Every story of birth is beautiful and special, especially when it's your own to tell!

At the beginning of the pregnancy, Brian and I made plans to have a home birth -- with no doctor or midwife.  Having great understanding for the spiritual aspect, as well as the physical side, we felt prepared and ready.

We were also lucky enough to find a doctor who was somewhat supportive, and who agreed to back us up in an emergency.  He also was caring enough to share some of his knowledge.

We read all we could get ahold of, including Marilyn Moran's Birth and the Dialogue of Love.  And most importantly, we had strong, sincere faith in God. (and ourselves!)

Having had our first child in a wonderful birth center in Oklahoma City we knew pretty much what to expect.  Then the day came...

I was having a dream that I was in labor and my water had just broken.  Things around me (chairs, lamps, etc.) were actually floating!  Then I was awakened by a trickle of warm water running down the back of my legs.  (I was on my side.)  At first I thought it was urine, but then realized it wouldn't have run down my backside!

I was so excited.  After waiting an extra 2 weeks, the day FINALLY arrived!  Fifteen minutes later I passed my mucous plug.  It was the assurance I needed to convince me I was really in labor.  After running around giggling I began cleaning.  Then I settled down with some herb tea.

A very close friend agreed to share the joy of birth with us.  So Brian went to call her.  There had been previous "false alarms" and we (meaning Brian, Amber, and I) had gathered in anticipation with great disappointment!  My labor coming at 5:30 a.m. could only explain why we had to call her twice.  She fell back asleep after the first call!  I couldn't believe it!  It was really funny at the time.

I still couldn't believe it was happening.

My labor was rather short -- 6 hours, but was kind of on the hard side.  All for a good cause, right?

The only way I could tolerate the rushes at the end was on all fours.  When it came time to push, that's how I stayed.  After 2 good pushes a BIG boy was born.  9 lb., 7 oz!  I had to push so hard!  He didn't cry very hard and at first was slightly pale, so I started to massage his spine.  It must have felt awful because he really started to cry then.

I had read being on your hands and knees helped to pass big babies that get "stuck" at the shoulders.  That proves my theory that at times when you've trusted in yourselves and God, instruction comes from within.  It was truly the most God filled experience of my life.

Having our baby together as we did has filled in those "missing pieces" we shared in the beginning.  Not only did our son, Robin Kyle, have a chance to bond with the whole family, including his sister Lindsay, but Brian and I had a chance to bond all over again, and I'm sure it's one that will keep us together forever.