Wow, what a totally crazy and unexpected labor! The good stuff: Leah Nicole Lawlor was born at 7:20 pm on Friday weighing 8 lbs. 10 oz., 21 in. long and 14 in. head. And here is a picture from today (more will follow later,of course). --->

The "natural induction" didn't work out as planned. When we got in to the birth center Friday morning, I was already 5 cm dilated, completely effaced, -2 station and her head was firmly engaged against my cervix. No contractions. The birth center was busy so we got to go home in between procedures. Yay! Bottom line is they didn't work. The midwife decided that if we could get any regular contractions going, then they would break my water because it would be safe to do so. I get them every day so I was pretty happy to hear that. Through bouncing on the exercise ball and using my breast pump, we were able to get contractions that were two minutes apart. However, they were no stronger than the contractions I've been having every day for two and a half weeks, already.

So, we hung out, hoping the contractions would get stronger, but they never did. I asked them to wait to break my water until my friend could make it there. They agreed. He got there right before 6 PM and they broke my water shortly after that. I immediately began having "real" contractions, still two minutes apart. I labored mostly standing up and asked them to get the tub ready for me because the intensity of the contractions was increasing so rapidly--this took me by surprise. They started filling the tub and, before it was ready, they wanted to check me so I got on the bed and that was the worst pain--suffering through contractions on the bed. After a couple of contractions, I was able to get on my hands and knees and that helped a little but the contractions wouldn't stop long enough for me to get out of the bed.

Part of me was thinking that I was already in transition because I was already having those "I can't do this anymore" thoughts and making those animal noises and the other part of me thought I was just being a whimp. I got a quick break after one contraction (they were right on top of another) and quickly got in the tub that wasn't even 1/3 full at this point. Within seconds of getting my hips partially submerged in the water, I started pushing--to EVERYONE's surprise--couldn't help it. They didn't want me to birth in the tub because there were some concerns about baby being big, but I didn't want to/couldn't get out. Somehow between the midwife, hubby and our friend, they got me out and on to the bed immediately. Minutes later (four pushes, maybe), little Leah was on my chest looking calmly right at me! My entire labor was just under 1 hour and 20 minutes!!!!!

We were both in perfect health and I didn't tear, or anything. Leah has some bruising on her face from being pushed out so quickly, but nothing more serious than that. We got to leave the birth center about 3 1/2 hours after she was born. We could have left a little earlier, but I really wanted to make sure I could pee *before* we left! That is very important! Leah is amazing. We are having a little difficulty with the whole latching on business as she won't open her mouth enough, yet, but we'll get it. She makes these absolutely adorable little baby pterodactyl noises.