We have a BABY!

So, it was Monday night. I was doing laundry and watching TV. I had decided to knit a hat for the baby when he was born.I had been having Braxton Hicks contractions since my 2nd trimester. They had been getting stronger and as I was watchin TV there were a couple that were more painful.
I didn't think anything of it because they were far apart and I still had 10 days til I was due.
So, 11pm I turn off the TV, head to the kitchen to fill my water bottle and feel a little something. I went to the bathroom and lo and behold, my water had broken. I yelled for Russ and then called the midwife. She recommended that I try to get some sleep and call her when the contractions were closer together. I showered, called some of my family and then laid down in bed. It was about 12. I couldn't sleep because the contractions were strong and only about 10 min. apart. So, then around 1am, Russ started timing them. They were about 6-8 minutes apart. I laid in bed, then I started to move around. I got on my knees, I used the exercise ball, I leaned on the bed, etc. Contractions just continued to come closer together. We called mom and Nancy to come over around 2am. They got here and I labored a bit more. Then around 3 we called Bea, our midwife. By this time the contractions were averaging 3-4 minutes apart, with some even closer. I was getting a bit anxious as they seemed to be lasting longer and coming closer together. She said to meet her at the birth center at 4. So, we finished getting the things we needed and then headed over there about quarter til.

Leaving the house at 3:40 in the morning (smiling between contractions!)
In the car ride over I noticed my contractions becoming more intense and painful, but not lasting as long. I knew things were changing a bit, and was hoping that by the time we got to the center that I'd be about 8cm dilated.
When we arrived and Bea checked me, she announced that I was already 10cm dilated!!!
She quickly filled the tub and called the birth assistant Jennifer. A few contractions later I was able to get in the tub. It was so relaxing! Another couple intense contractions and I started getting that feeling that I wanted to push. So, Russ got in the water with me and then we had a few minutes of calm.

Getting ready to push. Russell smiling...me just breathing.
So, then it was time to push. I had a couple contractions during which I pushed a few times.
There was a pause in between contractions where I just tried to focus and breath.
And then after what seemed like a long time (in reality it was only 9 minutes!!)
Out came our baby boy!!!

And he's out!

We stayed in the tub for a while and then they drained it and I got out and got to the bed.
It was so relaxed. We just held our baby and marveled at what had just happened. They let us just hang out and then they weighed him. He was 7lbs. 2oz. Then I got to nurse him and he was a champ. Latched right on and went to town. I was pretty exhausted after being up all night and having a baby, so I laid down while the baby continued to nurse. I didn't sleep but we relaxed and called family and had some mommy/baby/daddy bonding time.
Then Bea came to fix me up where I needed it and Russ held the baby. Then they came in the room and did the rest of the measuring and checking of the baby right on the bed where I was. We then got him dressed and snuggled some more.
Russ then ordered us some food from a restaurant across the street and we had our first meal while baby slept on the bed.Pretty low key. SO different from a hospital. It was calm and relaxing and absolutely wonderful.
Then mom arrived with Eve! She was so interested in the baby. She loved looking at him and kept asking to hold him. She did get a gift from him and so while mom held the baby Russ and I had some time to play with her and her new toy.
Then we packed up and went home.
Now we are here and just loving our new little man, who has yet to receive a name. We are working on it though!