needle-phobia), and is trying to relax. We’ll be checking the cervix soon, and will post more at that point. We’re also switching nurses, as Jennifer (nurse 1, who has been fantastic) ends her shift and Dolores (nurse 2) steps in. We are all amazed that the baby has yet to make his appearance, but are optimistic that soon (soon!) the “labor” part will be over and we’ll move into the “delivery” phase.

Laura has officially requested the epidural. If this is anything like Clark’s delivery (and fair warning, so far this has been nothing like ANY of the kids’ deliveries), that means we’re about 3 1/2 hours away. We could also be 30 minutes away, so really, who knows? But we do know that the needle-man is on his way! Bring on the anesthesiologist!

Contractions are stronger! Just look at that chart!

Laura is talking less, closing her eyes more, and trying to relax through the contractions. No epidural yet (they hurt, but not enough to face the looooong needle), but it’s only a matter of time now.

Well, something’s happening. Something new, that I haven’t experienced before. My water is broke, as Nate mentioned and so as not to fall into the category of TMI, which might be too late for some of you, there’s a LOT of water in there. Holy cow. And it won’t stop coming. The nurse said that might be why labor is taking so long to get going. There’s a ton of water-y cushion keeping him from becoming engaged.

Well, that cushion is rapidly diminishing, and I’m starting to hurt. After 8 1/2 hours, it’s about TIME it started to hurt!

Bring it on.

I’m so going to eat those words later.

So, we’re dilated to three, the doctor has come by to break the water, and contractions have, in the words of Emeril, “kicked things up a notch.”

Bring it on.

An update on Laura: She’s contracting, but not terribly strong. She’s comfortable, has been able to eat (Jello and soup, anyway), and is currently walking around, waiting for the baby to do his thing.

As for dad, I have songs from musicals running through my head…

“The son will come out … tomorrow! Bet’cher bottom dollar that tomorrow, there’ll be son!”

Having now been here for 7 hours, it’s starting to feel that way 🙂 We’re still optimistic for today, however at this rate, it will likely be after the kids get home from school.

As always, we’ll continue keep you posted.

From Mom: “Sciatica sucks. That is all.”

From Dad: “Hospital food? Not that bad.”

From Inigo Montoya: “I do not suppose you could a-speed things up?”

And finally, from the Great Space Coaster: “This is Gary Gnu, with the no guh-news, is good guh-news television network.”

That is the worst picture EVER! Nate swears I don’t look like the great Marshmallow Woman, but I’m not convinced.

Added later- and the nurse totally agrees with me.

Although things are progressing (the nurse swears they are!) and contractions are happening (“that was a strong one,” says Laura), there’s not much going on. Still waiting and dilating.

In the meantime, here’s a picture of Laura’s chart, so you can actually see contractions if you care about such things:

And here’s a picture of the mom-to-be-again, looking remarkably chipper for someone who’s actively in labor.