The birth of my third son, was, of course, another success, thanks to my husband and the midwives once again. We planned this pregnancy and the whole pregnancy went well. By the 37th week, as much as I love being pregnant, I was ready to hold my baby! Needless to say, he was not quite ready as I was and stayed content for another week. When I went for my weekly appointment on Tuesday, August 16, Gretchen said I was 3 cm and about 50 percent effaced. I was a little disappointed, so I went home and walked and walked and walked some more. I was having steady contractions about 9 minutes apart, but did not hold too much hope because I had been doing that all week. However, about 4AM after not sleeping all night, by making sure my husband had plenty of rest for a lot of walking that was ahead for him,l finally woke him and said it was time to go. I called Gretchen and she said to meet her at the hospital. When I got there. I was still only 6cm, but 90 percent effaced. I was making progress! ! My family and husband's family was there to lend support. By 10:00 AM, my contractions were 2-3 minutes apart and Gretchen broke my water. WOW! Those tolerable contractions I was having all week really started to hurt! One half hour or so later, the shower was doing wonders, but I felt like I had to push. My husband got Gretchen and she checked me. 10 cm and 100 percent effaced! I was in denial that it went so fast after breaking my water that I had to double check with Gretchen that I could push with the next contraction. My husband and mother-in-law were in the room when my son was born. I successfully pushed with the encouragement from my husband, Gretchen and nurse Sue. 11 minutes later, I was holding my son, Justin Dean. What a wonderful feeling.

Thank you so much to Gretchen, Nancy, Sandy and Sue for always being there when I needed you! And special thank you to Nancy who came in the next day to see how I was doing and to discharge me while you had so much going on that day! I would also like to thank my husband, Dean. I love you!!

Kim Huss, Derry