Our Birth Story

I couldn't wait for the day that our beautiful daughter would bless us with her presence, but knew it would come soon. Saturday October 11, 2008 I woke up about 5 am with some intense cramps. I wasn't sure it was time, as pre-labor had struck earlier and I was sure it was the same. As an hour passed and I was no longer able to sleep, I noticed my cramping was regularly spaced, 4 minutes. I woke up Jeff to ask him to help me time. He was great with staying calm, getting out his contraction log and taking notes. I was right, 4 minutes apart. I woke up my parents who had been in town awaiting the birth of Miss Rylee. It was here, we were finally going to see and hold the little girl we had been waiting 9 months for. It was about 9:30 we decided to head to the hospital, with contractions about 3 minutes apart. I had began vomiting, so that was our real reason for going. At the hospital, it was determined I was 4 cm dilated, so I was moved to a Labor and Delivery Room. I couldn't believe it, today was going to be the day. Jeff and I had planned early on to have a natural birth for our daughter and myself. We thought it was the best option for us. Although I don't want to brag, I'm glad to say I did it just that way--all natural, no drugs. I couldn't have made a better choice for myself and my daughter. I won't say laboring didn't get tough, because it did, especially in the end when contractions came on quick and strong. Finding my breath again seemed so hard. It was about 1 pm when I told the nurse, Alishia, I had to push this baby out. I was 10 centimeters and we were about to have a baby. My water hadn't broken yet, and I was given the option to have it broke for me. I declined, bound and determined to do it on my own. After an hour of pushing, I delivered the water bag and the greatest gift my husband and I could ever give each other--Rylee Castellina Taylor Vogel. She was born at 2:02 pm, weighing in at 7 lbs, 7 oz and 21 inches long. She's got the best of both of us, a beautiful little girl. Happy and healthy, my baby girl has arrived!