Hey girl. Yeah I don't know how you're walking that much still. I literally layed on the couch the last few weeks. A lot of mine was water from the toxemia. I lost 43 pounds in 10 days after I delivered, so I know that was water - my ankles looked like I was a 500 pound woman.
I'm actually in Plainfield, but RIGHT next to Joliet, like - down the street is Joliet practically....we use Joliet for all of our utilities and stuff. We should do lunch sometime!!
Yeah I ended up getting an epidural - I didn't want one...I went 22 hours at 6cm dialated before I got one...but I wasn't progressing and they said it was because I wasn't relaxing. I got the epidural and had him 2 hours later. Went from a 6 to a 10 in less than half an hour. I could have had him out quicker if I had used a mirror from the start. Being able to SEE his head coming out was complete motivation. My pushes were MUCH better with the mirror, and it was just incredible to watch. They should have a standing mirror in the room, whether you use it or not.
As far as spitting goes...I had tons of excess saliva. So did StephS (Speaking of her - where is she?!?!) I spit all the time, or I would throw up because it was so gross to me. I slept with a garbage can by my bed so I could spit. I couldnt really brush my teeth at the end because I got so grossed out I would throw up and then my teeth felt even grosser.... Gosh, talking about all this is making me second guess trying to get pregnant again! LOL.
I agree with you on the hospital thing...I like being in hospitals cuz you're catered to! My hospital had awesome food (I know, weird), and seriously you get all the attention, so it's fun.