Been extremely busy as of late, and a lot of life changing experience around. Haha, it’s 3 am and I just got up. Hopefully to post this post soon.
On the 9th of October 9.25pm I saw God today. Well, actually it’s taken from a song by George Straight – I Saw God Today. How did everything started ? Well, I was actually trying to finish up my previous post, when Deluxe told me that she was having stomach cramps. I think that was around 11 something in the morning, so I told her to go upstairs and rest first while I can handle down here in the shop alone.
So everything went on as usual, Deluxe’s Aunt and cousin dropped by because they were leaving on that very night. So I mention to my father in law saying that Deluxe was having a bit of stomach pain, and the 3 of them went upstairs to check on her. Not long later, dad came down and said better prepare the car just in case. So I went over to Star Cineplex to get the car, and parked it just outside the shop. By then it was only close to 1pm. So after obtaining the car, I went upstairs and checked on Deluxe to see how she was doing. She said the pain had gone, so probably it was a false alarm. Never the less, Deluxe continued to stay in the room just to get a bit more rest.
So I thought everything was over, probably it could be those fake contractions which we read recently plus her water didn’t burst so I went downstairs and tried to complete my previous post. Then at 3.53pm, Deluxe called me stating that she wants to go see the Gynae just to be sure because she began to feel the pain every 5 mins. Just in case we might have something, i brought the suitcase where she had already packed all the baby stuff. We reached Timberland about 4.10pm and waited to see Dr.Patricia Ling, so we waited about close to 15 mins before we got to see her. And after checking up, she said that Deluxe is in contraction and had already open up 3 cm. So she was asked to be admitted straight away. By then it was already close to 5pm, all the nurse who was there wished Deluxe well, and all the best. Which I find her staff are very good, in a sense that they really know their patient well.
When we went and registered, the nurse asked us if we would like a sharing room, or a private room. That time we thought the sharing room was that during child birth the other person from the other side would be able to see what we were doing. But then she clarified stating that, that was only while waiting to deliver and after delivery. And said that the labor room is only for 1 person. So after checking the price difference, we opt for the private room instead. Because the room wasn’t prepared yet, so Deluxe was asked to enter the labor room instead since she’s already going through contractions. So they began to ask her to change her clothes, and also hook her up on a device to check on the baby status as well as hers.
So I was with her in the labor room for an hour plus, and she asked me to better go home first and have a shower and dinner first before coming back again. As she told me the baby still had a long way to go. So I went back home and got a quick shower, and went and bought a few tidbits for Deluxe as she was feeling a bit hungry. As I went back which was close to 6.35pm, Deluxe was already in a lot of pain, and the nurse kept asking her if she wanted to be injected with pain killer or not. We went and confirmed if it was epidural or not, but the nurse said it’s not. She said that she would still feel the pain, but it would be slightly less compared to what she was feeling right now. At that time she didn’t want to be injected, so I continued wait beside her. At about 6.50pm the nurse came in and ask if Deluxe wanted to have dinner, she said that she didn’t want to but I guess it’s due to the fact she’s in the room she didn’t feel like eating. But the nurse managed to convince her to eat, as she would require to push later if the baby so by happen to come out soon.
By 7.15pm, Deluxe had just finished her dinner. And also she was telling me that she was really going through a lot of pain. My heart just fell, to see her in that state. And I guess the nurse also took pity on her and asked her if she wants to be injected with the pain killer once again. And nurse did informed us that there are two types either through injection or gas. As the nurse explained that the gas might make her feel drowsy, so she opt for the jab instead. She got administered with the pain killer at 7.26pm, which she still feel the pain. But this time it also made her a little bit drowsy, but after 10 mins of the jab she began to throw up. After that she felt slightly better, but the pain was still there. I know I couldn’t do much, but I just continued to held her hand as it was the only thing I could do. By 7.50pm, Deluxe asked if I had eaten already, and I told her that I was still full. But she still insist that I should have dinner first and told me the baby will not be coming out any time soon. Feeling very reluctant, I left her and went to Singapore Chicken Rice and quickly had my dinner.
By the time I got back, I was informed that the room was already cleared and cleaned up. So I went and get the stuff from the car to be placed inside the room. By then it was already close to 8.15pm and Dr.Patricia got in the room to check up on her to see if it was time for the baby to come out. After checking she said that, it’s time for the baby to come out. My mind went suddenly blank as they prepared bed for the delivery. I believe it was very hard for Deluxe in the first place as she didn’t know what to do, as she tried pushing. Every time the contraction came, she began to push but to no avail she could push it out. Dr. Patricia was very encouraging all the time, saying that if you push really hard the baby would come out even faster. And despite that she didn’t succeed the first few time, she continue to say that “It’s all right, we’ll get it out the next time”. And there was even a point whereby Deluxe started to shake her head stating that she couldn’t do it, Dr.Patricia said that “Don’t give up so easily, you can do it. No one else can help you here apart from yourself. Don’t make me help you to do it either, as it would be better if the baby came out naturally”. By then the nurses also continued to “cheer” for Deluxe each time her contraction came, calling her to push. As for me, all I did was trying to encouraged her and help kept her head up. As Dr.Patricia said that, there are improvements in her pushing, we managed to saw the hair already. Pointing it out to me, and it was so cute with the baby little hair showing out a little.
By 9.18pm, Deluxe was still struggling to push, and also very exhausted already by then. The nurses continue to cheer her on, and Deluxe continued to give her effort to push on. As she began to get used to it on how to push, as I told her I could see the head coming out a little. She pushed with all her might, and by 9.25pm we heard the baby cry. And when I saw my baby for the first time, tears kept rolling down my eyes as I couldn’t express how happy I was when I saw our baby. I continued to hold Deluxe and kissed her telling her good job, and Dr.Patricia told me it’s now my turn to do my job. I was blur for a moment as she handed me a scissor to help cut the umbilical cord. After I cut the cord, one of the nurse went and attend to the baby helping to clean her up.
As the other nurse help Dr.Patricia to attend to Deluxe I went out and started giving everyone a call & sms telling them the baby had arrived safely. As I went back in, the baby had been cleaned up and was given to Deluxe to hold her. As the baby smiled at her mummy, both Deluxe and I also smiled back to her. I’ve been getting a lot of calls back, but didn’t had time to attend due to the excitement and joy all of a sudden. The baby was taken to the nursery to be further cleaned up, and take her measurements. As I went out to to call my Dad, letting him know the good news because he sms me asking how is everything. But when I tried to call, he didn’t pick up the phone. So I went and sms him back telling him the good news. Then the nurse got back to me stating that the baby was at 3.25kg, and I was a bit shocked to find out that she’s that big. So I went and called mum asking where is Dad, as she told me he was in church to attend the prayer meeting. Probably that’s why he didn’t want to pick up the phone, as I believe that the prayer meeting was still on. Lol..
Never the less it was all good, as I was asked to leave the labor room, as Dr. Patricia need to finish up with Deluxe a little, I went into the room and sat down by the chair. Reflecting on what has just happened, as I was in mixed emotions. As I realized that now I’m already upgraded to be a daddy, which pretty much got me thinking for the past few months. Lol. But it’s all good, and by that time my phone had already died and I couldn’t get a charger anywhere near. So it was good to reflect on the things that I need to do. Never the less, I would be experiencing the sleepless nights, and also it would be a joy to see how it was to be able to see our baby. And it pretty much gives you an in sight on how practically our parents might have felt when they first welcome our arrival. And I guess this is another journey where we would be going into, Parenthood. Lol. But it’s good, it’s all good!
Anyway, Deluxe got wheel into the room about close to 11pm where the nurse asked us if we would like to keep the placenta. As both of us looked at each other, and wondered what are we going to do with it. In the end we said we wouldn’t be needing it at all. After resting for a while, Deluxe was still aching all over but was pretty much glad the whole thing was over. The nurse from the nursery came in with our baby all cleaned up at 12am, where she said that she wanted to let Deluxe have a bonding moment with the baby. And asked if she wanted to breast feed the baby. So we were with the baby at least an 1 hour plus when the nurse came back telling us that the baby needed rest and also the newly mummy and daddy. So it was already close to 1.30, and we decided to call it a night. As I slept on the lazy chair, which is surprisingly comfortable but was terribly cold because I forgot to bring a blanket with me. Ended up using Deluxe’s sarong as a blanket.
Anyway, the next day the baby came in again around 6.30 am to be fed, as the nurse did encouraged breast feed compared to using formula milk. So I managed to camwhore a bit with our baby, as Deluxe went and took a few snaps after she finished breast feeding and had her breakfast. As I was holding the baby for the very first time, and as I watched her sleep it was indeed a peaceful feeling came running all over me. As I promised myself to protect her in every way that I can, and to be there whenever she needed me. I guess that’s what every parent would do, and I wouldn’t be surprised why at time when my parents were pretty freak out when kept on running on the streets when there were cars passing by. And everything seems to be a little bit different I guess, especially when I look at things. Somehow that day, everything feels good. Lol. Can’t explain it, you just got to experience it and feel it for yourself. Lol.
Dr. Patricia came in about 8 am, to check in on Deluxe to see how she was doing. She told Deluxe stating that she’s fine and can be discharged by today, but as for the baby we need to wait for the other doctor to check on her. We were told that the baby could not be discharged yet because she haven’t passed urine, so we waited again. Deluxe’s dad dropped by around close to 12pm to check on how is everything. So we continued to stay in the hospital for another few more hours as Deluxe went to the nursery to sort of attend a crash course on how to bathe the baby, feed her using a cup method, and also changing diaper. Lol.. It was all good. We were discharged about 3.30pm as I settled the hospital bill and also get a few more medicine for Deluxe. Now that the baby is back home safe, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr.Patricia Ling for doing a good job in welcoming our baby, and the staff of Timberland Medical Center. On behalf of Deluxe and I, we are very happy and pleased with your service and help. Thank you so much for everything you’ve done, by ensuring the safety of our baby. Thank you once again.
So after months of headache, I believe everyone wants to know the baby name. So everyone, I would like all of you to meet :-
Esther Jong Ru Yao
I Saw God Today By George Straight
