Baby Emily!

I'm posting my version of the birth before you hear Dave's less flattering account.  He thinks I'm unreasonable. I guess I should cut the man a little slack; he was pretty traumatized by our last experience.

My water broke this time (we were at the rodeo and at least one teenager laughed at me and told her friend I had peed my pants.)  I kind of wanted to stay because it hadn't even started yet and we had already paid but Dave wouldn't let me.  The moment I made reference to the fact that it was baby time he turned into a stress case and was bound and determined to get us to the hospital as soon as possible.  But even mild contractions didn't start for another 3 or 4 hours so I wasn't in any hurry.  I managed to stall him enough to pack our boys a bag for the night, take a shower and pick up some last minute things (birth plan treats, most important!) from the Target in the same town as the hospital.  There may have been a moment on the way to the hospital when we argued about checking into a hotel in Glenwood Springs or the hospital (I just wanted to sleep!) and I had an emotional breakdown that resulted in hysterical sobs. But I did go to the hospital to appease him after my midwife assured me I didn't have to stay if all checked out well.  Turns out it was the right choice since contractions got more intense quickly and she was born at 3:25 am (we checked in at 10:45 pm).

This hospital was fantastic, and such a different experience than my last two babies where I felt like I had to fight the nursing staff to have the kind of birth and postpartum experience I wanted.  They told me that only about half their moms choose an epidural (can you believe that?  I think the rate was like 95% in Utah.)  So they were well versed in following birth plans and supporting moms in natural birth.  It was so much less stressful and I'm almost inclined to say that if we have another one I'd prefer to do it there over a home birth (as if Dave would give me that choice:)  After treating me to a plush bathrobe to use during my stay, a massage, a celebration dinner for me and Dave and a room with a beautiful view, I felt more like I was leaving a hotel than a hospital.

Now we're home and I can already sense the adjustment to 3 is going to be a challenge!  Wish me luck!