Seven years ago, we were expecting our third baby.  His estimated "guess" date was December 26th, however having had babes #1 and #2 at 38 weeks, I was sure he'd come well before that.  Staying true to the old tale that third babies are the wild card, he decided to stay put.. content to stay nestled in mama's body. 

December 23rd brought many contractions... up to four minutes apart, without intensifying.  I grew tired and frustrated.  Christmas evening, following a wonderful family dinner, I stayed up trying to encourage some contractions by doing some pressure points.  I would get some feeble ones that would peter out as soon as I stopped.  I went to bed frustrated and moody. 

Forty-five minutes later or so, a contraction woke me up slightly.. just enough I needed to breathe through it.  My husband was still awake and commented that it must have been good to have woken me up.  They continued to come sporadically and would change depending on the position I was in.  Lying on my side, they were too intense and uncomfortable.  Sitting didn't feel good and standing was better... if I sat on the toilet, they would never stop coming.  I called my midwife at 5am who encouraged me to go back to sleep, sounding skeptical that it was "it" based upon the irregular pattern.  My daughter, 6 at the time, woke up and helped me to take a bath and change clothes.  At 6am I woke the household..if we weren't going NOW, we weren't going at ALL. 

Walking out just to the car was a challenge and everytime a wave would come I would have to hold onto someone.. in the car, a mere ten minute drive from the freestanding birth center, I had a contraction that peaked three times.  I recall yelling at my husband to slow down to which he replied that he couldn't as he was already going 25 mph in a 35 zone. 

My midwife was there when we arrived, the birth center warm and cozy and the tub was being filled.  The room was dimly lit was small candles, bathing the room in a soft, inviting light. I remember sinking into the bliss of the warm water, melting into it... it felt amazing.  A large pressure was growing in my back, however, and it was hard to get comfortable.  Before I knew it, my body was pushing down on it's own.. "Wait! I'm not ready" and began tensing my bottom... knowing that was counter-productive, I began to blow through loose lips like a camel, making it difficult to fight the urge.   I began to listen to my body and push down.. "Is he posterior?" I asked, wondering if the back of his head was against my back, thus causing all the back pressure.  I was told, no- they didn't think so as I continued to work.. within minutes the top of his head was visible along with the announcement that yes, he was definitely posterior (mamas know, I tell you!).  Born up to his ears, I reached down and could feel his left ear.. it was so surreal- this was my baby!

Resting between contractions, he started to "bounce" as if trying to speed things up and work to get himself out. A big strong push, hands reaching down, and my little baby boy was in my awaiting hands, brought up onto my chest.  My sweet, new boy didn't cry... his lower lip pouted out, as if in protest, and started to quiver.  It was a peaceful, amazing birth. 

Two hours later we were home, nestled into bed..content and undisturbed, just as it should be. 

Happy Birthday, sweet Jaiden.