I don’t envy anyone who gave birth prior to 1943. Before that time, there were not many ways of preventing pain during childbirth without serious side effects and potentially damaging the baby. Caesarean sections under general anesthesia were used only as an emergency measure. But alas, here in the year 2009, Sarabeth sleeps gracefully with the blinds drawn, as her uterus contracts and squeezes Baby Clarke closer and closer to the world. No screams, no yells, no “I HATE YOU JOE” rants. Yes, we live in a great age.

Bud Light presents, Real Men of Genius. Today we salute you, Mister “I’m the guy who invented the epidural” guy. With your amazing procedure, you can bring an end to the suffering of husbands all around the world. Yes, hands a plenty are spared by the wrath of writhing angry wives. (background singer: I’m gonna need xrayss) No more silly counting, no more encouragement that bounces off the invisible shield of blind temporary hatred. We salute you, Mister “I’m the guy who invented the epidural” guy, because a happy wife, means a happy life.

All joking aside, SB is doing great. She is about 4cm and we’re just waiting. People have been in and out most of the day, it’s quiet now and we’re just waiting. The people in the rooms around us both had their babies, and we can hear little cries from their rooms! Also nurses yelling at each other, which I find more entertaining than the baby crying.

Also, my phone is turned off because of the epidural machine. If you need me send me an IM or email.

Oh yeah. You knew it was coming. Let’s hear it for having a baby in the year 2009. 0 pain and close to 0 risk, and best of all, she can still push and will be comfortable. Dale the man with the plan, just saved my hand. The pictures say it all.

Notice that’s the biggest smile she’s had yet today!

w00t pain meds!

Like that. Wowzers.

Terry Tait reference for all of you who don’t get what the subject of this post means. Time for the breathin!

SB is starting to feel a bit of pain during the contractions now, the Pitocin is coming along more quickly now that she is on her second bag of penicillin, they bumped up the ML/hour. She also is glad she hasn’t eaten anything because when she gets a contraction she’s feeling nauseous. Before too long we’ll probably get an epidural.

My Hand is a squeeze toy – Out

Dr. Bellante just broke SB’s water, so here we go. I remember well my baby training from nurse “Boss Hogg” at Akron General. Ouch time is probably coming up soon. Can’t guarantee updates during that time period.

I took a nap from 12-1 so I’m pretty much set.

Party in the crib. (pun intended)

The last time Sarabeth ate was when we were at Jimmy Johns last night, so now the hunger factor is really starting to set in for her. She can’t have anything, because of potential anesthesia complications. Oh chicken sandwiches…Sarabeth longs for thee.

That’s right. The latest news is quite amazing:

Ice chips. More later. I’m sure things will be more eventful in the future.

We’re still just waitin for some action. We will be available on Skype once we’re set and ready (that’s more for my family that can’t be there). My Skype name is “elgwhoppo”.

Waitin for Pitocin to ramp up, SB is doing just fine.

Yayyy for labor inducing drugs…that is until she feels the affect of them. SB is now on Petocin and we’re just waiting.

I just had 2 granola bars, a bacon egg and cheese bagel, some hash browns and an OJ. I’m pretty much set to cheer for SB and Baby Clarke.

I just asked SB if she had anything she wanted to say to you guys. She said no. I’ll leave it at that.

Sarabeth and I are officially at the hospital and getting ready.  She just had her IV put in and we are just chilling and filling out paperwork. Holy cow, there is a lot of paperwork. SB has to write with her IVed up arm, but it seems like she’s doing pretty good. Hey, don’t be mad at me, I asked if she wanted me to fill it out. Next update, who knows when.

Doesn’t she look cute in her little “breezy” gown?

Workin hard at paperwork…

While she is still smiling!