Having done an unmedicated birth the first time, I decided I might have an epidural with the second but I waited too long to ask for it (I just was not that uncomfortable). They put the IV in, gave me a test dose, and then informed me it was too late! It was time for Alden to join the outside world.

That tiny test dose gave me a taste, though, of the joys of the epidural. Some years later I prevailed upon an accomodating anesthesiologist to let me have my appendix out on an epidural. Imagine getting over a surgery like that without the effects of a general anesthesia. I am sure that is one reason I was back to normal in no time.

Anthony, you are very lucky that Paige let you live after a comment like that! We can only assume you were so thrilled about the arrival of your new baby that you lost all sense. :)