what does labor feel like?

So, what exactly does labor feel like? I had NO idea. At exactly midnight on Oct 7th, I started having little contractions... needless to say I didn't get a whole bunch of sleep. Finally at about 2am I couldn't take lying in bed anymore so I came downstairs and played around with how to get comfortable...yeah, it didn't work. I went back upstairs at 4 and told Nate that he needed to pack our bags because I thought this was it... and it was:) We went to the hospital and got checked in and setup in the room.. and there we just waited:) contractions started to get harder and harder (ouch ouch ouch) and Nate, Mom, and Dad (yes, at that time I could care less who was in there... so.. yeah, it was a family thing) were such great helpers! Especially Nate. He tried so hard to do everything just right for me... According to them, at one time I was eating ice chips and then I spit them at my mom... I try not to believe everything they tell me about that day:) So, we got to the hospital about 5:30/6ish and she came at 11:35 am! So all in all, labor and delivery were less than 12 hours! WARNING: some content may not be suitable for children under the age of 40....

Hailey being cleaned... she was so white/gray...

she looked like an old man.. or alien.. with that goop in her eyes...

look at that proud papa...

our first family picture

she was so alert and her tongue kept sticking out

in the nursery very upset to be away from her momma...

okay, maybe she just needed some clothes on..

our lovely room... after 2 1/2 days it got to you

my two most favorite people

she was so tiny... and she loves sleeping on your chest..

yes, the flower is as big as her head... i love it when she yawns

kisses from her mommy

already to come home... the headband was a little too big

why do they make women, who just had babies, sit in an uncomfortable chair?? you would think they would come up with something better.. all i really wanted to do was walk... but that's okay.

ahhh.. home.. it was so nice to come home.