FIVE

Five years ago yesterday I was at a Blessing Way in honor of me and my baby- due to be born ten days later. As we concluded the celebration I stood up and was shocked to feel liquid rush down my legs; my water had broken.

I froze. I had prepared for this moment; taken a 12 week birthing class with Matt, washed, folded and put away baby clothes, made bedding, blankets, and books for this sweet baby- but in that moment I didn't know how ready I really was for this new little person to actually be here. I looked around at the incredible ladies that surrounded me and said- " I think my water just broke."

Of course the energy in the room began to buzz as the ladies swooped in to help in any way they could. A change of clothes was found for me, questions about matt's whereabouts and how to contact him, and a meaningful embrace from a friend who could tell I was in shock. Everything was taken care of in a short amount of time- Matt arrived quickly- and we left for our home to call the midwife and see what to do from there.

The contractions were slow...very slow... and a few hours later when they had progressed a small amount we decided to meet up with the midwife and the birth center to make sure all was progressing normally.

All was well...just s l o w. I was only dilated to a three, my bag of waters had broken, but the contractions were still around seven minutes apart. We tried to get some rest, and slept the rest of that night waking up in the morning to not much greater progression. So we began to walk... for hours we walked.

Five years ago today I spent the entire day in labor. 18 hours after my water broke, when I was only at about a 7, I was transferred to the hospital- for precautionary reasons.

It turned out that the little man's head was stuck in my pelvis. The doctor came in to check on me, put me on pitosin and turn me over to the midwives in the hospital and said if things didn't progress soon they would have to do a c-section (definitely not my first choice!) After a few hours with still very slow progress the midwife suggested a little trick she had learned to move the baby's head- said it didn't always work and was a long shot, but thought it would be good to see if that would help anything.

Five years ago tomorrow...thankfully, her little maneuver did the trick! I was soon ready to push, and after about 45 minutes- 28 hours after my water broke- our incredible little Z was born.

This boy has brought such amazing experiences and joy into my life. I cannot express what an exhilarating experience it was to bring him into this world with Matt, and all the fantastic things I have learned from being his mom.

Our Z is kind hearted and thoughtful, and so good to his younger sister and brother. He loves to give. Ideas are constantly streaming through that brain of his and he is more than eager to share them. He is strong willed and determined. I can't wait to see what more comes from this incredible little person, and what he teaches me in this great journey of life!