Baby boy birth story: Part 1

At 35.5 weeks pregnant, baby boy is coming.  Steve, Sadie and I were at a friend's house on Saturday night enjoying pizza and good company when I realized something was happening.  As we were walking out, my water broke.  I immediately called my doctor on his cell phone (which he gave me, and he answered!) and he told me to go to the hospital and he would let the on call docs know I was coming.  Turns out, I was correct, my amniotic sac had ruptured (classified as PPROM, which of course is a rare condition only affecting 3-4% of pregnant women, so naturally it would happen to me).  They admitted me and there was no turning back.  Baby was on his way.  Because he is a little early (still considered premature, but not by too much), they wanted to wait to deliver for 48 hours so they can help speed up lung development (which is generally the last to develop in fetuses) by injecting me with corticosteroids.  So, I have been in the hospital since Saturday night controlling contractions and hoping not to develop an infection while anxiously awaiting the arrival of baby boy. My doctor has been truly caring and wonderful as he has come to visit me every day (including coming with his two daughters at 10pm on Saturday night just to make sure I was comfortable with what has going on). 

I must admit that I am disappointed the pregnancy will not progress to a later week.  I was really looking forward to having a huge baby to take home with no complications, but alas, my body was not made for huge babies apparently, and I am hoping for a small baby to take home with no complications. I am lucky that Sadie was very small, so at least I have come experience to look back upon.

After getting over the initial shock and worry, I can now say that I am in the calm before the storm phase.  The excitement is overtaking me.  I can't wait to look into my baby's eyes and watch him breathe life.  Feel his chest breathing against mine. Stroke his cheek and kiss his nose.  Those are such fleeting moments to cherish and enjoy as much as possible while he is so little.

While I have been in the hospital, Steve has been taking care of Sadie, me, and the house.  He has been truly incredible.  I could not have asked for a better or supportive husband who takes things in stride, is incredible under pressure, and will do anything he needs to do for his family.  I am so lucky.  It is times like these when I am able to stop and take a step back and realize what a good man he is.  I cannot wait for him to see his son.

Sadie has also been incredibly strong and flexible.  I was worried about how she would react with seeing me in the hospital and being without me so much over the past few days, but she has really enjoyed dada time.  When she visits me here, she has been cuddly and loving, and when she leaves with Steve, there haven't been any tears or looks of panic.  We tell her what is next and she happily goes to her stroller and blows me kisses and is ready for the next thing.  Not sure if this will continue after the baby arrives, but for now I am breathing some sense of relief.

Our family and friends have been incredibly supportive, especially our dear expat friends who will be watching Sadie tonight so Steve and I can be together for the birth.  We will never be able to repay you for allowing us to have this experience together, but we will try :)  Thank you.

Not to mention those who are coming to visit us in the coming weeks from the US! We are SO thrilled and feel so much love and support. Thank you all!!

Part 2 of the baby boy birth story yet to happen.  Please pray for smooth and healthy outcomes...

Here are some photos of the hospital room and food in case you are interested in seeing a Santiago hospital.