Fernando's Adventures: Birth of Daniel

On the night of 02/12 Tanya told me she was feeling a little uneasy. I told her to go and get some rest for the scheduled c-section the following day. A couple of hours passed and her contractions had begun. I told her to relax as her contractions were still 20 minutes apart and this was only the first phase of labor. I informed Naty and my mother that the contractions had begun and they entered into a panic mode. I told them to relax and I would call the doctor for his advice.

The doctor told us that we should hold off from going to the hospital until either Tanya's water broke or the contractions got closer together. One hour later Tanya's water broke. I told Tanya to get ready and left with Naty to the Prentice hospital. We arrived at the hospital around 1:00 AM. The receptionist told us their system was down and could not find our paperwork. I began to get angry but was told to calm down and that everything would be alright. Tanya was then examined by two nurses who informed us that her water had not broken. It was a false alarm. But they decided to keep Tanya and explained they were going to inform the doctor of our status. At 4:00 AM I was told that Tanya would have her c-section in 30 minutes. I grabbed our suitcases and took them up to the 8th floor. I then had to find and lead Naty to the waiting room. Once I returned to the delivery room I found Tanya with IV's, consent forms, etc. She was in a lot of pain.

1.5 hours later Daniel was born. I had been through a c-section before with Valentina's birth and knew what to expect. But the feeling of having your newborn child put into your arms for the first time is indescribable. It can only be experienced to understand the feeling. No question this is my favorite part and puts all the efforts, time and expenses far away from your mind.

This will be our last child and am somber that I will not experience this moment again. Nevertheless I will always remember this day.