I was determined to have a earlier labor because I was clearing my annual leave and had exactly two weeks break before my maternity leave kicks in. Also, i would like to spend more time with my baby before going back to work. After a week of "Me" time, i prayed to the Lord about my desire. "LORD, let me go into labor at my 38 week!" 

At my 37 week (with doc's advice for a good dilation), I was walking a lot- at least 2 hours a day and also doing alot of household chores-preparing for Jaekan's arrival. (I am glad I think most of the stuff before delivering!) I was also praying a lot about the delivery-for a natural, smooth, no complications and little pain! I asked God for His mercy. When I saw Dr Gordon for my appointment on my 38 week, he told me "Dawn, there is still no dilation!". What?! After all the hardwork, and there is no still dilation!? My ex colleague, Grace, had 2cm dilation when she was at her 37 week. Here I am, 38 week and still dilation. I was disappointed! I told my husband about my disappointment and on one nice Saturday afternoon, we decided to walk from Gleneagles to Dhoby Ghaut. It was quite a walk. I could feel baby's head engaged at my pelvic area and also tightening of my uterus. Then, we went for a good meal and also a movie-very bloody and violent one! (Ehm, Jon chose the movie and I was so SIAN about the bloody and loudness of the show!) 

Throughout the movie, i felt abit of tightening at my lower abdomen and also back. It was a sensation i never felt before. Afterwhich, I continued having the same tightening cramps throughout the night. I could sleep abit but not too well. I SMSed my doc to tell him about it as it didn't go away and happened every 10 minutes. He told me "You could be in labor, Dawn. Please go to the hospital now." I was completely in shocked and I seriously didn't want to go into the hospital afraid that it maybe a false alarm! I will feel so embarrass for being so paranoid and also having to admit into the delivery suite means extra cost too! I prayed to God for His help!

So on 23rd Sept, I was admitted into the delivery suite for observation. I was told by the nurse that I was in early labor because I am experiencing contractions & these contractions are real! Also, these contractions are considered rather painful according to the machine! I was like-its not that painful but just alittle bit uncomfortable when it comes. Then again, 10 minutes interval is rather bearable. After 2 hours of going through those 10 minutes contractions and not having much progress-I told the nurse i wanted to go home and if it becomes worse, i will admit again. BUT, Dr Gordon decided I must be admitted for further observations. I was sure confused. Then, i am only 0.5cm dilated and I heard that dilation sometimes comes in a few days or people in early labor can experience contractions for a few days-esp with the first child! 

But, a DR's advice is a DR's advice. 

While preparing for my admission and Jon sending out an email to notify his company......my water bag burst! This is one funny sensation and experience. I had a contraction- more intense than other contractions and I could feel something banging against my pelvic and when it hits, something broke and water started to gush out! I was so shocked that I screamed! Jon came in and notify the nurse. The first thing the nurse said "Are you the one who screamed?" I was deeply embarrassed but then again, isn't it supposed to be normal to have some kind of excitement or screams of pain?! Mt Alvernia's labor wards are strangely quiet-not because all the women are just simply so cool and had high tolerant levels. BUT, because they all had epidurals! -_-!! 

So, I was told that I will in 2nd stage labor soon and that, i must deliver baby by 12-24 hours as if not, baby will be in danger. But, its all mother nature right. I was given some kind of medications to intensify the contractions and its intervals so that it will encourage dilation. I was also given epidural too. Then, the nurse told me" after the epidural, you are going to be very comfortable" I was looking forward to watch some cartoons and let the dilation come in its own timing. 

Unfortunately, i felt the contractions even after the epidural! Though not as intense as I can imagined without the epidural, but i still feel the pain! :( Compared to the first contractions, the level of pain wasn't as high, but the pain was coming every 2 minutes. I cried, teared and I couldn't relax as what the nurse said. They have to increase the dosage of epidural which only helped abit. At least it stopped me from crying! Jon-throughout was very supportive nevertheless. :)))) Thank God for a wonderful hubby like him. 

DR Gordon arrived when I was about 6cm to 7cm dilated. Around 30 to 45 minutes later, he decided that I could go into active labor. The next moment- I was told to push & push. I just did what i was told. Can you imagine? Usually people with epidural cannot push. But, I still can-means epidural not working too well! 

Then within like 15 minutes-at 5.36pm, Jaekan Wee arrived! :)))

Jaekan Wee-When he was born: 23rd Sept, 5.36pm.

Jaekan after milk-surprisingly awake for a photo shoot.

Jaekan-like any new born has been real sleepy. But, when he is awake, he is really alert with his eyes looking around, observing and wondering around. :) That's my boy! He also responses to flash cards-looking at them intently and also music, sounds-just like he is in my womb.

Jonathan and myself are looking forward to see him grow each day! :)