Normally, I'm only up at 5:30 on Sundays. But, it's Monday and I'm up at 5:30--and the kid isn't even here yet!
We came to the hosptial after feverishly working in the nursery and bathroom and cleaning the house over the last week. Both of our parents came to help after our our doctor told us at our weekly checkup that she wanted to get that baby out early. Jennifer's hypertension has been causing her worry, though she has constantly reminded us that her bloodpressure is not dangerously high. It hasn't been affecting the baby, regardless. The baby's heartbeat and weight are perfect!
Jennifer and I checked in to the hospital last night at 8:00 after one last date as a carefree young couple. We were expecting to be waiting for several hours before we were actually admitted, but when we walked up to the nursers station, the nurse greeted Jennfier by name. As of last night Jennifer was one of only two patients on this unit.
Within an hour of arrival the nurse had Jennifer's IV started and contractions had begun within 30 minutes of that. So far, they've been sporadically spaced, though they have been coming continuously. She's had spells where they've been as close as 1 minute and spells where they're as far apart as 10, but they've been regular for most of the night.
About 11:30, the nurse came in with a magic little pill for Jennifer (she didn't offer me one) called Ambien. Except for the nurse coming in to readjust her fetal montior, she slept straight through the night. I really never expected to be able to sleep through the early stages of labor. But, I rather liked it. I liked the idea of it, that is. I did sleep, but it was on a pullout couch with a support bar jabbing me in my back. It's a good thing that there's an orthopaedic unit upstairs.
The nurse just came in to start a new medicine. This stuff apparently causes BIG contractions. The doctor, she said, would come in to break the amniotic sack in an hour or two. So, I'm guessing the next few hours will be filled with excitement. I have no idea how long after the water is broken. But, I'm guessing at least six hours? We'll see.
Fatherhood is looming (ooh, that sounds ominous)...I mean fatherhood is around the corner.
I'm a United Methodist pastor serving in Alabama. I serve as associate in charge of evangelism and discipleship. I preach weekly at my church's contemporary worship service.
I have an M.Div. from Duke Divinity School, and a BS in Business Admin. from Auburn University. My high school alma mater is the Alabama School of Fine Arts.
Some of my hobbies include playing guitar and piano and reading. My favorite authors include Stanley Hauerwas, Richard Hayes, Donald Miller, and William Willimon (not just because he is my bishop).
My wife, Jennifer, and I live in Alabama with our cat, Gracie. We have a 20-month-old little boy.