The Night Before Tripp Was Born. Part 2 of THE SAGA

June 4, 2005

In the early afternoon, the contractions started again. I knew that this time, I was having a baby. So I started getting ready. I vacuumed out the van. I ironed all of Emma's clothes for the week. About six that night, I took Emma and Eli and we went and got groceries at Wal-Mart.

While I was there, I ran into Dr. Terry.

I told him that I would see him in a few hours. He just laughed.

My contractions became much worse over time. I knew that Dave would be home about midnight, and I did not know if I would make it that long. I put the kids to bed about nine. Then I showered, put the finishing touches on my bag, and got comfy in my mu-mu. And I waited.

Around 11 p.m., Dave called. He was going to be home soon! When he drug himself in a few minutes later, I could tell how tired he was. So, I did not say anything yet. But I knew it wouldn't be long.

He walks by me in the laundry room, rubs the baby and says,"Boy, your belly is tight." So I say, "That's because I am in labor."

I would like to say that he ignored me, but that may be a little inaccurate. Maybe he was just hoping it wasn't true.

So then he says, "Are ya hungry?" So I cook him a cheap pizza. And he ate it. And I think I was baking cookies, too. And he ate those, too.

After some time, he turns to me and says, "You ready to go to bed?"
And then I say, "Buddy, your not gettin' it. I am in labor."
And he says, "Don't you think your are over-exaggerating?"

And I killed him. Well, not really. But I could have.
So, he gets his paper. And he starts to time my contractions.
And then he says, "well, they are 5 minutes apart." Surprise!
And then he says, "You ready to go to bed?"
And then I say, "I am calling your mother. I am having his baby tonight. You can go to bed and call me in the morning. I am going to the hospital."

We called my sweet mother in law. She came over and looked like, well, like she had just been woke up at 3 a.m. A little shocked, but a lot excited, too.

And off to the hospital we went.

Dave carried in his laptop so he could catch up on some paperwork. And, he took the papers from the previous week, so he could catch up on the latest going-ons of the town.
Imagine his surprise - about 5 a.m. - when Nurse Amanda says, "well, you are having a baby.
In about an hour."

****disclaimer****

This story is told to the best of my recollection... I was in labor. It hurt a lot. Like, really bad.