Birthdate: November 14 at 7:59 a.m.
Weight: 7lbs. 9.5 oz.
Length: 19 7/8 inches

After bawling my eyes out the night prior because I was still pregnant and feeling like I would be the last one on earth to give birth, I woke up in the middle of the night (2:30 a.m.) with a pretty strong contraction. I let Kyle sleep so he would have the energy for me later and went to wake my mom. I didn't want to wake him if it was a false alarm in case he had to work that day.

So mom and I started timing the contractions and they quickly (within an hour) went to 6 min. apart coming pretty strong and with "after shock" contractions (my term) that would last only a few seconds. I had started there in bed but as they started coming closer, I had grabbed the birth ball  and was rocking through the contractions on it while my head and my arms were resting on the bed. We called Dotti at about 4:30 a.m. and she wanted them to last longer to the peak (at least 1 min.) so she suggested I hop in the shower to space them out a little, but that only brought them on closer and stronger and I didn't want to stand up through them.

After the shower, I made it to the couch and had 2 really strong ones and felt a few sensations I knew were signals of transition. I ran into the bedroom and threw up (a major transition sign) with the urge to push a little. I yelled, "Get Dotti here NOW!! I'm in transition and I feel like pushing."

This happened around 5:30. I told Kyle to fill the tub and got in. Dotti arrived at 6 and examined me. I was 10 cm! I labored a little while longer until I really felt the urge to push. I had been laboring by reclining in the tub and resting my arms on Kyle's legs, but they suggested I change positions.  While on my hands and knees, I had some really intense contractions and I think that helped me into a stronger pushing stage. My water broke about 6:15 and then the real work began. I pushed until she came out at 7:59.

It felt to me like time flew- I had no concept of the hours unless someone told me. I also was making sounds that I couldn't imagine were coming out of my own throat. The initial contractions had me making moaning sounds while the pushing was very gutteral and like a frustrated stallion near a mare in heat (low bellows and primal grunting). I asked Kyle if he still wanted to catch her...he did. I maneuvered so he could catch her and with a "Ready?" and one final push, she shot out and into the water faster than dad could catch her. Kyle and Dotti pulled her up onto my chest and the world stopped. I couldn't believe she was in my arms. The birth was over and her life was beginning.

It was beautiful. Everything I needed was there before I asked. I had a well-oiled birth team that had barely ever been in the same room together. I can't tell you how important your choices of people there for your birth are.  Kyle was amazing through the whole labor and really seemed to know what I needed. He supported me physically and emotionally. I am so in awe of him as a dad and thankful to the Lord for his provision for us. We are truly blessed. 

Dotti was so patient and let me labor according to what my body told me to do. She supported me when I needed it and eased any shred of fear that was left.  I was so blessed and you can be too. This birth experience was exhilirating, fulfilling, and one of the top moments of my entire life. I think my daughter is healthier for the choices I made and happier also!  Anna-Jane is the light of our eyes and a blessing from our Father. Praise God for His precious gift! 

I also must thank Dr. John Davis at Atlas Chiropractic who I credit with the 5 and half hour labor.  He adjusted my body weekly and is the reason I believe my labor was as easy and as fast as it was.  My mom had a very long labor with me and a forceps delivery. I believe that any birth team should include a chiropractor.  Babies move down a straight slide faster than a curvy one!