Well, it's on

We're making phone calls, preparing things. Cheryl woke me up at 7:09 AM and asked me to time the contractions. She seems more uncomfortable now, but is finding ways to manage them. In boxing terms, I think the first couple of shots have been taken and she has her head in the game.

Some of you guys know we've been taking a natural approach to this, no just in trying to go med free, but understanding the process and knowing that all these sensations of labor are good and helping.

The most interesting part this morning so far has been that the baby lets her know when a contraction is about to start. The first thing I thought was that perhaps the baby is bringing about the contractions by her movement, but the contractions have had a pretty even pattern. And the baby has been participating in some of them. She starts to move only before one is coming... Cheryl can't tell that the contraction is coming, just when the baby warns her by moving.

Quotes from Cherl just now: "It's weird how you can dread something but hope for something at the same time." ... "C'mon contractions!... oh no here's another one."

The plan right now... We're both going to get something quick to eat, shower and get ready. Rich (our 12 year old) has been visiting his aunt Nora who is out of town and staying at a Best Western. We called them and asked that they bring him at 9 AM. From here, Beth (sister) will bring him to the hospital. Cheryl just called Rob (Cheryl's brother) and Delia to come pick up Grommit later (our dog). Cheryl called her folks. I'm about to call mine.

The stage is set, you've met all the characters...