Grace Alison

I was due with Gracie on July 20, 2004. I knew she would be close to on schedule. On July 21st around, 5:30 p.m I began having strong contractions. We head to the hospital, where we meet my mom & stepdad. My mom stays with us and my stepdad takes Connor with him. We go in and I'm having regular contractions, but I'm only at 3 cm's. I know instantly that they're going to cut me loose. And based on my track record, I know I'm in labor. Just not progressing. They monitor me for about an hour, give me a sleeping pill, tell me to take a shower and kick me out.
We hop in the car, with my mom in tow - we have to take her to her house & get Connor. Now, my mom lives all of 15 mins. from the hospital. In that time, I begin having pains that could choke a chicken. And my mom is in the backseat, laughing and trying to relieve the 'tension'. I was in so much pain & so tired of hearing her, that at one point, I was going to tell Ravioli to stop the car and either she gets out or I do.
We get to her house and I am in unbelieveable pain. I'm in the bathroom, hanging over the sink. Kas walks in and asks if I'm ok. "NO! I'M NOT OK!!!!!!" I finally have my fill and we head BACK to the hospital.
They plop my ass in a wheelchair and sit me in.a.waiting.room. Thanks. There are other soon-to be mom's in there. Chatting away. Talking about nonsense. They all look to be anywhere from 5-7 months. And a nurse calls one of them back to go into a room. The expectant mom says to the nurse, "Ah, don't you think you should take her first?" (talking about me) Because I was in there moaning and cursing.........
They finally take me back and I get the original nurse that sent me home to begin with. And by now, my mood has greatly changed. I'm in so much pain.....my glasses were on & I'm fighting through a contraction and I spat out to Rav, "WOULD YOU TAKE THESE GLASSES OFF OF MY FACE!!!!!!" The nurse says, "Oh yeah, she's in labor." They give me an epidural. Rav falls asleep and I am left to sit awake. All.damn.night. Everytime I try to sleep and just begin to fall out........here she comes. My mother.
As is my MO, I take forever to progress. In the early dawn hours, I feel the urge to push. I push for 5 minutes, and at 6:45 a.m. on July 22nd, Gracie - all 8+ lbs of her - is wailing away.