Xavier Ray Ortega

Born Oct. 04th 6lbs 15.8 oz 20" @ 10:03 am




Yes, he has finally arrived. I didn't think I would go into labor when I did, or was I sure it was even that when it was. We had done alot of walking sat. morning going shopping. After dinner I wanted to go on a walk, but Isaiah wanted to play baseball outside, so thats what we did. I was feeling fine. Around 8:30 pm after Isaiah was asleep my back and stomach started cramping, and my stomach was really tight. It wasn't letting up, so I didn't think it was labor contractions. About 9:30 I decided I better call my mom and let her know. That night she was babysitting for my brother while he and his wife were at her high school reunion. She didn't think they would be getting back till late. Worse case scenario! Since I didn't think I was in labor, I told her I would call her back in 30 min. and see how I was doing. By then the pain was more off and on, but very irregular and moderate cramping. When I called back, my brother had just arrived to her house, so she came on over to stay with Isaiah.

Around 11:30 it wasn't stopping so we decided to head to the hospital to check it out. Luckily my OB was the one on call. While I waiting for him to come in and check me, I was having contractions about 2-3 min. apart. I thought I had progressed but after he was done with his exam I was only 3-4 centimeters, 65% effaced. I was admitted after that. Around 2:30 am after they were done hooking me up and getting me settled, Santiago fell asleep. My contractions were back to being irregular, but I was still having pain with each one. I didn't want pain medication in my IV, or an epidural until I really needed one. At around 6:30 I was dilated to a 6-7 and 80% effaced. They broke my water and after 1 hour of more intense contractions(that were still irregular) I hadn't made any progress. I opted for the epidural around 8:00. Just like with Isaiah, it didn't help with my pain much. I was just numb from the waist down. Since I wasn't progressing they gave my pitocin around 9. My pain went from about a 8 to a 10 in no time. I had extreme pain around my right hip. When the nurse came in around 9:40 she told me the baby was ready to come out. I started pushing around 9:50 and he was out at 10:03. When his head was crowning the doctor told me to reach down and feel him, which is something I will never forget. Once the head came out the doctor saw the cord was wrapped around his neck once, so Santiago wasn't able to cut it. Right before they handed the baby to me I had to ask if it was a boy, no one had pronounced, "Its a boy!" I felt great after the delivery. When the epidural wore off my pain was at a 3-4. It was a great experience. My pain was tolerable, and I am proud that I didn't get the epidural until I thought I needed it. I have been up and walking around ever since my legs gained back their feeling.

Xavier is doing good. He was a great sleeper at the hospital. Last night wasn't too bad. He just had alot of gas, and went poop a ton! Of course right now he decided to sleep a long stretch!

My first thought when I saw Xavier was that he looked just like Isaiah when he was born. But at the same time, Isaiah looked so much like Santiago. I don't think Xavier does as much.


The nurses were great at Kaiser. I have had a great experience there...despite all of the bad things I have heard. Unfortunately my OB went off call an hour before I delivered, but the OB that came on was great as well. The pediatricians that saw Xavier were very nice.

The one thing I was very disappointed about was that children under the age of 12 were not allowed in because of the swine flu. I was very anxious to be discharged so that I could see Isaiah. I walked out of the hospital first and he was waiting. He ran to me and was so excited about the baby. I picked him up, and then the nurse told me I shouldn't be holding him. On the way home he was stroking Xavier's face and hands. Whenever Xavier cries he tells him Shhh Shhh baby. He has been a little rough with him, but not out of jealousy. Its going to be a little tough taking care of both of them when Santiago has to go back to work, but I think I can do it.