He's finally here!!! My 40+6 birth story

Went in for my normal doctors appt and was checked for dilation at was only a finger tip. I was super bummed, frustrated and to top it off they sent me to the hospital because of a small decel in the baby's heart rate. Went to the hospital spent an hour on monitor was checked again and still a finger tip dilated. Went home and started have stroooong contractions. Spent an 3 hours laboring with my contractions 3 minutes apart and 1 minute or longer in duration. I couldn't take anymore. Went back to the hospital and was shocked to find out I was dilated to a 4. I chose to get the epidural so they started me on fluids right away. 40 minutes later I was in a room and dilated to a 6. Got the epidural and my life was wonderful!!!! Didn't feel any contractions and was able to rest. It was magical. About an hour later I was dilated to 8 and another hour I was a 10. I was ready to push in another 40 minutes. I took maybe 30 minutes of pushing and my baby was here!!! It was the biggest relief I have ever felt and was so overwhelmed. I did tear so I had to get a few stitches. The epidural kind of wore off when I was ready to push but still had enough to get me through it. I labored a total of 8 hours and this was our first baby. I had an amazing experience filled with little to no pain. and it is possible to have a positive birth story ladies.