Three weeks ago, I gave birth to my second child. Once again, it was my moment of glory. Ah, what can be more beautiful than escorting a tiny human being out into this world? The tiny human being who, after that unforgettable push, was placed on my arms and was tagged–Baby Boy Macalinao– my little champion!
Baby boy Macalinao came out at 8:14pm of March 23, 2015. When he was finally placed on my arms, I soaked in that happy moment of meeting him at last.
I gave birth to another wonderful addition to the family. It was just a mere three-week walk since that day but amazingly, all the challenges I had gone through during my pregnancy with him are now just but blip in my memory. I can almost forget that immense pain and worry I had during my surgery on my baby’s fourth month in my womb, the gestational diabetes that I had to deal with, and all the challenges of having a high-risk pregnancy!
Yes, if I am not writing about my birthing story right now, I can forget that I got pregnant that way. Oh why, carrying my little champion on the crook of my arms sealed all the challenges that we both conquered! My baby conquered all the shots, pains and treatments I had and came out perfectly. He is a champion!
But there’s one thing though that I don’t want to forget about my pregnancy journey that I would love my boy to read someday: How he was especially delivered to this world.
My dear Trey, this is your birth story.
I had been waiting for your birthing day son as I was already close to my 40th week of pregnancy. And at around 8:00pm of March 22nd, I started to feel frequent contractions . But since I had several episodes of Braxton Hicks, me and your dad were in doubt if it was already the real thing. I started to time my contractions, when they got more intense and predictable, I told your dad it was time. Excitedly, he took me to the hospital. Your lola went with us, too.
I was set to give birth at FEU-NRMF which is far from our home. Your dad had been worrying if we could reach the hospital on time since traffic was heavy (Cainta to Fairview is a long ride for a mom about to give birth, son!). But since we trusted and loved my OB so much, it was only through her that your dad wanted me to give birth, hence the choice of hospital. But we reached FEU way too early nonetheless, in fact, several hours before your birth!
My birthing experience with you was very different from your brother’s. With kuya Kyle, I labored at my own room in the hospital with dad and grandma to support me. It was only when I was already close to giving birth that I was taken to the delivery room. At FEU (and in most hospitals I know of), mommies have to endure labor pain without their loved ones at the Labor Room. I labored for 24 hours (Labor is difficult, son. When your wife gives birth in the future, I pray that you’ll be right beside her).
I really wanted to give birth with you the more natural way (like I what I had with your kuya) but the pain was too excruciating. When I was 4cm dilated, I requested for epidural. Maybe because I had several surgeries already that my pain tolerance became so low. After the injection, I don’t know why, but the right side of my body already felt numb yet the lower left side was still in so much pain! My anesthesiologist added more drugs and adjusted the epidural catheter but mama was still crying in pain! I cried in every contraction while humming songs of worship in my head.
Luckily, I had a wonderful, wonderful OB-GYN. Son, I want you to remember her name: Dr. Leah Capulong. She was there as a friend to encourage and support me during that difficult time. Dr. Leah was also the one who operated me when you were still in my womb. She is God-sent to our family. She closely monitored both of us, from the moment I learned I was pregnant with you.
Your Beautiful Entrance
At the strike of the 24th hour of my labor, I knew you were all set to come out. At that time, I had nothing in my heart but prayers of gratitude. At exactly 8:14pm of March 23, my short push escorted you out into this world. You weighed 3500 grams, a big boy! When you were finally placed on my arms, I soaked in that happy moment of meeting you at last.
Truly, nothing compared to the bliss I felt when I finally held you. All the pains of labor were no big deal already because of that joy. Our family is beautifully changed because of you. We are now a family of four! We are blessed to have you!
I remember your dad’s first words talking to you when you were roomed-in with us at the hospital:
“It was a long day of labor and pushing for your mama but look at her now, she looks so radiant carrying you… she even has the widest smile! We are happy to have you, Trey-Trey. This is your Kuya and I am your dad, of course you have met mom. We are your family!”
Taken a few days after your birthday. You got your dad’s eyes! We are immensely honored to have you!
Your presence, son, makes us feel that God sent us another message that we mattered. That there must be something in my heart and in your dad’s that is worth passing down to you and Kuya. We are proud and honored to have you. He has entrusted us to raise another child. He has given us another beautiful assignment, YOU.
We are excited to know you more. Welcome to our family our dearest Alex Trevor Macalinao III. And this is your birth story.
beautiful baby!!
Awww, thank you! =)