Your Sisters

I just got off the phone with Anthony. He called to give me an update on his soccer game.
Of course he won :-D 2-1...WOOT!
I asked him what time his next game was and he told me.
So I told him, "Well, I'm gonna get ready and I'll get your brother & sisters ready and we'll be heading out there to watch your 2nd game."
Hee Hee, His SISTERS

Tatanka

This morning Anthony had Sectional Tournament Games (I know, nothing to do with this title post, but give me a minute.). So I had to get him up and ready before 7am and head out to Hemet.
While driving into Hemet we were noticing all of the new housing developments that have been built. He pointed out a section of land and said, "Hey mom, isn't that where the farm place was?" I said, "Yeah, the one that sold the fruit & vegis." He chimed in "And eggs".
Then I realized that on the other side of the street just a bit up was where they had Buffaloes every year.
I started to tell Anthony that everytime we would drive by the buffaloes, Jose would re-inact the scene from "Dances With Wolves" where Lt. Dunbar meets with the Sioux tribe council and he is trying to tell them that he knows where buffalo are. Well, he is acting out a buffalo and Kicking Bird puts his hands up to his head like horns and says, "TATANKA, TATANKA".
Well Jose would always put his hands up with the horns and say "TATANKA, TATANKA".
Hee Hee

But Mama, I can help

This morning after we woke up, I gave Delayna a bath, dressed her, etc. I told Dominic that we were going to go downstairs after I was done brushing my teeth, but I had to go potty first.
So, while I walked into the bathroom, he was on the bed with his little mind rolling.
He came to me and asked me, "Mama, can I go down stairs with Delayna."
I tell him, "No, you can't carry her downstairs, give me a minute and we'll all go down together."
Dom~"But Mooooooom, I'm a bigger boy & I can take her down."
Me~"I know your bigger, but your not big enough to carry her yet. When we get down there I will let you sit and hold her if you'd like."
Dom~"Ugh, but Mom, I'm bigger and I can carry her."
So I go into a story about one time Adriana was coming down the stairs with Dominic, her foot slipped and she got hurt really bad, because she protected Dom.
Yeah, he could have cared less.
So he walked away and I went to go brush my teeth.
While I am standing there, I see him climbing onto my bed & I hear something. Just a mom instinct of, "that's not normal".
I hurry and rinse my mouth and walk around into my room where what do I see?
Dominic walking toward my bathroom with Delayna in his arms!!!!
Thank God he was holding her correctly, but OMG!
He is definitely trying to be the "BIG" brother, but now I really gotta keep my eyes peeled!

Dominic is in love

He is too sweet! I had to blog, just so I can remember.
He has been waking up every morning and coming in to either my room or the couch and before he does anything, kisses Delayna.
He doesn't even kiss me good morning anymore.
This morning after we ate breakfast he asked if he could hold Delayna.
Of course I obliged, and took advantage to get some things done.
Here's a pic of Dominic watching his morning 'toons & holding his baby sistow.

Delayna's A Week Old

I can't even believe a week has come and gone. A week ago today I was overwhelmed with emotions of being blessed with another beautiful baby girl. I hoped and prayed for another girl, but also knew that what the Lord was blessing me with was another child, no matter the sex and trusting him that He knew what He was doing. He always does.
We have had many visitors, phone calls, comments and emails. I am so blessed to have so many loving, caring and real people in my life.
Jose had a few sleepless nights, my poor Honey. He is trying to be Papa, but with work is wearing down. I finally gave him a break last night and slept on the couch. He said he slept harder than he has in a long time...My poor honey!
Delayna has had issues come late night time. First of all, she definitely has her days/nights mixed up! She is doing better with staying up during the day and sleeping, but it's all in time.
Secondly, she has belly problems. We weren't sure if it was colic or gas. After talking to her Dr and going over some of her symptoms, she definitely said gas.
So Monday night, Jose went and bought a bottle of Mylocon Gas Drops (or as we are calling it, "Our Gold", that stuff is expensive!).
She did SO much better that night! She was up every 3 hours to eat, but her belly wasn't causing her to start screaming at the top of her lungs for no reason without being able to calm her down.
Well, I took some pics (then the camera's batteries died, so no more pics :-( )
Here's Delayna at 1 Week old in her outfit Monica bought her & her little Vans...Too Cute!

Delayna's Birth Story

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

Delayna's first bath

K, I'm going to try really hard to keep up with all her firsts.
***I promise to get her birth story & hospital stay up ASAP!***
In her robe, not liking it

She was NOT happy!

But she liked her head getting washed

All done & content

Lookin pretty with her mama

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!

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!

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!!

Brianna (SK):
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):

I'm getting goosebumps just thinking of it, Melissa!! I can't wait to hear!

Kelley (SK):

I'm thinking of you & praying for you!!

Rebecca (MOTS):

EXCITING!!!! Praying for you girly!

Lisa Mo (Friend):

Best of luck for a smooth delivery...can't wait to see pics! xoxo
Tammy (MOTS):

Praying for you. Can't wait to find out if I'm buying girl or boy!
Aunt Teresa:

How exciting! Can't wait to find out all of the details! :)

Tiffany (MOTS):
Hey, good luck I will be praying for you!

Judi (SK):

So close to meeting your sweet lil one. I'm so excited for you guys!
Heather (SK):

woo hoo!!
I am so excited for you!

Janell (Dear Friend):

"Blessings on your little bundle, my prayers are with you and your family. Give the little prince or princess lots of lovin from the flores family."

Emails:
Karla (My newest friend):

I'm sure you're getting ready tonight for your BIG day tomorrow! I am rooting for a girl so we can have more play dates!!! :) Good luck tomorrow, you'll be in my prayers and I will be checking your blog as you'll probably be going through the C-section and blogging about it LOL jk! Get a good nights sleep and enjoy the last little kicks in your belly! :)

~Karla

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.

Yup, and I'm the PROUD Mama

Thursday night Adriana & Anthony had team meetings for soccer.
Adriana's meeting was regarding her spring select team that she is on. Coach Randy was going over a new "award system" he is going to be trying out for the girls. They will get patches for different accomplishments. One is a "Goal Patch". He mentioned that for every goal that a girl makes, she will get a goal patch. He stated that last season, there was a girl on U10 that beat the previous record of 22 goals. This girl made 23 goals all season long and just happened to be on Coach Terry's team. If we had the patches, this girl would have 23 patches that she can wear proudly showing her accomplishment...
You better believe he was talking about Adriana!!!!
As I sat up as the proud mama and demanded that Coach Terry order the patches, Coach Randy asked if it was Adriana. I said, "Yup, and I'm the proud Mama!"
Then as the meeting went on Coach Randy commented that there are only 2 girls on the U10 SS team that are returning. He announced one, which was Kassie, but didn't know the other. Adriana raised her hand and commented that it would be her.
Yeah, she's the bomb!

Saturday Anthony had his second tournament game in San Bernardino. He was able to keep a shut out last week against San Bernardino's 1st place U14 team.
This week we played against Hemet.
I sat on the field, surrounded by the regional commissioner, Darcy (who happens to be a friend of mine) along with about 5 ref's from Beaumont.
While everyone was watching the game (by the way, it was a KICK BUTT GAME!) one of the ref's commented, "Man, that keeper is on it, who is he?"
Darcy answered him, "That's Anthony, he's Melissa's son."
I turned around and said, "Yup, I'm the proud Mama!"
He couldn't give me enough complements on how well he was doing.
Then Debbie & Christian (2 other refs) started talking to me about his talent. We were able to talk about what Anthony wants to do next year (he wants to go play football now) and my own anxieties about it.
They basically really told me how much talent Anthony has and that it would just carry over to his football and eventually, if he wanted to, he could play and succeed at both.

It is one of the most AWESOME feelings for someone to comment and rave about your children's accomplishments. Especially when they are raving about your child, and don't even know that your the mama.

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.