Though Lucy was born in a hospital in the standard semi-reclined-holding-my-legs-back position, I would still say it was the most amazing experience of my life. I had a drug-free, 10-hour long birth with her, staying at home for seven hours and arriving at the hospital at 7cm dilated. The ways I pushed my body (or my body pushed me), were unlike anything I had ever experienced before, and unlike anything I could have imagined. I conquered that birth, despite the distractions of being in a hospital and being cared for by less-than-sensitive people. The sense of empowerment I felt after birthing her was incredible! I felt so strong, like I could move mountains if I wanted to. 
Auggie's birth was also unreal. I could not have asked for a better birth team or a more peaceful environment... although maybe I would have asked for a longer labor?? :) Seriously, though, with Lucy's labor I enjoyed the challenge of staying in a rhythm with my contractions. Aug's hit me so hard and fast I remember hardly being able to catch my breath! It was awesome, though. The experience of being weightless in a pool in my living room, in the midst of the crazy pressure I felt with those last contractions, was amazing. I will never forget the moment I reached down and felt his tiny body, lifting him up out of the water to meet him for the very first time.I have been blessed. And my births have shaped me in ways I never thought possible. And so I find myself giving thanks to my Creator for His wonderful design for birth, and how I have been able to experience Him more through these two babies being born through me. What a holy privilege it is, whether in the hospital or at home, all-natural or medicated or c-section, to partake in Creation through childbirth.
