I've been delivered! (And so has Sarah B!)

I've been trying for days to figure out where to start on this whole birth story. So many little details I don't want to forget (or would like to record for posterity's sake, and then quickly forget..). From the middle of my pregnancy on I was determined to go into labor feeling strong, confident, full of faith and believing that fear had no place in this labor process I was heading toward. I read books about deliveries where women were laughing rather than screaming, where women actually had painless labors and I really was excited to see how God might work some of those wonderful things out for me. My reality was slightly different, because, ironically, I experienced the most fear and anxiety at the end of this pregnancy than I had ever before. I have never had to fight so hard for peace in all my life. Second by second at times needing to lift my eyes to God for the strength necessary to do the next thing. And so, after many sleepless nights, on the morning of Wednesday November 4, I started walking...and praying. I was determined that this baby would not spend another whole day inside of my body. Contractions came and went throughout the morning, like they had been for days. I tried napping, but the contractions only became stronger--sleep was ever elusive. At about 2pm, the contractions changed to be more regular, a little stronger, and by 2:30 pm I called Ken and the Birth Center. I had a feeling this was it. We arrived at the Birth Center at around 4:15 pm, at which time my contractions slowed and nearly stopped..too many people watching, and monitors make me nervous. When the midwife checked my progress at around 5, I was only 4cm, and not totally effaced, which was, to say the least, scary and discouraging. Looking at the clock, I started to become anxious again. How long would this last? So I made my request known to God (so that His peace would guard my heart and mind...) Could we be done by 8pm? I can hold out til then. And there I left it. As I continued walking, the contractions came more steadily. As long as the nurses left me alone, things seemed to move along nicely. And then, at around 7 or so, the contractions became almost overwhelming. I started asking about pain medication. I needed Ken to rub my back. A little while later I was having contractions that didn't seem to end....another would begin before the first one ended. These were the most intense contractions I've ever had. Another request, mumbled out loud, "God, I need a break." And then, it was time to push. I told Ken he better find a nurse. They came in the room, and I could hear the doubt in their voices. It was too soon... And then, the break I had requested. The contractions slowed, and pushing brought relief. Sarah was born at 7:29 pm, a full half hour before the time I had prayed about. And all the time I spent praying during labor created a very peaceful environment in the room. One nurse told me I inspired her to have another baby, I made it look so easy. The midwife kissed my cheek. And there she was, our Baby 6. Perfect and beautiful and....what sweet relief!