Got a tour of the hospital today during our childbirth class.  I feel so much better now just knowing what the rooms look like, how supportive everyone is, and quite simply just how friendly everyone seems to be.  Knowing what to expect is half the battle.  Now I have 8 more weeks to continue preparing for the "main event"!  I'm starting to doubt my conviction of the epidural.  I keep hearing that it makes you numb and that I won't be able to get out of bed at all (and the needle is super-huge and scary).  We are learning so many different labor techniques during childbirth class that really require me to be mobile right up until the birth, that I am starting to think I would prefer pain medication as opposed to epidural.  Part of me is scared that I'll miss some of the experience if I'm numb from the waste down.  I'd like to do this more than once, God willing, but you simply can't count on that.  I have to make the most of this experience!  Next class we'll learn more about the epidural and pain meds, so I'll pay extra special attention.  Also, just signed up for a breastfeeding class and infant CPR.  We are going to be the most prepared parents on the planet!!