Living near The Woodlands, we never expected to feel pressure to evacuate for a hurricane, but on September 22, 2005, we did just that.  I was due on September 29, and did not want to risk having a baby without electricity and/or in the midst of devastation, so we evacuated to Austin, Texas. (We had originally planned on going to Dallas, but after 13 hours in our van, we found a place in Austin to stay!)

The evacuation was such a challenge for a very pregnant mom, and I was very emotional and absolutely relieved when the hurricane did not hit Houston.  As soon as we knew our power was on, we returned home.  I had been having really strong contractions, and I was feeling that the baby would come anytime.

We rushed home and my contractions stopped!  This was my sixth baby, so I was prepared for the eventuality that things would stop and go and generally put me on an emotional and physical roller coaster--but with the hurricane stress, too, I was really starting to feel overwhelmed.  I tried to take it easy, and to follow Jackie's advice, which was to rest and relax.

On Sunday, October 2, I was just unsure of what to do.  My husband and children were very ready for the baby to come, but I was very happy being pregnant.  Even though I was very uncomfortable, I just felt that it was less stressful to be pregnant than to have a newborn.  At this rate, I was pretty much willing to be pregnant forever.

After some prayer, I had a feeling that I should just take a little castor oil.  I only took about 3 tablespoons, so I was unsure if it would work.  A few hours later, my unsurety was gone!  I was laboring very quickly, and I knew Jackie needed to get to my house.

I finally called her and said, "This is really it, you need to come!"  And then I proceeded to have several extremely strong contractions.  I calmly told my husband he'd better get the birth pool filled up NOW, and I got in.  It had only been an hour, so I thought I had time.

After a few more contractions that were extremely close together, I felt the urge to push.  Jackie was in the process of parking her car when she heard me laboring.  Knowing that sound, she ran into the house just in time to give me a few words of encouragement, get some gloves on, and catch my beautiful baby Joy!