3rd time is the *Charm*

This is my account of Charlee's birth.

I was due March 10th, had full onset labor two weeks prior that just fizzled out, and was ready to hold my baby.

March 11th, we had a family dinner at my in-laws with everyone asking when I was going to 'pop'.  I went home hoping I would see my baby soon.

During the night I had some rough contractions.  One that even left nail marks in Chad's arm but he never woke up{it's a Farr thing}. 

6 a.m. - I wake up with a few consistent contractions and go to the bathroom.  I stay there for a while timing the contractions in my head.

6:30 a.m. - Nudge Chad. "Pack the kids, its baby time!" Grab the pillows and lay on them breathing.  Call  Mom to get the kids.  Chad has everything packed and kids ready to go.

7 a.m. - Call Stephanie to give her a heads up and give my progress.  "Ok, see you around 8:30 or 9!"  Wish I was that cheerful in the morning!  Kiddie pool is ready and Alice {SIL} is on her way to take pictures. Try to eat but have no appetite. Get in the pool and watch 30Rock.  Comic relief is amazing.

{the gnarly beard is in preparation for Mountain Man}

8 a.m. - Contractions getting closer and stronger. Telling my body and baby to be at a 7 when Stephanie comes.  Resting my head on Chad's leg as he rubs my back, feels so good.  Chad gets up to get me more Powerade.  Really strong contraction, yell "I NEED STEPHANIE!"  Chad laughs and calls her.

9 a.m. - Stephanie and Jen are ever so quietly setting up.  Look at the clock.  Tell Chad, 'this one will be here at 11.'  Tell Chad to put more pressure on my back. Breathe, Breathe, Breathe.  wonder what Alice thinks of all this? Stephanie checks....at a 7! Woohoo! Getting closer to my baby!

{how could I not feel happy sitting in this?!}

10 a.m. - Need warmer water.  Hear myself chanting joyfully, "come on baby girl, come on" and "good girl, keep coming"  Almost cry I am so happy.  Turn around to get more comfortable.  Need to push.  Tell Chad he is getting in the pool. Push, grunt, push.  she is not moving right, so Stephanie checks.  Her head needs to tilt a little more.  Move around and push a little more.  Ask Stephanie to break my water but the bag is too tight. Another push and she breaks it.  RELIEF!!  Alice is holding my hands. Come on girlie I need to see you.  Chad says she has a lot of dark hair.  I smile and give a few more pushes.

{Alice, it was wonderful to have you there}

{i love the feeling between contractions}

11 a.m. - Charlee Rhea slips into her Dad's waiting hands. He hands her to me. She hasn't taken a breath or cried so I rub her head and tell her I am so happy to see her.  Seconds later she starts wailing. Love that ecstasy feeling after giving birth!  

{so in love}

{perfect display of my kids personalities}

{8lbs 8 oz, 20 in}

I could not have had a better birth and I cannot believe that all my predictions came true.  It was extremely joyful for me and Charlee has been smiling ever since!

Thank you Stephanie and Jen for being the amazingly wonderful ladies that you are!