Aqui Is Here!

14 May 2009

The long wait is over. Aqui is finally here (a bit redundant since Aqui already means “here” but you know what I mean.) Actually, we were in the hospital yesterday, 13th of May, to undergo induced labour but was asked to come back the next day as the hospital was short of staff and vacant birth rooms for. And so we begrudgingly went home. I suppose it was good to stay home as I was able to cross out two more items from my pre-birth to-do-list-- to watch twilight and madagascar 2 on dvd and to do some more washing.

The next day, we were up and about at 5 am and were in the hospital at 8 am. There was no turning back now. I was readied with iv drips and monitored for contractions. There were a few coming but weren't so intense. At around 12, the OB force-broke my waters. It hurt but I was able to endure it with a smile - I think it was the least I can do for the midwives and doctors who were all so nice. The ob was quite surprised that I had little reaction and mused out that I had a high tolerance for pain. That gave me encouragement to go thru labour drug-free. But as time passed by and the contractions became more frequent and pain was more intense, brought about by syntocinin, I realised I could no longer endure the pain. I was blessed to have my husband Ronnel there with me all throughout but even his lamaze massage and words of encouragement were no match for the intense labour pains. And so I gave in. I asked for an epidural. And it was the best decision that I made.

The thing with epidurals is that you have to absolutely stay still when it is applied and it was no small feat especially when contractions were happening every other minute. But Ronnel was there to hold me still and remind me that I won't beable to use my future phone (Yeah, this still works as motivation) if something happens to my nervous system. So it went in without problems and I found my new best friend, Epi the epidural trigger button.

The contractions were happening fast now and I was in full labour but despite that, I was only 5 cm dilated and it remained that way for 3 hours. Moreover, baby was in an anterior position-- in short, however fast or frequent the contractions were, baby won't be coming out right. And so our OB advised that a C-section is the best option and since we trust our OB (we are paying big bucks for her services), we signed all the necessary papers and off we went to the operation theatre.

I was given a stronger anesthetic so as not to feel the cut and as a result, I had the shivers all over. Apparently, with anaesthesia, your body can't tell the temperature properly so you get the shakes. It was the weirdest feeling ever. This was my first operation and I didn't know what to expect. I was aware of the things that were happening around me but I felt my body was too heavy. Ronnel was besideme, holding my hand, trying to stop me from shaking a lot. I felt my stomach being prodded and pushed and saw the reflection from the lights above. It was like a scene in the Saw movies where there was blood all over and the gut exposed. At 10:16 pm, we heard the sweetest sound ever. It was our baby's first cry.
And it's confirmed now - Aqui is a girl.

She was quickly cleaned and brought over to Ronnel's arms. I've never seen him happier. I know in my heart he is going to be the best dad there is for our little Jacqueleen. The first thing he said was, "She looks just like you!" When he brought her over, I couldn't agree more. She had my wide set eyes but she had her daddy's pouty small lips. Let's leave the nose to fate and see what happens. There was only one thing running thru my mind when I saw her, "I love you baby." It was the first time I felt such an overpowering emotion that made me shake all over-- I don't think it was the drugs this time.

The pediatrician did some checks on her and wow, our baby has passed her first test (apgar) with flying colours. Nine out of ten – not bad for her first test! Not only that, she had her first feed with no problems. Even the midwife was amazed how fast Aqui was able to latch and she didn't let go for almost an hour!

We still have to stay in the hospital for a few days for Aqui to be monitored and she's staying in the Natal Intensive Care Unit. I couldn't sleep during that night, babies in the ward kept crying and I keep thinking of my Aqui. Ronnel has gone home since partners around allowed to stay the night. We're both tired and sleep deprived with this longest day of our lives, but it is all worth it.

Here are some pictures we'd like to share...
When the contractions were just starting...


After meeting bestfriend Epi


Prepping for a C-section


Aqui is a Girl!


More of our little Aqui...