Christmas came and went...and no baby...I was trying very hard not to be discouraged. It was difficult because I knew that everyday I was late increased the likelihood of a repeat c-section and I was really hoping to have a Vbac.
On Dec. 26 I went in for my weekly appointment and my midwife, Katie, checked me and I was 4cm (I had been 4cm for weeks). They hooked me up to an external fetal monitor for about 45min to make sure that Damien was happy. His heart beat sounded good and the nurse noticed that my contractions were coming 5 min apart. I could tell they were getting more intense. Katie came in a preformed an ultrasound to make sure there was enough amniotic fluid still in the sac. All levels looked great and it was interesting to see an ultrasound on a full (over) term baby. S
Since I was having regular contractions and I was feeling them more Katie decided to check me one more time before I went home. In an hour I had gone from 4cm to 5cm. Since I had tested positive for Group B Strep it was important that I get antibiotics as soon as I was in active labor. Katie decided to admit me to the hospital (next door). So I walked to the hospital and called Ben to tell him it was time. I also called my mom, my SIL Kelly and my best friend, Jenney who were going to be part of my support team.
Everyone arrived and my contractions quickly progressed on the pain chart. They wanted to make sure I got two rounds of antibiotics (3 hrs apart) before they ruptured my membranes. I was having very intense contractions but after 6 hours (~7pm) I was still only dilated to 5 (need to be 10 to push).
They broke my waters and my contractions became even more intense. I walked, sat on the exercise ball, rocked in the rocking chair...all in an effort to manage my pain. Around 10:30pm Katie checked me again and I was shocked to hear that I was still at 5cm. I knew that a long night lay ahead of me and I knew I'd never make it without some rest. So I asked for my epidural. The Dr came right in because since I was a Vbac he had to be nearby and ready in case something went wrong and they needed to go in and get the baby fast. I got my epidural and soon felt great relief. I could still feel the contractions but they weren't nearly as painful.
About an hour (midnight) later I started feeling a lot of pain and pressure. Katie checked me and found that I was complete and ready to push. I pushed for 30 min (a far cry from the 3 hours I pushed with Michael) and Damien James arrived at 12:31am. He was very quiet and just looked at the new world around him. Katie put him immediately to my chest for some good skin to skin bonding. It didn't take him long to start looking for something to eat. He was very content with me holding him. I could hear sniffling and saw lots of eyes being wiped and I was so thankful to have those I love with me at that special moment.
The picture seen around the world.
Taken shortly after Damien's birth by my mom on her cell phone.
Ben, Katie (midwife), SIL Kelly and me (Damien is under the blanket) - The clock says 12:45am.
Vbac was a success!
YEY IT'S OVER! I look a lot better than after Michael or Abby's birth...3rd time's a charm!
Damien and Daddy get to know each other.
Damien turned to Ben's voice immediately...he knows his daddy.
I am very thankful for the amazing care I received. I couldn't have asked for anything more (except maybe to have asked for an epidural earlier! :P). I am very very thankful that the Vbac was a success and that Damien is here and healthy!
Wait...it's a wedding?!?!
Auntie Jenney's friend, Stephanie, got ordained for the occasion. She was the only one who knew. Not even Auntie Jenney and Mr. Eric's families knew! 
Mr. and Mrs. Eric Miller and Jenney Lee
Mommy and Auntie Jenney
