The day of Sept 25 2004

The day began around 2am. I woke up with leg cramps and then began contractions. I had already had a false labor a couple weeks before (around the actual due date) so I wasn't getting my hopes up. This was a Saturday, so no work for Justin today. :) So I didn't feel bad about keeping him awake with me. I was 13 days overdue at this point and completely ready to pop.
We arranged to have the baby at home with our midwives and my sister helping. If I was 2 weeks overdue I would have to be induced at the hospital, which would be double the cost. We did not want that at all. So I took all the natural ways to induce the labor. The one trick that worked for me....castor oil. Make it your last resort. Only if you must. It was horrible. But within 24 hours Ryan was born.
So having contractions. They were still pretty far apart, so we watched Friends all night in the living room while Justin helped me through each contraction. Around 530 or 6 we called Kristine, the midwife. She came over to check me and I was at I think a 4 or 5. So she decided to go down the street for some coffee. It had been less than 30 minutes when she returned and I was at 10 and ready to push. Justin had filled the tub with water and the other midwives and my sister were arriving. I got into the water and pushed for what seemed like eternity. Outside it started to snow. A new record for Anchorage. The earliest snowfall. This is what Ryan was waiting for. A BIG DAY!!! After over 4 hours of pushing. The crazy fellow decided it was time. I am so thankful he did. I was given a little bit of oxygen and felt good but doggone tired. As any new mother feels tired and out of it.
A wonderful day to remember. I never yelled or was upset at all. I said thank you and please through out the whole labor. Everyone was in shock of how I handled myself and how nice I was. I surprised myself. Not that I expected to be mean, but to be nice, that was a bit out of my expectations. :)
So, my baby Ryan was weighed a couple hours later at 8 lbs 12 oz. Big boy. Hope the rest of the kids aren't going to get too much bigger. Anyhow, as he reaches his 2nd birthday I may catch up in his life. Goodnight!!!