The story!

Tuesday morning I had a Drs. appt. and I came prepared with my hospital bag already packed. I was determined to not leave until I had that little girl. I told this to my doc and he agreed and let me check into the hospital (I was already dilated to a 4.) His office is right in the hospital, so it was very convenient.
I checked in around noon and Danny met me there a little later. About 1pm the doc came and broke my water. The contractions started coming more regularly and we were on our way! I had a few complications with my last 2 epidurals, so I decided that I didn't want to have one with this one. I was going to attempt birth-au natural! There was also a little part of me that wanted to see if I could do it.
Well...by 4-ish I was at a 7 and when the nurse checked me she felt the baby's hand above her head. Sometimes when this happens they can get their arm stretched out above the head and have to do a c-section. I was not too thrilled with that. The doc came to check and determined that her hand wasn't going to be a problem and was able to push her hand back...that did not feel too good!
Over the next little while, the contractions got a little stronger, but nothing unbearable and I thought that we were in for a long night because I was sure that if I was close to delivery, I would be hurting a lot more.
Around 6pm the doc came to check again and I was almost a 9 and he guessed that I would probably go within the next half hour or so. After he left the REAL contractions started and I was rethinking this whole natural thing, but it was too late at this point. I only had about 4 or 5 really hard, really awful contractions and then I was ready to push. I was freaked out and not handling the pain too well at this point, but had no other choice! The doc and the nurses came in and in 1 1/2 awful, torturous pushes, she was out. Can I just say "HOLY OUCH!" I have never experienced anything like that. You know those crazy, screaming ladies that you sometimes see on those baby story shows? Yeah, that was me. There was no controlling it. I'm so glad she came out quickly because I was sure I was going to die. It just hurt a lot. A lot, lot! But as soon as she was out, the pain was gone. That was pretty amazing!
It was nice not being numb and having control over my legs once all was said and done. I'm glad that I had the opportunity to experience the birth without an epidural and I am so grateful that she is here and healthy and perfect.
We are home and all is well. Even though this is #5, I am still in awe of the miracle of her. Just this tiny, perfect little human being. We feel blessed to have her join our family and look forward to getting to see her grow. She is just too sweet and perfect and the kids already adore her...especially her big sister. I love watching my cute boys being so gentle and sweet with her. There's nothing like a new little baby. Welcome home, Amelia. We love you so already.