Sometimes you have to let go of your plans.

My baby girl is here. 70 hours of labor. 8lb 4oz, 20in and she’s perfect.

We planned on a home-birth but miss Ellie Faye had other plans.

My water broke Friday at 9:30 pm I labored through the night and by morning my contractions had calmed a bit and I spent the rest of the day relaxing and doing light housework. I was 3cm dilated.

By the Saturday evening they had picked up and my midwives were with me through the night again. Of course by morning I was only 4-5 dilated and contractions started to lighten up again. After 2 nights of no sleep, I was starting to get exhausted. I took warm baths, and tried to nap throughout the day.

Like clockwork Sunday night the contractions came back and they were the most intense yet. I thought for sure this was it and I can push through my exhaustion just 1 more night. With my mom, husband, and midwives taking shifts of sleeping, they supported me through the toughest night yet. I felt loved and empowered.

By morning though I was 7 cm dilated and I felt defeated. Exhaustion was wearing on me physically and mentally.

I took a warm bath to ponder our options and I fell asleep for an hour. When I woke, baby’s heart rate was elevated and we knew it was time to change our plans and head to the hospital.

I labored at home for 60 hours. At the hospital I was given an epidural and was able to rest. 10 hours later with only 20min of pushing she was in my arms.

This certainly wasn’t how I planned it but the reward is the same. I love my sweet girl and so incredibly happy and blessed to have her in my arms finally.