Last pre-baby posting

Hey all,

This is Todd. It's 6:23 AM on December 31st, 2008. I'm sitting in a delivery suite at Bergen-Mercy hospital. Let me recap the days events for you

Tuesday Dec. 30th

2:15 PM - We met with Dr. Kenna for Lynda's weekly appointment. She was 2 cm dialated and thinning. We took an ultrasound that showed that Baby Boy Laird weighed in at 8 lb. 11 oz. Her protein levels in the urine sample were elevated so we were ready to take a 24 hour collection and if they were still up then she was going to induce, well, today! If not, then it would be next Tuesday.

5:00 PM - Lynda feels a bit of, what she thought to be, cramping. It turns out to be contractions that are about 15 minutes apart. This is a good start. Nothing to be really alarmed about.

7:00 PM - The contractions are now 5 minutes apart and are coming more regularly. Lynda decides to call the Doctor and see what to do. With Dr. Kenna's advice, we decide to go to the hospital soon.

9:15 PM - We arrive at the hospital and check in only to find that all birthing suites are full or need to be cleaned so we are put in an overflow room that is kind of small. No problem except the contractions are coming more regularly. 2-3 minutes apart and are growing in strength.

1:00 AM - We are moved to our suite where we've been since. Lynda has had enough of the pain. I can't blame her one bit. It looked excruciating for sure.

1:30 AM - Epidural goes in and things are much more smooth sailing. Lynda is able to rest a little throughout the night and is doing quite well.

6:00 AM - We're at a little stand still. Pitosin is used to speed up contractions. It just so happens that the baby's heart rate dips below 100 for a while which scares us all. A scalp, heart monitor is inserted and it turned out to be a coincidence. Turns out he may have rolled over and cut off his blood supply for a moment. Minor crisis averted. No other major problems.

Rosemary, our nurse, is a pro. She has attended to Lynda's every need. It has been a long exhausting night (don't forget sleepless) but it will all be worth it in a matter of hours.

So this ends a chapter of our lives. PRE-BABY. I'll be posting some pics and an update as soon as possible after this little one is born. Oh, and the name...... you can wait one more day, or a few more hours at least right?

Love to all,

The Lairds