Caitlyn Christine’s Birth Story what an AMAZING experience…
On September 11, 2009 at 9:04PM Caitlyn Christine was welcomed to our family.  She was 8 pounds, 20¾ inches long and wonderfully beautiful. 
For those who remember, Travis and I chose the Hypnobirthing technique when we birthed Preston and decided to use it again for the birth of Caitlyn. 
This time we did something a little different and to most people, a little crazy.  We chose a Natural Home Water Birth! 
My Best Friend Cherelle, again, was part of our birthing team.  We hired a Midwife, Connie Koshewa and the same Doula we had for Preston’s birth, Jessica Weed.  This time we added Preston’s favorite Aunt Terri to our birthing team because we needed someone to occupy him during the birth.
On Friday, September 11th, at 5:30AM I awoke to what I considered a contraction.  By 6AM I experienced a total of 3.  These were different than the practice contractions (Braxton Hicks) I had been experiencing for the last couple months; they were very definitive.  I showered and started getting ready for the day.  I felt great but finally thought… maybe I’d stay home – you know – just in case.  I needed a day off anyway!
Travis came home around 7:30 (with breakfast burritos for Preston and I - yum yum!)  By this time I had experienced a few more surges (contractions); they were mild, no big deal and certainly no reason for major concern.  Basically, I was experiencing pre-labor symptoms.  We gave our birthing team a “heads up” around 11AM.  Throughout the day, I monitored surges which were anywhere from 2-30 minutes apart.  I listened to relaxing music and meditation CD’s and tried to sleep a bunch.  We watched a movie, snacked and just relaxed.  Connie visited us mid-day to make sure everything was okay…and it was.  About 5PM the surges were becoming stronger, closer and more consistent – about 8 minutes apart.  I knew I was in “real labor”.  At 6PM we decided it was time and had our birthing team in route.  Jessica arrived first.  She and Trav filled the birthing pool and prepared a calm and relaxing atmosphere in our “birthing room”.  Preston hung out in the living room watching Shrek.  He was not yet particularly interested in what was going on.  At 7:30PM I got into the water; it felt AMAZING!!!  The warmth, the water against my skin, the buoyancy - was an immediate comfort.  I continued to use Hypnobirthing techniques concentrating on my breathing and visualizations.  I labored on my knees hugging and facing outward the pool.  All the while Trav, Jessica and Cherelle gently massaged my back and arms during surges and encouraged me with verbal praise and affirmations.  Preston helped by splashing water with his hands. Ahh my lil’ guy.  (His interest was short lived).  I was relaxed and conscious of every surge, every feeling and the continuous progress of “breathing my baby down”.   Without knowing how many centimeters I was dilated, I knew the time was close-I trusted my body and my baby. With very strong and close surges my urges to push were intense and I was experiencing controllable pressure (not pain).  I felt Caitlyn’s head making its way out so with the goal of delivering her myself I turned around into a squatting position.  Trav was awesome!  He talked me through the surges and encouraged me with loving support. With only a few more breaths and unexpected laughter, (yup-I was actually tickled by Caitlyn’s movement and started to giggle) I successfully and naturally delivered her!!!  With the assistance of Connie and Jessica, I scooped her up and into my arms!  What an amazing moment!
Preston’s reaction was priceless!  With excitement and a high-pitched tone he announced, “my baby”, “look it’s a baby”, “a baby!”...  When she started to cry, he kept saying, “it’ll be aw-wight baby, it’ll be aw-wight”…  he was so cute with her and still is.  He is such a gentle and proud Big Brother!

We had a calm, peaceful and memorable birthing experience!