Labor

Around 7pm last night, our doctor arrived to begin the process of inducing labor. That definitely began contractions which became more regular through the night. It was a night filled with frequent, laborious trips to the restroom about once every hour. The IV has certainly been keeping her hydrated!

Jean was able to rest overnight with brief periods of slumber. The evening shift nurse checked on us from time to time, and when she arrived about three hours ago to end that first step in the process, she found that Jean had dilated about 1cm. That is good news, though it did not cause her to begin labor which was among the possibilities. The next step began soon after. Since just after 5am, Jean has been on a drip of Pitocin, which has begun to induce labor. It appears to be doing that very well. Glancing over at the monitors, I can see our baby's heartbeat within safe parameters and Jean's labor contractions happening regularly. She is napping right next to me now, trying to rest as much as possible as time and the baby permit.

Depending on how things go, I am not sure that I will post much more until our baby is born. I am appreciating the opportunity to be present with my wife during this miraculous time in our lives. Sure it will be hard and tiring, but it will also be joyful and glorious. I am looking forward to sharing some of that experience here.

For the technically curious, I am not aware of Internet access available to us in our Labor and Delivery room. So, my laptop is connected using my mobile phone through a process called "tethering". Though I can post short updates along with photos from the camera in my phone, it gets a little unwieldy with long messages. I have read most of your replies and comments to Jean, and we have enjoyed them very much. Please keep the prayers and well wishes coming!