A Short and Sweet Labor/Birth Story

God is so good and so gracious!  I had asked Him for a normal, natural delivery, after my last 2 deliveries being rather dramatic and high medical intervention.  I felt like He told me a few weeks ago that he would give me a peaceful, natural delivery as a gift.  And it was just that!
After walking probably a total of 3 miles on Friday and doing a good bit of other things to get labor going the few days before, I woke-up at 5 am on Saturaday morning and felt a perfect little "bubble pop."  I was still lying in bed, but felt a gush of water.  I knew immediately that my water had broke.  I got up quietly, trying not to wake my husband, and went to the bathroom.  I was leaking fluid everywhere!  I finally had to turn on the light to find some clean underwear and at that point I woke my husband with a slightly paniced, "babe, my water has broke! I'm sure of it!"  He groggly woke up and help me find clean clothes.  My doctor had told me to come to the hospital immediately if my water broke since I've had so many babies and I was a vbac.  I started to put the last things I needed in my suitcase and Ron went to wake-up my 16 year old daughter, since my mother-in-law wasn't in town yet to watch the kids.  Anna was so calm.   She helped me finish packing and I tried to call the doctor but was put on hold.  I was beginning to have some strong contractions, so we just grabbed a big towel and headed for the car.  We got to the hospital at 5:40 and at the point I had a tough contraction.  The contractions were hard but not real close together.  So, when they finally got me admitted and checked, I was really surprised and happy that I was already 5-6 centimeters.  They drew my blood and put in a hep-lock, but I didn't even have to have an IV.  My daughter got a friend to come stay with the younger kids and my older ones headed over to the hospital.  The doctor on call was one I had never met, but was so calm and chilled. He was also low medical intervention, which was great.  I had an awesome nurse and in less than 2 hours after arriving at the hospital, I felt like I needed to push.  Sure enough, I was complete and he was born in 2 pushes!  The doctor also let Anna, my 16 year old, stay and watch the birth.  She had asked me ahead of time, but I didn't know if it would work out.  She did great and watched the whole thing.  It was so awesome and life changing for her!  She was laughing and crying when Patrick came out crying and strong and healthy!  I had no tearing or stitches and he has been nursing great.  I guess I didn't think my 10th, well actually 11th, labor and delivery would be my best and easiest!

John means "God is gracious" and Patrick means "noble and full of honor"

Anna sporting her "missionary midwife" look