Witnessing a Miracle From A Different Side Of Things!

Well as most of you know I have given birth twice, and it is without a doubt the most AWESOME thing I have ever experienced! Although many may think this next statement is CRAZY, but I think I could have a 10 children just to experience the feeling of giving birth and the amazing euphoric high you feel afterwards(not to mention the little miracle you get out of the deal :) ) Although I have experienced myself, I have never in real life seen anyone else actually give birth...well until now!

I met Aaron last fall and her and I quickly became VERY good friends! It is one of those friendships(at least on my part haha) that although we haven't known each other that long, I feel as if we have been best friends since childhood. We just GET each other. We are so much alike it scares me sometimes, but I have this strong feeling that our friendship is the kind that will never die and we will be little old ladies playing bingo one day! She told me it better NOT after what all she let me see!

Anyways, back to the story, Aaron and her husband Steven were expecting their first child. They were letting the baby's gender be a surprise and Aaron really wanted a natural childbirth. A week after her due date(June 16th) she gave decided to let the Dr's induce, but she STILL wanted this to be a pain med free experience! She told me that she would like me to be there during the labor and I was just tickled pink! Since Aaron isn't from here, she really doesn't have any family here besides her husbands. When she asked me to be in the room I felt HONORED because I knew she was counting on me for support! She had told me previously that she wasn't sure if she would want anyone but Steven in the room during the actual delivery part, and I was completely fine with this because I know how special and emotional that time is for a mommy and daddy. When induction day rolled around, I was so anxious to get to the hospital. I arrived around noon June 26th and she was 5 cms and they had broken her water, but not yet started any pitocin. I think her midwife was hoping her body would jump start into labor after they broke her water, but sadly that wasn't the case. Around 2ish they decided to start pitocin. She was still 5 cms and almost completely effaced. I think we all at that point though we may be in for a long day! When the pitocin started REALLY taking its effect, I could see Aaron was beginning to feel true pain. She was so amazing though she just breathed through the contractions and her husband and I both just kept reminding her how awesome she was! There came a point a few hours later where I could tell she was REALLY REALLY REALLY hurting, the midwife came and and checked her and said she was around 6 cms and the baby had dropped lower into her birthing canal. I think only dilating one more centimeter was slightly discouraging though for Aaron because she was thinking things should of progressed more by this point. I could see how much pain she was in and it was a crazy feeling because I kept feeling myself want to cry. I kept thinking about how hard it was seeing someone I cared about hurting and knowing I couldn't do anything to help. I know at this point the epidural option was really crossing Aaron's mind. I wanted her to do whatever it was that was truly going to make her happy without putting my opinion or experiences in(because YES I did have epidurals with both my boys). Lucky for me, her nurse(who was defiantly a God send) came in and reminded Aaron how bad she knew she wanted a natural birth, and reassuring her that she could indeed get through this! That was a turning point for Aaron. It was like at that moment she pushed out ANY thought of pain relief, and started focusing on getting through the pain on her own and meet her bundle of joy! Here is Aaron doing such a beautiful job getting through some tough contractions(and this just has to be one of the most beautiful pictures I have ever taken) I love the way her sweet husband is looking at her and getting her through it. It didn't take long for that unforgettable feeling that most of us moms can relate to of "I've GOT TO PUSH!" I knew things were getting close, and I was so excited and anxious for her, but I remembered her saying that she wasn't sure about anyone else being in the room. I was ready to leave when she asked me to stay and of course I was elated! What an honor for someone to let you be there for the birth of their baby. I watched in amazement for maybe a whole 30 minutes as she pushed and saw this head with lots of dark hair start to emerge! Here she is pushing like a pro. Even her midwife kept commenting on how awesome of a pusher she was, as if she'd birthed three children before. I immediately started bawling my eyes out(probably more than I had with my own children) and was so anxious to see if I was going to be welcoming a little Peyton Marie or Wyatt Lewis! By this time Steven was crying like a baby and Aaron was giving it all she had, and then faster than I could even process this tiny body emerged. I waited to hear those three magic words, and then they came...."ITS A GIRL!"

Yep, PEYTON MARIE was born at 7:13 p.m. weighing 7lbs 8ozs and 20 inches long! She was beautiful, and perfect see

I couldn't of been more proud of Aaron. She is so strong and made natural childbirth TRULY look easy! Infact, so easy that I plan on doing it next time around myself! Seeing Peyton come into this world was truly an honor and a life changing experience! I have a sweet place for her in my heart and she will FOREVER be special to me! Thank you GOD for putting Aaron, Steven and now Peyton Marie into my life! :)