Drea is in LABOR!

She started at 6:30 am at home. Her contractions were 5 to 7 minutes apart, but we didn't want to get too excited because we had been through this several times before. But this time they just became stronger and stronger. I tried to comfort her during the contractions and performed other small tasks during the rest intervals. Her amniotic fluid clearly started leaking, but it wasn't a gush. After some reassuring words from Germaine, our Doula we decided to enjoy the first hours of labor together at home. It was a wonderful decision. At noon, Drea felt well enough to eat some mac and cheese - a comfort food that would provide her with some much needed carbs.

By about 2:00pm, the contractions were only 3 minutes apart and Drea decided that we needed to go to the hospital right away. But we were ready. The bags had been packed for days and I had my last minute list prepared and rehearsed.

Our Doula has been wonderful. The next few hours were incredibly stressful. Exams, bleeding, unbelievable pain, nurses leaving us alone for 20 minutes at a time. Germaine's support and calm but effective guidance was wonderful.

At 4:00, after 11 hours of agony, Drea needed a break. The epidural is a wonderful thing. She pushed herself far enough to get the labor well underway - to 4 cm. Now we are both resting. She'll need her energy later tonight.

Jason Thomas Lester will be born soon, one way or another. We aren't yet sure if his birthday will be October 17 or October 18. Both are wonderful choices. If it's the 17th, he'll be a full moon baby, and I'm a big fan of prime numbers - they're sexy. If it's the 18th, it will be in the wee hours of the morning and we'll have all day to throw him a birthday party.

Chad