Maternity Ward

This baby will be the first one to be formally induced. Manina was a little nervous about it, and as a result neither of us slept very well last night. It’s very convenient to be able to plan ahead, get stuff ready, and just make an appointment to have the baby, but knowing it’s going to happen certainly increases the anxiety.

We arrived at about 6:20 AM and went straight into our room. Our nurse, Jana, came in and asked the usual barrage of questions, gave us some paperwork, and got Manina admitted.

Jana got Manina hooked up to all the monitors and gizmos and started an IV. She missed the first time and then had to go into the hand, which seemed pretty painful. Manina is one tough gal though, so she did just fine.

However, Manina was very nervous about getting the epidural. When Drew arrived the epidural turned out to be quite an adventure for both Manina and me — I nearly passed out after they had to try five (!!!) different spots in her back for it to get just right. Manina dreaded getting the epidural this time, and even considered going without it since it went so badly with Drew.

However, this time the epidural procedure was as smooth as silk. Only one poke, not too much pain (according to her), and I didn’t even try to help since I knew I’d be more of a liability. Perfect. She said getting the IV was probably even worse than the epidural.

After the epidural, things get boring until we get closer to showtime. Manina mostly sleeps. The nurse comes in every once in a while to make sure everything is progressing nicely. I try to nap, do some reading, and keep myself from going crazy listening to the beeps, bongs, and blips from all the monitors.

The nurse tells me Manina is progressing nicely and that we’ll be welcoming a new baby soon. Stay tuned.