It’s been an interesting week since I brought Debbie to the hospital to deliver Harrison. Shortly after the birth Debbie was given a sweet corner post-partum room courtesy of our doctor. The next day Lillian and I went to visit Debbie and the two siblings got along swimmingly - Thank Goodness. Debbie and Lillian went through many bags of TGIFriday’s Tato Skins chips and I learned that hospital food really isn’t too bad.

All has not been smooth sailing however. Harrison only pooped twice during his 48+ hour stay in the hospital and his Bilirubin levels were somewhat high (although not as high as Lillian’s) so the threat of jaundice was there. The next day we went to the hospital for a scheduled blood test and the levels were even higher, so Harrison was admitted so he could spend some time under some bililights. All was good about 48 hours later and I even got to spend some time talking to Lynch’s parents.

Sleep is a rare commodity, but I am getting much more than poor Debbie who has to nurse every 2 hours or so. Thank goodness for Debbie’s mom who has been with us for 3 weeks and was able to watch Lillian when we couldn’t. Today Lillian and mom went out to lunch at the Cobblestone Diner and they came back with a green balloon that said, “We ate at the Cobblestone Diner.” Cool.

Borm at 3:15am. 8 PBS 3.75oz

8-9 cm dialated and 90% effaced. This kid is coming soon!

The epidural is in and the contractions are getting way more intense. Debbie is exhibiting some of the same symptoms as the last birth - lots of shaking and feeling cold. Right now shes wrapped up like a burrito in blankets. This hospital features pre-warmed blankets.

Contraction, originally uploaded by mingchen37.

This is what a contraction looks like. The darker red lines are minute markers i think. The downward slopes are what Debbie looks forward to.

Debbie and I pulled up at the hospital shortly before 11pm and saw Dr Iwamae walking in at the same time. Debbie was admitted quickly and oddly enough she was places in room 429 - the same room Lillian was delivered in. Dr Iwamae arrived shortly after and it looks like we’ll be talking about batting averages and OPS while he’s delivering Harrison.

Debbie is getting an IV now and soon the epidural will be placed which means I get kicked out.

Looks like Harrison’s birthday will be the 23rd. Mark your calendars.

Contractions are about 5 min apart and lasting 1 min. The doctor on call just called and asked, “Is is time?”

We’re heading to Riverview now.

No change from the 3:00pm appointment. Debbie contractions are becoming more intense. The doctor said to come in later if they got unbearable (ie - too uncomfortable to sleep) or come in for the scheduled induction tomorrow at 7am. We headed home.

Debbie is 3cm dialated (you need to be 10cm to deliver - for those who never have). The doctor asked Debbie what she wanted to do. Go home and come back at 5:30pm or head to the hospital now. We decided to chill out at home for a bit since it’s not that far.

Heading back to the doctor in 2min.