The night before had been uncomfortable. My stomach had been rock hard, and I just figured it was Braxton-Hicks. I hadn't slept real well, but this was due in part of Amelia waking me up multiple times throughout the night. About 1:00 pm, I would talk, then catch my breath 'cause my tummy hurt. Around 2:30, because I'm super bright, it occurred to me that I might possibly be having contractions. So Mommy Fellini and I started timing them. To our surprise, they were coming on about 3 1/2 to 4 minutes apart. You'd think I would have noticed that before, right?
After making the requisite calls, we just hung out. Jumped on the trampoline, fell off porches, etc. The midwives came about 9:30.
While I wasn't particularly having a lot of fun, nor was it all that bad. And thank goodness I have these lovely pictures of me to prove it.
We sat about watching 'Big Fat Greek Wedding'. If you'll notice, the husband was nowhere to be found. Too many women.
I opted for a little bath. It was really a lovely experience; hot water, quite, Norah Jones playing on the iPhone. If it hadn't hurt so dang bad. As the water cooled down, I decided to turn on the faucet super hot to warm the water. Well, that was all great until the contractions were coming too quickly and I couldn't turn the water off. I almost passed out from over heating! So staying in the water became a no-go. On to the bed!
As the midwives felt I was getting rather close (I wasn't!), we decided to wake up Amelia. So, we all sat on the bed. Let me translate the thoughts:
Amelia - I sure wish she'd hurry this up!
Daddy - I sure hope she doesn't do this in my bed!
Mommy - Just think of the ocean. Ride the wave, ride the wave!
But, we were still having a good time!
Lucky for J.R., the bed was too soft. So, out to the living room we went. At this point, everybody just sat around and watched me. Not exactly the time that I want to be the center of attention. Amelia was adamant that she would not leave my side. I asked her to go lay down, and she was so afraid she was going to miss something. After my water broke, she was so fascinated with the results. Too fascinated, I might add.
After pushing, I began to wonder if the baby was going to come out through the huge tear she was making. The midwife assured me this was not happening. After I asked this several more times, she finally got up and, rather surprised, said 'Oh, the baby's crowning!' (see, I told you so!)
Everybody jumped right up, and sure enough, here she came! While I'd been pushing, she still hadn't entered the birth canal, so it was a surprise that she came down so quickly. A good push or two (and Amelia anxious that she would be the one catching the baby) #2 arrived.
Please welcome Celisse Claire Lafleur.
She came, was immediately placed in my arms. She gave a half-hearted cry, then settled right in. As soon as she saw her dad, she started cooing like a little dove. She was just the mellowest little thing.
Once again, Daddy had the opportunity to cut the cord. Amelia never left the babies side.
She then began to pull out all of the baby stuff that she'd been waiting for. She grabbed some blankets, a couple of outfits, and her baby cradle. She was despondent that the baby did not want to go in her doll cradle.
Have I mentioned how pleased we all are that she's here? The whole evening was mellow and lovely. I am still so grateful to have had the opportunity to do this in our home. After all, there really is no place like it!
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