baby mama drama

i had decided yesterday that, even though it didn't look like the baby was coming until the scheduled induction on Thursday morning, i would take the day off to spend with Robin and get everything prepared.

well, at 8am we got a phone call from one of the nurses in Labor & Delivery to ask if we were still planning on coming in for the induction... today. they had written on their schedules 5/21 but had written on our appointment card 5/22. anyway, they asked us if we'd rather come in today, so Robin flew out of bed as fast as a pregnant woman can fly and Grandma Nancy and

Aunt Nykkole whisked us to the hospital by 9:30.

right now Robin has gotten her IV hooked up and they've decided which induction procedure to use, we're just waiting for them to get the big show started.

this is the future papa signing off for now but i'll be providing updates when i can.

EDIT 1:00PM: one picture was taken at about 9:15am before we left the house. the other was taken around 10:45am, waiting for the drugs that speed up the labor to kick in.

EDIT 4:00PM: the nurses have Robin using a birthing ball (a fancy exercise ball) to relieve some of the pressure on her back. she was given Pitocin at about 3:15 with the plan to increase the dosage every 20 minutes. things are moving along steadily.

EDIT 5:00PM: it was agreed upon to have Robin's water broken, which happened at 4:45. Pitocin continues to drip through her IV and contractions have gotten stronger and more frequent. so, after being here for 7 1/2 hours, we might be getting somewhere. Robin is staying strong and making me really proud.

EDIT 6:30PM: there will be no heroes made here today. Robin decided at 5:30 to start an epideral and finally has it in place and working now. she's still doing great and everything is advancing normally. if you're wondering about me (i know all of you are), Aunt Beth and Uncle Seth delivered Arby's to quell the growling in my stomach.

EDIT 8:15PM: with Robin's most recent checkup the experts have determined she's 8cm dilated and nearly 100% effaced. the drugs have been quite effective. also, Clayt, Robin says thanks for the advice and encouragement. classic.

EDIT 9:15PM: the most recent checkup reveals Robin is 9 1/2cm dilated. we're currently full speed toward delivery, so stay tuned.

EDIT 10:00PM: doctors deemed Robin fully dilated at 9:35 and Robin's been doing some effective pushing since then.