Steven at 2 Weeks +

When we were at the pediatrician's last week for Steven's 1 week follow-up, I told the doctor that I had a question for him but I had forgotten what it was at that time so I told him I'd call when I remembered. A couple of days later I remembered ... I wanted to tell him that I had a positive AFP test for Down Syndrome and wanted to ask him what's next. I called and he wanted to see Steven again. That day was today. He had reviewed the reports from the genetic specialist doctor and assessed Steven and concluded that he did not have Down Syndrome. I didn't think he did but I needed to hear it officially from the doctor.

Today I'm 9lbs 9oz and 21 1/2 inches long

Uncle Joey and Family Visits

My brother and his family (except Tia, she was at her grandparent's) came over the house a few days ago to visit. They met Steven for the first time. It was a nice family gathering. Thanks Jo and Trish for a pleasant visit and for the baby gift. --We mssed you Tia.

Meeting Uncle Joey, Kuya Ryan, & Ate Kaelyn

Meeting Aunt Tricia

Happy Father's Day

A quick shout out to all the father's out there ... Happy Father's Day, especially to my dad and Dave ... two awesome fathers. I love you!

P.S. My in-laws came over early this evening (don't mind the post time below) to celebrate Father's Day. They brought all the potluck food so that I don't have to cook. We bbq'd, ate, watched a video movie, passed Steven around, kids played in the pool, ... just all around had a good time. By the end of the evening when everyone had left, Dave called me to David's room and we found him asleep with a lolly pop still in his mouth. Classic kid moment!

Steven Has Arrived!

Yes, Steven Albert II has arrived. Born June 9th at 9:44am, weighing 8lbs 10oz and 20" long. A healthy mellow boy, looking much like his daddy. What a sweet blessing addition he is to our family.

DAY 1:

Dave and I were in the hospital by 7am. They couldn't find my pre-registration paper works so I had to fill out another one. Then off to that comfortable gurney (being sarcastic) to be prepped. Shortly after 9am I was on my way to the OR and at 9:44am Steven arrived. Hurray! --The hospital had "room in" policy, that is your baby gets to stay with you all day and night. I wasn't miserable like I was with David so that worked out alright with me.

Donning the daddy OR gown

The happy parents-to-be of three

I'm here!

Mama and Steven's first meeting

Meeting Lola

Meeting Kuya (also Ate, not captured)

Meeting Auntie Tish

DAY 2:

After the 24hr mark I was free from IV fluids, leg compressors, and monitors. So then I was able to shower and walk. This night, my mom spent the night in the hospital with me.

Meeting Grandma and Aunt Monica

DAY 3:

The day started alright. I had pain but was still able to move about slowly but then after dinner time the gas pain was extremely bad ... mind you I hadn't pass gas since surgery. Of course I could not sleep that night and around 2am the following day is when the nurse finally figured out that I was serious about this gas pain but still did not disturb the doctor. I was just asked to do some more walking and even though I was in pain, tired, and sleepy I strolled Steven up and down the hall. Still didn't pass gas. Help!

Auntie Tish visits again

DAY 4:


Fortunately my doctor was in the hospital fairly early today and was able to see me. He quickly assessed that I was in distress and asked the nurses why he was not called earlier. Anyway, immediately I was given a Harris flush with him present. That did not relieve me immediately so he ordered a KUB, labs, IV, etc. stat and before I knew it, everyone was working on me. I wasn't going to go home today after all. Then by mid-afternoon I finally passed a bit of gas. Still not enough but promising! Early evening my doctor came by to see me again and ordered another Harris flush. The nurse did it right 'cause that relieved me a whole lot! Can't believe the nurses and I were celebrating every flatulent! My sweet doctor checked up on me later that night via phone call.

Posing with Lola and Ate

Meeting Grandpa

Meeting cousins Leno and Blake (and Auntie Sheila, not pictured)

DAY 5:

My doctor came to see me in the morning. Happy to report that I was feeling much better so he ordered my discharge. Steven of course had been cleared to go home since day3 but order states for discharge with me, and in the mean time his doctor continued to check him every morning. Anyway, we were home around 3pm.

READY TO GO HOME:

AT HOME:

P.S. Thank you everyone for your prayers and support. You're awesome!!!

David Graduates Pre-K

David's pre-school had their graduation ceremony this afternoon. It was so cute. They sang tons of songs and received their diplomas. Afterwards there was refreshments and time to hang out. It was quite a day for David. The girl (Ava) who had been trying to kiss him at school finally got her kiss. It happened so quickly, I didn't have time to capture it. She just surprised David and landed a peck on his cheek and ran. Of course he gave that "yuck" response ... but not so dramatic to hurt her feelings. Then while playing outside the building a bee stung his finger and he cried hysterically. We finally managed to head our way to the movie theatres to watch Kung Fu Panda. The show time we were planning on attending sold out so we had an hour to kill for the next one so we went to the next door Mexican restaurant for lunch. There David fell asleep before he could even eat. Soon after, Sophia fell asleep as well. After Dave and I ate we decided to head home and see the movie another time.

The graduating class of 2008

David with his teacher. (The girl in green is Ava)

Enjoying cookies with Dad and Sophia

Posing with Ayden

Posing with Daniel

Posing with his diploma

MY CLIMBING MONKEYS: