Getting Ready for our New Baby

We're glad to be back home from the hospital.  It was around 6pm on October 30 when I started feeling contractions.  I have worked hard over the past few weeks to get things ready before delivering our baby. I must say, I still have a lot of work left undone until these contractions began.  At first, I really wasn't sure if these contractions would continue.  Upon monitoring, each contraction was at a 25-minute interval.  I consulted my doctor, who advised us to go to the hospital. In the back of my mind, I felt unprepared to give birth, worrying about the tasks I should have completed.  Pakner4lyf had many scheduled appointments the next day and had to cancel them all because he needed to take me to the hospital.  It took us a long time to leave for the hospital. My husband needed to stop by the supermarket first, and from there, unexpected incidents caused further delays. Meanwhile, I continued to  monitor each contraction I was experiencing.  

My husband finally arrived, and he immediately pulled out the groceries he bought for our bakeshop. Then he loaded the things I needed to bring to the hospital, and off we went.  We were fortunate not to encounter heavy traffic on the road.  When we arrived, I was about 2 - 3 cm dilated and was having contractions at 10-minute intervals.
Based on my past experience, I expect that I might be able to deliver by midnight because all of my kids were born at that time and my contractions started around the same time as well.  My doctor came to check on me.  She confirmed that the contractions were a bit irregular, occurring at 5 to 10-minute intervals.  We decided to admit me to the hospital.  After some preparations, I was brought to the labor room. With each hour, the contractions lasted longer and became stronger, still at a 5-minute interval, but I knew the intensity wasn't enough to break my water bag. I continued to wait; midnight passed, and while the pain increased a little, it was still tolerable- I knew it wasn't the kind of pain you feel when the baby is coming.  I wanted to sleep and get some rest, but the pain I was having wouldn't allow it.  It was 4 o'clock in the morning, and it felt like forever...I had been waiting so long, and I really felt tired.  I wondered if I would still have enough energy to push later on when the strong contractions happened.  After looking at the clock to monitor the contractions, I decided to lie down on my side and slowly closed my eyes to get some rest. When I opened my eyes again to check the time, I realized I had managed to nap for about 30-45 minutes.   I was so surprised! I actually took a nap, and the contractions were no longer there.  To cut the story short, I didn't give birth this time.  They took me to my hospital room. My husband had no idea what happened to me.  I told him the rest of the story while we were in our room.   We couldn't leave the hospital right away and go home because if we did, we would end up with a bigger bill due to our health insurance requiring a 24-hour stay.  We preferred to stay and utilize the healthcare benefits.

Our hospital experience felt more like a vacation or date with my husband.  This is one thing I appreciate about what happened.  Since the time he drove for me and then waited in the emergency room, the hours spent in our hospital room were very precious to me.  I truly enjoyed the bonding moment we shared.  

It also felt a bit funny. My husband and I were discussing how to explain to our children why their baby brother is not yet out.  For sure, they'll ask about it.  

Now I had to rest because the labor I spent at the hospital was no joke.  I am trying to regain my strength after that sleepless night.  So when the true labor comes, I will be ready.  It's really hard to tell when our baby will arrive.  I know only God and the baby know when the exact due date is.  

To our  baby, you are truly making your birthday more remarkable and surprising.  Everyone is excited to see you.