Jose & I welcomed our 4th child, 2nd daughter into the world.
Delayna Lynn Herrera
Born January 20, 2009 @ 1:05 pm
7lbs 8oz ~ 19"
January 20, 2009
10:30am we arrived at Redlands Community Hospital in Redlands, Ca.
We checked in at the "security lady's" desk. She told us to go in and check in with the nurses and hand them a stack of papers that I did the previous week.
We walk back to the nurses station, and I have a very familiar face greet me. It was Markee, the lady that I saw the week previous when I went in to do all my paperwork. She was the sweetest nurse that gave me the maternity ward tour. She was very happy to see me and pleased that she got to check me in and get me going. She remembered Dominic and asked for him. I told her that he was at home with Grandma and would be in to visit later in the evening. She said that she had somethings for him and began to shuffle around her desk and in the cupboards. She had a wrist band out and was writing on it. I thought it was for either Jose or I, but no, it was for the Bits!
She wrote, "Big Brother" and put the date on the band. HOW STINKEN CUTE! So I asked Markee if she could make one for Adriana, she did.
After everything was done, she took us back to the prep room. I had to go and change into my lovely hospital gown, socks and this really cool belly band (I asked the nurse for one to take home). I expected the time to just drag by, but as I laid there and the nurse did all of her stuff, before I knew it she was shaving me down and getting me prepped to go back.
The anisthesiologist came in and introduced himself to me, then told me he was going to go back and prep for everything.
It was 12pm and Dr. Hordynski still wasn't there...That Doctor!!!
So I laid there and Jose and I just talked about things. It was nice and kept me really relaxed. I had to use the restroom and by the time I got out my nurse told me he was here. She walked me back to the surgery room and Jose had to sit outside while they did my spinal.
I walked into a room that was as cold as a meat locker! It was FAREEZING in there! I had to climb up onto a bed and lay over a table for the anthestisiologist to do his thing. There was another guy in the room, who's wife happened to be due next week & would be having a cesarian also. We all talked, while I tried to stay calm and warm (Yeah Right, that was almost impossible!). The nurse was really sweet and asked me about mine & Jose's "begining" and my life. I was open and found it fun that I was being asked such neat questions. The anisthesiologist was prepping me and walking me through every step. When he said, "Ok, your going to feel a little sting", I was thinking that he was going to numb me. See, when I delivered Anthony, I remember feeling the needle going into my spine. His whole delivery really was one of my most horrible experiences I have gone through in my life!
The nurse warned me before hand that when the spinal was in I would feel my waiste and legs get really warm and then I wouldn't have control.
Well, after the "sting", I felt everything going warm. I also felt the baby kicking and moving inside of me, and then all of a sudden, I didn't feel anything at all!
Now that I think about it, it was cool that I got to feel my baby moving inside of me just before it was brought into the world.
So, the nurse pulled the table away from me and told me to use my arms to keep myself up and she would swing my legs around to lay me down.
While all of this was going on, Dr. Hordynski was coming in and out, the "assistant", nurse and anethstesilogist were all talking about a film festival that Dr. H went to over the weekend in Palm Springs. We all had a very nice time just talking.
After I was swung around, Dr. H went out and called Jose in.
They put up the 'famous blue tarp' and started to prep me. Dr. H's assistant came in and introduced herself.
Then it all began...
Within a few minutes I heard Dr. H ask Jose if he was ready & to get the camera.
Jose stood up and was taking pics. I didn't know of what, of course, but after I saw them I was shocked!
Jose told me yesterday that Dr. H pulled her head through and waited for Jose to snap a pic. He would pull her out more and wait for him to snap another. That was really cool & sweet of my Dr!
While Jose was standing there snapping away, I remember laying there thinking, "I am gonna have my baby any second." I was taking the moment to give all the Praise to God for all the things I have learned and been through during this pregnancy.
It felt like forever.
Then I heard Dr. H say, "It's a girl, you have another girl!"
I asked Jose, "WHAT!?!?"
He was crying and said, "It's a girl!"
I asked, "Are you guys sure?" Someone, I think the nurse, said, "Yup, all her plumbing is inside."
Honestly, I was in disbelief. Everyone knows we were hoping and really thought it was a girl, but we never knew. It just made all that I have been learning through God's grace even more eye opening.
I just began to bawl and praise God for EVERYTHING! It's just a sign that everything is going to be alright. He has my world in His hands and my life is being lived out according to His purpose.
I heard her cry and they took her over to the table to do their stuff. Jose asked if he could go take pics & they told him sure, just stay away from the operating table.
He didn't get to cut the umbilical cord, but that's alright!
They finally brought her over to me so I could see her. She was so round & red. She looked perfect! (Dominic was not a cute baby, Jose doesn't like that I say that, but he really wasn't. He was very long, lengthy, and looked like an old man...SERIOUSLY!)
Delayna was perfect & absolutely gorgeous!
I asked for her weight & they hadn't done that yet. They told me they were going to take her & Jose out to do all of the stats, etc.
Dr. H explained to me that he was finishing up with everything inside of me & he would be tying my tubes next.
So I laid there and just took the time to relesh in God's love. Just the contentness of everything. I had such a peace about me, one I haven't felt in a VERY long time!
I tried to rest and doze off, but my face kept itching me.
I asked the nurse what was in the spinal, because I was so itchy. The anisthesiologist said it is a side effect & they ordered me a shot for it.
Dr. H, Liz (my nurse), the assistant, & surgeon asst all continued to talk about stuff, making me laugh and just keeping a nice time.
Before I knew it, they rolled me into the recovery room where I was greeted by Jose & Delayna.
The nurse did my vitals, etc. I got to finally hold Delayna. She was very sleepy & completely relaxed. They tried sitting me up, but I felt naseous as soon as they brought me up, so I had to go back down.
Liz came in from her lunch and told us that 'Great-Grandma' was there and wanted to see us. So I sent Jose out to talk to her. He brought back a little gift from her. It is a book for moms. I still haven't really looked at it, but it's one with little sayings & quotes.
While Jose was out Liz wanted me to get Delayna bonging with skin to skin contact. So we laid there together just loving on another. She wouldn't wake up & they didn't want me to nurse, because I still coudn't sit up.
By 3pm I was taken up to my room & adjusted. Jose went down while they situated me and got Grandma.
She came up and was stoked to get the baby. She had a pleasent surprise awaiting her in Delayna's diaper :-) Grandma was happy to change it.
Before long I hear feet running, and my curtain flies open to a very familiar face...Anthony!
Following behind was Adriana & Sarah then mom & Dominic.
Not much longer, Gail, James & Devin came to visit.
"For this child we prayed and the Lord hath given us our petition which we have asked of Him." 1 Sam 1:27
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Delayna's Birth Story
Friday, January 23, 2009
January 20, 2009~ A Day In History
While eveyone was watching the Inauguration, I was at the hospital having my baby! Definitely a day in the history book & extra special for the Herrera's!
For those that don't know, Jose and I welcomed our newest edition.
God blessed us with a baby GIRL!
I knew from day one that it was a girl, but there was always a chance of it being a boy. My heart was set, but still had reservation.
I can't tell you how humble I am by so much love by people in my life.
I don't have much time to get into detail now, nor do I feel like it, but I will, I promise!
Well, here are some of my favorite pics of my baby girl so far...
Me before we left the house
Dr. Herrera ready for surgery
Our baby coming out
It's out, but what is it!?!?!
It's a GIRL!
Content laying on mama
Laying on mama, not sure if she likes this world or not.
Tia & Devin loving on Delayna
Sarah, very excited she got a girl cousin
Wide awake with messy hair
Dominic loves his baby sister 'Gloria' (I will have to share the story behind Gloria later)...LOL
Proud Big Sissy~Shes stoked to have a baby sister!
Anthony lovin he has a new baby sister. He is so sweet with her!
Today...
Dominic loves holding his sister, but only for a minute
My little girl needs some pink!
Dominic insisted on putting Woody in the bassinet with her...LOL
Grammie loves her baby girl
As long as I have a camera, pics will follow!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Baby Haves, Wants, Needs...
*Sorry, this should have been posted last night, but my puter wasn't getting signal upstairs*
Well, I have been on a MAD cleaning spree and I planned on doing baby stuff today, but my back wouldn't let me do anymore.
But I did end up making a list of what I have and I need to put out so I remember what I need and want still.
So here are my Haves:
Haves, all gender neutral:
5 -Heavy blankets
3 -Fleece type blankets
2 -Snuggle wraps
3 -Receiving blankets
*1.12.09, bought 4 more Total=7
1 -Washcloth
1 -Robe
6 -Towels
4 -Burp cloths
3 -Socks
*1.12.09, bought 6=9
1 -Sweater
2 -Bibs
3 -Hats
1 -0-3 mos Bundler
6 -Small 0-3 month Long sleeve onsies
19 -Small 0-3 month onsies
3 -Nightgowns, was blessed with 6 more from a mama at MOTS. Thank You Kindra!
1 -Med 6-9 month Bundler
10 -Med 3-6 month onsies
1 -“Special made” T-Shirt
1 -older baby monitor
2 -boxes Lansinoh Cream
1 -box breast pads
1 -nursing bra
1 -Snuggli
1 -crib toy, Crib, Bassinet, High Chair, Carseat, Stroller
NEEDS (before I have my shower):For The Mama:
Another nursing bra
Pajamas & Slippers to wear in the hospital
1.08.09 update...My AWESOME Aunt T sent me a gift card and I was able to purchase another nursing bra, nursing tank, pajamas & slippers from Target.
Thank you Aunt T!
Sleepy Wrap This will really help with carrying the baby post c-section
For The Baby:
SOCKS! *1.12.09~ Got 9 pairs
More pajamas
A few receiving blankets *1.12.09~ Got 4 more
A few outfits
burp cloths
Wash cloths
One of those head support things that goes in the carseat
1.12.09 I bought the baby a "going home outfit" WOOHOO!!!!
WANTS (either before or for my shower):
Nursing Tank Tops
Nursing Cover-Up
Cloth Diapers (Pre-Folds & covers, unless you feel like buying me an AIO)
Gender specific clothes
Gender specific Crib Set (I will specify after baby is born)
Bibs
Swing (I think I might have one, but I don't know if she still has it)
Jogging stroller (this would be a nice luxury to have)
Diaper bag
A better tub (I have a really funky one I bought & don't like)
Newer & better monitor
Carseat Cover thing that keeps baby warm
I will update as I can think of more.
8 am post
K, gotta make this fast!
Mr. Get It Done is in full force...LOL
Anyway, yes I have to blog before I am headed off. Adriana told me at one point during the pregnancy that her friend's mom (Carrie) said that I will be blogging just before I leave the house & I am...
I got about 3-4 hours sleep last night.
Got up with the kids this morning, whose little bellies were full of butterflies too...They are so sweet!
My neice is texting me like crazy, and Jose is jumping like a Mexican Jumping Bean :-)
I still have to shower, pack, pick up my prescription and fit in some last minute time with my Bits...That makes me really sad!
I was putting him to bed last night and reading a book to him. As tired as I was, I didn't want to "let him go". He has been my precious baby for 4 years and now a new one is coming in.
I pray that the Lord will comfort my baby boy and that he will do fine transitioning with the baby.
Well, I don't think there is much else to say at this point.
I kept thinking last night of all the "Last Time" things that I will do today.
I will never be pregnant again, which is bitter sweet.
Well, I'm off before I get too emotional...
See you when I have the next!
1:30 am post
Well, I guess anxiety or hunger has kicked in...
Jose & I turned off the t.v. a bit after 10 pm & fell asleep fine.
I woke up at 12:45 to go potty.
I couldn't go back to sleep. My mind started racing.
Then I got a gurgling in my belly, so I figured I should get up and eat while I still can ;-)
My Grandma Roof called me earlier and I told her that I wouldn't be able to eat, so she told me to have a bowl of cereal before I went to sleep.
Well, I didn't listen, but I am now sitting here eating a bowl of Golden Grahams, my cereal I grew up eating with my Grandma Roof!
It always brings back memories of me sitting at her table when I was little.
She always had Golden Grahams and we would watch The Golden Girls.
Now, I don't know if Golden Girls was on when we ate the cereal, I just always associated the two together.
Well, off to browse the internet & hopefully get my belly full and back to bed. Until next post...
OVER & OUT!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Overwhelming Support!
I was dealing with a lot of negative emotions on Sunday and God just brought people around me that I felt comfortable enough to open up to. I'm not a very emotional or open person, don't know why, guess life has made my heart hard.
But I was able to open up, ask for prayer, receive love and it has continued into today.
I have so many people that the Lord has placed in my life to come up beside me and lift me up. I am used to being the back bone, the hard one, the one that gets everything done, but I have been put in a position to be humble and allow people to really love me and support me.
Thank you Jesus for your grace, mercy & love!
Thank you to all my many friends that have come up beside me in SO many different ways to love and support me. It is a true humbling experience for me.
My SheKnows group of girls that I have been friends with for over 4 years started a thread for me with all this support:
Kelley (SK):
Just wanted to start a post so we can all send our love well wishes to Melissa!!
We love you girl! I'll be thinking and praying for you & that precious baby!
Please let us know details as soon as possible!!
Steph (SK):
I know she's out on a date with Jose tonight (I believe) so I hope she checks in before she goes in tomorrow am!!
Melissa--thinking of you and praying it all goes perfect!!
YAY your having a baby on MY BIRTHDAY!!! WHOOOOO!!!
what an awesome thing!!
HUGS!
Jen (SK):
got your texts and i'm anxiously awaiting The Text (or call if you want 
) but know how happy I am for you! I can't believe it's almost time, i seriously can't!!!
Tiah (SK):
Alana (SK):
Good luck Momma!!!!!!!!!! I woke up thinking of you this morning!!
Please let us know how are you asap!! Good luck!!
Yay! I can not wait to meet and find out the sex of your baby!
Lisa (SK):
I can't wait to meet your little sweet pea, Melissa!
Leah (SK):
Good Luck!! I hope everything goes perfectly! I can't wait to see your little one!
Judi (SK):
Melissa, I'm thinking of you all and sending love your way!! Heather (SK):
((hugs))
Thinking and praying for you!!
Tracy (SK):
Thinking of you!
Myspace Messages~
Kel (church):
Congrats, thinking of you will be praying for you as well. Let us know how it goes.
Love ya girl
Stephanie (SK):
Happy LAST DAY PREGNANT!!!!
enjoy your date and your day!!!!!
hugs!!
Facebook Messages~
Amy (SK):
The countdown is on!!!! Can't wait to see pics!
Lisa (SK):
Tammy (MOTS):
Aunt Teresa:
Hey, good luck I will be praying for you!
Heather (SK):
I am so excited for you!
Emails:
Karla (My newest friend):
Got a few text messages from Darci, Mona (Dork message she sent me...don't think I will post it here, it's kinda private), Angel.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
ACK! I am an airhead!
I was just upstairs putting stuff into the baby's drawers and realized...
I don't have wipes...DOH!
What a retard I am man! How am I going to clean this baby's bum?!?!
Someone might comment and tell me to use wash cloths, but I don't even own a washcloth yet.
Guess I gotta remember some wipes next Monday when I go to the store.
OH, and I almost forgot to pack in the baby's bag it's Chupi's.
If this baby is anything like Dominic, it will LOVE it's chupis!
So, they are now in the dishwasher drying and will go into the diaper bag with the rest of the stuff.
Get'n Ready
Well, I posted the dresser post, now I get to fill it up!
I did the baby's laundry today, thought I would post pics of that too, just because...LOL
This is the baby's going home outfit
This is a shirt that friend's from church had made for us
My Onsies & socks
Pajamas
An outfit I bought a while back on clearance. I thought I would bring the baby home in this outfit, but decided not to.
Less than a week and counting...
I will be a mama of 4 by this time next week.
I had Jose take some pics of me last night. Here they are...
I took one earlier in my pregnancy from me looking down.
Here is one from last night...
UPDATE: My own worries
I had been really worried about all of the delivery/recovery/being in the hospital, etc...
Well, Monday I had my last OB/GYN appt. Afterward, I headed over to the hospital to pre-register.
*If you don't know, I have dealt with anxiety and fear since I was a child. My mom still is very bound by fear. I have over come a lot, but still deal with a lot, especially of the unknown.*
So, when I went to the hospital, I was dealing with the anxiety of "the unknown" and needing to talk to people. So, as I drove from the Dr's office to the hospital, I was praying, talking to God and listening to Air1. Just getting into the mood of 'trust'.
I got to the hospital, couldn't find parking, that did NOT make me happy! I had to park in bum 'f' Egypt (as my step-father would have said). Then I was going to have to walk, up hill, forever to the hospital...Not very happy about that!
But, I have favor! There was a little man driving a golf cart, who drove up to me & Bits and asked me if I wanted a ride. At first I asked him, "Excuse me?" I thought I heard what he said, but then thought, "why would he offer to give me a ride?" Well, come to find out, because their parking sucks, they have little senior citizens that drive around on golf carts and give you rides...How sweet!
So, he asks me if I'm having my baby today..."Um, not today. Next Tuesday." So he tells me that I want to go to the Maternity Building. Oh, I didn't know there were two different buildings. So he drops me off right at the door. Thank you!
Then I go in to these little sweet ladies in their little 'lab' coats. I tell them what I was there for and they direct me up to the second floor.
I go up & it's almost desolate and kinda scary. I find the bathrooms and hit that before i go any further and then see a girl sitting at a table with a computer outside of 2 sets of doors.
I let her know why I was there & she got me all my paper work and showed me the 'waiting room' where I was able to fill out my paperwork. Very nice waiting room, might I add! They had Sesame Street playing for Dominic. So I sat there filling out my paperwork when a couple come in. The guy had a laptop and mentioned, "Oh, it works in here too. The Wi-Fi must only be available in the rooms & waiting rooms."
So I commented, "OH, you get Wi-Fi here?" He explained to me that he gets it in the room & waiting room, like he said previously...
WOOOOOO HOOOOOO! I am gonna get Wi-Fi while I'm in the hospital. I was very worried about that!
Then we began talking. The lady is 6 mos pregnant and had a previous c-section, but wanted to do a vag birth with this one. Well, obviously it was a place I needed to be at the time I needed to be there. I was able to talk to her and really help her with her decision of what to do. She had been keeping her previous 'C' from her Dr due to her own fears. It was a nice little talk and nice to see that I was used for something positive.
Then I take my papers back to the desk, but there is another lady there. She took my papers and I was asking her a few questions. She asked me if I wanted to go speak with a nurse inside the doors. I said, "Sure, that would be great!"
So, I go through the double security doors...OOOOOOH I felt special :-)
I go back to the nurses station and speak to a really nice nurse back there. She was THE sweetest! She took me back to the room that I will be going to and explained to me that when I come in, I would be taken back to the "special prep room" and be monitored. She showed me where I would be preped and then told me how the surgery is going to go.
She then told me that after I birth and the baby is cleaned up, the father would be brought back to the same room with the baby so that they can bond. How fareaking cool is that!?!?!
I asked her the time length before I would join them. She told me about 45 mins to an hour. I told her I would be having my tubes stripped, burned, ripped out (LOL!). She said that it would be at least an hourt to 1 1/2 hours before I was taken back.
Then we talked about visitor seeing the baby before I do in the recovery room & where the nurses/Dr's stand. We agreed on a lot of what she covered. So my family won't be coming until I am settled in to my postpartum room.
Give me until at least 4pm to come and visit me, please!
She showed me out and Bits & I went on our way...
We went into the "alligator" and he said, "Mama, lets go upstairs." I wasn't going to, just because I don't do anything that wasn't "planned". But then I thought, why not, lets go see upstairs & mabye see the babies.
So, we go up to the postpartum floor. I ring the bell & the nurses buzz me in. When I walk in, I see a girl that I used to go to church with about 5 years ago. Last time I saw her, she was going to school to get her nursing license. She was always VERY sweet to me & we are always cordial to each other when we do run into each other. It was nice to see a 'familiar' face!
So, I tell the other nurse why I was there and she asked me if I would like a tour. Of course I agreed! She showed me the floor and took me into one of the rooms.
HELLO~GORGEOUS!!!! These rooms are just...WOW!
I am SO glad I decided to have my last baby in Redlands! The whole building is awesome!
She went over alot of details with me, and I was 100% on line with her.
We went over my care after surgery~she really put me at ease.
We went over my diet & my expectations~really helped me feel comfortable & not as worried.
She answered all of my questions and was an awesome nurse, just being patient with me and explaining everything I needed to know.
I walked out of there with a HUGE load taken off of my chest!
Oh, and the nursery that you used to be able to go see babies in...Yeah, no longer!
They believe in keeping the babies with the mamas, which is awesome!
K, that's all folks. Off to take the kiddos to school...
Freecycled Dressers
Back in October, I found these dressers on Freecycle. I took Jose with me to go get them. When he first saw them, he was NOT happy! He wanted to get me back in the truck and run home.
I told him to just load them up and I would take care of the rest.
It has taken me a while, but I finally finished the baby's dresser last night. Dominic's has been done since November. I thought I took pics of his, but I can't find them. His is just painted grey with black nobs, nothing fancy.
So here are the results...
Before:
Notice the lovely flowery scenery? YUCK!
Yeah, the flower scene was all over the bottom
Drawers
This is the baby's dresser after:
It's dark chocolate brown and cream & cream nobs. The pics don't do justice.
I (actually Jose did, because I was tired and getting frustrated) lined the inside with really pretty paper.
Now I get to do laundry and put it all away!!!