My unplanned HBAC

Friday morning was like every other morning.  My son came in around 6:45 and snuggled for a bit.  He eventually told me it was time to get up and eat.  No problemo.  I was feeling FAB-U-LOUS! As I was hopping out of bed, I felt something "pop."  I thought it was weird but whatever.  I went to the bathroom but felt like I still had to go.  I did a little bit and wondered - that couldn't be my water could it?  I wasn't feeling any pain and I had an appointment with my midwife in a few hours so knew I'd just discuss it with her.   In the meantime, I had a chinchilla cage to clean!  I quickly made a shake for breakfast and got to work. Unfortunately, I had to stop a dozen times so that I could use the restroom - and quickly realized my pants were pretty wet.  So I changed and started doing some laundry.  Around this time I started feeling some contractions but they weren't breathtaking or anything so I kept going.   At 9:00, we headed to the midwifes place.  
I've always taken my son with me.  Even though he is two, I felt it was important for him to be as involved as possible with the coming of the new baby.  He really enjoyed hearing the babies heart beat and looked forward to doing so whenever we went.   Well, when I explained to Heather (my midwife) what was going on she wanted to check me out and make sure it was my water breaking and nothing more serious.  Just as I figured, it was my water breaking.  What was a surprise was that I was already 4 centimeters dilated!  With my son I was in agony at this point!  Now, I was casually walking about, pausing for contractions, and moving on.  From here the plan was to go to the chiropractor and then go for a walk. 
10:30  we were at the chiropractor.   Dr. Gregg adjusted me and wished me well.   Then we headed home and it was like a light switch.  No longer was I the pregnant friendly goddess about to have an angelic labor.   Oh no... I was horrid.  Snappy and cranky, I just wanted to be alone in the shower.   This is where things got intense.  Mike wanted to call our doula, Lindsey, but I said no.  It was her sons birthday and I didn't want to interrupt.   Another 10 minutes goes by and I'm in agony.  The shower isn't helping, a bath isn't helping and Mike is giving me no choice and sends Lindsey a message to come over.   During this time I give up on the water and head to the other, MUCH smaller bathroom and sit backwards on the toilet.
This provides little, if any relief.  I'm begging for an epi because it hurts so bad.  Mike tells me no, I didn't want one.  I just sat here wondering "if it is this bad this early - how can I possibly go until I'm in full labor?"  Well, Lindsey comes in and calmes me down and helps me through the next contraction.  Mike takes Rod to my parents house.  While he's gone (it felt like FOREVER) my contractions came so fast and then I felt it....The ring of fire.   I though" ...noooo....this can't be it....already?"  My next thought was "I fell in to a burning ring of fire...."  no joke.  Not sure why that song popped into my head but it helped get me through the next couple of contractions.  I didn't think I was close because who thinks of stupid stuff like that when they are about to deliver?
Apparently I do.  I told Lindsey I felt like pushing.  Mike wasn't back yet but she said it was time to go.  I tried to stand and said I couldn't.  There was no way I could move, there was so much pressure!   Lindsey tried to get me to move again...saying "we deliver here or at the hospital"   I told her it would be here because this baby was coming.  It was the coolest thing.  I could actually feel the baby moving down.  I felt something happening and reached in between my legs.  I COULD FEEL HIS HEAD!   I told Lindsey and at this time Mike walked in.  She asked Mike if he could feel the head.  He reached down and said yes.  She immediately instructed Mike to grab some towels and call 911.   I had another contraction, partially stood and pushed out his head.  Immediate relief!  I thought he was out but Lindsey said to keep pushing.  A few more and pushes and he was out! Next thing I know, the paramedics were here and I was in complete shock.  I couldn't believe I just pushed out my baby!  I felt EVERYTHING.  It was probably the scariest most euphoric feeling I've ever had. Very cool!
We ended up declining the ambulance ride and instead went to the Midwifes clinic.  Baby and I were checked out.  I had a 2nd degree tear but that is NOTHING compared to a c section!  I was also given an amazing herbal bath that I loved! We were home by 7:00.  Felt good not to be tied up in a hospital and to be home with my little family!
All in all, it took less than 6 hours.  I didn't even get a chance to call my photographer.  I'm bummed about that but am glad that my doula and I took some pictures.  Yup - I took pictures.  right after the baby was born, in all my glory - I took some pictures of Mike cutting the cord!  We didn't get these with Rod so it was important to get them now!  :)   Our second son, Holden, was born healthy, beautiful and happy.  :)  It was an amazing experience and I would do it all over again!  <3  My family is perfect!