On Thursday, May 22, 2014, Mania and I woke up at 4:00 a.m. and knew exactly how the day would end up. We had gone through this twice before!
With only 2 1/2 hours of sleep, I jumped in the shower to get ready as Mania made sure she had everything packed for the days that were about to follow. Her parents had already checked into our home the night before to take care of Joey and Nicole, while I made sure every single gadget was fully charged and ready for use the following day.
We hopped onto the 210 freeway and made our way to the 110 exit to Huntington Memorial Hospital. Seeing that hospital from the distance reminded me of what Vegas looks like once you make that last turn on the 15. There it was! The excitement immediately kicked in, and any ounce of fatigue suddenly vanished. The “adrenaline rush” was in full gear. We’re having our 3rd baby!
We pulled into the valet parking as though we were about to check into our favorite hotel and made our way to the maternity section without even looking at signs. We knew the drill!
The only thing we didn’t know was whether we’re having a boy or a girl! Nobody knew… not even the doctor (I didn’t allow him to find out as I’ve heard that they sometimes “slip”). We were already blessed with one of each. All we wanted was a healthy sibling to bring back home to Joey & Nicole.
They admitted us in minutes and gave us Delivery Room #7 (our favorite number)! We walked in got ready in minutes and anxiously waited for the doctor’s orders that the nurses were anticipating. While I was setting up tripods and cameras, Mania was changing into her funky hospital clothes — she still looked stunning!
At 7:00 a.m., Mania got her dose of Pitocin (which helps induce labor). 2 hours later, Mania was crushing my hand in agonizing pain of labor each time she experienced her contractions. She had already dilated and was demanding her epidural shot! Within minutes, Dr. Koch (the same anesthesiologist for Nicole’s birth) came in to administer this 20 minute procedure. When I was allowed to step back in her room, she was just laying there like she had just finished a one hour massage! The only thing that indicated contractions were the computers that were connected to her and the baby. She was in heaven and couldn’t feel a thing!
All 4 grandparents and brothers were on standby for updates and within 10 minutes from the hospital. They knew the drill, and knew that they’d get a call from me once Mania reached 10 cm (the size needed to start pushing)! That call didn’t take too long.
Dr. Hartford (who also delivered Nicole and has been an amazing doctor to work with), was already checked in and ready for Mania and the baby. At 1:15 p.m., he came in to check Mania and had indicated that she was at a full 10 cm. and ready to start pushing — What??? Holy smokes! Give me at least some advanced notice.
Mania was half way through her first “pushing” contraction and something alarming happened — the baby’s heart rate nearly stopped. During that brief moment during contractions where the mother’s supposed to rest, Dr. Hartford told Mania that she needed to push really hard on the next one otherwise it may cause further harm to the baby. Panic stricken, Mania did the unbelievable — she launched that baby out of her like you’d never believe. 1 1/2 pushes?? Like really?? It took less than 3 minutes to push this baby out? We’ve definitely been extreeeemly blessed with our pregnancies and deliveries; however, I wasn’t expecting this baby to come out so quickly!
As soon as the baby was out and started crying, I still didn’t know what we had!
WHAT IS IT?? WHAT IS IT?? WHAT IS IT??
That “3 second” period where the baby came out and the doctor announced the sex seemed like an hour! He finally turned the baby over and said, “Look here….IT’S ANOTHER GIRL!!!”
As tears of excitement ran down both of our faces, all Mania kept saying was “count the fingers and toes, make sure she’s okay”, followed by “take pictures… TAKE PICTURES!!!” — as you will see below.
And there she was…. MELANIE had finally arrived! Once again, I got the honorable task of cutting my daughter’s cord once they handed me the scissors. She weighed in at a healthy 7 lbs. 2 oz, and measured 19 3/4″ in length and was prettier than ever!
The level of excitement, suspense, and thrill of not knowing the sex of a baby was unbelievable. Though you want both your son and daughter to have a sibling of their own gender to grow up with, the final decision is truly “Godsent”. Although Joey kept demanding a little brother, the excitement he showed when seeing his baby sister was captivating and absolutely incredible. On the other hand, when Nicole discovered she’s got a little sister (which she always wanted), the immediate connection and love between the two sisters has been “Magical”!
Mania and the baby were healthy (and fortunate) enough to be released the very next day. I did whatever I could to find her a pink wheelchair to be rolled out in to make sure it compliments newest member of our family. When we finally arrived home, Joey and Nicole welcomed Melanie liked you’d never believe and till this day, won’t stop kissing and poking her.
Mania and I are thrilled about our grown family. With Melanie’s birth we truly feel blessed and COMPLETE! We thank you for your continued love, support, and friendship and for welcoming Melanie into the Hairapetian Family!
Welcome home Melanie!
Love,
Dad
