Like most new moms, I have limited time and much desire for sleep, so this story will be told in parts. Plus, that way it won't drive you crazy with its verbosity; or I should probably say with MY verbosity.
I had a feeling the babybutt would be born sometime on or before his due date. According to my calculations of his conception, that would be January 4th. According to the Doc it was January 5th. It's a small difference, but one that worked in my favor.
I started feeling very manageable contractions that got closer and closer together on January 3rd. I waited until they were 6 minutes apart since they were so late and called the nurse who urged us to go in right away. In the nightmare that is triage, they found that I was only 2cm dilated, so sent me away to walk and be rechecked. When at that recheck I was still only 2cm, I was sent home where I rested and then walked some more. Very late that evening, the contractions started to get a lot stronger and spaced themselves farther apart again. They started at 11 minutes or so apart and gradually came back to 5-8 minutes again. Off we went for the hospital! This time I knew it was for real as they were strong enough to cause me much more difficulty. I thanked my body for the heads up though as it gave me time to shower and eat a light meal before going back in for labor.
I could tell that Hub was anxious only by the facts that he broke no traffic rules and was completely accomodating of me. He was one cool (though excited) cucumber. I was not scared at all either! Just really excited. This time I was dilated I think 5 cm, and they weren't sure they were going to keep me. And here's where my first ShitNurse story comes in. Most people I had were phenomenol with a handful of very notable exceptions. I guess I was there so long, I got it all. Since we were admitted to the ER at midnight, it was now January 4th. And now I need a nap with my sweetness, so ShitNurse #1 will make her appearance next time.
Weekend with Hub soon!! He only got a week off. Poor guy. :(