Ten pounds in 10 minutes!

There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven. – Ecclesiastes 3:1

After having experienced placenta previa totalis on my second trimester, premature labor on my 7th month, hypotonic contractions lasting about a month, our son made his entrance to this world one day after his expected date of arrival via natural ( Bradley) delivery at St. Luke’s Medical Center last August 2.

Our delivery to our fourth child, Benjamin Ryan, took just 10 minutes after I was escorted by a nurse to the delivery room. You wouldn’t imagine the relief that I felt upon his arrival. For months we’ve waited for him, scheduled all our plans around the any moment arrival of this precious one and when it felt like my contractions were for real, we doubted if that was really the date.

D Day!

I went through my usual routine. Took my daughter to Little Gym in the morning for toddler exercises (where she insisted I join her). Before I knew it, I was being driven to the hospital. Before my patience wore thin (because I felt like going out of control not having anyone address my situation), a lady came out of nowhere, and realizing the seriousness of my condition, ordered the Lamaze Room cleaned and prepared. She then requested me and Anthony to put on our gowns, etc. She was so endearing and I felt so understood – my needs were attended well – that I embraced her and hung on. A few seconds later, my water bag gave way. She escorted me and Anthony to the delivery room. The whole time, she was just focused on my requests (to have the VCR turned off, the lights dimmed and the birthing table adjusted). What dedication! She truly inspired me that moment.

Welcome Benjamin Ryan

Just a few minutes before I pushed my baby out, I heard the most liberating and heartwarming voice say, "I’m here!"It was Dr. Mene Reyes. She apologized for being late because she had to attend to her son first. Then, she got right to work while smiling and being her jolly self. By that time, I felt total surrender and my worries were cast away by her presence that the only logical thing to do was push the baby out as gently as I could. Anthony was my ever supportive coach – he reminded me about the basics of pushing, starting from a few good refreshing intake of air followed by a push. I was attentive to his voice and felt a surge of excitement as I felt Benjamin slowly come out of my birth canal. It took two good pushes and then he emerged. There was celebration, laughter, congratulations and embraces that followed. It was a truly glorious experience! "Parang ten pounds ’to ah," announced Dr. Mene. I didn’t believe her until the weight was verified that, indeed, Benjamin weighed 10 pounds and was 55 cm. long.

On with Life

My recovery was fast and since the hospital had many patients in line waiting for a room, we stayed overnight at the High Risk Pregnancy Unit where they had several small cozy rooms available. Later, we were transferred to a bigger room. I went home the following day because I missed my husband and children terribly.

Everytime I look at Benjamin, I am reminded of God’s wonderful way of saying He hasn’t given up on us yet. I have made many mistakes in parenting my children and was truly intense in rearing Ella, my firstborn (kawawa nga napag-practisan ng kung ano-anong techniques and tactics) but seeing a new son makes me realize that I can put to good use the lessons I have learned to be a better parent and an even greater blessing to all my children. Anthony reminded me that the grace that is in Benjamin was equally present for Ella even when it seems like I am a better parent now than before.

Thanks are in Order

I am very blessed with how my children have welcomed their new brother. They’ve really been a great help, assisting me and just being excited with me. And when I cannot attend to them, I am grateful for the moment they’ve shared playing and cooperating with each other. I know they also long for their own share of love and attention but I’m glad that my husband is taking time to give them extra doses of his time so we can balance things out. You guys are terrific!

I love my sister-in-law’s dedication to us when I had a baby shower (thrown by my friend Carol Sevilla). May your love increase! Yes, with a fourth child, I hope that God will grant us more love to give to our children so they will also be able to give to others.

I would like to thank all those who greeted me through text and phone calls while I was in the hospital. All my friends and family members who took time out to visit me and my loved ones who sent flowers, fruits and love notes. Dr. Mene Reyes and her team. You are really great! St. Luke’s Medical Center’s HRPU nurses and crew, and the 4th floor annex nurse station. My ever loyal pedia (since I was a baby pa!), Dr. Filemon Del Carmen. Salamat po! Tito Ricky (Lo) and Leah (Gatdula) for being the first to announce to the world the arrival of Benjamin, Carol and Tata for feeding me great Chinese food and making me soup good for milk production. Janice of Mommy Matters (nursing wear) for helping me get a good start with my nursing in the early hours of Benjamin. Many thanks to my angels, Lorna, Helen, Rona and Merle, for being my partners in taking care of the home and my children. Mom and Dada for keeping in constant touch with all our needs. Most of all, my husband who is always my partner and great encourager. To God be the glory!

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E-mail me at bizwrks@attglobal.net..