Amanda's Birth Story- Part II

To pick up from where we left off, read Part I here. Reminder: What I write may be too much information for some people (it is about a baby coming out of my body after all) so consider yourself forewarned. I include some details that I wouldn't normally tell some people in person in case a mother-to-be is reading and wants to know what to expect.

We left the doctor's office with just an hour to spare before I was due to check-in at the hospital. Since that wasn't enough time to run home first, we got in the car and scooted off to Lider (Chilean Walmart) for shampoo and slippers for me and snacks for mom and Andrés (husband). Then off to the hospital we went. It took about a half hour to get checked-in even though I was pre-registered so we spent the time taking my final baby bump pics. Eventually an orderly came down with a wheelchair and took us up to my fourth floor room.

38 Weeks, 4 Days

In front of the number 1 for our first child

  

Apparently we were already behind schedule because they rushed me to change into my lovely, backless hospital gown and then they started prepping me for surgery. They took my blood pressure (which was at a normal number again and makes me wonder if my OB took it right in his office), shaved me, and got my IV stand ready. Then my midwife showed up and inserted the IV into the side of my lower thumb. And let me tell you, it hurts there. It's pretty much required to have a midwife here and you don't really choose one yourself- you go with the woman your doctor has chosen to work with. I was pretty disappointed with my midwife experience because she really didn't do anything and was very matter-of-fact and not so much bedside-mannerish. I think she would have done a lot more if it was a natural birth instead of c-section but even afterwards she seemed rushed instead of willing to help me with things like how to take care of my incision and breastfeeding.

Continuing on... I was then wheeled down in my bed to the second floor where the surgery would take place. I had been told Andrés would be with my the whole time but I guess they meant only for the actual surgery part because as soon as we got down there they made him wait outside while they took me into the room to start the anesthesia. The anesthetist was a nice man who tried to reassure me right away by telling me he spoke English when he found out  I was a gringa. Usually when Chileans tell me this it means they speak a broken English that is usually more of a hindrance than help in important situations like this (although I definitely applaud them in their effort and level of English because it's hard learning another language)- and that was the case with him. He told me a few times, "It's alright, you're a big woman," thinking he was saying "you're a big girl" instead of insulting my large pregnant body. I guess I wasn't the best patient though because as he was inserting the needles in my back I kept arching away (I couldn't help it, it was an automatic reaction like when someone tickles you- except more painful) instead of pushing my spine towards him. But really, who pushes their spine towards needles? I think he first numbed up some areas with Novocaine and then put in one big needle of the anesthesia. I'm not sure on that though because nobody was explaining much to me. I really wish Andrés would have been let in for that part because of the language barrier.

Well, the drugs started to take effect and I could feel the lower half of me becoming numb and heavy. I kept testing it out, seeing if I could feel myself wiggle my toes. I think I could feel them move. This is where things start to get a bit hazy because the drugs made me tired and my mind foggy. My OB came in the room and he was moving around doing things along with the midwife, anesthetist, and about four nurses. They laid my arms out straight (like Christ on the crucifix, put up the curtain over my chest so I wouldn't be able to see my insides when opened up, and I was disrobed from there down. I noticed my midwife snap a few photos on her phone (I hope it was before I was disrobed)  and remember thinking it was weird. I then felt someone petting my head and saying it was okay. It took me about 20 seconds to realize it was Andrés and that he was in the room with me. That's how out of it I was.

Then the surgery began. From what I know they cut me open using a cauterizer (so you don't bleed as much) and Andrés said he could smell my burning flesh. Nice. Then they put a closed clamp type thing in the incision that has a string attached to it. They yanked on the string and it opened the mouth of the clamp, widening the incision area. Then they tie down the string so that it remained open. I felt no pain but I definitely felt tugging and pulling. I don't know if it was the tugging of them opening me or of them pulling the baby out. And yank her out they did! All of the sudden I heard a little cry and they told us that we had a baby girl. Amanda Rosario was born at 2:22pm on Monday, May 6th, 2013! They cut her cord and brought her around and held her head next to mine so we could see her. I didn't feel sudden euphoria or great feelings of pride and joy (I really think it was because of the drugs), but I remember just thinking "She's here." And that I felt really tired.

Amanda was taken out to be checked on by the pediatrician and cleaned and dressed. Andrés went with her and I was once again alone. They stitched me up quickly and then I was wheeled into the recovery room next door. I think I was kept there for an hour and a nurse checked my blood pressure every 15 minutes. Again, I was really tired and I didn't mind being separated from Amanda- I wanted to rest. Not normal mothering feelings. Finally I was wheeled back up to my fourth floor room. My mom, Andrés, and his parents were there waiting. They told me how cute Amanda was and how she kept turning her head when the nurse tried to point her face towards them and how she fit her whole fist in her mouth (remarkable since she has shown no interest in doing this again since that time). After a few minutes the nurses wheeled Amanda into the room and left her with us and I held my daughter for the first time. Although still under the effects of the anesthesia, I was able to marvel at her small size and beauty and to breastfeed her. Amanda weighed 2740 grams/5.9 pounds and measured 47 centimeters/18.5 inches.

Super Dad- the man who got us through it all

Getting acquainted

Most people said she looks exactly like me and my mom but I believe her nose and jawline come from Andrés. She has a full head of black hair for now and steel grey eyes that I believe will eventually change to brown. We stayed for three nights in the hospital, of which Andrés was able to stay with us the first night, and then we went home on Thursday at noon. We had many, many visitors including Andrés' whole family and a large number of my gringa friends. Although a little awkward to have to feed her in front of some of them as I was just getting used to it, it was so nice to have their support and visits.

With Grandma Jo. Everything is so big on me!

Hanging out with the abuelita

As you were reading this, some of it might have seemed kind of negative because in a way it was for me. I want to be honest about my experience. It was not the birth I wanted by far and as a matter of fact I don't really feel like I gave birth because I didn't do anything- the doctor did it all in surgery. It's still hard for me to process that Amanda is here in my arms yet I have no idea what labor and pushing a baby out feel like. I'm pretty okay with it but I worry that one day I'm going start mourning the loss of that experience as I hear some mothers do. BUT with all that being said I definitely view my c-section as a SUCCESS and a JOY too because Amanda is here, healthy and safe. I'm very happy with my new life as a family of three. Contento, Señor, contento.

Introducing My Family!

After a 16 month hiatus, I have decided to return to the blogging world! And boy has a lot happened in the past 16 months. In my last post I shared that Andrés and I got engaged. 

Since then this happened...

And very shortly after this happened...

And then this little one came along!

I know! We were a little surprised too! And so, so happy. Contenta con la vida!

We are now a family of three.


Here's a short recap of what took place over the last 16 months:
I moved back home to MN at the beginning of March 2012 to be with my family, start wedding planning, and to work and save up money for said wedding. The Lord was so kind to provide a job almost right away. I was hired to wash motorhomes. Yes, you read right. It was a good job and I got some exercise and am very thankful for the two months I did that, but washing RVs is just not for me. In May I was able to find other work for the United States Postal Service! I worked as a mail processor in the St. Cloud plant and I really enjoyed my work and co-workers. I got a workout every night (helped me get in shape for the wedding) and my co-workers were so supportive and happy for me when I got married and pregnant. The only downside is that it was the night shift- ugh.

I got to spend as much family quality time as I could when I wasn't sleeping, and everybody chipped in to help the wedding come together. Andrés came up the week before the wedding and then on August 4, 2012 we became man and wife! It was an awesome wedding and reception but the details must be saved for a later post. At the end of August Andrés returned to Chile and I planned to follow him after a few more months of work. On Septembter 13th I found out I was pregnant and Andrés got to learn about it through Skype! Oh the joys. Through the help and support of my parents I was able to move down here at the end of October and join my husband. I found part-time work right away and for months 5-7 of my pregnancy I was blessed with full-time work and again, awesome co-workers. Then on May 2nd my mom arrived and just four short days later Amanda Rosario was born! What a whirlwind. Andrés is now studying and working and I am a stay at home mom for the next few months. It's a blessed life. It's a sleepless life.

Now since I'm a wife, mother, and indefinite expat I'm sure most of my posts will be focused on these new aspects of my life. I hope you enjoy reading about these adventures and I'm so happy to share them with my friends and family- it makes me feel closer to you all across this distance. Also, don't expect posts too frequently (I make no promises to keep up the blog) because I'm still getting the hang of mothering and Amanda is still learning about life on the outside of the womb- which means she's almost permanently in my arms! With that said, I hope to see you here again somewhat soon. God bless!

Feliz Cumpleaños Andrés!!!

Happy birthday to the man I love with all of my heart! Andrés, you are an amazing, generous man and I am so in love with you. And I am so happy that I finally get to share your birthday with you and be here in person. God has blessed us so much already, and I pray that He may continue to pour His graces upon you in this new year of your life. 

Last year on Andrés´ birthday he went to the U.S. Embassy for his visa interview to be able to come and see me. He was denied and it was a really hard and sad day for both of us. Thankfully he tried again and was approved. This birthday is already way better than last year. I love that this is the third birthday of Andrés´ life that I´ve been able to be a part of, and I look forward to many more to come. Andrés, mi viejito, te amo tanto.

This is the wonderful man that I love and that I can have lots of fun with :)

Andrés, sssshhhhhhhooooooooo te amo

First Day in Chile

Now that I´ve been here for two weeks, I´ve decided that I should show you some pictures from the first day I arrived. Our plane landed at 6am and going through customs went really smoothly. In fact, everything went really smoothly and fast until one of my suitcases never arrived at baggage claim! I had to wait about a 20 minutes while they waited for the final pieces to come out and while they double checked all the leftovers. Finally LAN took me to their counter and took down my information, saying that they thought it would come in on the next flight which arrived in an hour and they could deliver it to me in Santiago. Well, I didn´t know yet where or if I was going to be in Santi so I decided to go find Andrés (finally I get to see him!) and thought we could wait for the next flight.

So I left baggage claim with my one suitcase and there he was, waiting for me! Of course it was a glorious reunion, hehe, and it was so nice to be back in his arms after 6 months. Honestly, (those of you who have been in a long distance relationship probably know a little of this) after you´ve been apart that long it is REALLY nice to be together again, but the first few minutes are a little awkward. You think to yourself, Do I remember how to hug him? Where do my arms go? What kind of a kiss is he expecting?! Thankfully for us, the awkwardness and nervousness usually only lasts for a little while. I´ve heard for others that it takes them up to day to fully warm up to each other again! It´s just strange when you´re used to only seeing someone through a computer screen for hours everyday and then suddenly there they are- 3D and all!

Anyways, so we had our glorious reunion and then we decided to wait for my luggage. It was kind of a waste of time because it did not show up on the next flight, but it was kind of nice to sit and chat and catch up. Also, since it was 7am, I doubt there would have been much for us to do in Santiago anyways. I´m going to transition into the pictures now, but in case you´re curious, my suitcase showed up the next day and they delivered it to me all the way out in Concón. How nice of LAN, they seriously were very courteous in all of this.

After we left the airport we headed for Cerro San Cristobal (St. Christopher´s Big Hill) which has a huge statue of Mary at the top, we call her Mega Maria. It is our tradition to always go therre first, enjoy the view and pray a little in thanksgiving for being together again. I love this tradition.

Together at last!

A cute note on one of the fences. It says: Do you want to go out with me?

View of Santiago from Cerro San Cristobal

Who´s this handsome fellow?

Mega María

It was a sunny day

After San Cristobal we went to el Centro to see the markets and we ate lunch at one of them. It was so good! Although the waiters were very pushy, they basically fought over us to get us to eat at their restaurant and not the competition´s.

My  lunch- so yummy

Andrés enjoying his food

They're Almost Here!!!

My parents are on their way! In fact, they should arrive at my apartment in four to five hours. I'm so excited to see them and hug them and also to see my niece, P! She's six-years-old and on her way out to Wyoming for the very first time. I have to say that I'm very thankful for all the sacrifices my family is making for me. They weren't able to leave the house in Minnesota until much later than expected yesterday and they didn't get to their hotel in South Dakota until 8am- that's right, 8AM!!! They basically drove straight through the night. And let me tell you, I did that a few months ago and I thought I was too old to be doing that at only 25 years-old! It seems like P is a trooper though and is doing well with them.

Everything seems to be coming together on my end. The man replacing me arrived at work this Monday and training has been going very well. I've gotten to know his wife and kids a little bit and I have to say it feels like a missed opportunity to get to know a really nice family- I wish they had arrived months sooner! On Sunday the parish had an ice cream social to say goodbye and I also had a BBQ with RCIA members of the past on Tuesday and I've been meeting up with friends whenever I get the chance. Saying goodbye is really hard! Especially since I don't know when I'll see a lot of these people again. I'm going to miss my parish community and Wyoming friends so much. Over the past week or two I've been packing up my apartment, and while it is tedious work it seems to be coming along. I really only have my kitchen and food items left to go through. I've been having to sort things into four piles: things to go in the garage sale, things to go to Chile, things to store in MN and things to bring to MN and give back to the family members they belong to. By the way, if any of you readers are in WY and know me, stop by my yard sale on Saturday!

I probably won't be posting anything for about a week or so because of all of the moving plans. Tomorrow my dad is going to work on car stuff, I'll be finishing things up at work (I can't believe it's my last day!), and I'm not sure what my mom and niece will do. Friday night we have dinner with a wonderful woman here who has been like a grandmother to me and we'll make preparations for the yard sale. Saturday morning/early afternoon will be the yard sale and then we'll go to 5:30pm Mass (my last Mass in the parish, sad) followed by a BBQ with the parish staff so I can say all of my goodbyes to them. Sunday morning we'll load up the truck and make our way to Jackson, WY. We get to spend a night in a nice-looking hotel and then all day Monday we're going to explore Yellowstone! None of us have ever been before. Monday night and Tuesday morning will be spent in Cody, WY and then we'll start driving and make it home to Minnesota (pray all goes well) by Wednesday night. Ufda! To all of you MN peeps, know that I'm looking forward to spending lots of quality time with you before leaving for Chile on the 19th. Only 21 days to Andres and Chile!!!

P.S. To anyone who has supported me in this transition through words, acts of kindness or gifts, I want you to know that I GREATLY APPRECIATE it. I don't think I could have made this big decision and followed through with it without you. I especially want to thank Andres, my family and my fellow parishioners. I love you all.

Easter = Thanksgiving???

Happy Easter everyone! Feliz Pascua de Resurreccion! To start off this post I want to share one of my all-time favorite songs to listen to during the Easter season. I love it because it shows the joy and power of Christ's victory in the Resurrection. It quotes St. Paul's taunting words of "Where o Death is your sting? Where o Sin is your victory?" Ha! Take that Satan! The enemy has been defeated! Enjoy a little listen while you read through the rest.

I have to say that the Easter Vigil here on Saturday night was wonderful! 11 adults, 2 teens and 2 kids became Catholic and were Baptized, Confirmed and/or made their First Communion in our parish. It is almost impossible to describe how much joy this brings me. These 15 people (and the 20 others from the two previous years) make such an impact on me and my faith life during the 9 months that we meet weekly. These are people that have faith and you know it- they're not afraid to show and they're also not afraid to ask questions when they doubt it. But Saturday night there were no doubts. They professed to believe in God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and in the Catholic Church. And it was into that faith that they were baptized. What witnesses!


Easter Sunday was also really good. I was invited over to my co-worker's house for dinner with her family and friends. She's like a second (or third or fourth- there's so many kind women here who treat me so nicely) mother to me and it was nice to be included. She'd actually had my parents and me over for Thanksgiving last year and so I had already met most of the people there. I just wish my parents could have joined us again. But it was okay because I got to video chat with them Sunday night! For how much I video chat with Andres, it's surprising how much I don't video chat with my family. It would be so easy but we've never gotten into the habit. I mainly talked with my mom and dad, although I got to speak briefly with my sister too. And I realized something: I love them SO MUCH! I think I pretty much always realize that I love them (being apart from them helps with that) but on Easter Sunday I just felt a great immensity to that love. And that in turn made me very thankful to God for this great gift He's given me in my family.


Lastly tonight I will talk about being thankful for Andres. I was able to video chat with him both before and after talking to my family. Lately, as in the past three weeks, I have been missing Andres like crazy! It's insane how much I miss him and it hasn't been this bad in about a year. It just feels like there is this huge part of me that's missing and that huge part is him. But while all this missing is taking place I've also been growing deeper in love with him. And starting Saturday night and continuing yesterday and today (this Easter season is just magical) I've just felt so thankful for this love I have for Andres and realizing what a great gift it is that God put a man like him in my life. Andres is so good to me and God is so good to me. 


With all this thankfulness welling up inside of me, it makes me think that it should be Thanksgiving but it's not. It's Easter, the time of the resurrection and new life! And so with this newfound and deeper sense of thanksgiving I will celebrate and praise the risen Lord! I hope this season also provides all of you with reasons to be thankful. May Jesus Christ pour His Easter graces upon you!


P.S. I hope to include pictures from the vigil soon but I left my camera at work!