Once I found out that I was pregnant with my second child, I instantly decided that I wanted to go back in time and not be pregnant anymore. Being that that's not possible I had to decide where I would begin my prenatal visits. With my daughter I had gone to the local clinic and I knew that I did not want to go through that again. Every visit a new face and a stranger to deliver my baby. My sister Jan had recently been pregnant herself and she introduced me to the midwives. I had actually accompanied her on one of her prenatal visits and liked how easy and laid back everything was. I knew that I would like to use their services for my pregnancy.

I usually saw Gretchen at each appt. and became quite comfortable with her. Even though I felt like some of the questions I asked were crazy, she never seemed to feel that way. At least she didn't let on that she did. As I approached my due date my fears and concerns always disappeared after a visit to the midwives. Gretchen showed so much faith in me that I could do this. I constantly doubted myself but she said I could do it. I had a full epidural w/ my daughter, Taylor and really wanted to do things differently this time. My goal was to go natural but I was not against having something to take the edge off.

A week after my due date and many contractions later Monday, October 20, 2003 rolled around. My niece, Clare (Jan's baby) was a year old this day and my mother was hoping that her next grandchild would also be born on the 20th. (Makes remembering dates a lot easier.) I was convinced the child was not coming out. But at about 7:00 p.m., I started getting severe back pain. I told my husband I wasn't going to get my hopes up because that had been happening quite a bit. But something way deep down inside told me labor was really starting this time. I called the hospital and they paged Gretchen for me. She called back a few minutes later and said to come on in. At around 8:30 p.m. we dropped off Taylor at Jan's house and continued on to the hospital. After that, time blurred together but I'm guessing we were settled in our birth suite by 9:30 p.m.. Gretchen was walking in about the same time. She gave me a birthing ball to deal with the contractions. That really seemed to be the only thing that helped me. I really had that ball bouncing for awhile. Finally it got to the point where nothing really seemed to help and then it went really fast. Gretchen asked if I wanted her to help the baby along and I said "whatever it takes." She broke my water and a lot of pushing later our son was born. And it was still October 20. I did it! After concerns about his arm not moving he checked out okay and I got to see him right away. Secretly I am extremely proud of myself. I gave birth to an 8 lb 7 oz baby boy in 5 hours without any drugs what so ever. Completely on my own.

I do need to thank Gretchen for constantly telling me I could do it and for not showing any anger when I pushed even when I wasn't supposed to. Thanks to my nurse that night. She kept me focused and got me through the roughest parts. Also my husband Don, who kept encouraging me and who helps me everyday raise those beautiful babies we have. I can't forget Clarebear, who is so hilarious. I love that she shares a birthday w/ my baby. I love that my sister and I have one more special thing we can share together. Thank you Taylor for being the best big sister there ever was. You are so awesome. And last but not least our newest member, Matthew Adam Rhoades. You have been given the names of 2 very special people because you are very special to me.

Thanks to the entire midwives' staff for making my second pregnancy something to look forward to.