Never Got to Eat Any of the Rice

July 15, 2008.

Approximately 6pm

I arrive home from work and start the rice cooker. I'm hungry and thinking rice will be a nice treat for my tummy. I haven't felt so hot all day and want to eat something bland. As the rice is cooking, I go into our bedroom, turn on the television, and lay down on the bed. Hmm, I think, something feels a little weird. I go into the bathroom. After thirty seconds, I look up at the ceiling and have a little heart-to-heart with God. "This can't possibly be happening now. I have one month left to go. Maybe if I ignore it, it will go away." The responsible voice inside my head says, "uh, let's be smart about this. Call the doctor now!" I listen to the voice and speak to the doctor's answering service. Within two minutes, my OB calls me back. Two minutes after that, I'm leaving a desperate but calm message for Lee. Two minutes after that, I call my mom. The phone rings and it's Lee wondering where we're going to meet for our last parenting class that starts in thirty minutes. Change of plans - you better come home. My water just broke. I try not to sound scared but I am. After Lee arrives (wish I could have been a fly on the wall for that drive home!), we immediately head to Pasadena and a hospital we weren't prepared to be at. In the parking garage Lee heads for the stairs. "I think I should probably take the elevator, " I say. "Oh right," he replies. We find our way to the Maternity Wing. Tests are run, blood is drawn, paperwork is submitted, and IVs are started (ick!).

This is night #1 of 9 spent in the hospital before Nate arrives.