Labor!!!!!

Sorry it's taken so long to post, but the laptop just got here.  Thing have been going great!  Lily's heart rate has been sound.  Her blood pressure dropped a little, but the nurse says that's progress.  I've dilated 9 cm, so I think we're close!

I was very fortunate to get an epidural at the beginning, so I've felt no contractions!  I'm such a wimp, but it's been totally worth it because I've not been distracted, I've been totally relaxed, and my mom hasn't had to worry about me because I'm not in pain, and that takes away my worry about her worry.

I don't know when we'll post next. (I think Autumn will be in charge of that.)  The nurse (Renee) just called the doctor, and he's on his way.

Thank you for keeping up with this.  Thank you for your thoughts and prayers!  

Contractions?

3:51. . .4:01. . .4:11. . .(Could this be it?) 4:21. . .(A little back pain) 4:29. . .(Drat, not much there) 4:39. . .4:51. . .(Back to the :01s?) 5:01. . .(Another) 5:12. . . (Maybe the seconds were off)

This is the way my early morning has gone. So far, I'm pretty calm, but I sense this fear, hovering in the background like a blanket of fog waiting to envelope me. Honest to goodness, though, I feel as if it's warded off by this "umbrella" of protection that not only surrounds me and Lily but surrounds my whole family. Your fervent prayers.

Perhaps the Extreme Tator Tots from Sonic has kick-started everything into motion. If not, I plan to spend a little time (easily) working in my yard, to get a much-needed hair cut, and to put last-minute items together. I'll probably work a nap into the day, too.

. . .5:23 (Nothing yet. I think I'll try to go back to sleep.)