Away We Go

Woke up this morning to contractions every 10 minutes or so, but soon after getting out of bed, my mucous plug emerged.  Contractions sped up to every 5-7 minutes. Called the birth center and spoke to my midwife, who encouraged me to get there sooner rather than later.  Called my sister to ask her to pick up B sooner rather than later.  Called Adam at work to ask him to come home sooner rather than later.

B is off to my sister's house now, the dogsitter has been notified, Adam should be home in less than an hour, and the birth center is preparing a room for us.  Everything about this labor feels different than B's did 4 1/2 years ago, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a good turnout, nonetheless. 

I was hoping for an orgasmic birth this time, and even got my head into that mindset last night before bed.  Each contractions came and I threw my head back trying to feel the utter pleasure of it all.  That lasted awhile, but now that the morning has come and the contractions are much more intense, it's harder to find orgasmic pleasure.  Rather, I'm finding solace in other ways...I'm thinking of every single power ballad I know the words to and belting it out during contractions (which helps A LOT!).  The sweetest thing was having B, who felt really protective of and worried about me as she watched me muscle through the contractions, hold on tight and cuddle with me through them.  That was awesome.  That little girl has so much internal strength and compassion.  She could be a doula or midwife herself one day :-)

I feel strong and brave and powerful and unafraid.  I don't know where these emotions are coming from--instinct, perhaps?--but I'm ready for this.  Baby and I are both ready.  Bring it.