Today is my sweet girl’s birthday. So, in honor of her, here is the story of her arrival.
It was Aug 21, 2003. I had waited so long, 42 weeks. I thought for sure that you would never make your appearance. After a couple of false alarms and trying everything in the book, I was tired. So, I told my mom that we should just go into the hospital and let them induce me. So that’s what we did. We dropped Thomas off with Mandy and Grammy, your dad, and I went to the hospital. Once we got all checked in, the midwife came in and checked me.
I was 3 1/2 cm. She looked at me and said “Let’s just break your water and see how it goes”. I was so grateful, because I didn’t want a whole bunch of drugs. After that, we went down to the cafeteria for some food. Labor started quickly and soon I wanted to go back to the room. I rotated between sitting on the birth ball, sitting on the bed, and being in the shower. It was getting harder. The contractions were getting unbearable, so I asked to be checked. I honestly don’t remember what they told me. What I do remember is that when I thought it was time to push, I was only 6 cm. I couldn’t believe it! 
Everything in me wanted to push, but it wasn’t time yet. So, I continued rotating between the ball and the bed. I fought the urge to push. I wanted so badly for you to be here. The only way I could manage was if I was sitting straight up. At one point, I couldn’t do it anymore (so I thought:)), so the midwife said she could give me something to take the edge off. It didn’t work and, to this day, I’m pretty sure it was a placebo. Finally, it was time to push. Dad and I have talked lots of times about how long I pushed.
We think about 45 min. What I remember most about pushing is that I could actually feel you moving through me. At one point another midwife offered to hold my leg for dad. I kicked her across the room with my next contraction. He did warn her. I was using every ounce of strength I had. After what seemed like forever, they could see your head. Almost, you were almost here. Then, out came your little head….and your hand. One more push and you were in my arms. I lifted your leg and realized that you were a GIRL! I got the baby girl I had always dreamed of since I was a little girl.
I have loved being her mom through it all. She is such a blessing to me. Always remember that every birth story matters.
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