Tuesday I had my appointment and got a membrane sweep done. Came home and felt some cramping which started turning to contractions by afternoon, and they were about 10ish minutes apart by evening so we called the midwives and decided to head to the hospital. Got there, still at 3 cm, so we walked around for 2 hours till they were about a minute apart. Got checked again and was still 3 cm and contractions slowed WAY down. The midwife gave us the option to go home and see if things start up again, or get a room and rest and see if things picked up again in the morning. It was getting closer to midnight so we decided to stay the night since our big two kiddos were already staying at our neighbor's house anyway and given how fast things went with the other two. Good thing we did! I slept about 2 hours, went to the restroom about 2:30 and never really got back to sleep. At 3:10 I felt a pop and gush and my water had broken. For the next 2 hours I labored sitting in a rocking chair just dealing with contractions getting more and more close together and intense. Then about 5:30 I was checked again and was about 5 cm. After a few more contractions, I was at a stretchy 9 cm and very soon after that my body was pushing whether I wanted it to or not. It took about 4-5 pushes and she was OUT! Right at 7:00 AM. She had the cord around her neck so the midwife cut it and took her over to get her started breathing. She just kind of went "eh!" and started breathing, no loud cry. I had a couple of small tears, but no stitches required. But now I can say I have had three natural vaginal births without drugs too! :) She has a lot of red hair, blue eyes, and is a gorgeous baby if I do say so myself. ;) She latched on like a pro right away and is nursing well. We took her to the ped this morning for a weight check and exam and is down to 6 lb 10 oz, but I think my full milk is starting to come in so she should gain some again soon.
What sucks is Chris and I both have had colds since last Friday (just in time for going into labor, fun, fun, fun!!!). Chris brought Matthew and Michelle on Wednesday to see Marissa at the hospital, and then Thursday morning Matthew wakes up puking and running a fever (which he still has). My parents and sister are visiting, and now today my mom is feeling kind of rotten. Michelle is okay so far and went to preschool today. So now I am just hoping all those antibodies in my milk work so Marissa does not get any of this crud!
Here are some pictures.
Me on Monday (2 days before she was born):


Beautiful baby girl:




Big brother and sister meeting her:


Proud daddy:
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Marissa and mommy:

Marissa and grandpa:

Marrissa and Aunt Karen:
