Your Birth Story,

Dear Maverick,

You were born on Sunday, March 30, 2014 at 1:48pm.  You were 8 weeks premature and weighed 4lbs. 2oz. and were 17.5" long.

Here is the story of your birth into this world...

We woke up on Sunday morning and got ready for the day and headed downstairs.  We made your big brother Graham's breakfast and started his favorite show, The Wiggles, on TV for him.  Mommy started making a nice Sunday breakfast for Daddy and me - rice, bacon, and eggs.  I started feeling contractions so Daddy told me to time them.  I used an app on my iPhone 5 to time the contractions.  Around 9:00 am they were inconsistently 13 minutes or so apart.

Daddy kept asking if I was okay and asking if I wanted to go to the hospital.  I said, "No, I'm fine.  I'm probably just dehydrated or it could be Braxton Hicks contractions."

We finished breakfast and Lola came over to help watch Graham so Mommy and Daddy could finish up cleaning the garage.  We started cleaning it the day before and made a lot of progress and just needed to finish up.

While in the garage, I noticed the contractions were occurring more and more - about 8 minutes apart.  They were getting stronger too.  Daddy noticed I was in pain and insisted we go to the hospital.  I asked him to get me water and told him not to worry and that I would just breathe through them.  Lola came out to check on us too and she noticed they were more often and said we should go to the hospital too, but again, I insisted on staying put because we couldn't be in labor... we still had eight weeks to go!  I told them both I would take Graham upstairs and put him down for a nap and lay down and rest with him.

While laying down, the contractions were about 4 minutes apart.  I still didn't think we were in labor because it was too early.  But I went to use the bathroom and saw my mucus plug and knew we needed to go to the hospital.

I could barely walk down the stairs at home because the contractions were so painful and were even closer together.  Daddy and I rushed to the car and drove to the hospital. 

The ER staff met us at the car and wheeled me through registration where I flew my Kaiser insurance card at the clerk.  They whisked me upstairs to labor and delivery and got me in bed and strapped the heart monitors around my big pregnant belly so they could monitor your heart rate.  Daddy was downstairs parking the car and finishing paperwork with registration.

Dr. Healani McConnell was on duty.  She was the doctor that was on duty the month prior when we were admitted on February 22nd because Mommy caught a stomach bug and was severely dehydrated as well.  At that time, they gave me IV fluids and let me rest there and then sent me home.  Perhaps that's why I didn't want to rush to the hospital this second time around.

Dr. McConnell did an examination and told us my cervix was fully dialated, which meant that you were ready to come out!  And boy, the contractions would not let up!  As soon as Daddy arrived, Dr. McConnell advised her staff to call the OR and cancel our somewhat planned C-Section and to prepare the room for a vaginal delivery.  I told her to stop because Dr. Newman said if we wanted a VBAC, it would have to be done on Oahu.  She said she knew that but the baby (you) were coming now and I need to get ready to push.  She broke my water bag and Daddy held my right leg and a nurse held my left leg and at the start of the very next contraction I started to push as hard as I could.  Then another contraction came and I pushed again and out you came!

I suddenly felt a sigh of relief and couldn't believe how fast it was.  From the time we arrived at the hospital until the time you were born was no more than an hour.  

I looked over at Daddy and told him that Lola didn't even know we gave birth!

I heard you cry for the first time and it was the best sound I had ever heard.  But the nurses immediately whisked you away to tend to you.  I didn't get to see you or hold you yet.

I delivered the placenta then they stitched me up.  After that, they left me and Daddy alone for a bit.  We had so many emotions running through our heads.  We were so happy to be blessed with you, but worried that you had come too early and just hoped and prayed you'd be okay.  We called Lola and told her we gave birth and she couldn't believe it.  She rushed over with Graham.  Papa Allen couldn't make it because he was on duty at the Firestation. 

After a couple hours, the Hawaii Life Flight Air Ambulance crew arrived from Honolulu to transport you.  They needed to intubate you because your lungs weren't fully developed and you were retracting.  At one point, you stopped breathing and they had to stabilize you before they could even put you on the flight.

Mommy and Daddy got to see you for a little while before they were going to take you.  You were laying in the incubator, so tiny and small and working so hard to breathe.

The air ambulance team arrived at Kahului airport and was greeted by your Papa since he was on duty.  He helped load your special incubator into the plane.  They let him see you and take a picture of you before they took off.

Once you arrived at Kaiser's NICU and got situated, Dr. Boloker called Mommy past midnight to let me know you had arrived safely and were now under their care.

Daddy and Mommy stayed back on Maui until I was released from the hospital.  I so desperately wanted to be with you but it is standard hospital policy for a mother who just gave birth to stay at least 24 hours before discharge.

The next morning, Mommy got cleared for discharge and made arrangements to come be with you.  Daddy and I packed up a suitcase and headed for the unknown.  One of the hardest parts was having to leave your big brother Graham behind so we could come and care for you.

And so, your Journey Home began...

Day 63. 6/1/2014.

Weight: 8lbs. 2.8oz.

Plan for the day: Final Medical Exam with Dr. M. and Going HOME

Dr. M. did your final examination after their morning rounds.  They unplugged all the leads and monitors from you and waited for Daddy and Mommy to arrive.

Your nurse also cut the security band from your ankle.

And we took pictures with your favorite nurses.  Funny how most of them were there on our last day in the NICU.  It was so very precious to have them all there.

I'll never forget the feeling when they wheeled you out of your room and we walked out towards the door.  I hugged Dr. M. and your nurses cheered for you.  It was such an emotional moment and bittersweet because I already missed them.  I know I will miss the nurses and doctors that cared for you 24/7 for 9 weeks.  My heart ached as we left, but we fulfilled our purpose there.  You graduated from the NICU and were their very very best student!

And then, my little Maverick, then our journey in the NICU ended and we started a new journey... Home.

We packed up the rest of Mommy's milk stash in the large rolling cooler and got you settled in your car seat:

Here's our "splitting this taco stand" tickets lol:

And a family plane ride selfie:

 

Lola, Papa and Graham greeted us at the airport and we went home to start anew.

Your big brother loves you so much, he couldn't stop kissing you.

See, life for you, my prince, has just begun...............................

Day 62. 5/31/2014.

Weight: 8lbs. 1.4oz.

Plan for the day: Eat, rest and grow more!

You officially did it, Little Man!  You're EIGHT POUNDS!  We had a rough start and at eight weeks early, you were born at 4lbs. 2oz.  Your lowest weight was about 3lbs. 10oz. So you've basically gained 4+ pounds since you've been here and it wasn't easy, but you did it!  Preemies have a harder time with feeding because of the suck-swallow-breathe coordination it takes.  You had a different method of eating when you were in Mommy's Baby House and since you left early, you had to learn a whole new method on your own.

We are so very very proud of you, son!

After morning rounds, Dr. M. came to talk to Mommy because you did have another episode last night but self-recovered.  She said you are bearing down because you are constipated so we are to give you prune juice.  They aren't going to hold your discharge and we are  still on schedule to go home tomorrow.

Mommy met Aunty Alison for dinner at Roy's and was surprised to have Aunti Keiki Dawn and Aunty Chigo join us!  It was quite the celebration dinner and so wonderful to spend time with them all!  

Aunty Al had the braised short ribs and Mommy had the Filet Mignon.

And, of course, we got their infamous chocolate soufflé for dessert! 

Then, Mommy picked up Daddy at the airport so we could get everything ready to fly home tomorrow!  

This is really it, Mav!  We are finally going home!!!!! Xoxo!

Day 61. 5/30/2014.

Weight: 7lbs. 15.3oz.

Plan for the day: Car Seat Challenge, First Photo, eat, rest and grow!

We sure did have a busy day, Maverick!  And the best part?

We. Are. Going. HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Your Doctors have cleared you to go home in two days, on Sunday!  I cried and couldn't believe it when Dr. M. came into our room and told us the best news we've heard in a while.

You took your Car Seat Challenge at 1:35 am for 90 minutes and passed!

You had your First Photos taken by mom365 this morning in your whale onesie that Ninang Nicole gave you!

Mommy met with your Nutritionist, who has been tracking you along your whole journey here at the NICU.  She gave me the plan you will be on and told me you were an A Plus student!

I learned how to administer your medications.

Your nurses did say that once we get the green light, things happen pretty quickly and boy, they we weren't kidding!

We'll be home in no time, little boy!  Sleep well and tomorrow, we'll be a day closer to going home!  Love love love you, Mommy!  Xoxo.

Your Nurses.

There are dozens of nurses here at the Kaiser Moanalua NICU that have cared for you around the clock.

Some of your favorite nurses:

Aunty Jen, an intern at Chaminade (who also gave you your black and white zebra that plays music) and Zia Laura (who gave you the Taggie blankie and Guess How Much I Love You bunny book).

With Aunty Dina on our first day.

Nurse Alex

Nurse Aunty Shari who was there your first night.

Aunty Gina

And here we are with them on your last day, Day 63, in the NICU.

Your favorite Dr. Mogos

Aunties Dina, Laura, and Aileen

Aunty Jill, Speech and Feeding

Aunties Amy, Linda Tutt and Dina

They are the true definition of angels who walk the earth.  They saved your life and cared for you every single day until you were well enough to come home and we will be forever grateful to them.

Day 60. 5/29/2014.

Weight: 7lbs. 15.9oz.

Plan for the day: Eat, rest and grow.

Sometimes, when Mommy is driving to the hospital alone in the morning, it feels like Groundhog Day, where the days feel exactly the same and I can't distinguish them apart.  But as soon as I get to your room and see you, that feeling instantly vanishes and I can recall every single minute I've spent with you and every single moment we've been together here in the NICU.

Oh my beautiful baby boy.  You're growing so well and are almost an eight pounder!  My goodness!  And don't you just look like a carbon copy of your Daddy!

Today was Immunization Day.  At sixty days, all newborns are given vaccinations and you took it like a champ!  

We are on an unofficial countdown, meaning, we wait it out until your Doctors say you can go home.  It's sort of like a holding pattern, if you will. 

Well, that just gives us more time to take selfies in the NICU lol.  Your hair is getting so long, you have wing tips.

We had a great long day together, Mav, and as I lay here typing this, I can't wait to close my eyes and fall asleep because as soon as I do, I'll be that much closer to waking up again and spending the day with you... And one day closer to being with Daddy, Graham, and Papa and Lola.  Good night my love!  XOXO.

Day 59. 5/28/2014.

Weight: 7lbs. 13.9oz.

Plan for the day: Eat, rest, hang with Mommy, grow... and no episodes!

Oh, Maverick Boy!  You had an episode last night while you were feeding, so we are waiting this out.  Your Doctors want to make sure you are completely healed and ready to go home and you're not quite there yet.  So, until then, we keep doing our thing.  And we're just fine with that.  We've been here for more than eight weeks... what's a few more days?  Or a week even!  I think by this point, we've proven we can weather any storm!

One of your favorite nurses, Zia Laura, gave you this sweet sweet book because it is her favorite book to read to her babies.

You have captured everyone's heart and they love you all the way to the moon... and back!  Love you forever, Mommy XOXO

Day 58. 5/27/2014.

Weight: 7lbs. 10.5oz.

Plan for the day: CPR Training, eat, rest, and grow.

Daddy and I packed up the big cooler on wheels with some of Mommy's frozen milk.  We proabably have over 600oz. of liquid gold lol.  He's flying back tonight so he'll bring back one load with him and when he comes back to pick us both up, we'll bring the rest of the milk too.

You're becoming a great nurser.  Here you are, knocked out after your mid-morning snacker!

This afternoon, Daddy and I did CPR Training.  I think every single parent should learn CPR for their children!  Remember... compressions!!!

We're not on an official countdown anymore.  Our plan is now to take it day by day since you had an episode while sleeping the other night.

Oh, Maverick Boy!  The next time Daddy comes back, we hope it's to pick us both up so we can split this taco stand for good!  Almost there, Mav!  We love love love you so!  XOXO

Day 57. 5/26/2014.

Weight: 7lbs. 11oz.

Plan for the day: Circ, eat, rest, rest, rest, and grow!

Good morning, our little love bug!

You got new sheets on your bed!  Boy, you sure are growing!  And you sleep just like your big brother Graham!

Because you're 40 weeks gestational age, we opted to have your circumcision procedure done today before you get too old.  Once you're past a certain age, they no longer can do it as a procedure and it has to be a scheduled surgery with the urologist so we wanted to take care of that for you now.  It's also good because you're still here in the NICU and your nurses can care for you and monitor your ouchie!

You were NPO an hour before and Dr. Biggs, one of the pediatricians came and explained the benefits, risks, and also the procedure itself.  Then, Nurse Aunty Nola personally escorted you and whisked you off.  When she returned, she said Dr. Biggs performed the best circ she's ever seen and her technique was impeccable! Whew!  It was like music to our ears!  She said everything went well and you did great!

Daddy wasn't feeling well and must've caught a stomach bug or something so Aunty Al cooked us a special deluxe Saimin with roast pork and char siu pork for dinner!  She also topped it with those delicious home made wontons from the Nunez fam!  Yum!

Then, Mommy got to FaceTime with your big brother.  My heart still aches to be with him!

Here he is kissing the phone:

We're taking things day by day and pushing through!  We're almost there, little love!  We'll be reunited as a family for good really soon!  XOXO!

Day 56. 5/25/2014.

Weight: 7lbs. 10.1oz.

Length: 19.3"

Plan for the day: Eat, rest, grow... And no episodes so we can split this taco stand! Lol!

Happy Eight Weeks, Maverick!  Today is a special day!  Today was your actual due date and also the same exact due date you share with your big brother Graham!  It's quite remarkable that you both shared the same due date to the tee.... but you had your own plans and wanted to spend time with us that much sooner!  We are truly blessed with you!

Aunty Al and I had a nice little breakfast this morning - Mommy's favorite... toast, fresh fruit and Kyani!

While walking out of the elevator and to the car, I noticed Mommy has an extra skip in her step, Maverick, and it's all because of you!

I got to the hospital and saw your new set-up!

Your nurses love you so much and arrange your room so nicely!  Here's your new bottles - the Playtex Ventaire were highly recommended by a few of the RNs and also the RN/Speech (and Feeding) therapist!  She said babies, especially preemies, do really well with this system (and I actually used this same system with your big brother Graham!).

At eight weeks, you're over seven and a half pounds and you've grown 2.5" since birth!  What a big boy!

Mommy met Aunty Al for lunch at Nico's at Pier 38 for my favorite pesto chicken Caesar salad!

Then, we went to the National Memorial Cemetary of the Pacific, or "Punchbowl." Aunty Al's mom and dad are laid to rest there, and so are Mommy's Grandpa Moon and Grandpa Arquero.

It was pouring rain, but Aunty Al and I weathered that storm!

Because it is Memorial Day weekend, the boyscouts placed an American flag and lei on every single grave, all 38,000.  It was such a remarkable and profound view that took our breath away.

And when I came back to see you, you were fast asleep and looked like an angel.

And after dinner, Aunty Al and I had to make a run out to buy ice packs to transport all our frozen milk stash so we stopped by our favorite spot, Bubbies.  I think you could say we've become addicted lol!

Guess what?  Daddy's coming tomorrow!!!  I think this will be our best week yet!  XOXO!

A Day in the Life at the NICU...

I've been wanting to do a "Day in the Life at the NICU" post for a while now just to give you a glimpse of what our days are like.  I'm sure somewhere down the road, we'll forget the daily details of our life as it is now, so this will help us remember just that.

We're staying in Hawaii Kai with Aunty Alison at her beautiful condo at Mount Terrace.

She has sweeping ocean views from every room in her condo and it's absolutely breathtaking!  There's Koko Head on the left!

If it's a weekend, Aunty Al is home and cooks us a deluxe breakfast!

The view from across the street from Aunty's condo, where we park the car!

And we're off!

We take the H-1 all the way to Moanalua.  The traffic is always going the opposite direction, so it usually takes us a quick 25-35 minutes.  Here's our cutoff!

We park and then walk into the newly renovated Kaiser Moanalua Hospital:

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is located on the sixth floor.  Here, we have to buzz in and the nurses can see us from their video monitor:

Then, we have to scrub in.  This is to ensure you don't get any outside germies and we keep our baby healthy and safe!  We grab a scrubber and scrub for two minutes from elbow to hand.

Then we come in and see you!  The first thing we do is check your care board!  Mommy has taken a picture of your board every single day.  I also fill out your NICU Journal with your daily stats - weight, growth, nurses, etc.

You have "Hands On" time every three hours - 12, 3, 6, and 9am/pm.  During that time, we change your diaper and weigh it, take your temperature, measure your belly, take a blood pressure, and rotate your Ox lead to your other foot.

Then we get you fed!  

Another thing we do is Pump!  We pump around the clock to keep my milk supply up for you.  Once we bring you home, I'll still have to pump, but just not as much!  We have over 500oz of frozen milk for you... maybe even more!  I swear it must be the Kyani lol!

Then we go and eat lunch down at the Sunrise Cafe (aka the Hospital Cafeteria) located on the second floor. Aunty Al packs us a home lunch or snack bag every single day, so Daddy and I eat it downstairs.