4. 02.
The New Addition - Joshua
Marking his first week in this world, our son joins me in this week’s shot. Just last Monday afternoon, I got the call from Gloria to get home soon after lunch. She had been having contractions since 5:45 AM but they had calmed early in the morning. But, by 2pm, they were coming stronger and with increased frequency.
After the call, I wrapped up lunch, headed back to the office to fire off a few emails and letting everyone know that our baby boy was likely coming real soon. I headed home on the freeway and was about half way home when I got another call from Gloria telling me to meet her at the hospital. Skip the trip home!
We met up in the hospital parking lot before heading up to labor and delivery. We got this great nurse who was very caring. She let us know that Gloria was dilated to 5cm. She said that they wouldn’t admit us until she was 6cm but she also whispered that we wouldn’t be going home tonight 
Gloria was monitored for about an hour before we did get admitted. We made our way into the delivery room and got ready. We were welcomed by the same mid-wife who delivered Gabriel. It was not quite 6pm and she said she wanted to deliver this baby before she was off at 8pm. Our nurse let us know we’d have the baby soon enough but likely not by 8pm.
The mid-wife decided to break Gloria’s water. Almost instantly, she went from 5cm to 7cm. The epidural was on order and both nurse and mid-wife agreed this baby was coming and SOON. At that point, I called my sister and told her to get back from dinner because things were moving along.
After the epidural was administered, Gloria relaxed a bit. We did have a couple of scares as the baby’s heart rate would drop. The mid-wife found that by having Gloria on her side, the baby was responding better. She also figured that the cord was likely wrapped around him somehow.
There were some nervous moments at that point. You can tell things are happening when doctor’s are being told to standby and additional nurses are entering the room. I know I was plenty nervous but at the same time I wanted to keep a certain sense of calm as the focus had to be on delivering the baby safely. We were in familiar hands so that helped.
At around 7pm, the mid-wife told Gloria to begin pushing if she felt the urge. After a push, she asked Gloria to resist the next push and just catch her breath. After the third push, the mid-wife confirmed that the cord was indeed wrapped. She was about to tell Gloria to hold off on pushing when she pushing again. She was even standing up to get the doctor in I assume. But, the baby’s head popped out and then it was on to get him completely out.
Another push and he was out. He was a bit purple but almost immediately let out a cry once he was laid on the warming/cleaning table. Time of birth - 7:12pm.
Pretty quick, we saw he was healthy but skinny. Gabriel was born at 8lbs 2oz and Joshua weighed in at 6lbs 2oz. Granted, one was a week late and the other was a week early. Both were born 20 inches long.
What a blessing to have another baby boy in our arms. We’re adjusting to our new family but feel secure in that this is how things should be. We are a family complete.
The Gutierrez Family
February 7th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
YAY! Congratulations Omar and Gloria and Gabriel!! You guys have another great looking baby boy!