Well, we went to the doctor on Monday for a check-up, and the doctor confirmed that these Braxton Hicks contractions have in fact been doing something. Sarah is currently 3 cm dilated and 80% effaced. Apparently, I made quite the face when he said that, because Sarah just started laughing. I looked at the doctor and said, “Well, wait a second. I’m confused. Don’t…people normally go to the hospital when they’re 3 cm dilated?” His response: “Yup – and we send them home.”
So, he didn’t seem to think that it was going to happen…like…yesterday. But he did say that he was taking off next week, and that IF we were still pregnant when he got back on January 3 (our due date is January 8), then he’d be happy to induce her, because she’s ready. (Just a note, we aren’t actually planning on being induced, assuming all things progress normally and naturally. That’s the plan anyway.)
So. It’s all up to Caleb now, I guess. Here are some of my recent thoughts and experiences since finding this out:
- For some reason, it’s hitting me JUST NOW that we’re going to have a baby. It’s really going to happen.
- Every time that my phone rings, and it’s Sarah, I freak out. I answer the phone with a semi-frantic “Yes?!” and her first response has been to say “I’m not in labor. Now…”
- I’m grateful that we spent time yesterday packing the hospital bags.
- I’m also grateful that our car seat is installed and we’re ready to just throw it into the Subaru at a moment’s notice.
We have hired a doula, and I know that I’m going to be extremely grateful for her presence (because let’s be honest, the doula is there as much for me as she is for Sarah).
Sarah’s been devouring books recently, learning about vaccines, happiest babies on the block, the birth process, and a lot more. I’ve read a very small amount, and now I’m slightly terrified that I have absolutely no idea what I’m doing. And I know that parenting is basically all on-the-job-training, but…perhaps I should stop writing blog posts and start reading more.
I know Sarah is ready for Caleb to come…well, yesterday. But I’d personally like to get through Christmas (I’m doing communion for the first time at our Christmas Eve Service, and preaching on Christmas morning). But let’s be honest, anytime between December 26 and 11:59pm on December 31st would be great, because who doesn’t want a tax break for just a couple days in 2011?
At any rate, this really is happening. I doubt I’ll blog much more until we have some super cute photos of the cutest baby in the world to show you, but if you want to keep updated, be sure to follow me on Twitter at @adamwc. I should note, however, that it’s been decided that it will be best for our marriage if I don’t live-tweet the birth. So you’ll know when we get to the hospital, and then you’ll know when Caleb is born. We’ll fill you in on the rest of the details later. Wish us luck and keep us in your prayers!
I know you all are getting a ton of unasked for advice right now, so I’ll add my piece as well. 🙂
When our son was born one of the most important things that I was able to do in the delivery room was to make sure my wife was heard and to make sure she heard things being asked of her. It was very easy as everything else was going on for my wife to say something and not be heard, or for someone to direct something at my wife, but she didn’t hear it because her attention was directed on giving birth.
God’s blessings on all of you!
Great call on the doula – Landon would tell you that the doula is what made our last 2 births (with 2 different doulas) much better experiences, and I wholeheartedly agree. I’m so excited for you two!
Happy waiting! I’m delighted for you two. (And by the way, there’s no *preparing* for this. You’re as ready as you ever can be. Just enjoy these moments of sweet anticipation.)
Money for the doula was the best money I’d ever spent. 🙂 Blessings!
Good luck! As a father who lost his child it is an inspiration to see someone so excited for their baby, and to be at that point where we hope to be someday. I hope it is wonderful!