Brotherly Love

Gabriel's Birth Story

On Monday July 18th I began having some contractions at about 3:30 in the afternoon. Although I was hopeful, I didn't really expect things to progress because I have been having the type of contractions every day for about 2 weeks. I figured they were just more Braxton Hicks. Plus I had my 39 week appointment with Dr. W that morning at 10:45. At my appointment I learned I was about 80% effaced and 2-3 cm dilated. I had been 1 cm and 75% effaced since my 36 week appointment so I had made a little progress! Great news but I still wasn't getting my hopes up. I passed up the opportunity again to be induced. I passed it up the week before as well. I just wasn't real comfortable with the idea since there was no medical need for it. The only reason to do it was to prevent this baby from getting as big as Santiago and to ensure Dr. W would be there to deliver. At this point, I figured I had made it this far so I might as well keep waiting for mother nature to take it's course. Dr. W said I most likely wouldn't efface more until I was in active labor but he believed I would go soon. Good news for me....I was ready! My back, hips, and pelvis were really aching all the time and my body was really tired.

My good friend Kathy had come over to drop off a beautiful blanket for the baby (UT of course) and my mom and I were sitting in my living room with her visiting. I kept asking them to look at the weird shape my stomach was turning into as it was tightening with each contraction. Kathy thought I should go to the hospital right then and there but I wasn't in pain yet and just figured I was having more Braxton Hicks. Kathy and my mom convinced me to go ahead and start timing my contractions so I pulled out my iPad and began using the handy contraction app at 4:20. Kathy left around this time. I knew Hector would be coming home from work soon so I just sat back and timed contractions at home with my parents and Santiago. When Hector got home I still wasn't convinced I was in labor because I had a couple other days like this so he went for a quick workout at the gym. My mom was making dinner and as my contractions got closer together and stronger, I laid in my bed waiting for Hector to get home. I was ready to call him and tell him to leave the gym when he walked in the door. He found me in the bed and immediately said "this looks familiar" referring to when I was in labor with Santiago. He came home from work the first time with me waiting in the bed and my mom rubbing my back with tennis balls. I told him that this was really it this time. My contractions were very regular and hurting more and more with each one. I was having very strong back labor this time. By the time we got his bag packed and all our stuff in the car, my contractions were about 4-5 minutes apart.

We arrived at St. Luke's Hospital in the woodlands a little after 7 pm and went straight to Labor and Delivery. I knew my doctor was not on call so another doctor would be delivering my baby. The nurses at the check in table made me a little mad because they asked me what brought me there. As Hector was helping sit down in a wheelchair that he had to go get for me down the hallway I think I gave them some nasty look as I was having a big contraction and the nurse had to answer her own question of what brought me into the hospital - duh I was in labor having painful contractions! They took me back to triage and I changed into the hospital gown. I could still walk at this point and answer questions. She got my IV in and started my fluids and finally checked me. I was between 5-6 cm dilated so Hector called both our parents and told them that they better head up to the hospital too. Hector asked if I was still going to be able to get an epidural since I was almost at a 6. They said as soon as they moved me into my L&D room that they would send the anesthesiologist. I was relieved because I knew I wanted one. They held true to their word because soon after we moved to my room, my parents dame in briefly and then everyone had to leave because the doctor arrived to give me an epidural. It's hospital policy that everyone leaves, even the husband, during the epidural. My contractions were coming faster by now, it seemed like every couple of minutes, and they checked me again right before beginning the epidural process. I was at a 7. The nurse had me hug a pillow and lean forward as the doctor began with the procedure. He told me that it would take anywhere from 5-15 minutes to complete the epidural depending on how easily he could get between my vertebrae. Well it took much longer than that and about 12 attempts with the huge epidural needle. Luckily I couldn't see what they were doing but I could feel every poke and prod and every very painful contraction. They tried giving me some other pain meds through my IV but they didn't help. One made me feel weird all over from the second it went in and I hated it. I kept asking if what they were giving me was safe for the baby. After about an hour of trying to give me a good epidural he thought he got it and said we needed to wait about 15 minutes to see if it was going to take effect. I asked if Hector could come back in at this point because I was scared, tired and in tons of pain. My hair was down the entire epidural process and I was so hot. I had to have him blow in my face and put my hair in a ponytail for me. I wish my hair would have been up while they were trying to give me the epidural because I felt like I was suffocating under my hair and with the pillow practically in my face. They let me turn on my left side because I was pretty miserable on my back and I got to squeeze the life out of Hector's hand by this time. Time was ticking and the epidural wasn't working at all. I think by this time I was cussing with each contraction and Hector and the nurse were instructing me on how to breathe. I never cuss so i surprised myself saying OH S..T repeatedly through each awful contraction. The anesthesiologist wanted to attempt the epidural again and I asked if Hector could stay. The on- call OB had come in the room already...not sure exactly when...she broke my water and the baby did not like that because it made his heart rate drop down into the 60s range. Feeling the amniotic fluid rush out was a crazy feeling! They started saying that we needed to get this baby out and I kept telling them that he was down there about to come out. At this point I got really nervous and scared and Hector told me to try to stay calm. I was scared they were going to say I needed a c- section after all I've been through without pain meds to make sure the baby would be ok. I definitely wanted the baby to be ok. The pressure the baby was causing was unbelievable! I just knew he was ready to come out! The anesthesiologist said Hector could stay in the room while they attempted one last time for the epidural while I was laying on my left side. He said it looked like Hector was making me a little more comfortable. The OB did not like that he allowed Hector to stay. I kept telling them the baby was going to come out so they checked me again and I was complete at a 10. Right as they proclaimed that they got a good epidural in and that it would take a few minutes to kick in, I was ready to push. They turned me on my back and pulled my legs up and I began to push. And NO the epidural had not set in yet. I think I pushed 3 or 4 times before my sweet baby boy made his appearance. They used a vacuum to help him get out faster with my pushes and I needed an episiotomy. Feeling the baby come out was crazy. It hurt but was just an indescribable sensation and I know I made a crazy noise as he came out. Haha! Hector cut the umbilical cord as he laid on my chest and they rubbed him and cleaned him up. I cried and cried. What a miracle!

Gabriel Michael Ornelas was born at 9:56 pm at 8 pounds 5 ounces and 20.5 inches. After they weighed, measured and got him bundled up they gave him to us and wanted me to immediately breastfeed. Unfortunately he was making a grunting noise and the nurse took him from me and said that she may have to take him to NICU for awhile to monitor his breathing. I immediately asked if he was going to be ok and all she said was "I don't know"....what do you me you don't know...I was in shock and so was the rest of the family who had come in the room.

By the way, after all this had happened and I was getting stitched up, my legs went real heavy. The epidural had finally kicked in! Ugh! Fortunately a NICU nurse came in the room and explained to all of us that Gabriel was going to be ok. Due to the quick delivery he did not have time to clear his lungs of fluid that is held in little sacs inside his lungs and he had not had time to properly transition. The nurse said they were going to keep him for t least 4 hours monitoring his breathing and oxygen levels. He was already doing a little better and was not needing any oxygen support so that was a good thing. Hector was able to go see Gabriel and bring one family member at a time. The NICU nurse made us all feel more at ease.

My night nurse came on duty at 11 and I sure liked her a lot better. She had to move us into a new room at around 2 am and we asked to stop by NICU to see the baby. When she called and told them we were going to stop by on our way to our new room, we were informed that he was ready to leave NICU and come to our room! Hooray! It was wonderful to finally have him back in our arms.

We stayed in the hospital for two nights but less than the required 48 hours. I forgot to mention that usually babies are kept for at least that amount of time when the mom is GBS+. I was only able to receive one round of antibiotics through my iv before Gabriel was delivered because it happened so quickly. Usually they want at least 2 rounds of antibiotics with as many as 4. We were able to be released early because Gabriel was doing well and with the understanding that we would follow up immediately with our pediatrician. Gabriel was also circumcised on the day we were released.

It was wonderful to be home as a family of four! Santiago adores his baby brother and so do we!

Introducing Gabriel Michael Ornelas

We are pleased to announce that Gabriel Michael Ornelas joined our family on July 18th at 9:56 PM weighing 8 pounds 5 ounces and measuring 20.5 inches long. We couldn't be happier to be a family of four! Birth story to come....

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Nana's Birthday Celebration

Tonight we went to dinner with Nana and Dah, Bianca and Matt, and Matt's parents from Michigan to celebrate Nana's birthday at Landry's.   After dinner and dessert, we went on the patio to listen to some live music, feed the turtles, ducks and fish in the waterway and watch Santiago dance.  Although I was having contractions throughout the dinner and evening, it was really great to have a fun evening with family.  Happy Birthday Linda!

39 Weeks

1 week until the due date...I wonder if I will make it that far! Santiago came right on his due date - what are the odds of two babies arriving on their due date?  I'm hoping this little guy decides to make his appearance sooner rather than later!  I'm ready - I think! I'm nervous but very excited! I can't wait to see his sweet face....

I have been having contractions - Braxton Hicks - every day and today they have been constant all day.  They come and go.  Today they actually hurt some and were lasting longer but they have not increased at all - just slow and steady all day long.  I can feel it in my lower back and lower tummy and the tightness when it contracts is getting stronger.  The little guy moves alot after my belly loosens up as if he is saying "Get me out of here!"  I keep praying that things pick up just because this waiting game is getting harder!  We still have so much to do to prepare but I know it will all get done sooner than later!  The little man's room is not complete yet and I should probably at least pack my hospital bag! ha!

Santiago says he is ready to see "his" baby. He wants to give him one kiss- just one! haha!   He says he is going to help me get diapers and share his toys with the baby and I know he is going to be such a great helper.   I worry about him when I actually go into labor and how he will be when I am in the hospital.  He is such a momma's boy and its going to be hard on both of us to be away from eachother for a couple nights.  He has both sets of grandparents who he adores and although I don't have a definite plan for who will have him when it all does happen, I know he will be in good hands with whomever it is.  It's hard to plan when you don't know what time of day it will be or what everyone else will be doing at the time.  All I know is that everyone is ready to help out in any way they can and Hector and I greatly appreciate it!  This is an exciting time!  It's getting more and more uncomfortable for me and my body but it's all worth it. 

Me and My Boy!

Cranioversary

 One year ago today Santiago had his second major surgery to correct his right coronal craniosynostosis. He was 17 months old and this day was a very difficult day for all of us.  Santiago did way better than I could ever imagine.  Thinking of handing him over to the anethesiologist team, waiting in the waiting room for surgery updates, and seeing him for the first time in recovery brings tears to my eyes and I think it always will.  It's hard to believe that my sweet boy has been through two surgeries, two rounds of helmet therapy, and tons of doctor visits for craniosynostosis.  I count my blessings that Santiago is doing so well.  Cranio can cause all sorts of problems developmentally due to cranial pressure but luckily we were able to correct the main issue with his first surgery at 7 weeks old.  That day was extremely hard as well.  His first surgery was an endoscopic strip procedure where they just took a strip of bone out to release the pressure and allow the skull to grow normally.  His second surgery on July 9th last year was a total reconstruction of the skull and orbital rim.  This was done to ensure that there was no pressure on the brain or eyes and helped achieve more symmetry in his facial features that will in turn help with his development.  It's not a cosmetic surgery at all. 

We had an eye appointment last week because I was a little concerned that I was seeing some lazy eye type behaviors with Santi's left eye but luckily we had a good check up and they said his eyes are developing together and normally.  We saw two doctors that day and the first one specializes in eye problems with kids with craniofacial disorders and she was very complimentary to Santiagos surgeons.   She said that no one is completely symmetrical in their facial features but that it was hard to tell that Santi has even had to have surgery -much less two - because he is pretty symmetrical.  She thinks that some of what I am noticing with his eyes is due to the extra "puffy" skin that kids his age have between their eyes on the top of their nose line.  It causes sort of an optical illusion with his eyes because you can't always see the white of Santi's eyes inside close to his nose when he is looking in different directions.  She says all kids, not just cranio kids, can have this and as they grow and their face develops more, this skin because thinner. She made me feel my nose and compare it to Santi's and it's almost like their is baby fat on his! ha  She made me feel a lot better and even applauded me for being so conscientious when it comes to Santi's health and development.  Geez that made me feel good - in fact, I almost cried! Thanks pregnancy hormones!  The next doctor we saw at the same office did a real simple trick to test his eyes to see if they were developing right and most importantly together.  Santi passed it on his first try which is apparently unusual for a two year old. Go Santi!  He was very impressed!  I left the doctor office feeling much better.  It's nice to know (at this time) cranio is behind us.  I hope it is behind us for good.  Santi will go for a follow up appointment with Dr. T, his surgeon, soon after his little baby brother is born.   I, of course, am going to have Dr. T take a look at the baby as well.  We have a 50% chance of the baby also being a cranio baby and a lot of my prayers have been going toward the health of my baby.  Hopefully, Santi will have a good check up with Dr. T in the near future and his little brother will be cranio free!  If not, thank goodness for great surgeons with the knowledge of fixing craniosynostosis.  I am thankful that it is fixable - things can always be worse! My Santiago is doing wonderful and that means the world to me!

The pictures are from today's lunch at Texas Roadhouse where Santiago got to sit on a saddle and rope like his Poppa and chase some pigeons that were eating peanuts outside.  The last one was right before Santi's afternoon nap - which he slept for 3.5 hours -  he loves to cuddle with Roxie and fall asleep.

37 & 38 Weeks

 First off, I apologize for the bare belly! This blog is about documenting memories for me and my family so please forgive me for wanting to remember my bare BIG belly!  The good thing about that picture is that you are getting a sneak peak at the baby's new room.  The furniture is not placed appropriately yet but the paint job was complete : )  I really like how it turned out!  I was crazy the day before I took these pictures of myself and painted the baby's room all by myself before we got new carpet.  The above pictures were taken at about 36.5 weeks and then the next pics are from week 37.  Santiago wanted to get in the picture with me so I squatted close to the ground and let him sit in my lap.  He is getting more and more excited about the arrival of his baby brother! 

 At my 36 week doctor visit I learned that I was already 1 cm dilated and 75% effaced.  I couldn't believe it!  When I went to my 37 week visit, I was expecting to have made more progress because of the way I had been feeling leading up to that appointment.  I have been getting pretty swollen in my legs, feet and hands and have been pretty achy all over.  My hips, pelvis, tailbone area has really been hurting and sounds gross but I felt a lot of pressure down there like the baby is just about to fall out of me!  From one day to the next this week, I felt like the baby dropped and my belly looked different and felt different.  When I went to the doctor and he did my exam, I learned I had not made any more progress.  I was exactly the same!  I was really surprised and so was my doctor because I have Braxton Hicks contractions every night and he said that usually makes you progress more.  The good thing is that my blood pressure remains on the normal-low side - it's usually in the 104/64 range and I didn't have protein in my urine like I did at 36 weeks.  I only gained one pound this week also.  That gives me a total of 29-30 pounds so far.  My doctor still thinks I will probably go into labor sooner than my July 22nd due date but he doesn't want me to hold him to that because there just really no way of knowing. Originally he said he thought it would be a good idea to induce me at 39 weeks because Santiago was a 9 pound baby and this one is looking equally as big but he doesn't even think I will need that anymore.  I'm sort of glad about that, I don't really know how I feel about being induced.  It scares me a little.

 So today I am actually 38 weeks pregnant!  I thought I may have been going into labor last night because I had contractions from dinner time (around 6 pm) until I made myself fall asleep around 11ish.  They felt different that the contractions I have been getting off and on because I had lower back pain that was coming in waves right before my tummy tightened up and I was getting cramps as well.  I have an app on my iPad for timing contractions and Hector made me start using it.  I was averaging about 8 contractions in an hour.  They must have tapered off around when I made myself try to go to sleep.  I was very tired and when I put a heat pack on my lower back it made me relax more and I was able to go to sleep. 

 Today I was so exhausted that I had to call my loving in-laws to take care of Santiago for me so I could just rest.  I took an hour and half nap and then went and got my haircut.  When I was finished with my haircut, Santi was napping so I was able to come home and put my feet up and just watch TV.  It sure is different being pregnant the second time around.  It's exhausting but I wouldn't trade it for the world.  I feel very blessed to be having a second baby - it's just different when so much of you time and energy goes toward your first baby!  I am counting my blessings to not be working up until the last day like I did with Santiago.  I went into labor while teaching first grade with him and I'm very thankful to be home for the summer at the end of this pregnancy! 


I will go to my 38 week appointment on Monday morning.  My parents are coming to town on Sunday and it will be really nice to have them here to help out as well.  Hector and I are so blessed to have such wonderful family members to spoil us and our children!  We love you all! 
 

Big Boy Bed

We bought Santiago a day bed and got it assembled and put his new comforter on it tonight. We don't have it positioned against the wall yet but Santi is excited and anxious to try out his new big boy bed! So we are going to give it a try tonight! We will see how this transition goes before the baby arrives. Since the baby will be in the bassinet in my room for awhile I am in no hurry for Santi to be out of the crib. My goal is to make the change slowly!

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Fourth of July Weekend

This Fourth of July weekend was totally different from every Fourth I can remember.  It was good - just different.  The main reason it was so very different is because we were unable to go to the lake this year.  I grew up going to my grandparent's lakehouse for the 4th and the tradition has continued at my parent's lakehouse for the past years.  My OB advised me awhile back not to take any trips as my due date approached and when I told him I was planning on going to the lake for the 4th he told me he didn't think it was a good idea.  This was about 3 weeks ago.  Then, I thought I might be able to make it anyways.  As this weekend was approaching and I knew it was out of the question.  My body would not have been able to handle a 4.5 hour car ride to and from the lake much less being in the heat and walking up and down to the boat dock from our lakehouse.  My feet, legs and hands are swelling every day and I have Braxton Hicks contractions daily now.  I'm glad we stayed home. 

Saturday we went Brad and Jackie's house for a fun time with lots of friends.  Many of them went to high school with Hector, some are old work buddies and then others are friends we have met along the way through the other people there.  They had a brisket cookoff and lots of delicious snacks to eat and Santiago enjoyed being the center of everyone's attention.  He loved his two Jackies, helping pick up baby Jack's toys that he would toss on the ground, and hanging with the boys.  Here's a guy pow wow that took place on the kitchen floor with Santi right in the middle!

 On Sunday, we went to our friend Lacey's parent's house for some swimming and fajitas.  Santiago had a blast in the pool and went without a nap the entire day.  I'm always a little nervous to risk going without a nap but he held up just fine and was in great spirits the entire afternoon.

 It was great to see my friend Jeremy from Midland and his wife and cute son. 

 Lacey babysits little Jase sometimes and Santiago loved playing with her in the pool.  Santi got a little jealous when Lacey would hold Jase.

 The pool has a nice little wading area which was perfect for the boys.  This watering can was a big hit for both of them!

 Santiago really loved swimming with Lacey.  She taught him a motor boat song and how to close his mouth when he was going under the water a bit.  Here they are making sure his mouth is closed!

Santiago also LOVED being thrown through the air and landing in the water.  This made me a little nervous at first but seeing how much Santi loved it and knowing he was safe made it all ok!

After a long day of swimming and sun, I brought Santi home and fed him a little more dinner since I wasn't sure he ate enough at Lacey's because all he wanted to do was swim!  He ate his food, watched a little Thomas the Train and then fell quickly asleep on the couch! 

Today we woke up and went to Nana and Dah's house for a delicious breakfast!  After we ate, Santi went outside with his grandparents to water the plants.  He really enjoys this activity! 

Mid afternoon we went and bought Santiago a twin mattress for his new daybed that he will be transitioning into soon.  We have been talking about his big boy bed and how his baby brother is going to need the crib and I am hoping to make the transition slowly before "his" baby arrives.  He loves calling the baby "my baby" and although we haven't decided on a name yet - he still wants to call him Baby Easton! Every once in awhile he says Baby _____ and names one of our real choices but no one can understand him! haha   The rest of our Fourth of July was spent napping and taking it easy together as a family.  It was a very nice way to end a very fun and busy weekend!