yay!! I have be patiently waiting for this story for 1 month and 4 days =P

its funny the rational midwife speak in your head isn't it =) I had the same, was like the primal birth woman talking with the midwife, but an internal monologe =)
and it sounds like the pethidine was just want you needed to take that edge off an relax enough for it all to open up and happen!
well done, you did great!!!!!
congrats, and welcome earthside Miss E!!!