We're settled into the birthing room now, and the night shift nurse has finished all the paperwork. The OB wing is virtually deserted. Tonight and tomorrow will be quiet due to the holiday.

Amy and I are just listening to the audio of the baby's heartbeat, and the contractions are gradually getting stronger. Baby's heartbeat (first pic) is normal, and the contractions are arriving at 3-4 minute intervals (third pic). Dilation is only 2cm, so we could be in this early phase for 5-20 hours (!). Then active phase labor for 3-5 hours. Oy.

The baby's still squirming and kicking a little. I imagine baby girl feels like her bathtub has drained. The heat's turned up, and we've dimmed the lights. Time for us to try to take a nap.

- mike lee -