Tuesday, June 30, 2009
It's a Boy!
We are thrilled to announce the birth of Isaiah Alexander Orona, born Sunday, June 28th, at 9:53 a.m. Isaiah weighted 8 lbs. 1 oz and was 21 1/4 inches long. He is perfectly healthy and as sweet as he can be!
Monday, June 29, 2009
And So It Begins...
After over a week of painful, yet sporadic and seemingly useless contractions, I was fit to be tied and more than ready for the baby to be born. Saturday night I was extremely uncomfortable and even more irritable as I anticipated at least 3 more days of miserable discomfort and an inevitable induction.
However, at 5:00 am on Sunday morning, I was abruptly awaken by the feeling that my water had broken. I jumped out of bed, excited in knowing that the day had finally come! When I got to the bathroom and turned on the light, though, the excitement immediately became fear as I realized I was bleeding heavily. I woke up Fernando and told him we needed to go to the hospital as soon as possible. My parents were called and on their way and I quickly tried to throw the last few things in my suitcase and change, all the while cleaning up the bathroom floor. We were at the hospital before 6:00 a.m. and immediately brought back to triage to be evaluated.
The amount of blood loss was of great concern to the doctor who was called in to examine me. An ultrasound was ordered to see if the placenta was still in tact. It was feared that it had separated or torn and may be in the way thus requiring a C-section. The ultrasound showed the placenta was fine and out of the way, but the bleeding refused to stop.
I was checked and found to be at 5 cm. Contractions had begun shortly after my water broke and were 6-7 minutes apart, at which point the doctor began to think that perhaps the rapid dilation had been the cause of the bleeding. Whatever the case, it was imperative that the baby come quickly.
I was admitted, brought to labor and delivery, and was given my epidural with what seemed like lightening speed. I had also signed much paperwork, including a form giving the okay for a C-section and blood transfusion if necessary. The nurse drew several viles of my own blood to keep on hand and the doctor inserted an internal monitor to better keep track of the baby and my progress.
I was checked again at that point and found to be at 7 cm, all within two hours. Thankfully, baby was doing fine, but my heart rate had jumped up to 134 beats per minute and no amount of medication and/or relaxation techniques could get it to slow. The doctor came in and explained that it was a race against the clock. I had to deliver as soon as possible or an emergency C-section would be inevitable.
Thankfully, we were surrounded my family and dear friends who were waiting for their daughter -in-law to deliver their grand baby just a few doors down. Mom and Lisa entered the room just as the doctor left and I started to cry, falling under the weight of the emotion and fear. My family joined hands and prayed around my bed finishing just as the doctor came back in. Instantly, my heart rate fell to 104. I soon felt another gush of blood and when the doctor came to check announced it was time. He threw on his coat and gloves as nurses rushed to prepare the room. Two pushes and baby's head was out...three...and he was here! Only four short hours from the time we arrived at the hospital. What a whirlwind and what a joy and relief that our baby boy had arrived and was perfectly healthy!
Unfortunately, the bleeding did not stop after delivery and there was still the possibility that a transfusion would be necessary. I was given a shot of Methergine and another bag of Pitocin to be administered over the next four hours. Shortly thereafter, the contraction pain was unbearable. I was given Nubain for the pain and within minutes was happy and pain free. (I will eternally be grateful for legal narcotics!) The Pitocin and Methergine did their job, thankfully, and within a few hours, the bleeding had slowed enough to move me to recovery.
A blood test the following morning indicated that I had lost a significant amount of blood and although my hemoglobin level was below normal it was not as dangerously low as anticipated. I was given the okay to go home later in the day!
I'm so thankful for the prayers of so many friends and family members and know beyond a shadow of a doubt that those prayers are the reason baby and I are home and well.
However, at 5:00 am on Sunday morning, I was abruptly awaken by the feeling that my water had broken. I jumped out of bed, excited in knowing that the day had finally come! When I got to the bathroom and turned on the light, though, the excitement immediately became fear as I realized I was bleeding heavily. I woke up Fernando and told him we needed to go to the hospital as soon as possible. My parents were called and on their way and I quickly tried to throw the last few things in my suitcase and change, all the while cleaning up the bathroom floor. We were at the hospital before 6:00 a.m. and immediately brought back to triage to be evaluated.
The amount of blood loss was of great concern to the doctor who was called in to examine me. An ultrasound was ordered to see if the placenta was still in tact. It was feared that it had separated or torn and may be in the way thus requiring a C-section. The ultrasound showed the placenta was fine and out of the way, but the bleeding refused to stop.
I was checked and found to be at 5 cm. Contractions had begun shortly after my water broke and were 6-7 minutes apart, at which point the doctor began to think that perhaps the rapid dilation had been the cause of the bleeding. Whatever the case, it was imperative that the baby come quickly.
I was admitted, brought to labor and delivery, and was given my epidural with what seemed like lightening speed. I had also signed much paperwork, including a form giving the okay for a C-section and blood transfusion if necessary. The nurse drew several viles of my own blood to keep on hand and the doctor inserted an internal monitor to better keep track of the baby and my progress.
I was checked again at that point and found to be at 7 cm, all within two hours. Thankfully, baby was doing fine, but my heart rate had jumped up to 134 beats per minute and no amount of medication and/or relaxation techniques could get it to slow. The doctor came in and explained that it was a race against the clock. I had to deliver as soon as possible or an emergency C-section would be inevitable.
Thankfully, we were surrounded my family and dear friends who were waiting for their daughter -in-law to deliver their grand baby just a few doors down. Mom and Lisa entered the room just as the doctor left and I started to cry, falling under the weight of the emotion and fear. My family joined hands and prayed around my bed finishing just as the doctor came back in. Instantly, my heart rate fell to 104. I soon felt another gush of blood and when the doctor came to check announced it was time. He threw on his coat and gloves as nurses rushed to prepare the room. Two pushes and baby's head was out...three...and he was here! Only four short hours from the time we arrived at the hospital. What a whirlwind and what a joy and relief that our baby boy had arrived and was perfectly healthy!
Unfortunately, the bleeding did not stop after delivery and there was still the possibility that a transfusion would be necessary. I was given a shot of Methergine and another bag of Pitocin to be administered over the next four hours. Shortly thereafter, the contraction pain was unbearable. I was given Nubain for the pain and within minutes was happy and pain free. (I will eternally be grateful for legal narcotics!) The Pitocin and Methergine did their job, thankfully, and within a few hours, the bleeding had slowed enough to move me to recovery.
A blood test the following morning indicated that I had lost a significant amount of blood and although my hemoglobin level was below normal it was not as dangerously low as anticipated. I was given the okay to go home later in the day!
I'm so thankful for the prayers of so many friends and family members and know beyond a shadow of a doubt that those prayers are the reason baby and I are home and well.
Monday, June 22, 2009
What's Next?
There are oh so many joys to being pregnant, none of which come in the last few weeks prior to delivery, I might add. Today, I was introduced to yet another one. I was pleasantly surprised to find that my body is finally responding to countless contractions I've experienced over the last 72 hours. That is until my doctor decided that I'd progressed far enough for him to attempt some more "aggressive" methods of natural induction. I vaguely recall at one point during my exam, requesting a stick on which to bite down, but surprisingly enough, was not provided with one.
I was told, however, that the procedure ought to get labor going within the next few days, if not by this evening. Seeing as it is now 10:50 pm and my contractions have not become regular as of yet, I think it's safe to assume that today will not be the day. We will see what happens in the next few.
If for some reason, baby is not here by next Tuesday, the doctor will induce me and we will get to meet our little man...finally!
I was told, however, that the procedure ought to get labor going within the next few days, if not by this evening. Seeing as it is now 10:50 pm and my contractions have not become regular as of yet, I think it's safe to assume that today will not be the day. We will see what happens in the next few.
If for some reason, baby is not here by next Tuesday, the doctor will induce me and we will get to meet our little man...finally!
Friday, June 19, 2009
A Whole Lotta Nothing Going On
Our day began early, at 4:30 am to be exact, with what would be the first of literally dozens of contractions. It was painful enough to wake me from a sound sleep, as was the contraction that came just after 5:00 am. They continued in 30 minute intervals for a couple hours and I was fairly convinced that after time they would get closer together. They did and, although it was slow going, by this afternoon my contractions were closer to 10 minutes apart. Although they weren't unbearably painful (in comparison to some I've had in the past) they did continue to come closer and closer together until they were within 5 minutes of each other, at which point we hopped in the truck and headed to the hospital. With as slowly as things had progressed, we anticipated that it would be a long night.
However, when we got to the hospital and I was examined we found that after over 12 hours of consistent contractions, we had made zero progress (insert "Debbie Downer" music here). My doctor ordered an ultrasound to check fluid levels and make sure the baby was okay. All looked well and I was given some percocet for the pain in hopes that it would help my body relax and progress. It did help the pain and ,while I didn't progress, boy was I happy!
We're glad our baby boy is doing well and is comfy cozy for now. Unfortunately for me, I am home and still having contractions over 16 hours later.... It could be a VERY long weekend!
However, when we got to the hospital and I was examined we found that after over 12 hours of consistent contractions, we had made zero progress (insert "Debbie Downer" music here). My doctor ordered an ultrasound to check fluid levels and make sure the baby was okay. All looked well and I was given some percocet for the pain in hopes that it would help my body relax and progress. It did help the pain and ,while I didn't progress, boy was I happy!
We're glad our baby boy is doing well and is comfy cozy for now. Unfortunately for me, I am home and still having contractions over 16 hours later.... It could be a VERY long weekend!
38 Weeks
One week closer! According to Babycenter.com (my pregnancy bible of choice), our baby has really plumped up. He weighs about 6.8 lbs and is 19 1/2 inches long. His organs have matured and he's ready for life outside the womb. And believe me...we're ready too! Can't wait to meet this little guy and love that he'll be here in a week or two!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Week 37
It's as if I can hear the them from Jeopardy playing in my head all day, every day. We have made it to 37 weeks and been able to manage my blood pressure thanks to countless friends and family who have jumped in to help feed us, clean our house, and entertain our kids. I've been given the green light to move about a little more in hopes to get things rolling, as long as I continue to monitor my blood pressure.
I find myself waking each day and wondering if this could be it and yet fearing that it will be. It is a bizarre paradox I was not expecting to encounter this time around.
I head to the doctor's office this afternoon to see if we're making any progress and my doctor has promised to do everything in his power to "get things moving", an idea that in and of itself raises my blood pressure more than slightly.
Will keep everyone posted...
I find myself waking each day and wondering if this could be it and yet fearing that it will be. It is a bizarre paradox I was not expecting to encounter this time around.
I head to the doctor's office this afternoon to see if we're making any progress and my doctor has promised to do everything in his power to "get things moving", an idea that in and of itself raises my blood pressure more than slightly.
Will keep everyone posted...
Monday, June 1, 2009
Check Up
I was finally able to get Sofia to the doctor for her 12 month check up. It was decided, after a trying visit to the last pediatrician, that it was time to find a new doctor. Something about the rude office staff and the fact that the medical assistant insisted that it was necessary for me to take my 10 month old to an off-site lab to have her blood drawn to check for lead and hemoglobin levels, despite the fact that the doctor gave me no such instruction, was evidence enough that change was necessary. Luckily, my OB's wife is a pediatrician in the area and, as soon as I saw she was on our provider list, I made an appointment. What a difference it made!
Sofia was a trooper in spite of the fact that she is getting two more teeth and has been miserable the last two days. No tears during her exam. She just looked at the doctor inquisitively as she listened to her heart and checked her eyes. Unfortunately, our poor baby girl had to get yet another round of immunizations (much harder on mom than her, I think). She is as healthy as can be and is now sleeping soundly through the afternoon
In true Orona fashion, our 12 month old has yet to hit the 20lb mark. Her brother finally arrived around month 15. Sofia is much closer weighing in at a 19lbs. 9 1/2 oz. putting her in the 25th percentile for weight. At 30 inches long she is growing slightly taller than average, which came as a surprise. What was not at all surprising, was the fact that her head measured in the 90th percentile at a whopping 47 cm. She's gonna be one smart cookie!
Our baby girl continues to grow and change each day and is really beginning to share her sweet and fun personality with us. Before we know it, our baby will be a big sister!
And we're going to have to do this check-up/shot thing all over again......I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...
Sofia was a trooper in spite of the fact that she is getting two more teeth and has been miserable the last two days. No tears during her exam. She just looked at the doctor inquisitively as she listened to her heart and checked her eyes. Unfortunately, our poor baby girl had to get yet another round of immunizations (much harder on mom than her, I think). She is as healthy as can be and is now sleeping soundly through the afternoon
In true Orona fashion, our 12 month old has yet to hit the 20lb mark. Her brother finally arrived around month 15. Sofia is much closer weighing in at a 19lbs. 9 1/2 oz. putting her in the 25th percentile for weight. At 30 inches long she is growing slightly taller than average, which came as a surprise. What was not at all surprising, was the fact that her head measured in the 90th percentile at a whopping 47 cm. She's gonna be one smart cookie!
Our baby girl continues to grow and change each day and is really beginning to share her sweet and fun personality with us. Before we know it, our baby will be a big sister!
And we're going to have to do this check-up/shot thing all over again......I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...
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